Cycle and water retention

[hookset]

Running a cycle right now and seeing some extra water retention, looking to eliminate it as much as possible.
Cycle-
HGH 2 IU's/daily for 6 months(in month #4)
Test Cyp 500 Mg/week, split Monday and Thursday(in month 2 of 3 month cycle)

Age-62
6', 220 lbs
On B.P. meds low dose, avg pressure 140/75
All other bloodwork is good
High stress factor and long hours at work due to a major project for the past 4 months that will continue for another 3 months

Diet is clean at a maintenance level. Have removed all added salt from diet this week, good water intake daily

Looking for any insight on reducing water retention and Blood pressure if possible

TIA

 

[Phill]

salt is essential for the proper body functioning. do not remove it entirely.

check estrogen

 

[hookset]

Agree, what I should have clarified is I removed added salt as I realized I was using the salt shaker a little too heavy. I'm also taking Aromasin at 12.5 EOD.

 

[CoachCabo]

This obsession with ”water rentention”…smh.

Water is critical to every bodily function. Your body maintains a level it needs naturally. Increased muscle and glycogen storage means more water in the body. If your “water retention” is causing high blood pressure then maybe it is an issue. But lots of things can cause HBP, like steroids.

Restricting sodium causes water retention. Yep, that’s right. Less sodium means more aldosterone production which means water retention. Consuming added salts decreases or eliminates the production of this hormone and your body should purge excess water and sodium, amongst other things.

Don’t believe me? Here’s my bloated carcass last week on 700mg of test, 400mg of deca per week plus 50mg of Dbol per day. I add salt to everything I eat.

 

[tommygunz]

Looking swole coach

 

[JJB1]

Unfortunately, test cyp is bloating drug. In the future I would ignore any one who says do 500mg test alone. This is a common prescription here and it’s far from optimal. You would hold much less water and get much better results using several synergistic compounds in a lower dose. The best strategy is to hit all 3 anabolic receptors: testosterone, DHT, and progesterone. A cycle that would give less water retention and better results would be EOD shots of 100mg test prop, 50mg NPP, and 50mg masteron prop. Fast esters offer less bloat and have a much more powerful kick to them. Masteron pulls water out from under the skin. NPP lubricates the joints. Test prop hits hard and fast with minimal water retention.
Do daily cardio of 30 minutes or so to minimize water. Keep meals small and frequent.
Just my opinions based on 27 years of using gear and trying many protocols.
I too try for minimal bloat due to genetic blood pressure issues. If I didn’t have bp issues I’d bloat up for the strength and size. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t live too long.

 

[Glycomann]

I'm not a coach, only a long time user and observer. Lots of men will retain water on 500 mg/w test nd 2 iu GH even with some AI in place. Water retention is more complicated than an estrogen issue. Water retention probably is not the best state to be in and it is not comfortable. What works better for me instead of 500 test and 2 iu GH is 300 test and 200 primo. Comparing the two I get no undesired water retention i.e. no swollen feet, sock rings, bloated stomach. No need for AI either. and I move my GH to every other day. For me that is much more comfortable and looks better.

 

[TopDawg]

Unfortunately, test cyp is bloating drug. In the future I would ignore any one who says do 500mg test alone. This is a common prescription here and it’s far from optimal. You would hold much less water and get much better results using several synergistic compounds in a lower dose. The best strategy is to hit all 3 anabolic receptors: testosterone, DHT, and progesterone. A cycle that would give less water retention and better results would be EOD shots of 100mg test prop, 50mg NPP, and 50mg masteron prop. Fast esters offer less bloat and have a much more powerful kick to them. Masteron pulls water out from under the skin. NPP lubricates the joints. Test prop hits hard and fast with minimal water retention.
Do daily cardio of 30 minutes or so to minimize water. Keep meals small and frequent.
Just my opinions based on 27 years of using gear and trying many protocols.
I too try for minimal bloat due to genetic blood pressure issues. If I didn’t have bp issues I’d bloat up for the strength and size. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t live too long.

I struggle with bloating, and I am on a mild dose of 200mg of test cyp per week. I take a diuretic almost every day. If I miss a day I easily gain 10-15lbs of water weight. It's ridiculous.

 

[CoachCabo]

I struggle with bloating, and I am on a mild dose of 200mg of test cyp per week. I take a diuretic almost every day. If I miss a day I easily gain 10-15lbs of water weight. It's ridiculous.

The testosterone isn’t your problem. It lies elsewhere. Testosterone might amplify it a bit.

 

[TopDawg]

The testosterone isn’t your problem. It lies elsewhere. Testosterone might amplify it a bit.

I agree, but my test results all look good.

The problem lies in the fact that I'm fat. A few years ago I pushed the scale to 350lbs. A dead thyroid and screwed up hormones messed me up.

I am down to 280lbs. My hands and feet never swell. My face and big head blow up like a water balloon, and I can only assume my midsection retains some fluid also.

This is one reason my Dr put me on Arimidex. It does nothing for bloating in my case. All tests say my kidneys and other organs are functioning normally.

 

[Glycomann]

Sounds like long term diet changes will help.

 

[TopDawg]

Sounds like long term diet changes will help.

I normally stick to a fairly strict diet. I eat as clean as I possibly can. That's a huge part of how I am dropping fat.

I occasionally slip up and enjoy a good pizza, and obligatory craft beer, but that isn't often. I'm pretty sure I can eat my body weight in pizza. Beer on the other hand isn't something I push. It always leaves me feeling over full.

 

[JJB1]

I struggle with bloating, and I am on a mild dose of 200mg of test cyp per week. I take a diuretic almost every day. If I miss a day I easily gain 10-15lbs of water weight. It's ridiculous.

Diazide works well for this since it’s potassium sparing. Doctors always try to prescribe HCTZ because it’s what they know. I got a doctor to prescribe diazide yeats ago by explaining that I lift weights hard and do cardio daily so HCTZ will cause me to cramp from the potassium loss. My true reasoning was I didn’t want to bleed intramuscular water from HCTZ.

 

[hookset]

Unfortunately, test cyp is bloating drug. In the future I would ignore any one who says do 500mg test alone. This is a common prescription here and it’s far from optimal. You would hold much less water and get much better results using several synergistic compounds in a lower dose. The best strategy is to hit all 3 anabolic receptors: testosterone, DHT, and progesterone. A cycle that would give less water retention and better results would be EOD shots of 100mg test prop, 50mg NPP, and 50mg masteron prop. Fast esters offer less bloat and have a much more powerful kick to them. Masteron pulls water out from under the skin. NPP lubricates the joints. Test prop hits hard and fast with minimal water retention.
Do daily cardio of 30 minutes or so to minimize water. Keep meals small and frequent.
Just my opinions based on 27 years of using gear and trying many protocols.
I too try for minimal bloat due to genetic blood pressure issues. If I didn’t have bp issues I’d bloat up for the strength and size. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t live too long.

Thanks man appreciate the detailed feedback. I have run those others you mentioned with great results.
I figured with my HGH cycle I would just run the straight test right along side but as you stated probably a little too high a dose. My next cycle in pocket is a Test/NPP cycle, now I'll probably add some Mast with it. Thanks again..

 

[JJB1]

Thanks man appreciate the detailed feedback. I have run those others you mentioned with great results.
I figured with my HGH cycle I would just run the straight test right along side but as you stated probably a little too high a dose. My next cycle in pocket is a Test/NPP cycle, now I'll probably add some Mast with it. Thanks again..

Right on! Sounds like a good plan! 👍

 

[hookset]

I'm not a coach, only a long time user and observer. Lots of men will retain water on 500 mg/w test nd 2 iu GH even with some AI in place. Water retention is more complicated than an estrogen issue. Water retention probably is not the best state to be in and it is not comfortable. What works better for me instead of 500 test and 2 iu GH is 300 test and 200 primo. Comparing the two I get no undesired water retention i.e. no swollen feet, sock rings, bloated stomach. No need for AI either. and I move my GH to every other day. For me that is much more comfortable and looks better.

Great feedback , much appreciated! Going to the doctor Friday as my daughter works for him and isn't happy from seeing the sock rings and pressure being a bit elevated. Sounds funny but not looking to get called out by my kid for anabolic usage

 

[tommygunz]

Running a cycle right now and seeing some extra water retention, looking to eliminate it as much as possible.
Cycle-
HGH 2 IU's/daily for 6 months(in month #4)
Test Cyp 500 Mg/week, split Monday and Thursday(in month 2 of 3 month cycle)

Age-62
6', 220 lbs
On B.P. meds low dose, avg pressure 140/75
All other bloodwork is good
High stress factor and long hours at work due to a major project for the past 4 months that will continue for another 3 months

Diet is clean at a maintenance level. Have removed all added salt from diet this week, good water intake daily

Looking for any insight on reducing water retention and Blood pressure if possible

TIA

140/75 isn’t that great. You say low dose BP meds. Curious which one and dose.

 

[hookset]

140/75 isn’t that great. You say low dose BP meds. Curious which one and dose.

Losartan 100-12.5mg

 

[tommygunz]

Losartan 100-12.5mg

I though it might be that, it's a common drug combination 100mg Losartin and 12.5 HCTZ (diuretic), I took it for years after Valsartin didn't work so well. I eventually ended up on Omlesartin 40mg and Amlodipine 5mg and saw better results (usually around 125/72). Valsartin has a potassium component to replace the potassium that the HCTZ leeches out. Amlodipine (Norvasc) increases the arterial flexibility.
A few take aways to consider:
Starting BP obviously, they only do so much
Length of therapy, if you just started it may take a bit for full effects
Cause of high BP, you're actually borderline (prehypertension)

 

[hookset]

I though it might be that, it's a common drug combination 100mg Losartin and 12.5 HCTZ (diuretic), I took it for years after Valsartin didn't work so well. I eventually ended up on Omlesartin 40mg and Amlodipine 5mg and saw better results (usually around 125/72). Valsartin has a potassium component to replace the potassium that the HCTZ leeches out. Amlodipine (Norvasc) increases the arterial flexibility.
A few take aways to consider:
Starting BP obviously, they only do so much
Length of therapy, if you just started it may take a bit for full effects
Cause of high BP, you're actually borderline (prehypertension)

I have been on it for 3 years. During that same time I lost 40 lbs through a healthy lifestyle change and have maintained very well.
Normal BP has been 130/72 or so on average. I've notice the change and water retention during this cycle and just want to finish the cycle without causing more harm.
I have an appointment today and will review with my doctor.
Thanks for the feedback!

 

[Wacker]

I though it might be that, it's a common drug combination 100mg Losartin and 12.5 HCTZ (diuretic), I took it for years after Valsartin didn't work so well. I eventually ended up on Omlesartin 40mg and Amlodipine 5mg and saw better results (usually around 125/72). Valsartin has a potassium component to replace the potassium that the HCTZ leeches out. Amlodipine (Norvasc) increases the arterial flexibility.
A few take aways to consider:
Starting BP obviously, they only do so much
Length of therapy, if you just started it may take a bit for full effects
Cause of high BP, you're actually borderline (prehypertension)

Watch Amlodipine, in some people it can cause a lot of water retention. I was one of them, my GP doctor put me on it and my ankles started to swell like I was 300lbs. I talked to the cardiologist, and he said it's a side effect of Amlodipine for some people. As soon as I stopped it the water retention was gone in a few days, it had nothing to do with the hormones. If I had not done some research and spoken to the other doctor my GP would probably still have me bloated.

 

[tommygunz]

Watch Amlodipine, in some people it can cause a lot of water retention. I was one of them, my GP doctor put me on it and my ankles started to swell like I was 300lbs. I talked to the cardiologist, and he said it's a side effect of Amlodipine for some people. As soon as I stopped it the water retention was gone in a few days, it had nothing to do with the hormones. If I had not done some research and spoken to the other doctor my GP would probably still have me bloated.

I’ve been off and back on it a few times. My illness benefits from it, I have arterial sclerosis with severe calcification. The amlodipine prevents chest pain, I can tell you exactly where my pulmonary artery is when I stop it.
So it’s a benefit-risk decision for me. I don’t cycle or blast anymore, just light trt. I even get chest pressure from proviron and I love that stuff. Every person and their needs vary.

 

[tommygunz]

I have been on it for 3 years. During that same time I lost 40 lbs through a healthy lifestyle change and have maintained very well.
Normal BP has been 130/72 or so on average. I've notice the change and water retention during this cycle and just want to finish the cycle without causing more harm.
I have an appointment today and will review with my doctor.
Thanks for the feedback!

That’s a better BP for sure. The minimum medication with the greatest results is what you’re after I’m sure.

 

[Wacker]

I’ve been off and back on it a few times. My illness benefits from it, I have arterial sclerosis with severe calcification. The amlodipine prevents chest pain, I can tell you exactly where my pulmonary artery is when I stop it.
So it’s a benefit-risk decision for me. I don’t cycle or blast anymore, just light trt. I even get chest pressure from proviron and I love that stuff. Every person and their needs vary.

Yes sir you have to take of your health first.

 

[hookset]

Update-
Doctor appointment went well, no real issue as B.P. came in at 132/72 and he felt it was minor water retention.
The changes I made the week before was to remove added salt to food, still use it for cooking, cut out caffeine and went from 4.5 hrs sleep to 5.5 hrs a night. I think these are healthy changes anyway whether they have direct impact or not.
Also reducing test from 500 to 400 mg a week to finish out the cycle.
Thanks for the all the feedback