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Read the wiki over at r/Steroids, it is really the best resource for beginners IMO. Lays out everything that will be needed and some guideline dosing.
https://www.reddit.com/r/steroids/wiki/your_first_cycle
Thanks!
Once you check out that wiki, feel free to come back here and get feedback.
But the FAQ over there covers all the basics; what you should have on hand starting a cycle, what needles to buy and where to buy them from, what dosage ranges are good to start at, what is good to expect, possible side effects etc.
If you are doing a bulk for your first cycle, have access to a ton of food, and are a masochist, Swoletide’s GVT program is pretty great. It is also found on r/Steroids.
I read through most of it, just a few more things I need to go through. Curious as to if everyone uses an AI or not… What I’m seeing is basically this: Gear, AI when itchy/puffy nipples show up (depending on AI), then a SERM for PCT? Not too sure if I need HCG, any idea if it’s popular to use or not? Thanks.
Most people use an AI. The standard for Aromasin (which is my go to) is 12.5mg on pin days when running a standard 500mg/week Test E cycle. Some people can get away with not running an AI.
The reason people recommend not starting an AI until you start getting high E2 sides is because you don’t want to use an AI if you don’t have to. There are sides that occur when taking an AI, a long-term example is reduced bone density, that you might as well avoid as possible.
The general suggestion is to start you AI dose on your 3rd pin day (normally week 2 if you are doing 2 pins a week, aka a Test E/C basic cycle), and then get a bloodtest to check your E2 around week 5 to find out if your AI dose is too high or too low. Bloodwork is only around ~$60 to get your E2 checked, so I would definitely recommend it unless you really can’t for some reason.
SERMs are for PCT; but Nolva can also be used on cycle to prevent or stop gyno. Basically, Nolva will absorb Estrogen that is sent to breast tissue that causes growth. IIRC, it would be safe if you wanted to run Nolva during a cycle, but again, it has side effects and drug interactions (mainly interacts with Adex, and has mixed opinions on it decreasing your IGF (insulin-growth factor, basically, muscle growth)) so you should not run it on cycle unless you are getting gyno. The old protocol was to run Nolva all cycle to prevent gyno, but now, we know that we can use an AI to prevent that, and treating the cause is better than stopping the symptoms.
First cycle? You probably don’t need HCG. If you are running a long cycle (16-20 weeks), you might want it just to be safe. If you have the money to spare though, HCG is a decent and you can run it during your whole cycle to stop your balls from shutting down entirely (which will make recover a bit easier) and will help prevent some sides from the test; like testicle atrophy and reduced ejaculation volume. If you don’t mind spending the extra $50-100, HCG is a safe bet; but if you are only running a basic 12 week beginner cycle, it is probably unnecessary.