Starting Testosterone

NerdGuy · Mar 2, 2026

Hi all,

Hoping to start a new chapter here. Have been dealing with low testosterone symptoms since I was about 18 years old (first time ever getting labs). Was in high 300s at 18 and now at 23 years old I am in the high 200s. For the last 5 years I have had a pathologically low libido and have dealt with lots of fatigue and lethargy. I have worked out consistently then inconsistenlty the last 4 years, with the main problem for having to stop in the gym back when I was in undergraduate was that the fatigue in the gym would make it impossible to study in the way I needed (Biology/Neuroscience, pre-med). I have run the gambit doing everything in my power to avoid TRT. I do have bipolar II, MDD, and GAD so this included everything from stopping all psychiatric medication to selectively adding some medication back, etc with no luck. Further I have used enclomiphene and HCG both with more side effects than symptom relief (none). The last time I ran enlcomiphene it was pharma grade from a clinic at 12.5mg daily for two months. My testosterone level at the end was still only low 500s. So now I am here! Sperm has been frozen and labs have been done.
I know it may be ill-advised, but I want to run to run a supraphysiologic dose for a short stint just because I have felt so low for so long. I am doing 280-300mg Test Cyp weekly, injected ED at at 40mg/day. I am using a 31G insulin needle (leftover from HCG), but should probably buy some 29G. I also pruchased 100x10mg anavar pills, but may not incorporate them at this time. Cycle began two days ago. AI on hand but will not use preemptively (estrogen already 17).

Gear came from domestic-supply and arrived in 3 days after ordering.

My stats now are 23 years-old/6'1", 167lbs/15-17% BF

My training is hypertrophy-focused, I don't care much for being strong anymore. I might get back into benching again. My all-time max was when I was 18 I got 315x3, but now could only likely do 225x1. I enjoy higher rep-ranges for smaller muscle groups in the 10-15 range and fo larger muscle groups prefer the 8-12 range. Legs have always been a struggle due to FAI/hip dysplasia/hip surgery + right knee medial mensicus tear that recently had an exacerbation with a likely posterior horn meniscal irritation / compression flare.

My training plan is as follows, but is subject to change based on studying needs while I prepare for med school admissions exam.

6 days a week:
Chest/back - chest focused
Arms/shoulders- biceps focused
Legs- Quad focused
Chest/back- back focused
arms/shoulders- triceps focused
legs- hammy focused.

Diet is currently 1400 calories with 140g protein/97carbs/54 fat. This was to lose weight before cycle to have a good starting point. Deciding if I should increase calories and put on some mass. I train at night and partition all my carbohydrates to the workout window. A bit insulin sensitive so go keto during day to maintain energy/focus. Maybe testosterone will help me be able to eat a carb without falling asleep.

Supplements/medications
1. Lamictal 100mg QHS
2. Trintellix 10mg QHS
3. Fish oil 2000mg EPA 1000mg DHA QHS
3. Magnesium Glycinate 400mg (elemental) QHS
4. NAC 200mg QD
5. Vitamin D + K2 5000iu QAM
6. Multivitamin (LifeExtensions One a Day) QHS
7. Trazadone 50mg QHS
8. Psyllium Husk Fiber (10g split into 2 doses, Kroger-brand sugar-free)

Picture is now, no flex.

Labs below:

Let me know if I did this correctly! New to the community- excited to be here!

Blshaw · Mar 2, 2026

NerdGuy said:
I know it may be ill-advised, but I want to run to run a supraphysiologic dose

Yes it is. I would much prefer to see you get on a stable TRT protocol and then blast. Doing it in reverse may work out fine or you may have difficulties dialing in your TRT dose when you're done.

NerdGuy said:
300mg Test Cyp weekly, injected ED at at 40mg/day

No need at all to inject daily with Cyp. Some low SHBG guys benefit from more frequent injections, but that's not you according to your labs. Two times a week is plenty to pin unless you just like doing it ED.

Good luck to you and keep us posted as to your progress!

NerdGuy · Mar 2, 2026

Blshaw said:
Yes it is. I would much prefer to see you get on a stable TRT protocol and then blast. Doing it in reverse may work out fine or you may have difficulties dialing in your TRT dose when you're done.

No need at all to inject daily with Cyp. Some low SHBG guys benefit from more frequent injections, but that's not you according to your labs. Two times a week is plenty to pin unless you just like doing it ED.

Good luck to you and keep us posted as to your progress!

Thank you! I will take your advice on the dosing, and I will change my frequency to eod for now then try out 2x a week.

I'll try not to, but no promises I won't bump it up to 200mg/week pretty soon!

NerdGuy · Mar 2, 2026

Also to note, I am returning to the gym after 6 months away from the gym completely and eating like shit, hence the lack of muscle

R.AP · Mar 2, 2026

NerdGuy said:
Also to note, I am returning to the gym after 6 months away from the gym completely and eating like shit, hence the lack of muscle

This will be the key for you bro. All of the benefits that you will see from testosterone will come from the foundations:

Nutrition/ hydration
Training
Lifestyle.

Without dialing in these, you can't expect life-changing results from the test alone. Do you have a meal and training plan?

Demon_throne · Mar 2, 2026

Going on test can be a huge improvement to your life you just have to make everything work with you tho. Eat good, sleep well train hard. And the results will show,

NerdGuy · Mar 2, 2026

Demon_throne said:
Going on test can be a huge improvement to your life you just have to make everything work with you tho. Eat good, sleep well train hard. And the results will show,

I'm excited!

NerdGuy · Mar 2, 2026

R.AP said:
This will be the key for you bro. All of the benefits that you will see from testosterone will come from the foundations:

Nutrition/ hydration
Training
Lifestyle.

Without dialing in these, you can't expect life-changing results from the test alone. Do you have a meal and training plan?

This is all of as of two weeks ago when I started taking care of my body again, but- training is pretty locked in, have been lifting for 8 years so I have a good base (although I know my current physique says otherwise).
Nutrition is good given circumstances. We don't have a ton of money (currently 250k in debt and will be another 300k in a couple years- living off med school loans) and we are very busy people so I have to rely on supplements more than I want. Regardless, am able to cover all my bases as far as macros/micros. Being dilligent on drinking a gallon of day water and am very particular about my electrolyte balance (although I have been having trouble during this cut keeping potassium up).
A coach could def help out, just can't make it happen finacially right now, unfortunately!

Blshaw · Mar 2, 2026

NerdGuy said:
lifting for 8 years so I have a good base (although I know my current physique says otherwise

You’re being too hard on yourself. Your current physique is better than average and shows your work out / take care of yourself. If you had better hormonal profile you’d prob look a lil thicker sure. Sounds like this will solve that issue. The rest takes diligent workouts, year round, and proper nutrition. As the other said, Test alone is only one component. Either way, cut yourself some slack on the negative feedback. You’re doing fine.

NerdGuy · Mar 2, 2026

Blshaw said:
You’re being too hard on yourself. Your current physique is better than average and shows your work out / take care of yourself. If you had better hormonal profile you’d prob look a lil thicker sure. Sounds like this will solve that issue. The rest takes diligent workouts, year round, and proper nutrition. As the other said, Test alone is only one component. Either way, cut yourself some slack on the negative feedback. You’re doing fine.

I really appreciate you saying all that.
I think that since I had to make the decision to give up the gym I had kind of ignored what my body looked like. Now that I am on this forum I think I'm falling victim to comparison.
I didn't start TRT for aesthetic purposes, just to feel better. But if I can feel better AND be consistent enough in the gym/kitchen to look better- I will be very happy! Hoping this log will help me stay accountable

Blshaw · Mar 2, 2026

NerdGuy said:
I didn't start TRT for aesthetic purposes, just to feel better. But if I can feel better AND be consistent enough in the gym/kitchen to look better- I will be very happy

Understood. I have had hormone problems since puberty. I had similar labs to yours, slightly lower FT but still. I wanted the quality of life improvement as much as the aesthetic. You should get an improvement in both. However keep in mind the first month or two of Test is gonna increase dopamine, but only temporarily as with all good “hits”. You’ll go through a honeymoon phase that doesn’t last but the end result is still better for sure.

LevButlerov · Mar 2, 2026

NerdGuy said:
Hi all,

Hoping to start a new chapter here. Have been dealing with low testosterone symptoms since I was about 18 years old (first time ever getting labs). Was in high 300s at 18 and now at 23 years old I am in the high 200s. For the last 5 years I have had a pathologically low libido and have dealt with lots of fatigue and lethargy. I have worked out consistently then inconsistenlty the last 4 years, with the main problem for having to stop in the gym back when I was in undergraduate was that the fatigue in the gym would make it impossible to study in the way I needed (Biology/Neuroscience, pre-med). I have run the gambit doing everything in my power to avoid TRT. I do have bipolar II, MDD, and GAD so this included everything from stopping all psychiatric medication to selectively adding some medication back, etc with no luck. Further I have used enclomiphene and HCG both with more side effects than symptom relief (none). The last time I ran enlcomiphene it was pharma grade from a clinic at 12.5mg daily for two months. My testosterone level at the end was still only low 500s. So now I am here! Sperm has been frozen and labs have been done.
I know it may be ill-advised, but I want to run to run a supraphysiologic dose for a short stint just because I have felt so low for so long. I am doing 280-300mg Test Cyp weekly, injected ED at at 40mg/day. I am using a 31G insulin needle (leftover from HCG), but should probably buy some 29G. I also pruchased 100x10mg anavar pills, but may not incorporate them at this time. Cycle began two days ago. AI on hand but will not use preemptively (estrogen already 17).

Gear came from domestic-supply and arrived in 3 days after ordering.

My stats now are 23 years-old/6'1", 167lbs/15-17% BF

My training is hypertrophy-focused, I don't care much for being strong anymore. I might get back into benching again. My all-time max was when I was 18 I got 315x3, but now could only likely do 225x1. I enjoy higher rep-ranges for smaller muscle groups in the 10-15 range and fo larger muscle groups prefer the 8-12 range. Legs have always been a struggle due to FAI/hip dysplasia/hip surgery + right knee medial mensicus tear that recently had an exacerbation with a likely posterior horn meniscal irritation / compression flare.

My training plan is as follows, but is subject to change based on studying needs while I prepare for med school admissions exam.

6 days a week:
Chest/back - chest focused
Arms/shoulders- biceps focused
Legs- Quad focused
Chest/back- back focused
arms/shoulders- triceps focused
legs- hammy focused.

Diet is currently 1400 calories with 140g protein/97carbs/54 fat. This was to lose weight before cycle to have a good starting point. Deciding if I should increase calories and put on some mass. I train at night and partition all my carbohydrates to the workout window. A bit insulin sensitive so go keto during day to maintain energy/focus. Maybe testosterone will help me be able to eat a carb without falling asleep.

Supplements/medications
1. Lamictal 100mg QHS
2. Trintellix 10mg QHS
3. Fish oil 2000mg EPA 1000mg DHA QHS
3. Magnesium Glycinate 400mg (elemental) QHS
4. NAC 200mg QD
5. Vitamin D + K2 5000iu QAM
6. Multivitamin (LifeExtensions One a Day) QHS
7. Trazadone 50mg QHS
8. Psyllium Husk Fiber (10g split into 2 doses, Kroger-brand sugar-free)

Picture is now, no flex.

Labs below:

Let me know if I did this correctly! New to the community- excited to be here!

welcome to the EVO family

@NerdGuy thank you for sharing, you have a good base.
You laid it out well but the plan to avoid AI until you have symptoms and follow up labs is not smart, and 300mgs test cyp at 23 is already a real blast and not TRT!
At 1400 calories you are going to feel flat and recovery will suck even on test, so if you want muscle you will need to bring calories up and get legs rehabbed so training is consistent.

Before you add Anavar or change anything, get a proper log up now since you already started.
Post daily bodyweight, calories and macros, sleep, training weights and reps, mood and libido, and any sides so the EVO family can actually steer this instead of guessing from one post. 15min of your time to start!

HOW-TO LOG?

Why is a Log Journal important?

Doing a log will actually help you way more than just dropping random updates. When you lay it all out week by week you start to see patterns in your body that you won’t catch otherwise.
Other guys here run logs all the time and there’s no privacy issue, nobody is asking for your name or anything personal, it is just training, diet, and how the compound feels.
The feedback you get is also way better because people can follow along and spot things you might miss. It also helps the next guy who is thinking about running the same compound so you are giving back while you learn.
Even if you think you might not stick with it, just starting the log makes it easier to come back and add quick notes. That way you get more out of what you are running instead of keeping it all in your head.

To really guide you we need more info from you:

Please share your diet, training, cardio, sleep, supplements etc log with us in a NEW thread, full log journal so our guidance is based on facts you provide.
It will take 15-20 minutes max.
We have 100s of years of experience between us, so you need to post a LOG Journal with your stats (weight,height,age, years training, cycle history) diet, training, cardio, supplement, sleep details. If you don't log what you eat or train now, open NOTES on phone and start recording it there and paste here. Very easy.
Please post a Log Journal asap for us

aquadux · Mar 2, 2026

my advice would to just be to start with the test, especially if its your first cycle. add in the orals and other compounds after you've familiarised yourself with the feeling of your body 'being' on gear, alongside your training and diet. for a first cycle you dont really need them imo. 300cyp is not trt hahaha, you could probably get equal results from running 250mg, again due to it being your first cycle. physique looks good, dont drop cals that much as you want to recomp on gear, thats kind of the magic of it, you will be incredibly hungry and feel shit on those cals. best of luck mate

stevesmi · Mar 2, 2026

NerdGuy said:
Hi all,

Hoping to start a new chapter here. Have been dealing with low testosterone symptoms since I was about 18 years old (first time ever getting labs). Was in high 300s at 18 and now at 23 years old I am in the high 200s. For the last 5 years I have had a pathologically low libido and have dealt with lots of fatigue and lethargy. I have worked out consistently then inconsistenlty the last 4 years, with the main problem for having to stop in the gym back when I was in undergraduate was that the fatigue in the gym would make it impossible to study in the way I needed (Biology/Neuroscience, pre-med). I have run the gambit doing everything in my power to avoid TRT. I do have bipolar II, MDD, and GAD so this included everything from stopping all psychiatric medication to selectively adding some medication back, etc with no luck. Further I have used enclomiphene and HCG both with more side effects than symptom relief (none). The last time I ran enlcomiphene it was pharma grade from a clinic at 12.5mg daily for two months. My testosterone level at the end was still only low 500s. So now I am here! Sperm has been frozen and labs have been done.
I know it may be ill-advised, but I want to run to run a supraphysiologic dose for a short stint just because I have felt so low for so long. I am doing 280-300mg Test Cyp weekly, injected ED at at 40mg/day. I am using a 31G insulin needle (leftover from HCG), but should probably buy some 29G. I also pruchased 100x10mg anavar pills, but may not incorporate them at this time. Cycle began two days ago. AI on hand but will not use preemptively (estrogen already 17).

Gear came from domestic-supply and arrived in 3 days after ordering.

My stats now are 23 years-old/6'1", 167lbs/15-17% BF

My training is hypertrophy-focused, I don't care much for being strong anymore. I might get back into benching again. My all-time max was when I was 18 I got 315x3, but now could only likely do 225x1. I enjoy higher rep-ranges for smaller muscle groups in the 10-15 range and fo larger muscle groups prefer the 8-12 range. Legs have always been a struggle due to FAI/hip dysplasia/hip surgery + right knee medial mensicus tear that recently had an exacerbation with a likely posterior horn meniscal irritation / compression flare.

My training plan is as follows, but is subject to change based on studying needs while I prepare for med school admissions exam.

6 days a week:
Chest/back - chest focused
Arms/shoulders- biceps focused
Legs- Quad focused
Chest/back- back focused
arms/shoulders- triceps focused
legs- hammy focused.

Diet is currently 1400 calories with 140g protein/97carbs/54 fat. This was to lose weight before cycle to have a good starting point. Deciding if I should increase calories and put on some mass. I train at night and partition all my carbohydrates to the workout window. A bit insulin sensitive so go keto during day to maintain energy/focus. Maybe testosterone will help me be able to eat a carb without falling asleep.

Supplements/medications
1. Lamictal 100mg QHS
2. Trintellix 10mg QHS
3. Fish oil 2000mg EPA 1000mg DHA QHS
3. Magnesium Glycinate 400mg (elemental) QHS
4. NAC 200mg QD
5. Vitamin D + K2 5000iu QAM
6. Multivitamin (LifeExtensions One a Day) QHS
7. Trazadone 50mg QHS
8. Psyllium Husk Fiber (10g split into 2 doses, Kroger-brand sugar-free)

Picture is now, no flex.

Labs below:

Let me know if I did this correctly! New to the community- excited to be here!

@NerdGuy Because of all the psychological issues that you've dealt with and also the medications, that's obviously connected to why your testosterone levels were so low. Also keep in mind that everybody is supposed to have sky-high testosterone levels. Some people are actually at more of an advantage having lower testosterone levels based on different factors in play. Having said all that I don't blame you one bit for wanting to run hormones.

RickRock · Mar 2, 2026

Getting yourself to a decent test level is a good place to start. No need to go beyond thst just yet at your current state. Let your body get used to where it should be on test levels and you will also see a lot in terms of progress as long as you keep your training and diet consistent with your goals

HarleyGuy · Mar 2, 2026

NerdGuy said:
Hi all,

Hoping to start a new chapter here. Have been dealing with low testosterone symptoms since I was about 18 years old (first time ever getting labs). Was in high 300s at 18 and now at 23 years old I am in the high 200s. For the last 5 years I have had a pathologically low libido and have dealt with lots of fatigue and lethargy. I have worked out consistently then inconsistenlty the last 4 years, with the main problem for having to stop in the gym back when I was in undergraduate was that the fatigue in the gym would make it impossible to study in the way I needed (Biology/Neuroscience, pre-med). I have run the gambit doing everything in my power to avoid TRT. I do have bipolar II, MDD, and GAD so this included everything from stopping all psychiatric medication to selectively adding some medication back, etc with no luck. Further I have used enclomiphene and HCG both with more side effects than symptom relief (none). The last time I ran enlcomiphene it was pharma grade from a clinic at 12.5mg daily for two months. My testosterone level at the end was still only low 500s. So now I am here! Sperm has been frozen and labs have been done.
I know it may be ill-advised, but I want to run to run a supraphysiologic dose for a short stint just because I have felt so low for so long. I am doing 280-300mg Test Cyp weekly, injected ED at at 40mg/day. I am using a 31G insulin needle (leftover from HCG), but should probably buy some 29G. I also pruchased 100x10mg anavar pills, but may not incorporate them at this time. Cycle began two days ago. AI on hand but will not use preemptively (estrogen already 17).

Gear came from domestic-supply and arrived in 3 days after ordering.

My stats now are 23 years-old/6'1", 167lbs/15-17% BF

My training is hypertrophy-focused, I don't care much for being strong anymore. I might get back into benching again. My all-time max was when I was 18 I got 315x3, but now could only likely do 225x1. I enjoy higher rep-ranges for smaller muscle groups in the 10-15 range and fo larger muscle groups prefer the 8-12 range. Legs have always been a struggle due to FAI/hip dysplasia/hip surgery + right knee medial mensicus tear that recently had an exacerbation with a likely posterior horn meniscal irritation / compression flare.

My training plan is as follows, but is subject to change based on studying needs while I prepare for med school admissions exam.

6 days a week:
Chest/back - chest focused
Arms/shoulders- biceps focused
Legs- Quad focused
Chest/back- back focused
arms/shoulders- triceps focused
legs- hammy focused.

Diet is currently 1400 calories with 140g protein/97carbs/54 fat. This was to lose weight before cycle to have a good starting point. Deciding if I should increase calories and put on some mass. I train at night and partition all my carbohydrates to the workout window. A bit insulin sensitive so go keto during day to maintain energy/focus. Maybe testosterone will help me be able to eat a carb without falling asleep.

Supplements/medications
1. Lamictal 100mg QHS
2. Trintellix 10mg QHS
3. Fish oil 2000mg EPA 1000mg DHA QHS
3. Magnesium Glycinate 400mg (elemental) QHS
4. NAC 200mg QD
5. Vitamin D + K2 5000iu QAM
6. Multivitamin (LifeExtensions One a Day) QHS
7. Trazadone 50mg QHS
8. Psyllium Husk Fiber (10g split into 2 doses, Kroger-brand sugar-free)

Picture is now, no flex.

Labs below:

Let me know if I did this correctly! New to the community- excited to be here!

Welcome to our family brother @NerdGuy !!

Let's get you updating for a couple weeks with diet and pics, training with reps and weights, macro totals etc. Once we get to know you better we can dial you in for a cycle.

If you don't sharing (I share all, just see my log for example) what is your diagnosis to need #1,2, and 7 above? I have a full disclosure of my Dx and all Rx meds in my log and I applaud you for sharing those with us. I am currently titrating off both seroquil QHS and valium QHS myself. I never found that trazadone did much for me even at 100mg.

Your base physique looks great bro we're at a descent starting point but I may have some thoughts about your cycle and where to go from here once we learn more.

NerdGuy said:
t I want to run to run a supraphysiologic dose for a short stint

You're bloods are great and you're healthy as an ox, why just a short stint since you have frozen sperm all good to go.

NerdGuy said:
My testosterone level at the end was still only low 500s.

Another reason why I'm not a fan of enclomiphene and HCG. It's what we use before we just realize it's time to really take the plunge and pin some exogenous Testosterone.

NerdGuy said:
Diet is currently 1400 calories with 140g protein/97carbs/54 fat.

This way way too low and you likely lost a lot of muscle mass but your base pics still look great so you have good genetics.

NerdGuy said:
Let me know if I did this correctly!

Yessir so far so good let's get you posting as much as possible and with all that @LevButlerov pointed out and let's get this show on the road brother, we got you!

Mobster · Mar 3, 2026

You're still a little young. I'd prefer to see Testosterone boosting first

2Thick · Mar 3, 2026

NerdGuy said:
Thank you! I will take your advice on the dosing, and I will change my frequency to eod for now then try out 2x a week.

I'll try not to, but no promises I won't bump it up to 200mg/week pretty soon!

Twice a week is perfectly fine on testosterone cyp even once a week. Around the world people who use it for TRT are dosing it once a week maximum and here we are with people saying they like to dose it every other day. Makes no sense to me. The blood work doesn't lie. @NerdGuy

Ulter · Mar 3, 2026

NerdGuy said:
Hi all,

Hoping to start a new chapter here. Have been dealing with low testosterone symptoms since I was about 18 years old (first time ever getting labs). Was in high 300s at 18 and now at 23 years old I am in the high 200s. For the last 5 years I have had a pathologically low libido and have dealt with lots of fatigue and lethargy. I have worked out consistently then inconsistenlty the last 4 years, with the main problem for having to stop in the gym back when I was in undergraduate was that the fatigue in the gym would make it impossible to study in the way I needed (Biology/Neuroscience, pre-med). I have run the gambit doing everything in my power to avoid TRT. I do have bipolar II, MDD, and GAD so this included everything from stopping all psychiatric medication to selectively adding some medication back, etc with no luck. Further I have used enclomiphene and HCG both with more side effects than symptom relief (none). The last time I ran enlcomiphene it was pharma grade from a clinic at 12.5mg daily for two months. My testosterone level at the end was still only low 500s. So now I am here! Sperm has been frozen and labs have been done.
I know it may be ill-advised, but I want to run to run a supraphysiologic dose for a short stint just because I have felt so low for so long. I am doing 280-300mg Test Cyp weekly, injected ED at at 40mg/day. I am using a 31G insulin needle (leftover from HCG), but should probably buy some 29G. I also pruchased 100x10mg anavar pills, but may not incorporate them at this time. Cycle began two days ago. AI on hand but will not use preemptively (estrogen already 17).

Gear came from domestic-supply and arrived in 3 days after ordering.

My stats now are 23 years-old/6'1", 167lbs/15-17% BF

My training is hypertrophy-focused, I don't care much for being strong anymore. I might get back into benching again. My all-time max was when I was 18 I got 315x3, but now could only likely do 225x1. I enjoy higher rep-ranges for smaller muscle groups in the 10-15 range and fo larger muscle groups prefer the 8-12 range. Legs have always been a struggle due to FAI/hip dysplasia/hip surgery + right knee medial mensicus tear that recently had an exacerbation with a likely posterior horn meniscal irritation / compression flare.

My training plan is as follows, but is subject to change based on studying needs while I prepare for med school admissions exam.

6 days a week:
Chest/back - chest focused
Arms/shoulders- biceps focused
Legs- Quad focused
Chest/back- back focused
arms/shoulders- triceps focused
legs- hammy focused.

Diet is currently 1400 calories with 140g protein/97carbs/54 fat. This was to lose weight before cycle to have a good starting point. Deciding if I should increase calories and put on some mass. I train at night and partition all my carbohydrates to the workout window. A bit insulin sensitive so go keto during day to maintain energy/focus. Maybe testosterone will help me be able to eat a carb without falling asleep.

Supplements/medications
1. Lamictal 100mg QHS
2. Trintellix 10mg QHS
3. Fish oil 2000mg EPA 1000mg DHA QHS
3. Magnesium Glycinate 400mg (elemental) QHS
4. NAC 200mg QD
5. Vitamin D + K2 5000iu QAM
6. Multivitamin (LifeExtensions One a Day) QHS
7. Trazadone 50mg QHS
8. Psyllium Husk Fiber (10g split into 2 doses, Kroger-brand sugar-free)

Picture is now, no flex.

Labs below:

Let me know if I did this correctly! New to the community- excited to be here!

I'm glad you're starting this log. @NerdGuy good layout on your different supplements and medications. And your training is definitely solid. You're pumping that iron hard.

ceo · Mar 3, 2026

NerdGuy said:
Hi all,

Hoping to start a new chapter here. Have been dealing with low testosterone symptoms since I was about 18 years old (first time ever getting labs). Was in high 300s at 18 and now at 23 years old I am in the high 200s. For the last 5 years I have had a pathologically low libido and have dealt with lots of fatigue and lethargy. I have worked out consistently then inconsistenlty the last 4 years, with the main problem for having to stop in the gym back when I was in undergraduate was that the fatigue in the gym would make it impossible to study in the way I needed (Biology/Neuroscience, pre-med). I have run the gambit doing everything in my power to avoid TRT. I do have bipolar II, MDD, and GAD so this included everything from stopping all psychiatric medication to selectively adding some medication back, etc with no luck. Further I have used enclomiphene and HCG both with more side effects than symptom relief (none). The last time I ran enlcomiphene it was pharma grade from a clinic at 12.5mg daily for two months. My testosterone level at the end was still only low 500s. So now I am here! Sperm has been frozen and labs have been done.
I know it may be ill-advised, but I want to run to run a supraphysiologic dose for a short stint just because I have felt so low for so long. I am doing 280-300mg Test Cyp weekly, injected ED at at 40mg/day. I am using a 31G insulin needle (leftover from HCG), but should probably buy some 29G. I also pruchased 100x10mg anavar pills, but may not incorporate them at this time. Cycle began two days ago. AI on hand but will not use preemptively (estrogen already 17).

Gear came from domestic-supply and arrived in 3 days after ordering.

My stats now are 23 years-old/6'1", 167lbs/15-17% BF

My training is hypertrophy-focused, I don't care much for being strong anymore. I might get back into benching again. My all-time max was when I was 18 I got 315x3, but now could only likely do 225x1. I enjoy higher rep-ranges for smaller muscle groups in the 10-15 range and fo larger muscle groups prefer the 8-12 range. Legs have always been a struggle due to FAI/hip dysplasia/hip surgery + right knee medial mensicus tear that recently had an exacerbation with a likely posterior horn meniscal irritation / compression flare.

My training plan is as follows, but is subject to change based on studying needs while I prepare for med school admissions exam.

6 days a week:
Chest/back - chest focused
Arms/shoulders- biceps focused
Legs- Quad focused
Chest/back- back focused
arms/shoulders- triceps focused
legs- hammy focused.

Diet is currently 1400 calories with 140g protein/97carbs/54 fat. This was to lose weight before cycle to have a good starting point. Deciding if I should increase calories and put on some mass. I train at night and partition all my carbohydrates to the workout window. A bit insulin sensitive so go keto during day to maintain energy/focus. Maybe testosterone will help me be able to eat a carb without falling asleep.

Supplements/medications
1. Lamictal 100mg QHS
2. Trintellix 10mg QHS
3. Fish oil 2000mg EPA 1000mg DHA QHS
3. Magnesium Glycinate 400mg (elemental) QHS
4. NAC 200mg QD
5. Vitamin D + K2 5000iu QAM
6. Multivitamin (LifeExtensions One a Day) QHS
7. Trazadone 50mg QHS
8. Psyllium Husk Fiber (10g split into 2 doses, Kroger-brand sugar-free)

Picture is now, no flex.

Labs below:

Let me know if I did this correctly! New to the community- excited to be here!

@NerdGuy Bros, why do you consider yourself a nerd anyway? You seem like you got good potential. I think you are going to kick ass on this log. I'm looking forward to it. Make sure you post up your food prep.

ROIDDERS · Mar 3, 2026

NerdGuy said:
Hi all,

Hoping to start a new chapter here. Have been dealing with low testosterone symptoms since I was about 18 years old (first time ever getting labs). Was in high 300s at 18 and now at 23 years old I am in the high 200s. For the last 5 years I have had a pathologically low libido and have dealt with lots of fatigue and lethargy. I have worked out consistently then inconsistenlty the last 4 years, with the main problem for having to stop in the gym back when I was in undergraduate was that the fatigue in the gym would make it impossible to study in the way I needed (Biology/Neuroscience, pre-med). I have run the gambit doing everything in my power to avoid TRT. I do have bipolar II, MDD, and GAD so this included everything from stopping all psychiatric medication to selectively adding some medication back, etc with no luck. Further I have used enclomiphene and HCG both with more side effects than symptom relief (none). The last time I ran enlcomiphene it was pharma grade from a clinic at 12.5mg daily for two months. My testosterone level at the end was still only low 500s. So now I am here! Sperm has been frozen and labs have been done.
I know it may be ill-advised, but I want to run to run a supraphysiologic dose for a short stint just because I have felt so low for so long. I am doing 280-300mg Test Cyp weekly, injected ED at at 40mg/day. I am using a 31G insulin needle (leftover from HCG), but should probably buy some 29G. I also pruchased 100x10mg anavar pills, but may not incorporate them at this time. Cycle began two days ago. AI on hand but will not use preemptively (estrogen already 17).

Gear came from domestic-supply and arrived in 3 days after ordering.

My stats now are 23 years-old/6'1", 167lbs/15-17% BF

My training is hypertrophy-focused, I don't care much for being strong anymore. I might get back into benching again. My all-time max was when I was 18 I got 315x3, but now could only likely do 225x1. I enjoy higher rep-ranges for smaller muscle groups in the 10-15 range and fo larger muscle groups prefer the 8-12 range. Legs have always been a struggle due to FAI/hip dysplasia/hip surgery + right knee medial mensicus tear that recently had an exacerbation with a likely posterior horn meniscal irritation / compression flare.

My training plan is as follows, but is subject to change based on studying needs while I prepare for med school admissions exam.

6 days a week:
Chest/back - chest focused
Arms/shoulders- biceps focused
Legs- Quad focused
Chest/back- back focused
arms/shoulders- triceps focused
legs- hammy focused.

Diet is currently 1400 calories with 140g protein/97carbs/54 fat. This was to lose weight before cycle to have a good starting point. Deciding if I should increase calories and put on some mass. I train at night and partition all my carbohydrates to the workout window. A bit insulin sensitive so go keto during day to maintain energy/focus. Maybe testosterone will help me be able to eat a carb without falling asleep.

Supplements/medications
1. Lamictal 100mg QHS
2. Trintellix 10mg QHS
3. Fish oil 2000mg EPA 1000mg DHA QHS
3. Magnesium Glycinate 400mg (elemental) QHS
4. NAC 200mg QD
5. Vitamin D + K2 5000iu QAM
6. Multivitamin (LifeExtensions One a Day) QHS
7. Trazadone 50mg QHS
8. Psyllium Husk Fiber (10g split into 2 doses, Kroger-brand sugar-free)

Picture is now, no flex.

Labs below:

Let me know if I did this correctly! New to the community- excited to be here!

Dealing with low testosterone is definitely not fun. It's one of those things where you feel so much better once you get your testosterone levels back where they should be. @NerdGuy

NerdGuy · Mar 3, 2026

ROIDDERS said:
Dealing with low testosterone is definitely not fun. It's one of those things where you feel so much better once you get your testosterone levels back where they should be. @NerdGuy

Agree! Excited for what is to come!

NerdGuy · Mar 3, 2026

ceo said:
@NerdGuy Bros, why do you consider yourself a nerd anyway? You seem like you got good potential. I think you are going to kick ass on this log. I'm looking forward to it. Make sure you post up your food prep.

Thank you bro! Nerd is good, I'll be in school until I'm 30 so gotta love it!

I will be posting food daily in the new official log I posted!

NerdGuy · Mar 3, 2026

HarleyGuy said:
Welcome to our family brother @NerdGuy !!

Let's get you updating for a couple weeks with diet and pics, training with reps and weights, macro totals etc. Once we get to know you better we can dial you in for a cycle.

If you don't sharing (I share all, just see my log for example) what is your diagnosis to need #1,2, and 7 above? I have a full disclosure of my Dx and all Rx meds in my log and I applaud you for sharing those with us. I am currently titrating off both seroquil QHS and valium QHS myself. I never found that trazadone did much for me even at 100mg.

Your base physique looks great bro we're at a descent starting point but I may have some thoughts about your cycle and where to go from here once we learn more.

You're bloods are great and you're healthy as an ox, why just a short stint since you have frozen sperm all good to go.

Another reason why I'm not a fan of enclomiphene and HCG. It's what we use before we just realize it's time to really take the plunge and pin some exogenous Testosterone.

This way way too low and you likely lost a lot of muscle mass but your base pics still look great so you have good genetics.

Yessir so far so good let's get you posting as much as possible and with all that @LevButlerov pointed out and let's get this show on the road brother, we got you!

Thank you bro! I posted a new official log per @LevButlerov request, and I answered some of those questions in there! But to note I am ending the cut and increasing calories ! https://www.evolutionary.org/forums/threads/my-start-of-trt-cycle.109612/#post-1996283

NerdGuy · Mar 3, 2026

RickRock said:
Getting yourself to a decent test level is a good place to start. No need to go beyond thst just yet at your current state. Let your body get used to where it should be on test levels and you will also see a lot in terms of progress as long as you keep your training and diet consistent with your goals

You are right, and that is what I will end up doing

New log here https://www.evolutionary.org/forums/threads/my-start-of-trt-cycle.109612/#post-1996283

HarleyGuy · Mar 3, 2026

NerdGuy said:
Thank you bro! I posted a new official log per @LevButlerov request, and I answered some of those questions in there! But to note I am ending the cut and increasing calories ! https://www.evolutionary.org/forums/threads/my-start-of-trt-cycle.109612/#post-1996283

Great work, it will be in mod que for log approval. Here we gooooo, exciting!

RoySimpson · Mar 3, 2026

Get in a good routine with consistent training and proper nutrition! At your age the growth will happen with consistency!

LevButlerov · Mar 3, 2026

NerdGuy said:
Thank you bro! I posted a new official log per @LevButlerov request, and I answered some of those questions in there! But to note I am ending the cut and increasing calories ! https://www.evolutionary.org/forums/threads/my-start-of-trt-cycle.109612/#post-1996283

its in mod que

24 hours please

ceo · Mar 4, 2026

NerdGuy said:
Thank you bro! Nerd is good, I'll be in school until I'm 30 so gotta love it!

I will be posting food daily in the new official log I posted!

bros dayum that a long time in schooll

ROIDDERS · Mar 4, 2026

NerdGuy said:
Agree! Excited for what is to come!

We are excited as well.

ballin2504 · Mar 4, 2026

R.AP said:
This will be the key for you bro. All of the benefits that you will see from testosterone will come from the foundations:

Nutrition/ hydration
Training
Lifestyle.

Without dialing in these, you can't expect life-changing results from the test alone. Do you have a meal and training plan?

hit up @r. Ap for training

Tiger Salman Khan · Mar 5, 2026

Start up a log.....it will help you stay on track and allow us to guide you as you progress.........

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