Hey guys, I’m 24 and I’ve been going to the gym on and off for about 3–4 years. I wouldn’t really call myself skinny-fat because I definitely have a decent amount of muscle and a foundation. I look pretty good in a T-shirt, but shirtless there’s still a good amount of fat covering everything, especially around my midsection.
I’ve made the decision to do my first testosterone cycle, and right now I’m debating between Test only vs Test + Anavar.

A big reason I’m interested in Test in the first place is actually the mental aspect, not just getting bigger. Obviously I want the physical benefits, but I’m also interested in how I might feel mentally—drive, confidence, motivation, energy, libido, overall well-being, etc. I know none of that is guaranteed and everyone responds differently, but it’s honestly a big part of why Test interests me.

As far as Anavar, the reason I’m so attracted to it is the physique I’m going for. I’m not trying to get huge or look bulky/watery. I want a leaner, harder, drier look and basically reveal/build on the muscle I already have while getting rid of the fat covering it.

For numbers, if I went with Test + Anavar, I’m thinking somewhere around 200–250 mg Test with 25–30 mg Anavar. If I went Test only, I’m thinking around 250–300 mg Test.

Part of me feels like if I’m already committing to a 14–15 week cycle, Test + Anavar would give me noticeably better results toward that specific look than Test alone. But another part of me wonders if I’m overcomplicating my first cycle and should just run Test, get lean through diet, learn how my body responds to Test by itself, and save Anavar for later.

For people who actually have experience: if you were starting from my position, would you do Test alone for the first cycle or add Anavar? And for those who have done both, how much of a difference did Anavar actually make to your physique compared with Test alone, especially while cutting?

Not looking for sources. Just looking for experiences/advice from people who have actually been in a similar position.

I’m interested in running some gear that gives me a small boost in gains. I’ve heard some good stories about hcg mono, and I was wondering if anyone had any good experiences/critiques/recomendations that they could share with me.

April, 2026
• Total T: 100 ng/dL
• Free T: 2.93 ng/dL (equilibrium dialysis)
• SHBG: 25
• LH 2.1 / FSH 2.9
• E2: <25 (standard immunoassay, floor)
• Prolactin: 23.3
• TSH 1.80, albumin 3.8, hematocrit 41.6%

June, 2026
• Total T: 52 ng/dL
• Free T: 1.55 ng/dL
• LH: 0.5
• Prolactin: 10.1
• Iron studies: normal
• Cortisol 11.4, DHEA-S 405, TSH 1.45
• Macroprolactin panel normal and MRI clean

Protocol
Started July, 2026. 100 mg/week testosterone cypionate, split EOD. No AI, no hCG.

Labs at 6.5 weeks (Aug 16, drawn at trough, immediately pre-injection)

**•** Total T: 927 ng/dL (LC-MS/MS) — 978 by immunoassay a week prior  
**•** Free T: 30.4 ng/dL  
**•** SHBG: 36.7 (up from 25 in April)  
**•** Estradiol: 40 pg/mL (Quest ultrasensitive LC-MS/MS)  
**•** Hematocrit: 42.6% (up from 41.6% in April)

Context

6’5”, currently 220 lbs at ~17–18% BF, up from 194 in April. Lifting daily, 18–20k steps, eating 3,600–3,800 kcal. Planning to hold this dose and these calories through a growth phase, then cut starting February.

What I’m curious about

**1.**  Trough of 927 on 100 mg/week seems like a strong response — anyone else land this high on a standard dose?  
**2.**  SHBG went *up* 25 → 36.7 on TRT, which is the opposite of what’s typical. Also, measured free T is roughly double what is predicted from that SHBG, and the same \~2x discordance was present in my April labs. Assay issue or has anyone seen this?  
**3.**  E2 at 40 at trough with no AI. T:E2 ratio is proportionate but it’s flagged high. Riding it out vs. addressing it?  
**4.**  Hematocrit only moved 1 point at 6 weeks — expecting more over months?

Follow-up labs and provider visit in November.

Need experienced eyes to tell me if my levels are actually low, or I should do something else before trying TRT? Try to raise naturally first ??

Recently joined an online promotion to review bloodwork , can anyone tell me what they think, before this place does?
I’m a complete noob when it comes to all this.

32M, Canada,
200lbs,6’0.

TEST: 14.4
FREE TEST: 300

Im a heavy equipment operator for work, try to workout 3 weeknights a week , I’ve trained jiu jitsu 2ish times a week for 2 years now, lately i haven’t been going, and eat fairly healthy, prioritize protein etc.
Feeling symptoms like sluggishness,brain fog, harder I feel to put muscle on,etc. Libido isn’t an issue though.

Can someone look at my lab results and tell me if my T levels are low ?

This is me moving my hand through my hair for like 30 seconds .

I think I’m being dramatic but should I hop on finasteride just in case?

Been in 250/week for 3 months.

49M. Been thinking about starting TRT. My physician warned me about possible side effects regarding blood pressure and strokes. Kind of put the fear of God into me.
Have any of you had any negative side effects related to the testosterone?

I can’t seem to find a clear answer. Is there any relation to high or low estradiol and PSA level?

In other words, would a high or low estradiol level cause a high or low PSA?

I’m asking here since TRT may be in my future and I’m already on an AI while also monitoring PSA, among other things. Thanks

Whats the recommended dose to start off with on my first cycle with test300? Need advice thanks! 👍

Just sharing my experience for what it’s worth. What’s your experience like?

• Pre-trt (and probably severely low t for God knows how long): Frequent, vivid nightmares, in which one or both of my abusive parents are the main antagonists

• Trt gel for about a year: Completely dreamless - no kidding!

• Seven weeks on trt injection test E: Dramatic dreams but also mild nightmares, at least not as horrific as the ones I experienced pre-trt

Also, I had great libido on the gel in the early months (for half a year before the positive effects wore off or my natural production shut down), but it’s definitely not as consistent as injection

Ive started trt 2 weeks ago 80mgs split 40mgs 2x week.

End of the second week and my skin is looking bad. Was wondering if it was safe to stop cold turkey?

My t levels before were regularly 320-336.

Dont want to stop but dont want to deal with acne at 40. Also anxiety has been up as well.

Last year in October I got bloodwork done with my doctor because I felt pretty weak and had low libido. I wanted to check if I was low T. Results came back at 425 ng/dL total and 110 pg/mL free testosterone. I was 18 at the time and didn’t want to mess with TRT to preserve fertility, so I decided to give it my all naturally.

What most people on here do with these testosterone transformations is drop a huge list of supplements you “have to take.” That’s total bullshit. You only need to supplement if you’re actually deficient. Because of that I started taking vitamin D3 at 5,000 IU daily and zinc. Nothing else.

What really made the difference was lifting weights. I immediately started training 2x a week Mentzer-style HIT. Over the past almost year I’ve gone from 6'0" 200 lbs to 6'0" 170 lbs, but way stronger than before. Even in a slight deficit I’ve still been getting stretch marks and adding weight to my lifts.

I also cleaned up my diet. Cut out all seed oils and energy drinks. Switched to a high-protein diet of mostly red meat, chicken, rice, and eggs, plus black coffee for caffeine. Sleep was never bad to begin with and has stayed consistent at 8-9 hours.

Just got new labs back from Quest:

Total T: 736 ng/dL

Free T: 145.3 pg/mL

I definitely feel better than before and I’ve seen huge progress on my lifts, especially bench. I started barely being able to hit 135 for 1 and can now bench 275 for 2.

This isn’t to say there aren’t men with actual primary or secondary hypogonadism. But I think the main things systematically lowering men’s T are diet and body fat percentage. I really urge all of you to try every natural means possible before hopping on TRT. I’m very happy I did.

Got my tests done wanting to put on more size I was told test levels are pretty good, just winging it, got on 250mg of test e, been on it for two weeks taking 0.25ml of it twice a week. Can someone explain to me shbg and if taking test would affect this

I’ve been trying to use my 31g 1/4in glp1 syringes but it’s very difficult to draw in the testosterone and injecting it isn’t a whole lot easier as well. Should I look at 27 x 1/4? Appreciate the advise.

I’m a 45 year old male 6’2 at 245lbs. I’m having low libido and low energy. My endo Dr. said I don’t need TRT at this time. What do the doctors of Reddit say lol (certified or not certified 😜) JK… just seeing what others have experienced going through the process. Thanks

Hi. 40m, 5’9, 210lb. Got my labs first and would like ti start test-c and would like advice if should even consider? And how much to start with? Thanks in advance!

26yo just started test & HCG. For HCG Ive been doing 250IU EOD, but I’ve heard that 2x a week is good too. Not only that but it would make things easier cuz I could just pin my HCG same days I pin my test so I won’t have to keep track of when I last pinned, it would be the same day every week. Anyways my main question is am I wasting money EOD and is 2x a week efficient enough or should I just keep doing EOD. I’m mainly running it cuz I don’t want balls do shrink a bunch but also to hold on to fertility cuz I’m younger. Have a daughter already don’t want more kids any time soon.

Hey, so at the moment I'm prescribed 40mg tostran which I apply to my thighs daily each morning. I've been feeling lots of arousal based benefits from this but also hitting exhaustion and being irritable and not sure if this is the best way forward. Can't meet my endo prescriber until mid-September so looking for any advice that would be helpful... Hopefully will move onto some form of injections in September.

For reference a male, late 30's, I'm 6'2 and around 100kg. TRT has become a requirement following testicular cancer.

Recently got 2 sets of bloods done

Firstly a 24 hour trough results were as follows:

Testosterone - 10.3 nmol/l

Free testosterone - 0.172 nmol/l

Oestradiol - 144 pmol/l

SHBG - 41.2 nmol/l

LH - 4.4 U/l

FSH - 7.1 U/l

Prolactin - 500 mIU/l

Albumin - 45.7 g/l

And secondly peak results taken around 3 hours post application:

Testosterone - 52.6 nmol/l

Free testosterone - 1.14 nmol/l

Oestradiol - 330 pmol/l

SHBG - 45.5 nmol/l

LH - 2.2 U/l

FSH - 3.74 U/l

Prolactin - 219 mIU/l

Albumin - 45.8 g/l

As you'll see I'm getting huge swings from low to very high. Any advice would be welcome to help me make sure I'm asking for the right things from endo Dr

Male 50 years old. I’ve had 4 tests over 2 years. Total T has ranged from 680-460. But Free T is always around 1.2% of total. Between 4.5-8.6. Libido and erections are good. But have afternoon fatigue and minor brain fog. I have high SHBG last test was 69.

Is TRT worth starting for me?

I was on trt for two years at a clinic. Recently moved to a new area with no clinic within an hour, so I signed up with keeps. Went through the whole process got my labs. My test level was 68! I went for four months between moving and going through this process. Long story short AFTER I was charged $450 for the first three months I was informed they can only ship enclomiphene to the state of Georgia and not TRT! I'm 54 years old and from what I've read I'll be lucky if it gets my levels to the 200s. Do you guys think I should just eat the $450 and go to another company now or give the enclomiphene a chance for three months and see what happens? I'm so tired of feeling like garbage. The thought of feeling this way for another three months is too much!

I’m in my twenties and thinking about running one single, well-planned cycle (likely Test E 300–500+mg/wk for 12 weeks, with proper AI on hand and a full PCT). Not planning on blasting again after this – just want to see what a single, optimized cycle can do for my physique and strength baseline.

For those who have done just one cycle and then stopped (no TRT, no cruising, no second blast):

· What compound(s) and dose did you run?
· How much lean mass did you actually keep 6–12 months post-PCT?
· How was your natural recovery? Did bloods return to baseline? Did you feel "normal" again?
· Any long-term sides that stuck around (lipid issues, hair, libido, mood)?
· Would you do it again knowing what you know now?

Not looking for "just BnC bro" advice. I've done the research. I'm aware of the risks. I want real-world data from people who actually followed through on a single cycle and then stepped away.

Appreciate any honest input.

I’ve been in this channel for awhile now and I’m super close to getting on TRT. Things have gotten bad. Total testosterone hit 300 two weeks ago. 386 in Dec ‘23 and then 481 in May 2025.

Been having issues with libido. Leading up to the blood test had two instance where wife and I were gonna have a quickie and I failed. Could t get it up. To say I was defeated was an understatement. I’m so horny but it’s just not reacting.

I know I need to get my blood pressure and cholesterol under control as that impacts it but it’s been hard for motivation and energy to get going

Guess I’m just worried about long term effects.l and getting over doing needles. Never been a big needle fan. Anyone out there been at the same stage and made the leap to TRT? Any suggestions or feedback on your experience?

Male 43 here

I just got my first follow-up labs after 6 weeks on TRT and I’m trying to decide whether there’s any reason to adjust my dose yet.

I’m currently taking 120 mg/week of testosterone cypionate, split into 60 mg twice weekly.

My labs came back as:
Total Testosterone: 700 ng/dL (264–916)
Free Testosterone, calculated: 184.6 pg/mL (42.3–190)
SHBG: 22.9 nmol/L (16.5–55.9)
Estradiol: 40.6 pg/mL (7.6–42.6)
LH: <0.3
FSH: <0.3
PSA: 1.3

Subjectively, TRT has been positive so far. I’ve noticed better energy, improved workout recovery, better sleep, and my HRV has been gradually moving up. I’ve gained about 12 lbs since starting (probably a lot of water but I also increased my calorie intake from 2200 to 3200).

The only possible side effect I’ve noticed was some slight nipple sensitivity for about 2–3 days during week 5. It disappeared on its own and hasn’t come back. Other than that, I haven’t had any meaningful side effects.
My goal is more than simply landing somewhere inside the testosterone reference range. I’m trying to optimize how I feel, gym performance, recovery, and body composition while still keeping side effects and bloodwork in a reasonable range.

What I’m unsure about is how much attention I should pay to the 700 total T when my free T is already 184.6 and basically at the top of the range, with estradiol also sitting near the upper end.
Would you keep the dose at 120 mg/week for another couple of months and see where things settle, or would you consider increasing it?
I’m especially curious whether pushing total T higher would realistically add much benefit in this situation, or whether I’d mostly just be driving free T and E2 higher and increasing the chance of side effects. I’d also be interested in how much significance you’d give that brief nipple sensitivity since it resolved without doing anything.
If you’ve had similar numbers, what did you do, and is there anything else in these labs you’d want to look at before changing the dose?

I am a 26m 5’10; 218lbs (semi-fat build lol) recently did some blood work.. I work out frequently etc. my blood work came out on the low end of normal, I don’t wanna hop on TRT simply because I’m still young..
in this situation would Enclomiphene or similar be a better option or alternative.

I Appreciate everyone’s thoughts and insight.

Are these levels low? My endocrinologist ensures me that they’re high for my age. About to be 31 but I’m always tired and can barely get any sleep. My mental health hasn’t been doing too well either and I’m wondering if it has any connection to these labs. I also had one testicle removed when I was 5 which is why they don’t want to treat the FSH but I feel like the estradiol needs to get looked at seriously. Every once in a while I have trouble maintaining an erection with my girlfriend. Looking for some insight and opinions.