is it common to return to baseline levels of testosterone after first cycle?

[chunch]

I understand that no one can tell me what the outcome would be on any one specific person, but is it even possible or relatively common for test levels to come back to what they were after a low-moderate dose testosterone only cycle with proper PCT? There is so much conflicting information on the internet, I will read one source that says one thing and then another that says the opposite. I am really just trying to figure out, is this something I ever want to do in my life? Some sources I have read or listened to say its very common for a man to get almost 100% of his baseline test levels, but others say its just a high chance that you will be back in the reference range, which as you know, the reference range for some labs is less than 300. For me, this is something I want to do in my life and experience when I am ready. But I have a conflicting voice in me that is telling "is it really worth sacrificing your balls and potentially your sexual function" and I dont know if that is a voice of reason or just fear. I understand there is the possibility of no return of test levels and TRT for life, and that wouldnt be great, but I dont mind the Idea of TRT when i'm older. Did any of you guys have this dilemma or did you just say fuck it and do it?

 

[Send0]

It's more common to come back with less testosterone, than it is to return to baseline levels or higher

 

[1bigun11]

I think, as a practical matter, once you start this stuff you are on for life. This can be as much mental as physical, because your mind will have trouble accepting that you can make gains naturally once you have started the "magic" stuff. That is why we preach to take your lifting as far as you can naturally before you ever start exogenous testosterone (or any other enhancer). And yes, your body will definitely slow/stop its natural production of testosterone once you start exogenous, and no, there is no guarantee that it will ever fully kick back in.

 

[buck]

Depending on the amount and length of time, it is quite possible for full recovery from some studies i have seen in the past. They were with what could be called moderate or even low dose cycles by some. And 6-12 months for full recovery was not unusual.

 

[andy]

u take proper PCT and your golden

 

[buck]

Disruption and recovery of testicular function during and after androgen abuse: the HAARLEM study - PubMed

N/A.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

 

[1bigun11]

u take proper PCT and your golden

Golden for what? Golden for returning to the low level you were originally at, which you deemed insufficient to support your gains and caused you to take anabolics in the first place?

 

[andy]

Golden for what? Golden for returning to the low level you were originally at, which you deemed insufficient to support your gains and caused you to take anabolics in the first place?

im just answering the Q man

- can u return to test same levels u had before jumping on gear

- answer is - most probably yes.

there could be lots of reasons why one could decide to stop using anabolics.
and there's no need to get agressive towards me mate.

 

[1bigun11]

im just answering the Q man

- can u return to test same levels u had before jumping on gear

- answer is - most probably yes.

there could be lots of reasons why one could decide to stop using anabolics.
and there's no need to get agressive towards me mate.

I apologize. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I'll be more sensitive next time.

 

[chunch]

I think I still have a quite a bit of gains left in the natty tank I believe, so I'll probably keep it for now, but Its soo tempting to do a cycle in the winter, since it would probably keep me from going insane with the lack of sunshine and cabin fever

 

[Send0]

I think I still have a quite a bit of gains left in the natty tank I believe, so I'll probably keep it for now, but Its soo tempting to do a cycle in the winter, since it would probably keep me from going insane with the lack of sunshine and cabin fever

How does doing a cycle keep you from going insane in the winter? It's not like doing a cycle changes the weather or makes you feel differently about the season.

Serious question, by any chance are you a former addict of any kind?

 

[1bigun11]

I think I still have a quite a bit of gains left in the natty tank I believe, so I'll probably keep it for now, but Its soo tempting to do a cycle in the winter, since it would probably keep me from going insane with the lack of sunshine and cabin fever

Keep running off the natty tank. Making good, solid gains that you can keep is a powerful anti-depressant. Roll into spring feeling good about yourself. Spend the winter figuring out how your body responds to various macro settings and training styles. Learn how to eat and train. You will use that knowledge the rest of your life, and be a MUCH better lifter in the long run than if you start a cycle too soon.

 

[chunch]

well I have no first hand experience with exogenous testosterone but I know what it feels like to feel good naturally, and I've come to understand that test can give you a sense of well being, and I am addicted to the gym, and if there's anything therapeutic in my life its lifting, so I was inferring that test would enhance all of that, I've also read about it being somewhat of basically being an antidepressant and some people say you feel amazing. I am not depressed right now and I feel good but the winter can be pretty rough where I am.
how
And yes, when I was younger, I did fall into the trap of drugs, and I see exactly how what I just said sounds like I want to use hormones as a drug. Which is not really what I was thinking but you may have a point. I will say, I have totally put that part of myself behind me, did alot of extreme work on who I am and what I value in life, and recreational/addictive drugs are repulsive to me at this point, I am basically obsessed with my health besides the temptation of steroids.

 

[chunch]

Keep running off the natty tank. Making good, solid gains that you can keep is a powerful anti-depressant. Roll into spring feeling good about yourself. Spend the winter figuring out how your body responds to various macro settings and training styles. Learn how to eat and train. You will use that knowledge the rest of your life, and be a MUCH better lifter in the long run than if you start a cycle too soon.

thank you man, thats what I will do. I will say, I have made a lot of progress on my diet, but I still could get much better with certain things, and I have alot to learn with training still and although my physique is looking pretty good I'm not that strong so I think i do have alot more to goy naturally. I do think I have a shit ton to learn still and I am happy about the fact that I do, in one sense if I started a cycle I think it would be sad because I'd be cutting part of the journey of lifting short, which is what i love and enjoy.

But I was just putting my honest thoughts out there, it is a massive temptation for me and a lot of other young guys,, I know how it sounds, but there are some possibly valid motives and some very superficial and short sighted motives to the temptation of it. If you guys think Im an idiot thats understandable, I get it, but I'm just being honest. I think a shit ton of young people are hopping on steroids with alot less experience than me at this point and definitely much less dedication/discipline and will to actually train hard. Which is really all the more reason to not do it.

 

[chunch]

At this point I see, yeah it would make no sense jumping on test, I have alot to go. and I appreciate y'all reinforcing that to me.

 

[Thrawn]

After you reach your offspring limit testicles are over rated.

 

[Thrawn]

What is your baseline now?

 

[Send0]

well I have no first hand experience with exogenous testosterone but I know what it feels like to feel good naturally, and I've come to understand that test can give you a sense of well being, and I am addicted to the gym, and if there's anything therapeutic in my life its lifting, so I was inferring that test would enhance all of that, I've also read about it being somewhat of basically being an antidepressant and some people say you feel amazing. I am not depressed right now and I feel good but the winter can be pretty rough where I am.
how
And yes, when I was younger, I did fall into the trap of drugs, and I see exactly how what I just said sounds like I want to use hormones as a drug. Which is not really what I was thinking but you may have a point. I will say, I have totally put that part of myself behind me, did alot of extreme work on who I am and what I value in life, and recreational/addictive drugs are repulsive to me at this point, I am basically obsessed with my health besides the temptation of steroids.

Steroids really aren't much different from rec drugs in some ways.

The sense of well being you get from testosterone is just the honeymoon phase. After several weeks you get used to it, and you just feel like you did before testosterone (assuming you had good natural levels before). Taking more testosterone doesn't increase the "high"... Once you've gotten used to it then that's it.

I mentioned addiction, because using something like winter weather to justify taking drugs is very similar to an addicts train of thought.

Milk your natural gains for all their worth. Once you think you hit your limit, instead of taking drugs try increasing food instead. Once that doesn't work try changing your training program, once that doesn't work then MAYBE consider steroids.

Obviously you are an adult and can do what you want, but that's what I would advise.

 

[chunch]

Steroids really aren't much different from rec drugs in some ways.

The sense of well being you get from testosterone is just the honeymoon phase. After several weeks you get used to it, and you just feel like you did before testosterone (assuming you had good natural levels before). Taking more testosterone doesn't increase the "high"... Once you've gotten used to it then that's it.

I mentioned addiction, because using something like winter weather to justify taking drugs is very similar to an addicts train of thought.

Milk your natural gains for all their worth. Once you think you hit your limit, instead of taking drugs try increasing food instead. Once that doesn't work try changing your training program, once that doesn't work then MAYBE consider steroids.

Obviously you are an adult and can do what you want, but that's what I would advise.

Thats a really good point man, I see what your saying and it is somewhat of addictive thinking. I'm gonna do what you and 1bigun11 said and take natural gains all the way. I appreciate the honesty and directness from you.

 

[chunch]

What is your baseline now?

it was 605 in January, I'm curious to get it retested and get a free test lab done, since it may be better than before because I've improved my diet since and I still have a couple lifestyle tweaks to dial like my circadian rythym, I get enough sleep every night but not early enough.