First cycle advice - test only at 400mg or is this too much to start?

[MunichMarc]

I am 26, been training seriously for 4 years, diet is very clean, got bloodwork done and everything is healthy. I want to do my first cycle. I read many places that test only is the right choice for first cycle. I was thinking 400mg test e per week for 12 weeks. My question is - is 400mg a good starting dose or should I go lower like 300mg? Also what PCT do I need after? I have read about nolvadex and clomid but not sure which or both. Any advice appreciated.

[Dutchman]

400mg is a reasonable first cycle dose, not too conservative and not reckless. Some will say 250-300mg to minimise side effects but at 400mg you will get a clear signal of how your body responds to exogenous testosterone - how much you aromatise, how your hematocrit moves, whether you are prone to acne. Have an AI on hand (anastrozole at 0.25mg twice per week as a starting point) but do not take it unless symptoms appear. For PCT: nolvadex 40mg daily for 2 weeks then 20mg daily for 4 more weeks is sufficient. Clomid adds sides without meaningful benefit for most people.

[BERLINER]

Good starting point. I also did 400mg for first cycle, test e only 12 weeks. Results were very good and I understood well how my body reacts. This is important information for future cycles. Get bloodwork at week 6 to check everything. Nolvadex for PCT is fine, I used 40-20 protocol and recovery was smooth. Be patient with the first few weeks, test e takes time to kick in.

[Jock]

Test only is right, dinnae let anyone talk you into adding deca or dbol on your first run. You want to know what test does to you on its own before you start stacking. 400mg is fine, some say start at 300 but the difference is minimal and 400 gives you a better reading of your aromatisation. Nolvadex PCT, forget clomid, it makes most lads feel terrible. Get bloodwork before, mid cycle, and 6 weeks post PCT.

[Marc NL]

Solid advice from everyone here. One thing to add - have everything in hand before you pin your first shot. AI, nolvadex for PCT, and ideally a blood test booked for week 6. Lot of first timers start the cycle then scramble to get the support compounds. Also make sure your diet and training are already dialled in, gear amplifies what you are already doing, it does not fix bad habits.