Low test high anabolic cycles…a fad in the past?

[Testosteroni]

I remember reading on various forums during mid 2010s on guys experimenting with low test high anabolic cycles to avoid common side effects from higher test doses. It seems like this trend has died out and people are running more test now.

Do these cycles still hold any value today in your experience when it comes to achieving a great physique? Some guys say that test makes them look like shit or fat which confuses me as it should be the other way around.

 

[Yousef12O2]

https://www.professionalmuscle.com/forums/index.php?threads/who-prefers-lower-test-while-going-higher-with-other-anabolics.171386/#post-3095111

https://www.professionalmuscle.com/forums/index.php?threads/high-anabolic-lower-test-in-offseason.164051/

 

[Testosteroni]

https://www.professionalmuscle.com/forums/index.php?threads/who-prefers-lower-test-while-going-higher-with-other-anabolics.171386/#post-3095111

https://www.professionalmuscle.com/forums/index.php?threads/high-anabolic-lower-test-in-offseason.164051/

I must’ve missed those threads thanks!

 

[nothuman]

https://www.professionalmuscle.com/forums/index.php?threads/who-prefers-lower-test-while-going-higher-with-other-anabolics.171386/#post-3095111

https://www.professionalmuscle.com/forums/index.php?threads/high-anabolic-lower-test-in-offseason.164051/

Good stuff here but they're old threads so might as well have another updated discussion about it.

I do see this talked about less than it used to be. It was all the rage back in the day.

 

[Oldwhitedude]

I've only ever really seen good growth with cycles leveraged with either Test or Deca, or a combination of the two.

Higher test cycles do seem to be the flavor of the day. Like everything the pendulum swings.

 

[Anickanoppe]

It’s interesting how trends in cycles change over time. I had a buddy who tried that low-test, high-anabolic cycle back in the day. He was aiming to dodge the common side effects of high testosterone. Honestly, he found it helped him lean out without feeling overly puffy. He eventually decided to buy steroids in Canada, which made him feel more at ease with sourcing them. As for the results, he looked great and was happy with his progress, but everyone reacts differently. Some people may feel bloated or not see the results they want with test, which can be confusing.

 

[kadafi2]

First, you need to differentiate cycles based on the goal: whether it's reduction, mass, or weight maintenance. When it comes to reduction or maintenance, you may not need a lot of testosterone, but bulking up on low test is a bad idea. Of course, everyone has to find their limit, there's no point in taking too little testosterone or too much.

 

[aHarness]

Tried it when the “fad” first started

Didn’t enjoy it. Just felt flat with the low test. Felt counterintuitive for an environment to create good training and growth.

Seems pointless besides specific situations imo. Test is well tolerated and easiest compound of all on health markers (for most), affordable, almost never faked, and we have AIs to manage estrogen.

 

[LATS]

Gotta pick your poison.. ive always done lower test because when I increase my test past 400mgs it greatly decreases my sexual function.. it doesn't matter where my e2 is.. or my prolactin .. shbg.. I'm having issues.. so since I value my sex life over gains that's my route..

That being said.. I, months ago, increased my test dose to near 700mgs.. what happened? Well I started gaining again a pretty decent rate.. was actually very happy.. until my dick went dead.. now I'm back to 250mgs of test a week with my primo..

 

[traininsane11]

If you think low test high anabolic/dht have died off I’d like to refer you to 9/10 people that take steroids in the UK over the last 5+ years if you believe what people say then apparently no one needs over 300mg of test ever.

Uk mentality = test = evil

 

[LATS]

If you think low test high anabolic/dht have died off I’d like to refer you to 9/10 people that take steroids in the UK over the last 5+ years if you believe what people say then apparently no one needs over 300mg of test ever.

Uk mentality = test = evil

This is true with many euro guys at the moment.. test much lower than the other anabolics.. but like I've always said I believe it's the total anabolic content or load that matter more.. but yes test needs to be in their for estro conversion etc.. but the amounts compared to 5 to 7 years ago are much lower

 

[luki7788]

This is true with many euro guys at the moment.. test much lower than the other anabolics.. but like I've always said I believe it's the total anabolic content or load that matter more.. but yes test needs to be in their for estro conversion etc.. but the amounts compared to 5 to 7 years ago are much lower

Because today most BBs want to look pretty lean all year round and I also think that the total anabolic load counts when it comes to the matter of building muscle but I will look much better taking e.g. 1250 test + 1250 eq or primo than 2500mg of test alone even if the e2 level is exactly the same

 

[d4ve]

Food for thought - Is the difference between low test / higher test, assuming total mg are equated, really just the temporary look? Obviously there are other considerations such as BP, lipids, etc. I'm talking fat vs. water.

I would think so, but I'm wondering whether anyone has found that they actually stay leaner (while in a surplus) on one vs. the other. Or saw different patterns of fat distribution.

I might actually think higher test would keep someone leaner, assuming e2 isn't sky high, but that higher DHT might result in less fat to the lower body.

 

[luki7788]

Food for thought - Is the difference between low test / higher test, assuming total mg are equated, really just the temporary look? Obviously there are other considerations such as BP, lipids, etc. I'm talking fat vs. water.

I would think so, but I'm wondering whether anyone has found that they actually stay leaner (while in a surplus) on one vs. the other. Or saw different patterns of fat distribution.

I might actually think higher test would keep someone leaner, assuming e2 isn't sky high, but that higher DHT might result in less fat to the lower body.

I agree - when I have more test than anabolics my legs hold more water and when test is 1:1 to anabolic or lower my legs hold much more water even if e2 is the same - I think that sodium retention on test is simply much greater than on its derivatives

 

[Xplicit]

I think what is commonly misunderstood when it comes to low test cycles, is the big picture. What else are you running?

Very basic example.

A. Trt Test with Tren/EQ

B. Trt Test with Tren/EQ + HGH

C. Trt Test with Tren/EQ + HGH + Insulin

All 3 of these will be referred to as a low test blast but all 3 of these will have vastly different results. This isnt even touching on dosage variance.

 

[luki7788]

I think what is commonly misunderstood when it comes to low test cycles, is the big picture. What else are you running?

Very basic example.

A. Trt Test with Tren/EQ

B. Trt Test with Tren/EQ + HGH

C. Trt Test with Tren/EQ + HGH + Insulin

All 3 of these will be referred to as a low test blast but all 3 of these will have vastly different results. This isnt even touching on dosage variance.

I don't fully agree because insulin and GH are something that will push you to 100% potential which you can use about 80% with steroids alone if it comes to the therm of muscle growth not difren Look that high GH and insulin will give

 

[JJT]

Food for thought - Is the difference between low test / higher test, assuming total mg are equated, really just the temporary look? Obviously there are other considerations such as BP, lipids, etc. I'm talking fat vs. water.

I would think so, but I'm wondering whether anyone has found that they actually stay leaner (while in a surplus) on one vs. the other. Or saw different patterns of fat distribution.

I might actually think higher test would keep someone leaner, assuming e2 isn't sky high, but that higher DHT might result in less fat to the lower body.

I dont think any anabolics can match the body fat redistibution compared to a very hard long intense prep. Did first prep with Justin Harris, with 45 min HIIT fasted on an assault bike and 45 mins LISS PWO with very little food, swear my legs barely add any fat/water after that even peak off season even after 4 years.

I even have the other problem, midsecton gets way softer compared to other parts. They look 8 weeks out apart LOL.

If any anabolic combo helps with midsection I'd happily take it

 

[TheOtherOne55]

I mean, i've said this 100x on these same threads. Show me a 240lb+ lean guy who got there on low test.
They don't exist (other than maybe Jordan Peters but his total dosage more than made up for the lack of test)

I'm working with a guy in the UK who is just trying to stay lean and grow. That's it.
But I have no real interest in his compounds, he can handle that. But yes, the UK loves low test and hates EQ lol.
The guy is running 250 test + 700 primo + 400 NPP.

 

[aHarness]

I would think so, but I'm wondering whether anyone has found that they actually stay leaner (while in a surplus) on one vs. the other. Or saw different patterns of fat distribution.

I would assume it’s truly just water. There’s no special mechanism or properties of say, mast or primo (as far as I know) that would keep someone truly leaner in terms of actual bf% than just test. If anything, if total mgs are the same, I’d figure the test would be better as in my experience it’s stronger than both mast or primo mg per mg.

 

[traininsane11]

I mean, i've said this 100x on these same threads. Show me a 240lb+ lean guy who got there on low test.
They don't exist (other than maybe Jordan Peters but his total dosage more than made up for the lack of test)

I'm working with a guy in the UK who is just trying to stay lean and grow. That's it.
But I have no real interest in his compounds, he can handle that. But yes, the UK loves low test and hates EQ lol.
The guy is running 250 test + 700 primo + 400 NPP.

I’m running test, Deca & EQ and being from the UK I definitely feel like the outcast using my outdated compounds and being coached by an American who and I quote “are 20 years behind in terms of knowledge and customer service” according to the UK coaching scene

As much as I’m doing it because I want to there’s definitely a part of me that hopes I can turn up on stage and thrash the guys who spout that nonsense or their athletes at least