Mass-cycle advice

[srakers1945]

Currently in rebound after a hard cut.
Age: 25
Height: 5’7 (170 cm)
Weight: 170 lbs (~77 kg)
Body fat: ~8.5%

I cut down using 400 mg/week of testosterone cypionate (split into two shots).
Before that, I bulked for 16 weeks on 500 mg test + 150 mg DHB weekly — made solid gains in size, density, and strength, maintained most of that during the cut - just lost some strenght on squats, propably I was pushing the cardio too hard

Goal: First competition in 2026
Target class: up to 85 kg (187 lbs) — propably 80 kg with a great quality(hopefully), because I think that's unrealistic to make ~17lb stage weight by a year

Current mass cycle plan:

• 500 mg/week testosterone cypio
• 300 mg/week NPP
• 150 mg/week DHB
• 750 IU/week HCG (split doses)
• AI and caber dialed in based on bloods
• Basic health supplements (omegas, NAC, vitamin D, magnesium, etc.)

Considering dropping DHB, not sure if it’s worth adding in at this point. Want to focus more on clean growth and fullness - any other options and opinions about the cycle?

 

[traininsane11]

Looks pretty solid. What’s your reasoning for running hcg on cycle?

In regards to dhb it’s personal preference really either keep it in or drop it and I’d probably bump the test to 700mg in its place

 

[luki7788]

taking hcg all year round is a must in my opinion if you want to maintain a healthy weight and as for the cycle it's hard to say because we don't know anything about you, your health or whether you've done any crusie or whether you have low %bf now

generally I wouldn't start another cycle with higher doses than before but with the same ones and if the progress is weak then I would think about increasing it and not right away because it doesn't make sense - I would also consider adding insulin and gh as another path of growth and not just a higher dose of addrogens because in this case synergy causes 1+1=3

 

[srakers1945]

Looks pretty solid. What’s your reasoning for running hcg on cycle?

In regards to dhb it’s personal preference really either keep it in or drop it and I’d probably bump the test to 700mg in its place

Shutting down LH completely for months makes recovery way harder, also I want to maintain normal testicles, because currently I am blasting all time, bloodwork is fine, same goes with well-being
I’ve actually never run more than 500mg of test before, so I’m not sure if jumping to 700 would be too much for my weight (I’m around 77kg). Do you think that dose could bring unnecessary sides at this point? I get your point with DHB — it’s probably not worth the toxicity long-term. Just trying to figure out the best move here.

 

[srakers1945]

taking hcg all year round is a must in my opinion if you want to maintain a healthy weight and as for the cycle it's hard to say because we don't know anything about you, your health or whether you've done any crusie or whether you have low %bf now

generally I wouldn't start another cycle with higher doses than before but with the same ones and if the progress is weak then I would think about increasing it and not right away because it doesn't make sense - I would also consider adding insulin and gh as another path of growth and not just a higher dose of addrogens because in this case synergy causes 1+1=3

Makes sense not to rush into higher doses straight away. I’ve actually been thinking along the same lines — I’ve done a few cycles before but never went crazy with the doses, and I’m sitting at a legit 8–9% body fat now, bloodwork looks perfect.


I agree that synergy is key — just pushing more androgens doesn’t always give better results, especially when sides start creeping in. That’s why I’m a bit hesitant about bumping test to 700mg or adding DHB to the cycle.


Haven’t tried insulin or GH yet, but I’m definitely considering that route instead of just increasing gear. What’s your take on using insulin without GH?


Appreciate the insight, Łukasz

 

[luki7788]

Makes sense not to rush into higher doses straight away. I’ve actually been thinking along the same lines — I’ve done a few cycles before but never went crazy with the doses, and I’m sitting at a legit 8–9% body fat now, bloodwork looks perfect.


I agree that synergy is key — just pushing more androgens doesn’t always give better results, especially when sides start creeping in. That’s why I’m a bit hesitant about bumping test to 700mg or adding DHB to the cycle.


Haven’t tried insulin or GH yet, but I’m definitely considering that route instead of just increasing gear. What’s your take on using insulin without GH?


Appreciate the insight, Łukasz

for me no - if insulin then only with gh

 

[traininsane11]

Shutting down LH completely for months makes recovery way harder, also I want to maintain normal testicles, because currently I am blasting all time, bloodwork is fine, same goes with well-being
I’ve actually never run more than 500mg of test before, so I’m not sure if jumping to 700 would be too much for my weight (I’m around 77kg). Do you think that dose could bring unnecessary sides at this point? I get your point with DHB — it’s probably not worth the toxicity long-term. Just trying to figure out the best move here.

Almost impossible to say really if it’s to much or if you’ll get unnecessary sides as both are super person dependent so you’ve gotta try it and see at some point

Ideally find the compounds you tolerate the best and increase by the least amounts to get the desired results which of course comes down to some educated trial and error

 

[ironmaster73]

Shutting down LH completely for months makes recovery way harder, also I want to maintain normal testicles, because currently I am blasting all time, bloodwork is fine, same goes with well-being
I’ve actually never run more than 500mg of test before, so I’m not sure if jumping to 700 would be too much for my weight (I’m around 77kg). Do you think that dose could bring unnecessary sides at this point? I get your point with DHB — it’s probably not worth the toxicity long-term. Just trying to figure out the best move here.

You here this all the time. Alot of it is just unfounded. I have been using gear for over 30 years. In my 20's I would cycle on and pct. Stay off from 3-6 months before jumping back on. At the time I was under a doctor using hcg layered in with clomid and always recovered from my cycles. Was able to have kids got two boys. first at 34yrs old and then 36yrs old. Was still taking gear and doing the pct recovery thing. Now at 50yrs old no longer pct as my natural levels do not come back very well which I just put down to age. So at 47 I switch to trt 100mg/wk keeps me just under 1000ng/dl. Taking hcg during cycle is a waste of time just wait till you want to come off and do a soild pct. Also most do not take enough hcg I would do the following when using hcg week 1 5000iu 2 x wk week 2 3000iu 2x wk week 3 1500iu 2 x week layered in with clomid 100mg ed then continue on with clomid for another 30days at 50mg ed. That is what I did right up until I was 45yrs old and always was able to recover my natural testosterone levels. Also I have known many guys able to get their partners pregnant while on cycle and not using hcg. Once again taking hcg during a cycle is a waste of time. Your body can also recover its own natural levels after a cycle although by the time it does you have lost all your gains and even can go below your natural muscle mass plus feel like shit and your sex drive will be nil. All pct does is speed up the process so you can get back to normal faster.

 

[Gizmo]

Shutting down LH completely for months makes recovery way harder, also I want to maintain normal testicles, because currently I am blasting all time, bloodwork is fine, same goes with well-being
I’ve actually never run more than 500mg of test before, so I’m not sure if jumping to 700 would be too much for my weight (I’m around 77kg). Do you think that dose could bring unnecessary sides at this point? I get your point with DHB — it’s probably not worth the toxicity long-term. Just trying to figure out the best move here.

Maybe I am misunderstanding your post, but LH is shut down regardless if you take HCG or not. Unless you mean HCG mimics LH so stimulation of the testicle is constant while on. Either way IMO HCG is not necessary to regain testicular function post cycle, it is all about the brain booting up LH and FSH production. Clomid stimulates the brain to produce LH and FSH which makes recovery easier. I was on non stop (trt and cycles) for over a decade and my testicle responded just fine to FSH and LH produced by the brain while taking clomid.

 

[Sectør]

I’d just run the test and NPP honestly. Should be able to add a lot of mass with just those two compounds if the diet is right

Don’t need the DHB or the hcg, especially the hcg

 

[KingOfSushi]

Just my personal preference, I’d much rather do 150 tren than DHB. And I’d definitely utilize GH.

 

[srakers1945]

Thanks for all the information.


Based on your advice, I’m planning to start with 500 mg of testosterone and 200 mg of NPP per week, dropping the DHB. — although I’m also considering going straight to 300 mg of NPP if that makes more sense from the start.
IF NOT GOING STRAIGHT UP WITH 300MGs! -> As I progress, I intend to gradually increase the doses: NPP from 200 → 250 → 300 mg, and eventually bump testosterone from 500 → 600 → 700 mg weekly, depending on how I respond.


As for nutrition, my current plan is:

• 200 g of protein (possibly pushing up to 250 g — still debating whether the extra intake will be worth it)
• 450–500 g of carbohydrates
• 30–40 g of fats

I'm training hard 6 times per week, making sure to hit every muscle group at least twice weekly with high volume and intensity.


Goal: lean gains, minimal fat, full recovery, and keeping everything tight on cycle.
Any feedback or adjustments welcome.

 

[KingOfSushi]

Thanks for all the information.


Based on your advice, I’m planning to start with 500 mg of testosterone and 200 mg of NPP per week, dropping the DHB. — although I’m also considering going straight to 300 mg of NPP if that makes more sense from the start.
IF NOT GOING STRAIGHT UP WITH 300MGs! -> As I progress, I intend to gradually increase the doses: NPP from 200 → 250 → 300 mg, and eventually bump testosterone from 500 → 600 → 700 mg weekly, depending on how I respond.


As for nutrition, my current plan is:

• 200 g of protein (possibly pushing up to 250 g — still debating whether the extra intake will be worth it)
• 450–500 g of carbohydrates
• 30–40 g of fats

I'm training hard 6 times per week, making sure to hit every muscle group at least twice weekly with high volume and intensity.


Goal: lean gains, minimal fat, full recovery, and keeping everything tight on cycle.
Any feedback or adjustments welcome.

whats your food currently at?

 

[srakers1945]

whats your food currently at?

end of cut:
200 protein
35-40 fats
150-250 carbs, depending on the training day
40minx2(morning fasted and then at night)LISS cardio 5x in a week, 10k steps on non-cardio days
at this moment rebound:
200 protein
35-40 fats
300-350 carbs
25 min cardio 5x a week, 5k steps on non-training days

 

[srakers1945]

Hey guys,


I’m 6 weeks into the cycle: 500mg test + 250mg NPP /WK, injected EoD for stable levels.
Physically, the results are insane — strength went through the roof, my lagging body parts (chest and abs especially) finally started to grow and look good.


But mentally? It’s a disaster.
I feel paranoid all the time, I’m having dark thoughts, can’t really sleep, and overall my happiness is at rock bottom — even though the gains are amazing. I feel like I can’t even enjoy them.
My relationships with friends and my girlfriend are suffering because of this, same goes with work I am just unmotivated and only thinking about diet and gym


I’ve checked my E2 and prolactin, and overall bloodwork is in check, so it’s not that. I even tried all the usual “calm” supplements — Ashwagandha (KSM-66), phosphatidylserine, L-theanine, taurine, glycine, SR melatonin, inositol, magnesium — they help, but only like 20–25% max..


For context: I struggled with mild depression and anxiety when I was younger(15-19, and it honestly feels like the NPP has brought all those feelings back, just worse now, while I had no symptoms for 3-4 years at all


What would you do in my place? Drop the NPP completely? Lower the dose? Switch to something else?
Any advice or experience would be appreciated — I really don’t want to completely ruin my mental health over this, even though the gains are crazy.


Thanks.

 

[luki7788]

Hey guys,


I’m 6 weeks into the cycle: 500mg test + 250mg NPP /WK, injected EoD for stable levels.
Physically, the results are insane — strength went through the roof, my lagging body parts (chest and abs especially) finally started to grow and look good.


But mentally? It’s a disaster.
I feel paranoid all the time, I’m having dark thoughts, can’t really sleep, and overall my happiness is at rock bottom — even though the gains are amazing. I feel like I can’t even enjoy them.
My relationships with friends and my girlfriend are suffering because of this, same goes with work I am just unmotivated and only thinking about diet and gym


I’ve checked my E2 and prolactin, and overall bloodwork is in check, so it’s not that. I even tried all the usual “calm” supplements — Ashwagandha (KSM-66), phosphatidylserine, L-theanine, taurine, glycine, SR melatonin, inositol, magnesium — they help, but only like 20–25% max..


For context: I struggled with mild depression and anxiety when I was younger(15-19, and it honestly feels like the NPP has brought all those feelings back, just worse now, while I had no symptoms for 3-4 years at all


What would you do in my place? Drop the NPP completely? Lower the dose? Switch to something else?
Any advice or experience would be appreciated — I really don’t want to completely ruin my mental health over this, even though the gains are crazy.


Thanks.

2 options for me:
1. Quickly add 100 mg of Proviron daily and see if there's any improvement after about a week.
2. Change the NPP to a DHT derivative or simply test more.

 

[massephase]

Drop the NPP completely?

I get that feeling after a few weeks/ months on Deca if its above ~500mgs. Up to 400mg I am usually fine. Not depressed, but unmotivated, don't give a shit about stuff at work, just like you say. It can really mess with you mentally.

Last time I took it with masteron and didn't feel that way, so the tip with proviron might help ... But don't stay on it if it makes you feel this way. There is still other stuff you can try like EQ or Primo

 

[M@NU]

i always had the same response as soon as ive increased NPP above 30mg daily.
I simply couldnt tolerate more.
The crazy thing is that i had no issues with tren hex, even at 60mg daily.

 

[control]

taking hcg all year round is a must in my opinion if you want to maintain a healthy weight

Could you elaborate on this please? I'm interested to know more.

 

[luki7788]

Could you elaborate on this please? I'm interested to know more.

lol man where did you get that quote if it's not in this thread? lol