The pin 6 depression factor

Hello Forumites

Ive started my first test cyp only cycle (500mg week split in 2x 250mg) on 1 Jan 2016, pinning every 4th day

By pin 6 (roughly 3 weeks in), I wasnt noticing any effects, specifically in libido and general well being (as most logs mention). This lead to a week of feeling depressed as im injecting myself with a substance and I have no idea where its going.

Today will be pin 8, over the last week, libido has picked up abit, but nothing major/hardcore. Also, shrinkage is around 20-30% down and is uneven across to 2 (one is larger).

Im coming from a history of (1-2 years of low libido, lack of energy, lack of drive for most things), my pre cycle free test was in the 400 range, while this was within the reference range, I definately didnt feel normal.

Ive done another test(test/e2) today, will have the results tomorrow. (@ R561 a pop, its fun)

I think, im looking to feel like a teenager again (over and above the gains), wake up in the morning amped for the day.

Changes Ive experienced:
Around week 3 - itchy/pins feeling across the back, oily noise in the morning.
Pumps are very strong, feels like my muscles are going to burst with blood (though this could be from spending ~2 years on a *x5 program and now going to in hypertrophy program?)

So I have to ask, is what im going through normal or should there be more to it?

So I too am on my first cycle.

Test cyp at 500mg a week split into 250mg doses every 4 days, so same as you.

My sex drive also did not increase however I do feel better about myself but that stems more from the gains which I have made and am noticing. That being said there are times where I do feel as if I am getting smaller although the scale and the tightness of my clothes state that I am not losing size and I think that I am just getting use to the weight I have put on.

When are you starting HCG? After a few pins of that, I have noticed my sex drive has increased ever so slightly. I started my HCG 4 weeks into my cycle - that should assist with the testicular atrophy (ball shrinkage) and will assist with recovery.

I also noticed at around week 3 / week 4 it felt as if my skin became a lot oiler. My fore head in particular, rubbing my hand over my forehead throughout the day does not feel pleasant and makes my hands quite oily and icky which was not the case prior to me starting this cycle.

Pumps also can be ridiculous, I get crazy forearm pump when brushing my teeth and I have to take breaks. I kid you not, it is most annoying. When doing high rep seated calf raises I have a pump in my calves until I get home and it makes riding my bike extremely uncomfortable to the point where I have to let my feet dangle off my foot pegs. So this means that the test is certainly working and doing its thing.


In terms of libido and side effects, I created this thread. Have a read, I think it will answer your questions and help you understand that any drug can effect people in very different ways:
anabolicsteroids.co.za/forum/2-anabolic-...on-ego-sex-drive-etc

Hope that answers your questions and puts your mind at ease. Remember a lot of what happens and goes in is all in your head.

You could be 90 years of age or 18... no idea. Insufficient info

If you are so emotionally sensitive to hormonal changes then I would rethink using AAS altogether until you are in a better mental state. It is never going to be a walk in the park. If this is how you feel now, wait until you hit PCT and come off. Don't take this the wrong way. Using AAS can get very complicated.

Thanks Psy, interesting feedback. Suppose to start HCG on day 14, but decided to wait 4 weeks to confirm the effects of the test cyp (and the latest blood tests).

@Oupa, my stats are:
30 year old, 95kg, 18% bf.

My latest blood work (29 Jan 2016 - non fasting)
E2 - 35
Free Test - 2995
SHBG - 11.5

Blood work from December (fasted)
E2 - 21
Free Test - 466 (while this was within range and Dr was happy, i had no libido)
SHBG - 15
Prior to Jan 2016, I was on a 2k diet, and spent around 2 years on a stronglifts type training style


@Muscleaddict - I might have used the word "depressed" too strongly, it was more disappointment than anything else.

Forgot to list my height. Im 1.84