I’ve been lurking on the forums for a while, soaking up knowledge and adding to my understanding. I’m posting now because I’ve reached a bit of a crossroads in my PED journey and would appreciate some perspective.
BACKGROUND
I’m a 42-year-old male. I was heavily into lifting and fitness from my teens through my late 20s. Life took some hard turns, and I developed a serious drinking problem that lasted into my late 30s. I’m now sober and on the other side of that chapter, but the damage to my body was real.
Over time, I rebuilt both my physical and mental health, and today I feel better than I ever have.
When I restarted this journey in May 2025, I weighed 210 lbs at roughly 25% body fat. I regret not taking before photos, but at the time I was unhappy enough with my physique that it didn’t even cross my mind.
MY TRT JOURNEY
Last year, I started TRT through one of the larger online clinics. I know those clinics take criticism here, but I’ve chosen to stay with them for two main reasons:
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I travel frequently, and for professional reasons having a legal prescription is vital for me personally.
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My insurance covers any provider-ordered blood work, which makes the overall cost a wash when I did the math on how much comprehensive labs would cost several times a year.
So these two reasons alone justify the upfront costs with the clinic.
I started at 160 mg/week, dosing M/W/F, which worked well for me. After stellar labs in October, my provider increased me to 200 mg/week.
I also started tirzepatide (15 mg/week until recently). Between TRT, GLP use, diet, and training, I dropped to 175 lbs and approximately 6% body fat.
CURRENT PROTOCOL
After feeling great on 200 mg/week with no sides—and having some extra testosterone on hand from my previous lower dose—I increased myself to 250 mg/week.
I feel excellent. The only minor issue has been occasional slightly elevated blood pressure, but with proper hydration and consistent cardio, it seems more like isolated readings than a trend. I monitor hemoglobin/hematocrit weekly with a home device, and those numbers remain within normal range.
My provider also prescribed 25 mg/day Anavar to assist with lean mass while on the GLP-1. I’ve been on it for 8 weeks and have been very happy with the results, but I have reached the end of this portion of the protocol.
I’m currently tapering down the tirzepatide and introduced 1 mg/week retatrutide, primarily with lipid management/recovery in mind while running Anavar.
Due to my work schedule I am doing Push/Pull/Legs/ Upper. Everything is hit twice a week, and diet is on point. I have regained more size, and much faster than I could have hoped for.
I am thrilled with the results - I was successfully able to achieve a total body recomp and have a solid foundation to move forward with. I want to push it even further this summer. I will have 6 months before further clinic bloods will be due, and want to make the most of that time frame as I can.
PLAN GOING FORWARD
Here’s where I’m torn.
My next clinic blood work is in about 8 weeks. To avoid unnecessary scrutiny when renewing my prescription, I plan to reduce back to 160 mg/week temporarily to ensure health markers are well within normal ranges at the blood draw.
The loose plan:
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Run 160 mg/week for ~2 months.
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After bloodwork and renewal, increase to 400–500 mg/week if labs support it.
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Add a second compound for a 12-week summer cycle - End of April through July.
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Pay full freight for comprehensive labs mid cycle to avoid prying eyes at the TRT clinic.
I thought it would take until at least this May to reach my current physique, but the results came a bit faster than expected, so I have to recalibrate my initial plan for the year compound wise.
As much as I am primed for a serious bulk, I would prefer to go into, and through summer with a lean, dry look. That timing will put me on track for a 3 to 4 month cruise into the winter months before hitting a strong bulk cycle.
All said, that has me deciding between Masteron or Primobolan as the add-on starting May. I am torn on which to choose, and what dosing I should go with assuming I am going to be in the 400/500mg range of T a week.
I realize I’m planning ahead before getting updated comprehensive labs, but I’d prefer to secure a validated source for a full 12-week run rather than risk availability issues later. I need to be ready to pull the trigger on a purchase when I am able to. If the labs don’t support a cycle when the time comes, I will have stock for when they do.
I’m open to suggestions, critiques, or alternative approaches. Appreciate any insight.
Current Physique photos:
