How will testosterone suppression affect me?” or “What will happen to me when I get suppressed?” are one of the most common questions beginners and newcomers ask.
Luckily assessing the need for a test base, and running one is very simple if you know what you’re doing. In this article you will learn the 7 ways to do a test base for your SARMs cycle:
Each form of testosterone base has it’s pro’s and con’s. They are all viable choices and have been tried and tested by thousands of users in the enhanced bodybuilding community. I have also implemented every single one in my own experiments with myself and over 500 lifetime clients.
Knowing this, I can confidently present each method of running a test base:
The purpose of a running a test base on SARMs is to mitigate the suppression of natural testosterone and avoid the side effects that come with it. A test base is typically only necessary for stronger SARMs that cause high degrees of suppression.
Symptoms of low testosterone include:
Mildly suppressive SARMs that don’t require a testosterone base:
Moderately suppressive SARMs that can be run without a testosterone base but using one is recommended:
Highly suppressive SARMs will definitely require a test base if you want to function normally during your cycle, these include:
SERMs (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators) are a class of chemicals used to jumpstart natural testosterone production following AAS (Androgenic Anabolic Steroids) and suppressive SARM cycles.
In recent years a protocol known as the “SARM + SERM protocol” has become increasingly popular amongst SARMs users. As the name implies, SARM + SERM are cycles where the SERM is used on-cycle to combat suppression as its happening.
Though still an experimental approach that goes against traditional enhanced bodybuilding knowledge, thousands of users have had great success and remarkable results using it.
Using SERMs as a test base only works with SARMs and not AAS, because of the underlying mechanisms by which SERMs work, and how suppression is caused by SARMs vs AAS. Even though this form of testosterone base would never work with AAS, it’s possibly the best and simplest form of test base to run with SARM cycles.
Note: Even though mildly suppressive SARMs do not require a test base, you can still do the SARM + SERM protocol with them instead of doing a PCT, which is why I’ve listed them in the following instructions section – to clear up any confusion.
As a general guideline, you should begin taking the SERM as soon as you see the first signs of suppression (lethargy, weaker erections, low sex drive, etc.).
This is context dependent, but general rules do apply:
Important: Consider YK-11 to be a highly suppressive cycle regardless of what else you’re stacking it with. Consider any combination of two SARMs to be a highly suppressive cycle for that matter, and I advise against stacking SARMs of the same kind for other reasons.
SERMs have side effects as well, so limit your use to 6 to 8 weeks at most. And always buy SERMs from a reputable vendor to make sure the products you’re getting are legit. This is especially important if you’re sourcing Enclomiphene as it’s often faked and just Clomiphene under the label.
Unless you’re running highly suppressive SARM cycles, you can almost certainly stop taking the SERM the day you stop taking the SARM without worrying about your testosterone levels declining again. Especially if the SERM is Enclomiphene.
If the SERM is not Enclomiphene you will still probably fully recover without continuing into a PCT. But if you do feel symptoms of suppression after the cycle, however mild, you can take the SERM for an additional two weeks.
Which SERMs to use:
Enclomiphene is the only SERM powerful enough to be used as a testosterone base with highly suppressive cycles and SARMs. So unless you can get your hands on high-quality Enclomiphene and want to run highly suppressive SARMs, use a different form test base.
For mildly and moderately suppressive cycles any SERM can work. These are the SERMs that can be used in a SARM+SERM protocol:
A strong SERM that will keep your testosterone levels in the top half of the reference range if cycling mildly or moderately suppressive SARMs. Libido issues and erectile dysfunction are possible but rare and Tamoxifen is generally very well tolerated.
Dose: 20 mg/day
A very strong SERM that will keep your testosterone levels in the upper half of the healthy range if you are cycling mildly or moderately suppressive SASRMs. It can cause moodiness and influence your emotional state, it is the most hated SERM for this reason.
Dose: 25 mg/day
A moderately strong SERM that will keep your testosterone levels high enough to feel good during the cycle if you are running a mildly or moderately suppressive SARM. The majority of people tolerate it very well and feel no negative side effects.
Dose: 30 mg/day
This is the most potent SERM available. The SERM “Clomiphene” is made up of two isomers:
Zuclomiphene is responsible for irritability, while Enclomiphene is responsible for the increase in testosterone. With Enclomiphene you get the benefits of Clomiphene without the emotional side effects.
If you’re using mildly or moderately suppressive SARMs, it might even raise your testosterone levels above the reference range, and well inside the reference range if you’re using a highly suppressive SARM.
People report an increase in aggression as the most common side effect, but apart from that, it tends to make people feel amazing while taking it.
Dose: 12.5 mg/day
A very weak SERM compared to all the others. It’s also not as effective in increasing testosterone levels, but it is exceptionally efficient at fighting gynecomastia.
It could be used as a test base for mildly suppressive SARMs, but not anything stronger. Adverse side effects are not common, and rarely noticeable.
Dose: 30 mg/day
Traditional bodybuilding knowledge says that we should always taper down SERMs to avoid an estrogen rebound effect when coming off.
This simply means:
In my experience and from what I’ve observed, it doesn’t make a difference because the SERMs’ effects don’t end when you stop using them. Instead, the effects last at least a week, so there’s no risk of a rebound spike in estrogen levels.
You can still taper down Tamoxifen, Toremifene or Raloxifene dose in the final week regardless of these theories. This has been done for a long time, and we know it has no negative impact on results.
But the following SERMs should always be tapered down:
| Week | Mildly Suppressive SARM | SERM (Tamoxifen Example) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | x mg/day | |
| 2 | x mg/day | |
| 3 | x mg/day | |
| 4 | x mg/day | |
| 5 | x mg/day | |
| 6 | x mg/day | 20 mg/day |
| 7 | x mg/day | 20 mg/day |
| 8 | x mg/day | 20 mg/day OR 10 mg/day |
| Week | Moderately Suppressive SARM | SERM (Enclomiphene Example) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | x mg/day | |
| 2 | x mg/day | |
| 3 | x mg/day | |
| 4 | x mg/day | |
| 5 | x mg/day | 12.5 mg/day |
| 6 | x mg/day | 12.5 mg/day |
| 7 | x mg/day | 12.5 mg/day |
| 8 | x mg/day | 6.25 mg/day |
| Week | Highly Suppressive SARM(s) | Enclomiphene Always |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | x mg/day | |
| 2 | x mg/day | |
| 3 | x mg/day | 12.5 mg/day |
| 4 | x mg/day | 12.5 mg/day |
| 5 | x mg/day | 12.5 mg/day |
| 6 | x mg/day | 12.5 mg/day |
| 7 | x mg/day | 12.5 mg/day |
| 8 | x mg/day | 12.5 mg/day |
| 9 | 12.5 mg/day | |
| 10 | 6.25 mg/day |
Because SERMs decrease IGF-1, one of the most anabolic hormones in the body this strategy has the potential to restrict how much muscle the user may acquire throughout a cycle. But even those who choose not to use it, rarely experience a halt in their progress after adding a SERM to the cycle.
To date I have not seen anyone notice this effect, but it still exists on paper, and we must address it. This can be remedied by using MK-677 in conjunction with the SERM.
DHEA is converted into a variety of hormones in the body, one of which is Estrogen. The idea behind using DHEA as a base is that it will deliver the same advantages as regular oral estrogen while being safer.
Because oral DHEA is not very bioavailable finding a sufficient dose could be challenging. Topical DHEA is a better option (if you can find a high quality source), sublingual administration of the oral version is also effective.
DHEA doesn’t always require a PCT. Only when taking S-23, YK-11, LGD-3303, or Ligandrol and Testolone at high doses.
Dose: Start by taking 25 mg/day, and gradually increase up to 100mg if necessary to feel good.
4-Andro is another oral alternative to testosterone injections. A prohormone that converts into testosterone in the liver, and it’s as close as we can get to an effective form of oral testosterone.
Dose: 100-150 mg/day
If you take any more than that, 4-andro will have anabolic effects on its own. Estrogenic and androgenic side effects will be more likely to happen if you’re not using an Aromatase Inhibitor.
This form of testosterone base also requires a PCT.
Because an oral steroid like DBol converts to estrogen, it’s also a viable alternative.
The problem with this type of test base is that it is exceedingly suppressive, toxic to the liver, and has a high risk of estrogenic side effects.
Dose: 10 mg/day
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin is commonly used by bodybuilders as part of their PCT regimen to improve fertility or merely to protect their testicles from shrinking while on cycle or TRT.
HCG has been effectively used as a test base for SARM cycles by many users.
If I were to use HCG as a Test Base, I would inject 500iu every three days, always with an AI in hand, such as Anastrozole, Arimistane, or Exemestane, to prevent excess estrogen conversion if necessary.
This test base protocol will require you to do a mild PCT with a SERM because HCG will suppress your LH levels.
The thing that surprises people is that we need a test base not because we lack testosterone, which SARMs partly replace, but because we lack Estradiol (Estrogen).
Testosterone converts into Estrogen (SARMs don’t), and when we are suppressed there’s no, or a lot less testosterone to convert. Oral estradiol or birth control are both options. I wouldn’t recommend the latter because it contains progestin, which will lower your testosterone levels even further.
In fact, I wouldn’t advocate using any type of oral estrogen since you’d be on the same regimen as male-to-female transsexuals. This is not a game for beginners.
If you decide to use birth control pills, you will definitely need a PCT.
This form of a test base is the most effective one as it’s injecting literal testosterone. The drawback is that you have to do injections.
Most SARM users prefer them to steroids since they don’t want to pin themselves, and in that sense this is counter-intuitive.
Additionally, there are topical testosterone creams, however, they are less effective and you run the risk of rubbing them onto other people.
The dose of injectable Testosterone for a test base is between 100 – 150mg per week.
Some people go as high as 250mg but I would advise against doing that since it’s excessive and a cycle by itself.
Keep in mind that SARMs decrease SHBG and raise Free Testosterone, thus the more exogenous Testosterone you use, the more Free Testosterone you’ll have.
This increases the probability of developing symptoms like moodiness, water retention, gynecomastia, and hair loss.
You will DEFINITELY need a PCT if you opt to inject testosterone and are not on TRT or blasting and cruising.
SARM + SERM is the best test base for SARMs if you have access to legit Enclomiphene and you know what you’re doing. Which you now are.
Otherwise, DHEA or 4-Andro would be the next best, followed by HCG, then Testosterone injections, and lastly oral Estrogen.
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