“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.
SARMs like Ostarine, Andarine, ACP-105, and possibly even Ligandrol and Testolone can be run without a testosterone base. But if you want to cycle some of the more powerful SARMs like S-23, YK-11, or LGD-3303, you will definitely need one if you want to function normally during your cycle.
Here you will learn how to do a test base for your SARM cycle based on the 7 most common test base practices in the SARMs community:
- SARM + SERM (most popular)
- DHEA
- 4-ANDRO
- Dianabol
- HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)
- Oral Estrogen
- Test Injections
SARM + SERM
SERMs (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators) are a class of chemicals used to jumpstart natural testosterone production following AAS (Androgenic Anabolic Steroids) and powerful SARM cycles.
In recent years a protocol known as the “SARM + SERM protocol” has become increasingly popular amongst users and enhancement enthusiasts. 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.
SERMS and IGF-1
Because SERMs decrease IGF-1, one of the most anabolic hormones in the body. So this strategy has the potential to restrict how much muscle the user may acquire throughout a cycle.
This can be remedied by using MK-677 in conjunction with the SERM.
But even those who choose not to use it, rarely experience a halt in their progress after adding a SERM to the cycle.
SARM + SERM Cycle Instructions
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.)
- For mildly strong SARMs like Ostarine, Andarine, ACP-105, and AC-262 535, this normally happens around weeks 6-7.
- For moderately strong SARMs like RAD-140 and LGD-4033, this normally happens around weeks 4-5
- For strong SARMs like YK-11, LGD-3303, and S-23, this normally happens around weeks 2-3.
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.
Follow this protocol depending on how suppressive your cycle is:
For mildly suppressive SARM cycles:
- Add the SERM around week 6 or 7, and take it for the last 2-3 weeks of the cycle. This will be more than enough to keep Testosterone levels elevated after the cycle in 99% of users.
For moderately suppressive SARM cycles:
- Add the SERM around week 5 and use it for the last 4 weeks of the cycle. This will also be more than enough to keep Testosterone elevated after the cycle in 99% of users.
For highly suppressive SARM cycles:
- Add the SERM around week 3, and use it for the last 6 weeks of the cycle and for 2 weeks after the cycle.
IMPORTANT: Consider YK-11 to be a highly suppressive cycle regardless of what else you’re stacking it with.
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.
SARM + SERM Dosing
Enclomiphene is the only SERM powerful enough to be used as a testosterone base with highly suppressive SARMs (YK11, S23, LGD 3033).
Unless you can get your hands on high-quality Enclomiphene and want to run highly suppressive SARMs, use a different 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:
TAMOXIFEN (Nolvadex)
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
CLOMIPHENE (Clomid)
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
TOREMIFENE (Fareston)
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
ENCLOMIPHENE (Androxal)
This is the most potent SERM available. The SERM “Clomiphene” is made up of two isomers:
- Zuclomiphene
- Enclomiphene
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 very suppressive SARM.
RALOXIFENE (Evista)
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
How to End a SARM + SERM Cycle
Traditional bodybuilding knowledge says that we should always taper down the SERM (half the normal dose during the last week) to avoid an estrogen rebound effect when coming off the drug.
In my experience and from what I’ve seen in hundreds of anecdotal reports, 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 opt to 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.
Only the following SERMs should always be tapered down:
- Enclomiphene, because it has a very short half-life compared to the other SERMs.
- Clomiphene, even though it has a 5-day half-life, the Enclomiphene in the Clomiphene still has a very short half-life, and the Zuclomiphene is responsible for the rest of the half-life, which is estrogenic.
DHEA
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.
Recommended DHEA source: US & EU
20% OFF Discount Code: “POP20”
4-ANDRO
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.
Recommended 4-ANDRO source: US & EU
20% OFF Discount Code: “PATHOFPEDS”
Dianabol
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
HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)
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.
Recommended HCG source: US & EU
10% OFF Discount Code: “POP”
Oral Estrogen (Oral Estradiol, Birth Control)
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 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.
Oral Estrogen (Oral Estradiol, Birth Control)
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 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.
Testosterone Injections
This form of a test base is the most effective one (but also the least convenient) as it’s injecting actual testosterone.
The issue with testosterone is that it has to be injected, and most SARM users prefer them to steroids since they don’t want to pin themselves.
Additionally, there are topical testosterone creams, however, they are less effective and you run the risk of rubbing them onto other people.
Dosing Testosterone & Possible Side Effects
The dose of injectable Testosterone for a test base is between 100 – 150mg a week, some people go as high as 250mg but I would advise against doing that since it’s quite 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.
What's The Best Test Base for SARMs?
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, and finally oral Estrogen and Testosterone injections.
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