Muscle gains on TRT vs overdosing

fmalianos · May 14, 2015

Im 35. Ive been on TRT for 6weeks with TestCyp @125mg per week. I started with a testosterone level of 359ng/dl and after 6 weeks my test levels were at 1200. I have noticed my stamina and overall well being have improved. I also find myself wanting to workout almost every day in comparison to before getting on TRT(had to drag myself to the gym and would struggle to workout).

My question is(after reading a few online articles): is it true that men on TRT really don't gain much muscle because TRT keeps you within normal ranges...and that to see real muscle gains I would have to surpass the over the HIGH-normal ranges(1100ng/dl) by overdosing(like doing cycles with shots of 300mg or above per week?

Vince · May 14, 2015

fmalianos, by working out with weights everyday and doing "good workout" you're going to get lean and muscular. The best part is all the energy and clarity of mind use it to your advantage.

a_crossfitter · May 14, 2015

fmalianos said:
Im 35. Ive been on TRT for 6weeks with TestCyp @125mg per week. I started with a testosterone level of 359ng/dl and after 6 weeks my test levels were at 1200. I have noticed my stamina and overall well being have improved. I also find myself wanting to workout almost every day in comparison to before getting on TRT(had to drag myself to the gym and would struggle to workout).

My question is(after reading a few online articles): is it true that men on TRT really don't gain much muscle because TRT keeps you within normal ranges...and that to see real muscle gains I would have to surpass the over the HIGH-normal ranges(1100ng/dl) by overdosing(like doing cycles with shots of 300mg or above per week?

Eat clean and plenty of calories; you'll put on some decent size! I gained almost 20 pounds in 6 months. I was doing .5ml per week.

ERO · May 15, 2015

A lot has to do with genetics as well. I have worked out my entire life and since going on TRT 4 years ago - and working out harder than before and eating better as well - I have added next to nothing. But, I am 50 so I may have had better results if I was 20 years younger.

Nelson Vergel · May 15, 2015

A study answered that question (these patients were not working out, so expect more gains than these)

Responses of different doses of testosterone injections on body composition, strength, etc.

fmalianos · May 15, 2015

Nelson Vergel said:
A study answered that question (these patients were not working out, so expect more gains than these)

Responses of different doses of testosterone injections on body composition, strength, etc.

thanks for this wonderful site!! im learning alot from excelmale.com

Fernando Almaguer · Jul 22, 2025

ERO said:
A lot has to do with genetics as well. I have worked out my entire life and since going on TRT 4 years ago - and working out harder than before and eating better as well - I have added next to nothing. But, I am 50 so I may have had better results if I was 20 years younger.

ARE YOU FOcUSING ON PROGRESSIVE OVERLOAD?

Nelson Vergel · Jul 22, 2025

fmalianos said:
Im 35. Ive been on TRT for 6weeks with TestCyp @125mg per week. I started with a testosterone level of 359ng/dl and after 6 weeks my test levels were at 1200. I have noticed my stamina and overall well being have improved. I also find myself wanting to workout almost every day in comparison to before getting on TRT(had to drag myself to the gym and would struggle to workout).

My question is(after reading a few online articles): is it true that men on TRT really don't gain much muscle because TRT keeps you within normal ranges...and that to see real muscle gains I would have to surpass the over the HIGH-normal ranges(1100ng/dl) by overdosing(like doing cycles with shots of 300mg or above per week?

125 mg per week is actually the magic dose. Read this: What is the Ideal Testosterone Dosage for Muscle Gain ? - Excel Male TRT Forum

Vince · Jul 22, 2025

Why is 200 mg/wk the "upper limit" for TRT? - Excel Male TRT Forum

I keep seeing people post that 200 mg/wk of test propionate is the upper range for TRT and that anything more than that constitutes AAS levels, with the implication that if you go higher you are abusing the protocol. Why is that, exactly? I'm a pretty big guy (235, just under 6'), and...

www.excelmale.com

Jda016 · Monday at 5:04 PM

100-125 mg of test cyp a week is definitely advantageous for muscle growth. Being at the high range of "normal" to just over the top of it is going to help you build consistent muscle for years to come. However, learning proper form, progressive overload, training frequency, getting good sleep, and making sure you are in a calorie surplus all play a vital role in obtaining an athletic physique.

Even natural guys who have a similar test and free test range are at a disadvantage compared to those on HRT because sleep, poor eating habits, stress, etc., all affect and can lower a natural's test levels. Those on HRT maintain a consistent test level despite those habits.

Also, the range for test levels can be highly deceiving in terms of how much muscle you can build.

I was hovering at just below normal to normal when I started HRT 12 months ago. My Free test is now three times higher than it was when I first started, and I am still within the normal range, but at the high end rather than the lowest end. I have gained 25 lbs in a year (some of that being fat), but I have most certainly gained muscle. Friends and family have noticed and commented on the muscle I have gained, and all my lifts have definitely gone up.

All that to say, being at the high range of "normal" makes a HUGE difference for building muscle rather than being at the low end, so don't be discouraged, and good luck in your muscle-building journey!