Posted by APF on March 10, 1997 at 13:25:50:
In Reply to: 2x2x2 Some Questions. posted by 2x2x2, Some questions. on March 10, 1997 at 10:00:07:
: Ok, first questions. It is known that taking HCG for prolonged periods of time, will shut down ones own production of luitenizing hormone and or FSH permanently, making one rely on the drug forever. With the 2x2x2 cycle, You will basically take HCG at relatively high dosages at 2 week intermittent patterns, with clomid. Now, what I am worrying about is whether this will shut down LH and FSH production permanently. I don't want that to happen!
: Second, this is not really a question, but I just need someone to assure me that 2 weeks of HCG / clomid will indeed upregulate receptors during the 2 weeks off, that the steroids on weeks 3 and 4 will work well enough to cause muscle gain again. You dont need to tell me the mechanisms through which it wirks, but just that there are logical scientific reason and empirical evidence. I'll trust you on the rest. I know this sounds like I want babysitting, but I think that before I inject 2000 mg of test into myself, I need some reassurance.
: However, dont reassure me if it doesnt really work.
: Thanks!!!!
Hmm. I'll put this as straightforward as I can...
First, you know that taking 2gms/week AS will make you grow like nobody's business. You also know that after about two weeks at this dosage, your receptors will be shot and you'll be getting primarily an anti-catabolic response (which is still "good", BTW). The theory is, take a huge amount before the receptors are completely shot, then take a break so your body can "reset" itself somewhat, then blast it again. The reason people have been using hCG/etc in the 'off-period' is basically to make sure their naturally-produced testosterone has not been shut down (leading to loss of all gains during the off period). As well Nolvadex, Clomid, etc.
It has been postulated that the hCG/etc use has the additional effect of upregulating the receptors, which is exactly what you need during this time. Of course, your body is also in the process of doing this as well during this period, if I am not mistaken, so whether or not the original postulation is correct, you will see some degree of receptor cleansing. Personally, I think if you're looking for maximal receptor response, you may see good gains by doing large doses 2 weeks on, 4 weeks off, for a greatly extended period of time (ie: all the time).
However, with 2x2x2 (can we think of a better name?) as it is right now, I don't see how it couldn't "work" to some degree - taking large doses will work, and if you experience minimal loss during the off period, with the hope of some degree of upregulation, then chances are it could work better than doing the 2 grams straight for 6-8 weeks. This seems logical. Of course I haven't had my coffee this morning.
-APF