INTRO Hello from NYC | 27

Mugshotwock

Mugshotwock

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Joined
Apr 11, 2026
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Location
New York
Hey all,

Mug here! 🙂

After spending a few weeks reading posts both before and after I kicked off my own research project, I figured it was time to actually post my intro.

I wound up on this forum after digging through a bunch of questionable reddit threads, and honestly it felt like a miracle when I stumbled onto this place. As my research went further, Reddit kept coming up short. There were some genuinely disturbing threads over there, plus TikTok kids weighing in on every pep topic imaginable as if they were research or source authorities. Frightening. And here I was thinking I was on the younger side for this. Anyway, enough of that.

Right now I'm almost through week 1 of a 4-wk cycle at 1mg/wk of RT-3. I've been on depo-testosterone for 8 years, so I already know my way around self-administered IM shots, 3mL syringes, and unit conversion. Gotta say, subQ has been a welcome change of pace.

So yeah, just dropping in to say hi, and I'm glad to be here! Can't wait to get to know everyone.
 
Mugshotwock said:

Hey all,

Mug here! 🙂

After spending a few weeks reading posts both before and after I kicked off my own research project, I figured it was time to actually post my intro.

I wound up on this forum after digging through a bunch of questionable reddit threads, and honestly it felt like a miracle when I stumbled onto this place. As my research went further, Reddit kept coming up short. There were some genuinely disturbing threads over there, plus TikTok kids weighing in on every pep topic imaginable as if they were research or source authorities. Frightening. And here I was thinking I was on the younger side for this. Anyway, enough of that.

Right now I'm almost through week 1 of a 4-wk cycle at 1mg/wk of RT-3. I've been on depo-testosterone for 8 years, so I already know my way around self-administered IM shots, 3mL syringes, and unit conversion. Gotta say, subQ has been a welcome change of pace.

So yeah, just dropping in to say hi, and I'm glad to be here! Can't wait to get to know everyone.
Click to expand...

Hi Mug! Smart call getting away from Reddit and TikTok for this kind of thing — both are thick with spam and shaky claims.

What are you actually hoping to get out of the RT-3 at this stage? Your plan of attack changes a lot depending on the answer. Either way, we're glad to have you around.
 
Glad to have you. I too made my way over from reddit, and after going through posts in this space I've picked up quite a bit—enough that I now second-guess a few of the things I absorbed over the last 6 months regarding GLPs.
 
Mugshotwock said:

Hey all,

Mug here! 🙂

After spending a few weeks reading posts both before and after I kicked off my own research project, I figured it was time to actually post my intro.

I wound up on this forum after digging through a bunch of questionable reddit threads, and honestly it felt like a miracle when I stumbled onto this place. As my research went further, Reddit kept coming up short. There were some genuinely disturbing threads over there, plus TikTok kids weighing in on every pep topic imaginable as if they were research or source authorities. Frightening. And here I was thinking I was on the younger side for this. Anyway, enough of that.

Right now I'm almost through week 1 of a 4-wk cycle at 1mg/wk of RT-3. I've been on depo-testosterone for 8 years, so I already know my way around self-administered IM shots, 3mL syringes, and unit conversion. Gotta say, subQ has been a welcome change of pace.

So yeah, just dropping in to say hi, and I'm glad to be here! Can't wait to get to know everyone.
Click to expand...
Hey Mug, glad you're here!

Compared to most people just starting out, you're already ahead thanks to what you've been through. My own first injection had me nervous as hell—I remember sitting on the edge of my bed, palms clammy. Now, 2 years down the line, I can't help but chuckle at that.

Glad to have you with us!
 
Pinknail said:

Mugshotwock said:

Hey all,

Mug here! 🙂

After spending a few weeks reading posts both before and after I kicked off my own research project, I figured it was time to actually post my intro.

I wound up on this forum after digging through a bunch of questionable reddit threads, and honestly it felt like a miracle when I stumbled onto this place. As my research went further, Reddit kept coming up short. There were some genuinely disturbing threads over there, plus TikTok kids weighing in on every pep topic imaginable as if they were research or source authorities. Frightening. And here I was thinking I was on the younger side for this. Anyway, enough of that.

Right now I'm almost through week 1 of a 4-wk cycle at 1mg/wk of RT-3. I've been on depo-testosterone for 8 years, so I already know my way around self-administered IM shots, 3mL syringes, and unit conversion. Gotta say, subQ has been a welcome change of pace.

So yeah, just dropping in to say hi, and I'm glad to be here! Can't wait to get to know everyone.
Click to expand...

Hi Mug! Smart call getting away from Reddit and TikTok for this kind of thing — both are thick with spam and shaky claims.

What are you actually hoping to get out of the RT-3 at this stage? Your plan of attack changes a lot depending on the answer. Either way, we're glad to have you around.
Click to expand...
Appreciate the kind greeting — happy to be part of this!

And yeah, it became obvious pretty fast that TikTok wasn't going to offer anything legitimate (not that I went in expecting it to.. the algorithm simply began feeding me that stuff once my research got underway).

My project has two aims: dropping fat while holding onto muscle, plus getting a handle on food noise. That makes nutrition and macros a big deal for me. About 2 weeks before kicking off my research project, my diet was already locked in, and my training plan is solid (for what I need). The change was truly night and day. The subject had significant inflammation around the midsection during the afternoon/evening after the shot. By the following morning, it had vanished.

Obviously this is all anecdotal, and I'm still early in this project, but the long term looks promising to me.
 
fatboi-to-skinnyboi said:

Glad to have you. I too made my way over from reddit, and after going through posts in this space I've picked up quite a bit—enough that I now second-guess a few of the things I absorbed over the last 6 months regarding GLPs.
Click to expand...
Appreciate the greeting!

What I'd suggest is going further down the rabbit hole — peer-reviewed journals and articles are a good place to look. Google Scholar was my entry point.

Your apprehension makes sense; plenty of frightening accounts are floating around. Ultimately you're weighing risk and asking yourself whether your circumstances justify taking it on. One thing worth keeping in mind: this is an extremely exacting procedure that demands the highest level of professional handling. During recon or when drawing up, the quantities involved are micrograms, and there's the matter of bacterial contamination to consider.

Cross-reference your COAs with whichever lab your vendor says performed the testing. If you're purchasing in bulk, consider submitting a vial for independent testing. Sure, there's risk involved, but there are steps you can take to reduce it. The catch is that you need the right knowledge in hand first.

If you do decide to launch a research project, your doctor is the best ally you could have. Wishing you the best of luck!
 
GeeB5 said:

Mugshotwock said:

Hey all,

Mug here! 🙂

After spending a few weeks reading posts both before and after I kicked off my own research project, I figured it was time to actually post my intro.

I wound up on this forum after digging through a bunch of questionable reddit threads, and honestly it felt like a miracle when I stumbled onto this place. As my research went further, Reddit kept coming up short. There were some genuinely disturbing threads over there, plus TikTok kids weighing in on every pep topic imaginable as if they were research or source authorities. Frightening. And here I was thinking I was on the younger side for this. Anyway, enough of that.

Right now I'm almost through week 1 of a 4-wk cycle at 1mg/wk of RT-3. I've been on depo-testosterone for 8 years, so I already know my way around self-administered IM shots, 3mL syringes, and unit conversion. Gotta say, subQ has been a welcome change of pace.

So yeah, just dropping in to say hi, and I'm glad to be here! Can't wait to get to know everyone.
Click to expand...
Hey Mug, glad you're here!

Compared to most people just starting out, you're already ahead thanks to what you've been through. My own first injection had me nervous as hell—I remember sitting on the edge of my bed, palms clammy. Now, 2 years down the line, I can't help but chuckle at that.

Glad to have you with us!
Click to expand...
Appreciate the warm welcome, GeeB!

Oh man, back in the early days of my depo journey I was accidentally doing IM injections with a 20 gauge. When I told my doctor, he totally panicked lol. So yeah, anything under a 23 and I'm a happy camper. SubQ really is the best, isn't it? 🤣

So where did you do your first pin when you got started? For me it was the upper thigh since my hands were already familiar with that motion. I was a little shaky, but once I stuck it I thought "wait, that's all?" lol
 
Mugshotwock said:

GeeB5 said:

Mugshotwock said:

Hey all,

Mug here! 🙂

After spending a few weeks reading posts both before and after I kicked off my own research project, I figured it was time to actually post my intro.

I wound up on this forum after digging through a bunch of questionable reddit threads, and honestly it felt like a miracle when I stumbled onto this place. As my research went further, Reddit kept coming up short. There were some genuinely disturbing threads over there, plus TikTok kids weighing in on every pep topic imaginable as if they were research or source authorities. Frightening. And here I was thinking I was on the younger side for this. Anyway, enough of that.

Right now I'm almost through week 1 of a 4-wk cycle at 1mg/wk of RT-3. I've been on depo-testosterone for 8 years, so I already know my way around self-administered IM shots, 3mL syringes, and unit conversion. Gotta say, subQ has been a welcome change of pace.

So yeah, just dropping in to say hi, and I'm glad to be here! Can't wait to get to know everyone.
Click to expand...
Hey Mug, glad you're here!

Compared to most people just starting out, you're already ahead thanks to what you've been through. My own first injection had me nervous as hell—I remember sitting on the edge of my bed, palms clammy. Now, 2 years down the line, I can't help but chuckle at that.

Glad to have you with us!
Click to expand...
Appreciate the warm welcome, GeeB!

Oh man, back in the early days of my depo journey I was accidentally doing IM injections with a 20 gauge. When I told my doctor, he totally panicked lol. So yeah, anything under a 23 and I'm a happy camper. SubQ really is the best, isn't it? 🤣

So where did you do your first pin when you got started? For me it was the upper thigh since my hands were already familiar with that motion. I was a little shaky, but once I stuck it I thought "wait, that's all?" lol
Click to expand...
For me, it's got to be the upper thigh, no question.

1. Back then, there was plenty of it! 😂

2. I found it to be steady

3. The idea of my stomach...😨

After I'd seen enough clips and listened to what others went through, I worked up the nerve, and just like you, I thought, "Wait, really?". I felt ridiculous, but that's how we grow.

A 20 gauge, wow. Learning as we go and sharing the tale! Haha!
 
GeeB5 said:

Mugshotwock said:

GeeB5 said:

Mugshotwock said:

Hey all,

Mug here! 🙂

After spending a few weeks reading posts both before and after I kicked off my own research project, I figured it was time to actually post my intro.

I wound up on this forum after digging through a bunch of questionable reddit threads, and honestly it felt like a miracle when I stumbled onto this place. As my research went further, Reddit kept coming up short. There were some genuinely disturbing threads over there, plus TikTok kids weighing in on every pep topic imaginable as if they were research or source authorities. Frightening. And here I was thinking I was on the younger side for this. Anyway, enough of that.

Right now I'm almost through week 1 of a 4-wk cycle at 1mg/wk of RT-3. I've been on depo-testosterone for 8 years, so I already know my way around self-administered IM shots, 3mL syringes, and unit conversion. Gotta say, subQ has been a welcome change of pace.

So yeah, just dropping in to say hi, and I'm glad to be here! Can't wait to get to know everyone.
Click to expand...
Hey Mug, glad you're here!

Compared to most people just starting out, you're already ahead thanks to what you've been through. My own first injection had me nervous as hell—I remember sitting on the edge of my bed, palms clammy. Now, 2 years down the line, I can't help but chuckle at that.

Glad to have you with us!
Click to expand...
Appreciate the warm welcome, GeeB!

Oh man, back in the early days of my depo journey I was accidentally doing IM injections with a 20 gauge. When I told my doctor, he totally panicked lol. So yeah, anything under a 23 and I'm a happy camper. SubQ really is the best, isn't it? 🤣

So where did you do your first pin when you got started? For me it was the upper thigh since my hands were already familiar with that motion. I was a little shaky, but once I stuck it I thought "wait, that's all?" lol
Click to expand...
For me, it's got to be the upper thigh, no question.

1. Back then, there was plenty of it! 😂

2. I found it to be steady

3. The idea of my stomach...😨

After I'd seen enough clips and listened to what others went through, I worked up the nerve, and just like you, I thought, "Wait, really?". I felt ridiculous, but that's how we grow.

A 20 gauge, wow. Learning as we go and sharing the tale! Haha!
Click to expand...
The upper thigh is the best spot!

Last Friday I gave my flank a shot, and honestly it wasn't too bad. That said, I'm still not keen on anything close to my belly button.

It's really impressive that you managed to psych yourself up for it. Some people are absolutely terrified of needles. Even just looking at one for a moment is too much for my mom. 😅

Also, next to 20g, these thinner higher gauge needles glide in like butter. Gorgeous 🤣
 
A lot more people are scared of needles than would ever say so out loud, which is why I'm happy that so many oral options are about to hit the market for them. My own injection sites are near the belly button, and now and then the upper thigh. Something that works well for me: gently probe several different places until you hit one where the feeling is minimal. When you find that sweet spot with virtually no nerve endings, the needle goes in without you even noticing.
 
nambo said:

A lot more people are scared of needles than would ever say so out loud, which is why I'm happy that so many oral options are about to hit the market for them. My own injection sites are near the belly button, and now and then the upper thigh. Something that works well for me: gently probe several different places until you hit one where the feeling is minimal. When you find that sweet spot with virtually no nerve endings, the needle goes in without you even noticing.
Click to expand...

Absolutely! It works wonders for settling the nerves and nailing the technique when you're still getting the hang of it.

Copper is now part of my lineup — earlier I did my first upper glute pin (roughly 5 mins ago lol). Glute injections aren't something I'm familiar with, but since I already recognize that sensation, I can anticipate what's coming.

Truth. I can't say "you can't even tell there was a needle at all" loudly enough. Sometimes, even with lower gauges, my skin puts up enough resistance that I completely lose track of where I poked.

Same here — it's a plus that orals keep showing up on the market. Even when pinning doesn't bother you, scar tissue builds if you skip rotation, go too hard, and so on. So, options are a win 🔥
 
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