Looking for some insight on new shin tightness / cramping since adding Primo

[BuffMaltese]

I’m hoping someone here has run into something similar.

Background: I’m 48, very active, long history of lifting and conditioning. I’m in good cardiovascular shape. Historically I could run or walk fast without any lower leg issues at all, even when I was out of shape years ago.

Current cycle (first real blast):

– Test C 350 mg/week

– Primo 200 mg/week (this is the only recent new compound)

– NPP 150 mg/week

– HGH 3 IU/day

Previously: 150mg test, 70-100mg NPP, 3iu HGH

About 2–3 weeks into full doses (first added lower dose of Primo around 4-5 weeks ago) I started developing a weird tightness / cramping sensation in my shins and anterior lower legs. First came on when I tried to jog after about 7 minutes. Tried 12 degree, 3mph incline walking on a subsequent session and same thing occurred. Then a few days ago I was walking fast in the mall and the same thing occurred. Now today I was doing a workout and just sat in a body weight squat to stretch and the same sensation started happening.


– Feels like extreme tightness or impending cramp in the tibialis / shin area

– Cardiovascularly I’m totally fine, breathing and heart rate are normal

– This never happened to me before, even when I used to run while out of shape

No swelling, redness, or focal pain. Just severe tightness / fatigue in the shins that comes on fast.

Things I’m wondering about:

– Electrolytes or mineral imbalance (magnesium, potassium, sodium?)

– Primo causing something vascular or electrolyte related

– Blood thickness / hematocrit issues

– Something like exertional compartment syndrome triggered by AAS

Has anyone experienced shin cramping or anterior lower leg tightness like this on cycle, especially with Primo?

Any ideas what labs I should check (CBC, ferritin, electrolytes, CK, etc.) or things to try?

Appreciate any insight. This one has me scratching my head.

 

[atruse]

Estrogen in men is involved in:

1. Electrolyte balance & muscle function​

• Regulates calcium handling in muscle cells
• Affects magnesium and sodium balance
• Low E2 → muscles become more excitable → cramping and spasms

2. Muscle hydration​

• Estrogen helps maintain intracellular water
• Low E2 → “dry” muscle tissue → tighter, cramp-prone muscles

3. Blood flow​

• Estrogen improves nitric oxide production
• Low E2 → poorer perfusion → cramps during or after exertion

---

How it typically presents​

Low-E2 cramps are often:

• New or worsening on cycle
• Worse at night or post-training
• Accompanied by:
  
  • Joint stiffness or pain
  • Flat pumps
  • Reduced endurance
  • Low libido or muted orgasm
  • “Dry” feeling overall

Many people first notice:

calves, hamstrings, feet, or forearms cramping

 

[BuffMaltese]

E2 results are in : 21 pg/ml

 

[OldGHGuy]

E2 results are in : 21 pg/ml

Low to mid normal but it could be low for YOU. Everyone is different and requires different levels of estrogen to be right. I would cut the Primo in half and see if it makes a difference. I might also add some electrolytes/minerals.

 

[BabaJagga]

Yeah, I think people are talking about different things. I’m not talking about the normal “cool” pump you get in a muscle you’re training. I’ve had this exact issue twice now. The other time was when I was using Anavar and doing rack-pulls. I literally had to stop the workout because my upper back seized up and started cramping.

This isn’t a good feeling at all. It’s not fun, it’s not motivating, and it’s not like “wow I feel really full and awesome.” It’s the opposite. You have to stop. You can’t continue the workout. You can’t even keep doing the activity. It’s straight-up limiting and miserable, not some cosmetic pump benefit.

ive had this from var ince. forearm pump during oull workout was so bad i had to go home. i couldnt grab anything, holding steering wheel was tough. muscle was as hard as bone. had sick veins tho

 

[TheDuderino85]

E2 results are in : 21 pg/ml

Hmm. Just curious, whats your normal baseline on TRT?

Doesn't seem like crazy low but every body is different in regards to sides.

 

[BuffMaltese]

I’m increasing test to 400 mg and keeping primo at 200 mg. I’ll retest in a few weeks and see if I feel better with higher E2.

I’m also dropping NPP, both to get a better idea of how I feel on just test and primo and because I’m due for a break since I’ve been running low-dose NPP alongside my TRT for quite a while now.

 

[OldGHGuy]

I’m increasing test to 400 mg and keeping primo at 200 mg. I’ll retest in a few weeks and see if I feel better with higher E2.

I’m also dropping NPP, both to get a better idea of how I feel on just test and primo and because I’m due for a break since I’ve been running low-dose NPP alongside my TRT for quite a while now.

Going from 350 to 400 Test and dropping 150 NPP will be a net DECREASE on your E2, more than likely....

 

[BuffMaltese]

Hmm. Just curious, whats your normal baseline on TRT?

Doesn't seem like crazy low but every body is different in regards to sides.

18.3 pg/ml natural; TRT 150mg test 30 pg/ml