you might as well be using 500mg any dose under that i feel is wasted, and to start really feeling and seeing gains 3-4 weeks, and for future reference at a dose of 250mg you are still recieving the same amount of side effects that you would at 500mg but without the extra benefits, you might as well do 500 a week 250 on mon and 250 on thurs that will keep blood levels steady and sides to a min and almost non existent state