Introduction
Bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts usually resort to performance-enhancing drugs to improve their build. But the thing is, after completing an anabolic steroid cycle, here comes hormonal suppression. How do they recover from it? That’s where the proper post-cycle therapy protocol needs to take place.
Understanding PCT and Why It’s Necessary
Anabolic steroids suppress natural testosterone production by inhibiting the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis. This action has reduced luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. Reduced LH and FSH will lead to hormonal suppression and decreased natural testosterone levels.
Skipping PCT has serious consequences like muscle loss, fatigue, depression, hormone imbalance, decreased libido, and erectile dysfunction.
A proper PCT ensures that natural hormone production is restored efficiently. This will minimize the risks and accelerate the recovery process.
Setting Goals for Your PCT
What should be the focus of effective PCT-cycle therapy?
Maintaining Muscle Mass and Strength
Post-cycle therapy prevents catabolism or the breakdown of molecules into smaller units which therefore leads to loss of lean muscles.
Minimizing Fat Gain
Hormonal imbalance is one of the reasons for gaining fat. Therefore, controlling hormone levels will avoid excessive fat accumulation.
Restoring Hormonal Balance/Testosterone
PCT medications could boost endogenous testosterone production and restore balance. This could prevent erectile dysfunction or a decrease in libido.
Choosing the Best PCT Cycle to Keep Gains
Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs)
SERMS are the foundation of proper post-cycle therapy. The two primary options are the following:
Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate)
Clomid is often prescribed to women as a fertility drug that stimulates ovulation. Clomid works by increasing the secretion of gonadotropins (LH and FSH) through the inhibition of estrogen.
- ➢ Dosage: 50/50/25/25 mg per day for 4 weeks
- ➢ Benefits: It promotes the release of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone which helps in raising testosterone levels.
- ➢ Side effects: Mood swings, nausea, blurred vision, hot flashes, headache, pelvic pain, upset stomach, and dizziness.
Tamoxifen Citrate
It is commonly prescribed to women suffering from breast cancer. It reduces the stimulation of breast tissue and slows down the growth of breast cancer.
- ➢ Dosage: 40/40/20/20 mg per day for 4 weeks
- ➢ Benefits: It acts as an estrogen blocker and prevents estrogenic effects like gynecomastia (breast enlargement).
- ➢ Side effects: Hot flashes, nausea, and blood clot risks.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) (Optional)
It is a hormone produced in large quantities by women during the early stages of pregnancy. It increases progesterone and helps in nurturing the developing fetus.
- ➢ Dosage: 250-500 IU every other day before taking SERMs.
- ➢ Benefits: hCG increases luteinizing hormone levels and produces more testosterone. It also treats testicular atrophy (shrinkage) which maintains its function.
- ➢ Side effects: Acne, bloating, pain in the pelvic area, and nausea.
Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs) (if needed)
Aromatase is an enzyme that creates estrogen from steroid hormones like testosterone. An aromatase inhibitor is an estrogen blocker of the body.
- ➢ Anastrozole Dosage: 0.5 mg every other day.
- ➢ Exemestane Dosage: 12.5 mg every other day.
- ➢ Benefits: It reduces estrogen levels and prevents gynecomastia in males.
- ➢ Side effects: Hot flashes, joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and depression.
Post Cycle Therapy Supplements for Rest and Recovery
The following are over-the-counter supplements that are effective and important to minimize estrogenic effects.
- ➢ Zinc and vitamin D are essential for hormone production.
- ➢ D-aspartic acid and fenugreek boost testosterone levels.
- ➢ Ashwagandha and creatine reduce cortisol and support muscle recovery.
Find The Best Prices For PCT To Keep Gains
Best PCT Stacks/ PCT Protocol
The following protocol successfully brings back normal testosterone levels in male subjects after 45 days.
- ➢ Clomiphene: 2 x 50 mg for 30 days
- ➢ Tamoxifen: 2 x 20 mg for 45 days
- ➢ HCG: 2000 IU every other day for 20 days
PCT Timing and Duration
Timing is important to have an effective PCT. If it begins early, it is ineffective since there are still steroids in the system. If it’s late, the body will now go to the catabolic stage and will experience withdrawal symptoms.
The rule of thumb is, the timing should be tailored to the half-life of the steroid/s taken. If the user took multiple steroids, then PCT should begin after the last compound clears out of the system.
The duration for heavy steroid users is usually 45 – 60 days.
Additional Strategies to Maintain Gains Post-Cycle
Diet and Nutrition
- ➢ Maintain a high-protein diet to support muscle retention and muscle recovery.
- ➢ Balance macronutrients and calorie intake to properly support hormonal balance and energy levels.
Training Adjustments
- ➢ Avoid excessive volume of weight training or intense exercise right away after starting the post-cycle.
- ➢ Focus on strength maintenance instead of progressive overload.
Sleep and Recovery
- ➢ Getting enough sleep is important for well-being, it is more critical when your body is healing and recovering from steroids.
- ➢ During PCT, you may experience mood swings and fatigue, adequate sleep helps support your body’s natural hormone production and recovery process.
Managing Cortisol Levels
- ➢ Avoid excessive stress for it may cause an influx with your hormone levels.
- ➢ It is helpful to implement stress-management techniques to prevent adding stress while your body is still recovering.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in PCT
- As discussed above, avoid starting PCT too early or too late.
- Prevent overdosing SERMs or extending the period of PCT.
- Do not neglect a healthy diet. Eat nutrient-dense food. Be consistent with your training but do not overdo it.
- Getting blood tests is important to properly assess what is happening inside your body. Not using bloodwork to assess recovery will not do any good.
Monitoring Progress and Adjustments
Get blood tests before, during, and after PCT to track your recovery. If natural testosterone levels do not recover, consider extending the post-cycle therapy. Make sure that you follow those additional strategies mentioned above to make sure you are doing PCT right and restoring natural hormone production.
Conclusion
A well-planned post-cycle therapy is essential to restore the body’s natural hormone balance. Follow a proper post-cycle therapy protocol to maintain and preserve the muscle mass as well as to have muscle recovery. Monitor progress through blood work before, during, and after PCT and optimize diet and training. By doing these, bodybuilders can ensure sustainable gains and long-term success.
Frequently Asked Questions
How PCT works?
Post-cycle therapy works by following a specific protocol that consists of hCG, Tamoxifen citrate, and clomiphene citrate to restore the natural testosterone levels. It is done after taking androgenic steroids that cause low testosterone levels.
Where to get PCT?
PCT medications and PCT supplements are fitness essentials that are available in reliable online stores. Make sure to buy from online stores that offer third-party testing and certificates of authenticity like PureRawz and Behemothlabz.
When to start post-cycle therapy?
Get blood tests first to check the endogenous testosterone production of your body. Begin the treatment the first week after the last compound or steroids clear out of your system.
