Post cycle therapy is a method of taking drugs to stabilize a user’s hormones back to normal. When an athlete stops to use steroids, he traps in a low testosterone situation. So, PCT was invented to help bodybuilders to get over side effects after the cycle. 

The most popular drugs for PCT are Clomid (Clomiphene citrate) and Nolvadex (tamoxifen). They both are able to block estrogen, thus reducing the negative effect. 

Somebody uses just Nolvadex; somebody prefers to use both drugs. However, Nolvadex is more efficient. Also, a lot of users complain of side effects from Clomid.

Having analyzed old-school approaches, the scientists made a conclusion that it is faulty that the use of both drugs lifts the production of Testosterone. A lot of athletes would take a mid-cycle Clomid burst in the hopes that it would trigger a rise in testosterone production to keep to a minimum shutdown. During a heavy androgenic cycle, Clomid could only be used is as an anti-estrogen, not a mid-cycle anti-shutdown agent, because the high androgen levels will trigger feedback from the testes to finish testosterone production. Thus, if androgen levels are elevated, Clomid will contribute very little too natural testosterone production. When the androgen levels in steroids reduce, it will be much more efficient to begin the PCT.

The example of PCT on Nolvadex:

  • Day 1 - 100 mg
  • Following 10 days - 60 mg
  • Following 10 days - 40 mg

As said above, many users like to use both Nolvadex and Clomid.

PCT on Nolvadex and Clomid combined:

  • Day 1 - Clomid 250 mg + Nolvadex 60 mg
  • Following 10 days - Clomid 100 mg + Nolvadex 40 mg
  • Following 10 days - Clomid 50 mg + Nolvadex 20 mg

This method is pretty effective, but it is not ideal. Some cycles may need higher doses or longer duration of taking to reach the wanted results.

The beginning of Post Cycle Therapy depends on the combinations in the cycle.

When to start your PCT after ceasing your cycle:

  • Testosterone Enanthate - 2 weeks; duration of PCT - 3 weeks
  • Testosterone Cypionate - 2 weeks; duration of PCT - 3 weeks
  • Testosterone Propionate - 3 days; duration of PCT - 3 weeks
  • Testosterone Suspension - 6-8 hours; duration of PCT - 3 weeks
  • Sustanon - 3 weeks; duration of PCT - 3 weeks
  • Winstrol - 12 hours; duration of PCT - 2/3 weeks
  • Dianabol - 6-8 hours; duration of PCT - 3 weeks
  • Trenbolone - 3 days; duration of PCT - 4 weeks
  • Deca durabolan - 3 weeks; duration of PCT - 4 weeks
  • Primabolan depot - 14 days; duration of PCT - 2 weeks
  • Anavar - 8-10 hours; duration of PCT - 2 weeks

HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

It is a hormone that could be helpful for athletes who have problems with testes (testicular atrophy) during a cycle.

It was believed that it would help to restore Testosterone if it is used during Post Cycle Therapy. However, scientists have proved that its mechanism of action is another. The drug simulates LH's effects in the organism by inducing Leydig cells to make Testosterone in the testes. During the cycle, it can be useful in correcting existed testicular atrophy. However, it will not contribute to the post cycle recovery process because the drug will cause increased estrogen levels due to the aromatization of Testosterone produced in the testes, thereby causing more HPTA suppression.

FAQ

When is it recommended to start PCT?

Usually, it is 2 weeks after the cycle.

During which period after the cycle, natural Testosterone comes back?

It depends on what and how long it was used during the cycle. On average, it is 6-8 weeks.

Is it possible to use only Nolvadex for PCT?

Yes, it is possible, but if you were on 5-10 different products and shut down for months, Nolvadex can be useful only for rehabilitation.

Is it possible not to use PCT?

It is possible, but it will take 3-4 times longer to get in form after the cycle. There is a possibility of losing a muscle mass that you have been gaining during your cycle.

What is the main aim of PCT?

PCT was made to restore your natural testosterone production after the cycle when your body was exposed to injecting synthetic Testosterone. 

Will I have my testosterone level at a normal level after the cycle of steroids?

Usually, bodybuilders come back to 90-95% of where it was before. It can be recovered to 100% if you stop for a long period of time.

What is the dosage of Testosterone for bodybuilders?

Bodybuilders can take Testosterone in the dosage of 500-3000 mg weekly. However, the average athlete uses no more than 1000-1250 mg per week.