When to Start Post Cycle Therapy

Post Cycle Therapy 101: The Ultimate A-Z Guide

What is Post Cycle Therapy?

Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) is a recovery phase designed to restore your body’s natural hormone production after using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), such as anabolic steroids or synthetic hormones. During PED use, your body may suppress its own hormone production, leading to hormonal imbalances and potential side effects. PCT helps regulate these hormones and restores your body to its natural state, ensuring you can maintain muscle mass, recover effectively, and avoid adverse health effects.

Why Use A PCT?

Using a PCT is crucial for several reasons:

• Kick-Starts Natural Testosterone Production: After stopping PEDs, your body’s own testosterone production may be impaired. PCT helps stimulate this production, restoring your natural hormone levels.
• Prevents Low Testosterone Symptoms: Low testosterone can cause various health issues and physical declines. PCT helps maintain healthy testosterone levels, reducing these risks.
• Counteracts the Side Effects of PEDs: PEDs often have harmful side effects, such as testicular atrophy or liver damage. PCT can mitigate these effects by supporting your body’s healing processes.
• Helps You Keep Your Gains: PCT ensures that the muscle gain and strength you achieved during PED use are not reversed. It helps maintain your progress while allowing your body to recover naturally.
• Gives You Time to Recover: PCT allows your body to heal and readjust, reducing the risk of long-term health complications associated with PED use.
• Supports Muscle Retention: During the off-season or after discontinuing PEDs, PCT helps preserve muscle mass and prevent fat gain by maintaining an anabolic environment in your body.

Different Types of PCT

There are two primary types of PCTs commonly used: Clomid PCT and Nolvadex PCT. Each serves slightly different purposes but ultimately aims to restore hormonal balance and promote recovery.

Clomid PCT cycle

Clomid, also known as Clomiphene Citrate, is one of the most widely used substances in PCTs. It works by stimulating the release of hormones from the pituitary gland, particularly luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This stimulation leads to increased testosterone production by the testes and helps restore natural hormone levels.

• Common Dosage: Typically ranges from 25-100mg per day, taken in divided doses (2-4 times daily)
• Duration: Usually lasts for 4-6 weeks, depending on the individual’s response and the severity of their hormone suppression.
• Side Effects: Commonly include nausea, bloating, and changes in cholesterol levels. Rarely, it may cause liver damage if taken in high doses over a prolonged period.

Nolvadex PCT cycle

Nolvadex (Nolvadex-Dehydrochloromethylsterate, or NDSM), also known as Tamoxifen, is another popular PCT aid. Unlike Clomid, it functions differently by blocking the action of estrogen in the body. Estrogen plays a role in hormone regulation, and by inhibiting its activity, Nolvadex helps reduce estrogen levels while enhancing the effects of testosterone.

• Common Dosage: Typically ranges from 10-50mg per day, taken once or twice daily
• Duration: PCT cycles with Nolvadex usually last 4-6 weeks as well, though some individuals may extend the cycle to 12 weeks for better results.
• Side Effects: Commonly include fatigue, muscle stiffness, and mild nausea. Rarely, it may cause gastrointestinal irritation or transient liver damage in high doses.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start PCT?

PCT timing depends on the type of PED used and your individual situation. For anabolic steroids, PCT typically starts 2-4 weeks after the last dose. For hormones like GH (somatotropin), the timing may differ based on the half-life of the drug and its suppression effects.

How long should PCT last?

PCT durations vary from 4 to 6 weeks for mild cases to several months for severe hormone suppression. Some individuals opt for extended PCTs (12-24 weeks) to ensure full recovery and to prevent any lingering side effects.

What’s the best way to find Arimistane?

Arimistane, also known as Anvarol or 6-Bromo-2-butylnitrile, is a less common but effective PCT aid. It works similarly to Clomid by stimulating hormone release from the pituitary gland. You can purchase it from reputable suppliers online, ensuring you’re using a high-quality product that meets safety standards.

Summary

PCT is a critical phase for anyone who has used PEDs to restore their body’s natural hormone production and avoid long-term health complications. Whether you choose Clomid, Nolvadex, or Arimistane, adhering to proper dosage and duration guidelines will maximize your recovery and help you maintain your gains. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplementation regimen to ensure it aligns with your individual health needs and goals.

Sources: JBHNews .