Post Cycle Therapy ( PCT )

What Is Post Cycle Therapy?

Most bodybuilders and athletes use steroids in “cycles” to mitigate side effects. They allow the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPTA) — the mechanism that regulates hormone production — time to increase testosterone production. This happens after use. But with any steroid use, the flood of synthetic hormones throws your body off balance. Once you cease anabolic steroid use, your body is slow to recover to normal levels of testosterone. This is where post cycle therapy steps in. Research indicates that post cycle therapy can help reduce withdrawal symptoms from anabolic steroid use. It can also get testosterone production back on track.

The drugs used during post cycle therapy protocol will vary depending on individual circumstances. There are over-the-counter products available for some cases, like testosterone boosters and oestrogen blockers. But these are not powerful enough for steroid users. When you come off anabolic steroids, your body can experience a surge of oestrogen, leading to hormonal chaos. This is where PCT comes in. Drugs like Clomid and Nolvadex are used as part of anabolic harm reduction treatment to restore natural hormone balance.

Clomid and Nolvadex are both Selective Oestrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs). Do not confuse them with selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs). SERMs regulate post cycle oestrogen production. They also block the negative effects that it has on the body. 

Clomid works by targeting the oestrogen receptors in the hypothalamus and pituitary glands. This can help release luteinising hormones (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH). Both hormones are crucial to fertility and healthy sperm production. Nolvadex, on the other hand, is great at reducing oestrogen levels. It also prevents oestrogen surges that can lead to serious health issues like stroke, prostate disease, and heart problems.

Both of these drugs can be purchased online. Still, it is vital to have regular blood tests to check your testosterone levels. These tests make sure you are not taking too much. But PCT isn’t just about controlling oestrogen levels. Supplements like phosphatidylserine and acetyl-l-carnitine can also be used to help lower cortisol levels. High cortisol levels can lead to unwanted catabolism. Catabolism is the breakdown of essential body tissues and compounds. This can protect you from loss of muscle mass. 

If you are suffering from side effects when you stop the steroids, you will need help. You need the help of a qualified doctor. The doctor will take blood work to see what PCT is best for you. They will also check your hormones. Post cycle therapy is not something you should try on your own.

Is Post Cycle Therapy Necessary?

If you see a guy at the gym who seems unnaturally large, he will likely be on performance-enhancing drugs (PED). These are known by many names — human chorionic gonadotropin, growth hormone, anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), prohormones, clenbuterol and tamoxifen. When you cease using steroids, testosterone will increase naturally, but this take up to four months, during which you experience side effects including:

• Low libido
• Acne
• Disturbed sleep 
• Erectile dysfunction 
• Depression
• Headaches
• Anxiety
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea.

Training during Post Cycle Therapy 

It is recommended to continue training during post cycle therapy. Exercise can help preserve muscle mass and strength gains that were achieved during the steroid cycle. But, it is important to listen to your body. Adjust your training intensity as needed. Post cycle therapy can be a challenging time for your body.

As for training, it’s recommended to continue lifting weights. Do so at a slightly reduced intensity and volume compared to your steroid cycle. This can help you keep muscle mass and strength gains while avoiding overtraining or injury. Focus on compound lifts that work multiple muscle groups at once. Also, consider adding in some cardio or other forms of aerobic exercise. This will support your overall health and fitness.

Overtraining should be avoided during your PCT cycle. Your body needs time to recalibrate. It needs to restore itself to where it was before synthetic hormones were introduced. Ultimately, the key is to listen to your body. Adjust your training and recovery strategies as needed during your PCT cycle. You shouldn’t stop working out completely, but consider cutting back on reps. Don’t add extra weight onto usual lifts or undertake heavy-weight training. 

Essentially, while your body is recuperating, your training needs to settle down and find its level during PCT. Not too little, not too much — it’s all about finding the right balance. Nutrition is, as always, a key part of healing. Eat nutrient-rich, high-fibre food and hydrate your body with plenty of water. Any supplements affect the hormonal balance of the body. You should consult the doctor overseeing the PCT before taking these. With the right approach, you can keep your gains and support your overall health and well-being during this critical time.

The Importance of Sleep and Rest during PCT

Be gentle with yourself and accept that negative steroid side effects are normal. Your body needs time to heal and return to normality. During your post cycle therapy, it’s especially important to prioritise rest and recovery, which includes getting enough sleep each night. 

Getting enough sleep is important for overall health and well-being. It becomes even more critical during post cycle therapy. This is when your body is recovering from the stress of a steroid cycle. During PCT, your hormone levels are in a state of flux, and you experience fatigue, mood swings and other symptoms. Adequate sleep can help support your body’s natural hormone production, as well as enhance muscle recovery and repair. Additionally, lack of sleep can increase stress levels and exacerbate mood swings, which are common during PCT. While individual sleep needs can vary. You should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night. This is essential for optimal health and functioning.

If you’re having trouble sleeping during PCT, there are a few things you can try. First, set a consistent sleep schedule, going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. This can help regulate your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Other strategies for improving sleep during PCT include creating a comfortable sleep environment. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed. Limit screen time in the hours leading up to bedtime.

In summary, while we do not advocate the use of steroids for non-medical use. A PCT cycle helps restore hormonal balance. It reduces oestrogen levels and aids in reaching a natural level of endogenous testosterone.

Post Cycle Therapy FAQ

When should I start post cycle therapy?

You should start PCT as soon as you stop taking selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) and prohormones. If you have been using steroids, it’s advisable to wait for a week before starting PCT. Naturally, slow-release steroids take longer to leave the body. It be several weeks after the last injection is administered until the body is free of artificial testosterone. Once free of artificial testosterone, you can start PCT. Under the care of a qualified physician, post cycle therapy can help to reduce oestrogen levels. It can also help you reach a natural level of endogenous testosterone. This will restore hormonal balance.

How long does PCT last for?

The post cycle therapy cycle usually lasts for around four to six weeks, depending on individual circumstances. If necessary, post cycle therapy can be extended for several weeks. Nevertheless, this is dependent upon your circumstances, like the kind of drugs, the dosage taken and for how long. 

Why should I have post cycle therapy ?

Bloodwork gives you important details about your general and hormonal health. It lets you track the effectiveness of your PCT. You can make any required modifications based on it. You need to follow post cycle therapy after the use of PEDs. Without it, it will be much harder to recover your natural testosterone levels. You’ll find it much harder to recover your natural testosterone levels. Side effects will be more severe and last for longer. You lose the muscle gains you’ve worked so hard to achieve.