The Ultimate Guide to Post-Cycle Therapy

As much as we don’t encourage the recreational use of steroids, we do provide the safety and risk mitigation knowledge you need if you do decide to go that path to achieve the body you want.

Professional bodybuilders’ chiseled bods aren’t only an outcome of chowing down on massive quantities of calories and pumping iron for long hours in the gym. Those rippling muscles need assistance beyond what any man is capable of naturally, which is where performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) such as anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) come into play.

Synthetic testosterone in the form of anabolic steroids may lead to hormonal abnormalities and other adverse effects. If you’re using steroids, we recommend that you follow a post-cycle treatment (PCT) with the assistance of a specialist.

A lot are curious or have concerns about what Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) entails, especially those thinking about taking performance-enhancing medications. To assist you determine whether and why PCT is required, we’ve put up this in-depth guide to address all your PCT-related questions.

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What Exactly Is Post-Cycle Therapy?

Synthetic anabolic hormones (also known as steroids) inhibit your body’s natural synthesis of testosterone (endogenous testosterone) once you take exogenous testosterone. As we’ll tackle below, using steroids on a regular basis is not recommended due to the many negative effects. When you stop using them, your body’s natural capacity to generate testosterone suffers largely.

To avoid tolerance developing and to give the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPTA) — the mechanism that controls hormone production — time to increase testosterone levels following usage, most individuals take steroids in “cycles.” However, when you take any kind of steroid, your body is thrown out of whack by the rush of synthetic hormones. Recovering to normal testosterone levels takes a long time once someone has stopped using anabolic steroids. Aside from health issues, those who have used steroids in the past may be at risk of losing muscle mass and developing estrogen dominance. Reduced sex drive, enlarged breast size, mood changes, gloominess, weariness, edema, and even a deeper voice are all possible side effects. Utilizing a pharmaceutical-based procedure of post-cycle treatment (PCT) may assist in accelerating bouncing back to normal testosterone levels and reducing adverse effects at the same time.

Restoring the user’s hormonal equilibrium is done under the guidance of a trained physician using a mix of legal medication. The estrogen levels fall and the endogenous testosterone level rises naturally. If you’re a steroid user, this technique is easy thanks to its controlled hormone system healing. After using anabolic steroids, your natural testosterone will have a much more difficult time rebounding, and you may end up losing the muscular gains you fought so hard to acquire if you don’t intend to utilize post-cycle therapy. 

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When Is the Appropriate Time to Begin Post-Cycle Therapy?

You should begin a post-cycle therapy (PCT) after using any drug that inhibits your natural testosterone production. You may begin using prohormones and SARMs (selective androgen receptor modulators) as soon as you stop taking them. Wait one week before beginning post-cycle therapy (PCT) if you’re taking steroids. If possible consult with a medical professional who would design a treatment plan and monitor your progress. We are here to provide you with the most impartial counsel and the finest medical assistance, regardless of whether you are a natural, aided, or long-term AAS user.

What Is the Duration of PCT?

The PCT pharmacological regimen typically lasts one month to six weeks and begins when the body is totally cleared of any anabolic steroid use. Individual variables, like the kind of medicines, the dose, and how long it was taken have a role in this. This treatment time may be prolonged for many weeks if required. Slow-release steroids, by definition, take longer to exit the body, thus it may be several weeks after the final injection before the body is clear of synthetic testosterone. Please note that if you’re a frequent steroid user, you’ll require prescriptions to help you control your hormone levels, and you’ll need to seek medical advice.

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In PCT, What Medications Are Used?

The medications required to complete the post-cycle therapy procedure will differ from person to person and from case to case. Some over-the-counter medications, such as testosterone amplifiers and estrogen blockers, are available for steroid users, but in general, they are not strong enough. Although we are unable to provide suggestions here, we can at least say that Clomiphene (Clomid) and Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) are often prescribed for use in post-cycle therapies. 

Clomid and Nolvadex are SERMs (selective estrogen receptor modulators) that control post-cycle estrogen production and prevent its harmful effects on the body. They are not to be confused with SARMs. When anabolic steroids are stopped, estrogen levels may soar, causing hormonal havoc, which is why regulating medicines are needed.

Healthy sperm production requires a proper hormonal balance. Clomid affects the hypothalamus and pituitary glands’ estrogen receptors. This aids in the release of the fertility-enhancing luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones (LH and FSH). 

Nolvadex promotes very high levels of LH production while preventing potentially hazardous estrogen spikes. Nolvadex is the best drug for lowering it and restoring endogenous testosterone to a normal, steady level. If estrogen levels abruptly increase and are not treated, strokes, prostate disease, and cardiac problems may develop. 

The PCT may also be used to decrease cortisol levels by using supplements like phosphatidylserine and acetyl-l-carnitine, for example. Catabolism may occur if these stress hormone levels are too high after a cycle. Consider the word anabolic as referring to the process of constructing new tissues, complex molecules, or increased muscular mass. To put it another way, catabolic is the reverse of anabolic, causing the breakdown of essential human components such as body tissues and complex body chemicals.

Metabolism is made up of the two. An improper post-cycle catabolism may result in significant fat and muscle mass loss, wiping out all the gains you’ve made from your hard work! Catabolism, on the other hand, if left unchecked, may lead to a variety of health problems.

With this information in mind, we can say with absolute certainty that post-cycle therapy is an important component of post-cycle recovery as well as a fantastic concept for returning endogenous testosterone to its normal peak levels. If you quit using anabolic steroids, it’s hazardous and not advised that you don’t have a recognized Post Cycle Therapy (PCT).

Should I Workout During PCT?

While the body is recalibrating and reestablishing itself after synthetic hormones have been administered, excessive and heavy workouts should be avoided. In as much as one desires to maintain muscle mass gained during the steroid cycle, we have to also remember that PCT involves a small adjustment to your workout practices. Even if you don’t stop working out entirely, you should reduce the number of repetitions you do, avoid adding additional weight to your regular exercises, and avoid hard training. However, the effort should be high enough to maintain muscular mass. During PCT, your training has to slow down and rediscover its normal level while your body recovers. Discovering the proper balance is key.

What Other Things Should I Keep in Mind During PCT?

It takes time for the body to fully recover and return to normal. Don’t be too hard on yourself; many of the unpleasant effects you’re experiencing are quite typical. Recuperation always requires a proper diet. Choose nutritious, high-fiber foods and drink lots of water to keep your body well-hydrated. Any dietary supplement has the potential to disrupt the body’s hormonal balance, so be sure to check with the PCT doctor before taking anything.