Last Updated on January 15, 2025
For bodybuilders who use anabolic steroids, PCT is not optional. Why? To restore hormonal balance and minimize endocrine function risks. Without a proper PCT you can be left with low natural testosterone and all the side effects and health problems that come with it.
What is Post Cycle Therapy (PCT)?
Anabolic androgenic steroids can mess with your body’s hormonal balance big time. Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) is a plan to get your body back to hormonal balance after an anabolic steroid cycle. By restoring natural testosterone and managing estrogen levels PCT will keep your gains and minimize health risks.
PCT Purpose
The purpose of PCT is to get natural testosterone production going and stabilize estrogen levels. Steroid use suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis which controls the body’s hormonal balance. By using a structured PCT plan bodybuilders can:
- Prevent long term hormonal imbalances
- Keep muscle mass gained during the cycle
- Avoid side effects like gynecomastia and water retention
How Anabolic Steroids Affect the Body
Anabolic steroids are synthetic hormones that mimic testosterone. While they can add muscle and performance big time, they also come with a bunch of side effects. One of the main concerns is the suppression of the body’s natural testosterone production. When anabolic steroids are introduced to the system, the body reduces or stops its own testosterone production altogether, leading to low libido, erectile dysfunction and infertility.
And anabolic steroids can mess with your body’s hormonal balance causing mood swings, anxiety and depression. The rapid muscle gain can also put extra stress on your muscles and joints increasing the risk of injury. Anabolic steroids can also affect liver function and cause symptoms like jaundice, fatigue and abdominal pain. Knowing these risks makes PCT a must to get back to hormonal balance and minimize the side effects.
PCT Benefits
PCT is a must for anyone who has finished an anabolic steroid cycle. One of the biggest benefits of PCT is natural testosterone production. By getting the body’s own hormone production going PCT reduces the risk of long term damage to the reproductive system. This is important for libido, fertility and overall hormonal balance.
PCT also helps to reduce withdrawal symptoms of anabolic steroid use. Symptoms like low libido, erectile dysfunction and mood swings can be minimized with a well planned PCT. PCT also helps to preserve muscle mass gained during the steroid cycle, reduce the risk of muscle loss and long term damage to muscles and joints. Overall PCT is for better health and well being by balancing the body’s hormonal balance and supporting the recovery of the reproductive system.
PCT Components
Selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) are the key to Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) by helping to get hormonal balance back after using performance enhancing drugs.
A good PCT will include:
1. Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs)
- Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate): Stimulates the pituitary gland to release more luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to get natural testosterone production going.
- Nolvadex (Tamoxifen Citrate): Blocks estrogen receptors and prevents estrogenic side effects like gynecomastia.
2. Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs)
- Arimidex (Anastrozole): Reduces estrogen levels by blocking the aromatase enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogen.
- Letrozole: Good for severe estrogen related side effects.
3. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)
Mimics LH to stimulate testosterone production directly in the testes to prevent testicular atrophy during PCT.
4. Over the Counter Testosterone Boosters for Testosterone Production
Not as potent as prescription meds but some over the counter testosterone boosters and estrogen blockers can be used during PCT. Supplements like D-aspartic acid and tribulus terrestris are commonly used but effectiveness varies.
PCT Cycle
Timing and dosage of PCT meds is important for recovery. Here’s a standard (most common) PCT cycle:
- Week 1-2: Clomid 50mg/day, Nolvadex 40mg/day
- Week 3-4: Clomid 25mg/day, Nolvadex 20mg/day
Duration and dosages may vary depending on the length and intensity of the cycle. If You’re unsure consult a doctor to make sure the protocol is suitable for you.
How to Get PCT
Getting post cycle therapy (PCT) involves a few simple steps, starting with consulting a doctor experienced in treating patients who have used anabolic steroids. This initial consultation is important to know your specific needs and what to do.
Next you will undergo a series of tests, including blood tests to check hormone levels and liver function. These tests will give a full picture of your hormonal balance and overall health so the doctor can create a treatment plan. This plan will include a combination of meds and lifestyle changes to get your body back to natural hormonal balance.
Once the plan is in place you can start the PCT, which will be a combination of meds for several weeks or months. Follow the plan strictly to get the best results and a smooth recovery from anabolic steroids.
PCT Duration
Post cycle therapy (PCT) duration can vary greatly depending on several factors, the type and dose of anabolic steroids used, the length of the cycle and the individual’s health. Generally PCT duration can be from a few weeks to several months.
For those who have used anabolic steroids for a short period (less than 6 weeks) a PCT duration of 2-4 weeks is usually enough. For medium term users (6-12 weeks) a PCT of 4-6 weeks is recommended. For long term users (more than 12 weeks) a longer PCT duration of 6-12 weeks or more may be needed.
Please note that PCT duration should be determined by a doctor based on individual needs and situation. This personalized approach will make sure PCT is effective in restoring hormonal balance and overall health.
Lifestyle to Restore Hormonal Balance in PCT
Performance enhancing drugs alone aren’t enough. Lifestyle is key to hormonal recovery:
Nutrition
- Protein: Build and repair muscle (chicken, fish, eggs, lentils).
- Complex Carbs: Sustain energy (whole grains, vegetables).
- Healthy Fats: Support hormone production (avocados, nuts, fish oil).
- Micronutrients: Overall health (leafy greens, berries).
Exercise
- Reduce training volume and intensity to not over stress the recovery system.
- Do flexibility training (yoga, stretching) to aid recovery.
Rest and Recovery
- Aim for 7-9 hours of continuous sleep each night to stimulate growth hormone production.
- Include active recovery methods like light cardio and muscle therapy.
Side Effects
During PCT you may experience side effects like mood swings, acne and temporary hormonal fluctuations. To manage these:
- Use SERMs and AIs as directed to balance estrogen levels.
- Monitor skin to prevent acne breakouts.
- Stay ahead by tracking progress with regular blood tests.
Some bodybuilders may also benefit from supplements like phosphatidylserine and acetyl-l-carnitine to manage cortisol levels and prevent catabolism which can lead to muscle loss.
Long Term Health
PCT is not just short term recovery. It’s also long term health by stabilizing hormone levels and preventing complications like cardiovascular issues and metabolic imbalances. Regular blood tests should track:
- Testosterone, LH and FSH levels
- Liver enzymes and overall metabolic health
By doing PCT bodybuilders can keep their gains and overall health and set themselves up for future cycles.
Legal Status of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids in USA and Canada
In the United States anabolic steroids are classified as Schedule III controlled substances under the Anabolic Steroid Control Act. This means they are illegal to possess without a prescription. In Canada steroids are classified under Schedule IV of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, making it illegal to distribute or possess them without authorization. Every bodybuilder should be aware of the legal implications and consult a doctor before using steroids and PCT.
Training During PCT
Training during PCT helps to keep muscle mass and strength gains but adjustments are needed:
- Reduce Intensity and Volume: Lower the number of sets and reps to not overload the body during recovery.
- Prioritize Compound Movements: Focus on multi-joint exercises like squats and deadlifts to maintain overall strength.
- Active Recovery: Activities like swimming, yoga or cycling to improve blood flow and aid muscle repair.
FAQs
Author
Annika K
Hey I’m Annika K., MPH. I’m a public health professional who loves fitness and writing. With a Master’s in Public Health and experience working with the CDC and WHO I’ve spent years taking complex medical research and breaking it down into simple, actionable advice. I love being active and healthy and want to help others live their best life – whether that’s understanding a medical condition or finding fitness tips that work.