PCT — Post Cycle Therapy
Post Cycle Therapy (PCT): How to Recover After a Steroid Cycle
After using anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), natural testosterone levels drop — sometimes to near zero. Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) is a planned protocol to restart your hormonal system, protect fertility, and preserve the muscle gains you worked hard for. This guide explains the science, timing, medications, and mistakes to avoid.
What Happens to Hormones After a Steroid Cycle?
When external steroids enter your body, they tell the brain to stop producing LH and FSH — key hormones that stimulate testosterone production. The result:
- Testicular shrinkage (reduced function, not permanent if handled correctly)
- Low testosterone symptoms — fatigue, depression, low libido
- Muscle loss & fat gain if recovery is ignored
PCT helps reverse that suppression by reactivating the natural feedback loop between the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis.
Why PCT Is Essential
Without PCT, your body can take months to restore testosterone — or fail entirely. A strong PCT can help:
- Boost natural testosterone production faster
- Maintain muscle mass and strength after cycle
- Preserve sperm count and fertility
- Reduce estrogen-related rebound side effects
- Support mental health and energy levels
Key PCT Medications
The most common medications for PCT are:
- Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid) — boosts LH/FSH signalling
- Tamoxifen Citrate (Nolvadex) — prevents estrogen from binding breast tissue
Example PCT Protocol (General)
Typical timing: 4–6 weeks
- Clomid: 50 mg/day for 14 days → 25 mg/day for next 14 days
- Nolvadex: 40 mg/day for 14 days → 20 mg/day for next 14 days
This is not medical advice. Every protocol should be tailored based on labwork and compound choice.
Timing: When to Start PCT
This depends on the ester length (how long the steroid stays active):
- Short esters: 2–5 days after last injection
- Long esters: 10–21 days after last injection
- Oral-only cycles: 1–3 days after last dose
If you start too early: meds wear off before suppression ends.
If you start too late: you risk a hormone crash.
Do You Need HCG?
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) directly stimulates the testes. It helps prevent shrinkage and maintain fertility during longer cycles.
Guideline:
- Use HCG near the end of the cycle — not during PCT
- 250–500 IU 2–3x weekly for 3–4 weeks
Using HCG during PCT can delay natural testosterone recovery.
Monitoring: The Only Way to Know You're Recovered
Blood tests should check:
- Total & Free Testosterone
- LH & FSH
- Estradiol (E2)
- Lipids (HDL/LDL)
- Liver enzymes
How to Keep Your Gains
Your training and lifestyle during PCT determine whether your physique holds or fades. Success tips:
- Keep protein high — ~2 g/kg/day
- Train heavy enough to signal retention
- Sleep 7–9 hours for hormonal rebuilding
- Avoid alcohol (stress on liver + hormones)
- Manage stress and hydration levels
Worst Mistakes Athletes Make After a Cycle
- Skipping PCT entirely
- Starting PCT at the wrong time
- Not doing bloodwork
- Drinking heavily post-cycle
- Chasing results with another cycle immediately
Recovery is part of the process — rushing back risks permanent shutdown.
FAQ
1) What is PCT?
A recovery protocol after steroids that restarts natural testosterone production and protects fertility and gains.
2) Is PCT required for every cycle?
Yes — unless you are moving directly to long-term TRT, PCT is mandatory for hormonal recovery.
3) Which is better — Clomid or Nolvadex?
They work best together. Clomid restores LH/FSH signaling; Nolvadex blocks estrogen receptors to prevent rebound.
4) How long is PCT?
Usually 4–6 weeks, depending on suppression level, ester length, and blood test results.
5) Can women do PCT?
Yes — abrupt estrogen imbalance can cause mood and hormone symptoms. Post-cycle recovery planning is still important.