PCT — Post Cycle Therapy

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.