Post Cycle Therapy: Everything You Must Know About PCT

Bodybuilders and many other athletes often turn to cycles of performance-enhancing drugs to help them reach new heights in their physique and performance.

Performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), such as anabolic-androgenic steroids, are capable of pushing the body and muscles beyond their natural limits.

But when you start taking anabolic androgenic steroids, they will suppress the body's natural hormonal production. Post cycle therapy is going to help restore hormonal balance effectively.

Individuals who are currently using or considering PEDs need to educate themselves on post cycle therapy, a necessary protocol that should not be overlooked.

Continue reading as we take you through our in-depth post cycle therapy guide and answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding this protocol.

Post cycle therapy, commonly called PCT, is a protocol used by individuals after completing a cycle of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS). The primary function of PCT is to restore the body's natural hormone balance, particularly testosterone production, which is immediately suppressed during steroid use.

When anabolic steroids are used, they increase testosterone levels in the body artificially. This external supply of testosterone signals the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to reduce or halt the production of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which are critical for natural testosterone production.

Consequently, when steroid use is discontinued, the body’s natural testosterone production can be significantly reduced, leading to a hormonal imbalance. This imbalance can result in various undesirable effects such as testicular atrophy, loss of muscle mass, fatigue, depression, and reduced libido.

Your body will no longer be getting external testosterone, thus having to restart its own hormonal production. It's incredibly challenging for your body to restart this process by itself, and therefore it needs a helping hand, which is the post cycle therapy protocol.

A good PCT consists of specific compounds that help quickly restore your body's hormone production. That will help your hormones bounce back a lot faster than naturally.

Knowing when to start your post cycle therapy is essential, as you want to make sure the timing is right. When to start depends on what kind of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) you've been running.

The three most common PEDs you'll come across are anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs), and prohormones. Every compound has its own half-life and ester length, meaning each drug clears out of the system at a different rate.

Here's a guideline of when to start post cycle therapy for each group of PEDs.

You can see that a PCT must be started relatively soon after the cycle is finished. This is extremely important because as soon as you stop taking PEDs, your body is no longer receiving external hormones and will have to restart its own production.

That's why you must always have a good post cycle therapy planned out and available.

Post cycle therapy typically lasts between four to six weeks, depending on the individual and situation. Of course, it can always be extended by several weeks if needed.

But, this all is going to depend on several factors, such as what PEDs have been used, the dosages, and the duration of use. Shorter cycles or those with milder compounds may require a shorter PCT of around four weeks.

In contrast, longer cycles or those with more potent compounds may necessitate a longer PCT, potentially extending up to 6 weeks or longer.

Post cycle therapy must be long enough to ensure the body's natural hormone levels are fully restored. Remember that how fast hormones bounce back will be different for everyone.

That's why many individuals advise you to prepare PCT and ensure you have plenty on hand in case it has to be extended.

Now that you know the mechanism and importance of post-cycle therapy, it's time to look at the different protocols. Which protocol an individual should use can vary depending on their specific needs and the substances used during the cycle.

Each protocol has its advantages and disadvantages, and they vary in potency. The most commonly used PCT protocols involve Clomid, Nolvadex, and over the counter (OTC) post cycle therapy supplements.

Let's take a look at each protocol individually.

Clomid (Clomiphene) is a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) and is considered by many to be the most potent and aggressive compound for PCT.

Clomid works by binding to estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus, thereby blocking estrogen's negative feedback mechanism on the pituitary gland. This action stimulates the release of LH and FSH, which in turn signal the testes to resume production of natural testosterone.

By boosting the endogenous production of testosterone, Clomid helps restore hormonal balance and mitigate the side effects associated with low testosterone levels post-steroid use.

A typical Clomid PCT regimen involves an initial higher dosage that gradually tapers off. For example, a standard protocol might start with 100mg per day for the first week, followed by 50mg per day for the next two weeks, and then 25-50 mg per day for the final week.

The exact dosage and duration can vary based on individual needs and the severity of hormonal suppression experienced.

While Clomid is generally well-tolerated, it can cause side effects such as mood swings, visual disturbances, and hot flashes. These side effects are usually mild and temporary, but it is essential to be monitored by a healthcare professional during PCT to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Due to its potency, it works very rapidly, and it's often only used by individuals who are trying to bounce back from heavy hormonal suppression after prolonged steroid use.

Nolvadex, also known as Tamoxifen, is a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) commonly utilized as post cycle therapy.

Nolvadex works by binding to estrogen receptors, particularly in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. By blocking estrogen's negative feedback on these glands, Nolvadex stimulates the release of LH and FSH, signaling the testes to produce more testosterone. 

This process helps restore the body's natural testosterone production, mitigating the side effects of low testosterone levels after PEDs use.

A standard Nolvadex PCT protocol involves an initial higher startup dose that gradually decreases. Most protocols start with 40mg per day for the first two weeks, followed by 20mg daily for the next two weeks. After those four weeks, Nolvadex is discontinued.

Please be aware that the provided protocol is a general example. The specific dosage and duration will vary for each individual.

Just like with Clomid, Nolvadex may also cause adverse effects. Users have reported side effects such as hot flashes, mood swings, nausea, and headaches. Generally speaking, these are short-lived and subside quickly. However, having a professional monitor your health and well-being is still crucial.

Many of you will want to know what the best pct cycle to keep gains is. Chances are you've just finished a cycle of performance-enhancing drugs, gaining a lot of lean muscle tissue and now you want to make sure you hold onto as much as possible.

The foundation of a pct cycle to keep your gains consists of either Clomid (Clomiphene) or Nolvadex (Tamoxifen). Both of these are extremely potent when it comes to restarting the body's natural hormonal production. A typical protocol would involve taking Clomid at 50 mg daily for the first two weeks, then reducing it to 25 mg daily for the next two weeks. Nolvadex is commonly dosed at 40 mg daily for the first two weeks, then 20 mg daily for the remaining two.

Additionally, a product like Rebirth is also a big part of the best pct cycle to keep gains, as it assist your recovery process from multiple angles. It was developed to maximize testosterone, libido, overall health and minimize estrogen. Depending on which compounds have been used, a complete liver support and detoxifier like Defend can also be very useful.

Besides the obvious supplementation, it's extremely important to dial in your nutrition, training, and sleep throughout PCT. These will also play a huge role in keeping your gains, so make sure you stay on top of those.

Aim to stay at or slightly above maintenance calories to support muscle preservation and recovery. Your training should focus on maintaining strength and volume, but avoid overtraining since your body is still in recovery mode. Prioritizing sleep and hydration is also important to optimize recovery and ensure you retain the muscle mass you’ve worked so hard to gain.

Many individuals turn to post cycle therapy supplements as a way of recovering from their cycle. These supplements contain a combination of potent, natural ingredients that'll help support testosterone production and reduce estrogen.

Unlike Clomid and Nolvadex, post cycle therapy supplements are available over the counter and do not require a prescription. This means they're much more accessible, as you can order them online and start taking them quickly.

There are a lot of different PCT supplements on the market, but you'll need to get your hands on something that includes a wide variety of effective ingredients.

Rebirth PCT has become the most popular and best post cycle therapy supplement. We developed it to be fast-acting and highly effective, as it's crucial to restore your natural production as quickly as possible.

Rebirth features testosterone support, male performance support, estrogen support, and essential vitamins to help overall health. There are over 19 different ingredients in this post cycle therapy supplement. This is, without a doubt, the most stacked option you'll find on the market.

Besides a wide variety of high-quality ingredients, you'll also find that every one of those ingredients in this formula is dosed optimally. 

Of course, since it's an over-the-counter supplement, it won't deliver the same effects as the compounds mentioned above. That is to be expected, but all these natural compounds found in Rebirth PCT will work synergetically to help maximize hormonal production after you've finished a cycle.

Plus, it's very easy and straightforward to use. Take one serving of nine capsules daily for four to six weeks, and you'll notice improvements. It's also good to know that a product like Rebirth can be stacked with SERMs to maximize recovery from multiple angles.

During post-cycle therapy (PCT), individuals who have used anabolic steroids or similar substances can expect several physical and emotional changes. These changes result from the body's attempt to restore its natural testosterone production after the disruption caused by the steroid cycle.

Testosterone affects many vital processes, such as energy, mood, libido, and muscle mass. So, if your levels fluctuate drastically, you'll notice it in your daily life. You could experience fatigue, low libido, mood swings, and other potential symptoms.

It can be a challenging and uncomfortable process for some individuals. You may not feel your best during this period, but it's necessary to ensure you recover properly. However, always remember that these are temporary side effects, and the further into the post cycle therapy, the better you'll start to feel as your hormones begin to bounce back.

Continue reading as we show you several crucial things you should do during PCT.

Besides running a post cycle therapy, you want to ensure you're doing everything you can to maximize your recovery and hold onto your progress. Here are several things you can follow to optimize recovery from all angles.

Nutrition plays a key role during post cycle therapy. A diet rich in essential nutrients can help support hormonal balance and overall health. Adequate protein intake is necessary to preserve muscle mass, while a balanced intake of carbohydrates and healthy fats will support overall energy levels and metabolic health. Aim to eat various nutrient-dense foods and stay hydrated throughout the day.

During PCT, avoid going into a caloric deficit. We strongly advise maintaining at least a caloric intake at maintenance levels or slightly above, as your body will greatly need the energy and nutrients during this recovery phase. Adequate calorie consumption will support your body's ability to maintain muscle mass, restore hormone balance, and promote overall recovery. Fueling your body with the right amount of food is crucial to optimizing the post cycle therapy process.

Always make sure to keep training during PCT. Continuing to train helps maintain muscle gains, encourages the natural rebalancing of hormones, and assists in psychological well-being. Exercise stimulates natural testosterone production.

While volume may need adjustment to match the body's recovery ability, training with intensity ensures that exercise's physical and mental benefits continue contributing to overall health. Sometimes, you may not feel like training, but pushing through and getting the workout done is essential. It's helpful to have a good caffeine free pre-workout on hand in case you need an extra boost.

The importance of rest and recovery should not be overlooked. Sleep is when the majority of recovery and hormonal regulation occurs, including testosterone and growth hormone production.

Aiming for 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep per night is vital. Poor sleep can significantly hinder the body's ability to recover and should be addressed with as much importance as diet and exercise.

Minimizing stress is also crucial because stress elevates cortisol levels, a hormone that can impede the body's ability to restore natural testosterone production.

High cortisol may also diminish the effectiveness of PCT medications and strategies aimed at rebalancing hormones. Additionally, stress can weaken the immune system, hamper quality sleep, and negatively impact mood and well-being, all things you want to avoid.

In conclusion, post cycle therapy (PCT) is an essential process for individuals who have engaged in PED use, aiming to restore the body's natural hormonal balance and mitigate the adverse effects of steroid use.

PCT protocols are developed to stimulate the body to resume the natural production of testosterone as effectively as possible. These protocols typically last four to six weeks and incorporate SERM-based compounds such as Clomid and Nolvadex, or over-the-counter post cycle therapy supplements.

The importance of PCT cannot be overstated, as the abrupt cessation of anabolic steroids can lead to significant hormonal and other health issues. It is a critical phase that requires as much planning and attention as the steroid cycle itself.

Overall, post-cycle therapy (PCT) is crucial to restore hormonal balance, maintain muscle mass, and retain strength gains.