Most athletes underestimate the importance of a proper post cycle therapy (PCT) protocol. To put it simply, if you’ve completed a cycle of performance-enhancing drugs, such as prohormones, anabolic steroids, or SARMs, you have to run PCT. So, what is PCT exactly?
When you begin a cycle with, for example, Testosterone Enanthate, your body’s natural testosterone production shuts down. If it’s a 12-week cycle, your body won’t generate testosterone on its own for about 3 months. The purpose of a PCT is to help restart your body’s natural hormone production as quickly as possible. This is your guide to post cycle therapy.
Post Cycle Therapy Supplements
For moderate prohormones or SARMs cycles, post cycle therapy supplements are often sufficient to assist in your recovery. However, you need to precisely know which products to use and keep the following in mind.
High levels of estrogen can cause:
- Elevated emotional state
- Weight gain
- Gynecomastia
- Muscle loss
- Water retention
Lower testosterone levels can cause:
- Muscle loss
- Lethargy
- Weakened confidence
- Diminished sex drive
Huge Nutrition PCT Stacks
The PCT Stack from Huge Nutrition is a great place to start. It combines two products, Rebirth PCT and Enhance, both of which are precisely dosed and properly formulated.
Rebirth PCT is designed specifically to operate as a post cycle therapy. Each serving contains 6 capsules made from clinically proven ingredients that will help you during the process.
Enhance, on the other hand, is a higher quality testosterone booster. Most testosterone boosters are ineffective, but this one is special. It has an 8-capsule serving size, providing you with a heavy dose of quality ingredients that have been proven to increase testosterone. The only downside? You will be taking 14 capsules every day for the entire therapy.
Nolvadex PCT
Nolvadex (Tamoxifen) is one of the most prevalent post cycle therapies out there. It’s often sought for mild to heavy cycles that involve several substances for more extended periods. Tamoxifen is designed to help speed up testosterone production. However, you won’t find it in stores, and it requires a prescription. A standard dosage with this therapy is from 10 to 40mg per day for 2 to 4 weeks.
Clomid PCT
Clomid (Clomifene) is one of the most potent, most effective PCT compounds on the market. It is primarily used by bodybuilders who strength training and take heavy anabolic steroids. A typical dosage for Clomid is between 20 to 50mg per day for 2 to 4 weeks. Like Tamoxifen, Clomid is also prescription-only, meaning you cannot get it over the counter.
Which Post Cycle Therapy Do I Need?
For those who don’t know what the best post cycle therapy for your situation is, keep reading. Most athletes or bodybuilders will probably run one of the following performance-enhancing compounds:
- SARMs
- Prohormones
- Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids
Because Prohormones and SARMs are thought to be less suppressive, 4 to 8 weeks of the PCT Stack should help you recover just fine. If you’re feeling very suppressed, stick with the stack for a solid 8 weeks. If you’re just feeling mildly suppressed, 4 weeks should be enough. However, for steroid cycles, you’ll need something a bit more potent, that’s where Nolvadex comes into play. Usually, a four-week protocol with Tamoxifen gets the job done.
What Happens if I Don’t Use PCT?
Some of you might wonder… What happens if I don’t take a post cycle therapy (PCT) after I finish my cycle? Well, for starters, you may lose a majority of the progress you’ve made. If you don’t run a proper PCT, it may take several months before your body completely recovers.
During those excruciating months, your testosterone levels will be at an all-time low. There won’t be sufficient hormones to maintain muscle mass, and you’ll feel horrible as it may affect everything from mood to appetite. On top of that, you may lose all your gains. If you’re serious about working out or achieving running form, be smart about it, run a post cycle therapy.
Takeaway
Post cycle therapy is as essential as the cycle itself. Before committing to a cycle, make sure to educate yourself on the best way to do it. The kind of cycle you use will determine which type of PCT you will need.
