Bodybuilding and fitness training involve training hard, eating clean, and using different supplements. You can take anabolic steroids, SARMs, and other supplements to get quick results. You can easily access them, as various reliable stores deliver them to your doorstep. They offer USA steroids fast shipping and worldwide delivery options.
However, using them can lead to some serious side effects, especially when you abuse them. You need to recover from these side effects to mitigate the risk of experiencing serious health issues. This is where post-cycle therapy (PCT) comes in.
PCT involves using different components to maintain hormone levels and reverse the side effects of steroids. You must understand what PCT is, how it works, and why it’s important before even planning to start your first steroid cycle. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about post-cycle therapy.
What is Post Cycle Therapy (PCT)?
It is a process of helping your body return to its natural hormonal state after a cycle of anabolic steroids or SARMs. During a steroid cycle, your body often stops producing testosterone naturally because it’s getting it from an external source.
When the cycle ends, your body doesn’t start producing testosterone naturally. It often leads to gynecomastia and other side effects. PCT supports the body, restores hormone levels, and reverses any side effects caused due to hormonal imbalance.
When to Opt for PCT?
You need to be very careful about timings when opting for PCT. Starting it too early or late may not help you get the desired results. The best time to begin depends on the type of steroid or SARM you’ve used. If you are taking a short-acting steroid, you should start PCT within 2 to 4 days of completing the cycle.
If you are using supplements that take time to make changes to your body, wait for 2 to 3 weeks before starting post-cycle therapy. Make sure you always research the compound you’re using or consult a professional. The main thing you need to focus on is to start the therapy when the drug is leaving your system.
Sometimes, you may not need PCT, especially if you are using mild steroids and sticking to the cycle. Therefore, you must notice the signs that highlight the need for PCT, such as:
- You feel tired all day, even after getting enough sleep. This often means your natural testosterone is low and your body is struggling to recover.
- Feeling anxious or mildly depressed after your cycle ends. These mood changes are often caused by hormonal imbalances.
- If you’re losing strength fast or your muscles start to shrink, it’s a sign your body isn’t maintaining the muscles and needs to recover.
- Puffiness around your chest area can be an early sign of gynecomastia. This happens when estrogen levels rise after a cycle.
- Water retention or bloating, especially around the face. It makes you look big without any well-defined muscles. This problem is also caused due to high estrogen levels.
- You don’t feel motivated at the gym or at work. This lack of motivation is often caused due to low testosterone levels.
Why is PCT Important?
The simplest way to figure this out is to go through the benefits it offers. Let’s do so without further ado.
Restores Natural Testosterone Levels
Steroids often shut down your body’s testosterone production. PCT helps reactivate it. Without it, your body stays in a low-testosterone state, which often leads to tiredness, weakness, and mood changes. Restoring testosterone naturally is the first and most important benefit of PCT.
Prevents Muscle Loss
After your cycle ends, muscle loss can happen quickly. Low hormone levels make it harder for your body to maintain gains. PCT protects your muscles by supporting hormone recovery, which helps you maintain the strength and size gained during the cycle.
Reduces Side Effects
Steroid use can cause estrogen levels to rise. This may lead to bloating, puffiness, or gynecomastia. PCT includes estrogen blockers that help prevent these side effects and bring your hormones back to a normal range.
Boost Energy Levels
Feeling low energy, lazy, or unmotivated is common when hormones are not balanced. PCT helps restore energy and mental focus by bringing your testosterone back to a healthy level, which boosts your energy and improves your overall mood.
Common PCT Drugs and Supplements
There are a few key medications often used in PCT:
Nolvadex
It is a popular PCT drug that helps block estrogen in your body. It supports natural testosterone production by sending signals to your brain. This reduces the risk of gynecomastia and helps restore hormonal balance after a cycle. You can take Nolvadex for 4 weeks after completing a steroid cycle. You can take 10 to 40 mg per day based on how long the steroid cycle was.
Aromasin
It is an aromatase inhibitor that lowers estrogen levels. It’s used during and after a cycle to prevent estrogen-related side effects like water retention or a puffy chest. In PCT, it helps keep estrogen under control while your testosterone levels recover naturally. Aromasin dosage for bodybuilding is 12.5 mg per day. Cycle duration is not fixed. You can take it until all side effects are reversed.
Clomid
Clomid works by stimulating your body to produce more luteinizing hormone (LH), which helps restart testosterone production. It’s commonly used in PCT and can be combined with Nolvadex for better results. You should consider taking it for 4 weeks after completing a steroid cycle. Take 100 mg per day for the first week and reduce it to half for the 2nd week. Follow the same trend for the 3rd and 4th week.
How Long Should PCT Last?
Most PCT programs last between 4 to 6 weeks. This gives your body enough time to recover and bring hormone levels back to normal. The length also depends on how long your steroid cycle is and what substances you use.
Post-cycle therapy is a vital part of your fitness journey. It helps you maintain your gains, stay healthy, and get your natural hormones back on track.
