Post Cycle Therapy – The Most Effective Way To Restore Hormones after a steroid cycle

Are you looking into an effective way to restore your hormones? Although performance-enhancing substances like steroid precursors or anabolic steroids contribute a ton of perks to your body, your body’s natural hormone levels will be negatively impacted.

With that said, doing post cycle therapy (PCT) is an excellent and effective method to restore your body’s hormones. So, what is PCT, and how does it work? Moreover, how long should PCT last? If you’ve got these questions or have related questions about this protocol, here’s everything you need to know about PCT below.

Everything You Need to Know About PCT

Post cycle therapy or PCT is a type of therapy used by individuals who have successfully concluded a cycle of utilizing performance-enhancing substances or PEDs. These substances often include the following drugs:

•  Anabolic steroids
•  Amphetamines and similar stimulants
•  Over-the-counter creatine supplements
•  Prohormones
•  Steroid precursors

These substances contribute to a wide variety of benefits for users. These include enhancing your endurance, muscle development, and alert levels. In addition, your appetite also decreases, and your recovery also improves with consuming these performance-enhancing drugs.

Unfortunately, your body’s natural creation of testosterone comes to a halt upon beginning your intake of these substances. After all, your body is already receiving its testosterone supply from the mentioned substances. The halt in production becomes a problem once your cycle of consuming PEDs finishes, where your body cannot independently get its required testosterone levels.

Considering that, doing post cycle therapy will ensure that your body can begin producing testosterone hormones upon finishing your cycle. PCT’s primary goal is to aid your body in taking charge of creating and supplying testosterone once again. Furthermore, PCT also helps in preventing your body from suffering the possible aftereffects brought upon by using PEDs.

What Happens When You Don’t Undergo PCT After Finishing a Cycle?

PCT is a vital method to consider if you’re using PEDs. If you don’t undergo PCT or other means to restore your hormones, your recovery can occur after several months. After all, your body will have to slowly recover on its own. In addition, you will also experience inadequate testosterone symptoms during your slow recovery. These symptoms include the following:

•  Emotional instability
•  Weariness
•  A decrease in your body’s muscles mass
•  An increase in your body’s fat mass

Naturally, you don’t want to lose all your hard-earned progress with your body gains. So, for that matter, it’s highly recommended that you undergo post cycle therapy for your benefit. But of course, you should pick a PCT that caters to your body’s needs.

Which PCT Should You Use

So, which PCT should you use? You can choose between three different types of PCT supplements depending on your needs. Some PCTs will require a prescription, while other ones can simply be purchased over-the-counter. Most of the time, standard PCT methods involve selective estrogen receptor models or SERMs like clomiphene citrate and tamoxifen citrate.

On the other hand, another choice includes the use of naturally-derived PCT protocols like Rebirth. Here are all the PCT protocol choices in detail below:

1. Rebirth PCT

As previously mentioned, Rebirth PCT consists of naturally-derived substances. Rebirth also consists of reliable substances backed by science, such as Ashwagandha, Arimistane, and D-Aspartic Acid. And unlike other PCT protocol supplements, Rebirth can be bought without getting a prescription from a health professional.

Rebirth is an ideal PCT option for individuals who undergo light or moderate cycles. More than 500 users have given positive feedback about this product, so you don’t have to worry about considering Rebirth as your PCT go-to.

2. Nolvadex PCT

Also referred to as tamoxifen citrate, Nolvadex is widely utilized in many PCT protocols. As stated above, tamoxifen citrate is considered a kind of SERM, which aids in stabilizing your body’s hormones. Besides, during your cycle, your body’s natural testosterone amounts decrease.

In return, your body’s amount of estrogen rises. With that said, Nolvadex serves as an inhibitor of your body’s estrogen production. Nolvadex is a fantastic pick for those who have moderate cycles involving anabolic steroids where various substances are piled up.

However, unlike Rebirth, you will need a prescription from a health professional before purchasing Nolvadex for your PCT protocol. As you use Nolvadex, you might encounter a few side effects during your first seven days of use. These include drowsiness, vomiting, receiving a tender feeling in your pecs area, and headaches.

3. Clomid PCT

Clomid, also known as clomiphene citrate, is another PCT protocol supplement you can consider. This PCT supplement is an artificial hormone that was made for stimulating ovulation among women. And since Clomid is also a type of SERM, it also works as an inhibitor of estrogen production.

By impeding the supply of estrogen in your body, it can now start producing the natural amounts of testosterone required by your body. Similar to Nolvadex, Clomid also requires a prescription from your doctor. Meanwhile, you should use Clomid for your PCT protocol if you use strong anabolic steroids or prohormones.

And just like Nolvadex, you’re also bound to encounter some side effects after taking Clomid. These include drowsiness, vomiting, receiving a tender feeling in your pecs area, and headaches.

How Long Should PCT Last?

By now, you must be wondering how long should PCT last. To answer your question, your post cycle therapy will last between two to four weeks. Generally, your PCT’s overall duration will depend on the following factors:

•  The duration of your cycle: Naturally, extended cycles will require longer PCT durations. For example, if your cycle is over twelve weeks, you will have to undergo a four-week or eight-week post cycle therapy to recover.
•  The kinds of steroids you’re using: Different performance-enhancing substances will have varying potencies. For instance, more potent PEDs will hugely affect your hormones. And if you’re undergoing cycles involving steroids that significantly affect your testosterone levels, you will have to do an extended post cycle therapy after finishing your cycle.
•  The amounts of PEDs you intake: As expected, greater PED dosages in your cycle will equate to a more prolonged post cycle therapy. A more extended PCT period ensures that you can counterbalance the aftermath of your cycle.

When Should You Begin Your PCT Protocol

The start of your PCT protocol dramatically depends on the type of performance-enhancing substance you’re using. Moreover, the kind of cycle you’re following is also the basis for the start of your PCT control. Although the majority of bodybuilders recommend starting your post cycle therapy immediately after taking your final dose, it still really depends on a number of factors.

For instance, if you’re using selective androgen receptor modulators or prohormones, you will need to start your PCT protocol a day after your cycle or final dose. On the other hand, you can wait for one week before beginning your therapy if you’re using anabolic steroids.

Other Tips When Undergoing PCT

At this point, you may have already decided on which PCT should you use and the like. Now, to make sure that your PCT protocol goes smoothly, here are other tips you can follow for a wonderful and speedy recovery:

1. Make sure to continue your training

Even though you’ve already achieved your wanted gains, you will still have to continue training to maintain them. This is a needed step in preventing your muscles from degenerating. Now, if you’re having problems trying to stay motivated towards your workouts, you should consider getting pre-workout supplements.

Of course, you no longer have to do intense training similar to your training during your cycle. Consistently doing a medium intensity workout will suffice, which involves cardio exercises and the typical weight training.

2. Make sure to rest up

Although consistently working out is a crucial part of the PCT process, you also have to ensure that you get enough rest and sleep in order for your body to recover. Make sure you get at least eight hours of sleep daily to get a speedy and efficient recovery.

3. Maintain a healthy diet

Aside from continuing your training and getting enough rest, you also have to watch out for your diet. Other than keeping an eye on your protein intake, make sure that you’re also eating nutritious, balanced meals. Doing this ensures that your body receives the vitamins and nutrients it requires as it undergoes recovery.

Furthermore, you can also incorporate more healthy fats into your diet. After all, consuming more healthy fat will significantly boost your body’s testosterone supply.

4. Try incorporating testosterone boosters in your PCT protocol

It will definitely take a while for your body to restore its natural supply of hormones. Due to that, you can also try incorporating testosterone boosters in your PCT protocol. Besides, your body will need all the assistance it can receive for its much-needed recovery.

Final Takeaways

All in all, post cycle therapy is an excellent and effective method to restore your body’s natural hormone production. It’s vital to undergo PCT to ensure that you keep healthy while maintaining your achieved gains for your body. Gladly, you can choose from a wide variety of available PCT protocols depending on your body’s needs.

Now that your questions on how long should PCT last and which PCT should you use are answered, you can now choose a method that suits your circumstances. As long as you follow the PCT protocol correctly, you can ensure a great recovery period.