Why We Have to Do PCT After a Cycle

When athletes or bodybuilders finish a cycle of anabolic steroids, prohormones, or other performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), the body’s natural hormone production is heavily disrupted. Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) is the crucial process that restores hormonal balance, protects long-term health, and helps maintain the gains achieved during the cycle.

Skipping PCT can lead to severe physical and psychological side effects.

Why PCT Is Essential

PCT plays a vital role in ensuring full recovery after a cycle by:

• Restoring natural testosterone production

• Reversing testicular shrinkage

• Maintaining muscle mass and preventing fat gain

• Protecting mental health and sexual function

• Supporting cardiovascular, liver, kidney, and immune recovery

Essential PCT Protocols

⚠️ Disclaimer: The following examples are educational guidelines often discussed in bodybuilding communities. They are not medical prescriptions. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting PCT.

1. Light Cycle PCT

(e.g., 8–10 weeks of Anavar, Turinabol, or low-dose Testosterone)

• hCG (Pre-PCT): 500 IU every other day for 2 weeks immediately after cycle

• Week 1–4 (SERMs):

  • Clomid: 25 mg daily

  • Nolvadex: 20 mg daily

• Week 1–4 (Androgen Support):

  • Proviron: 25–50 mg daily

  • Support: Zinc, Vitamin D3, Omega-3s

Goal: Quick testicular recovery, maintain libido, and preserve muscle hardness.

2. Moderate / Heavy Cycle PCT

(e.g., 12–16 weeks of Testosterone + Deca, EQ, or oral kickstart)

• hCG (Pre-PCT): 500 IU every other day for 3 weeks after last injection (total ~7,000–8,000 IU)

• Week 1–2 (SERMs):

  • Clomid: 50 mg daily

  • Nolvadex: 40 mg daily

• Week 3–4:

  • Clomid: 25 mg daily

  • Nolvadex: 20 mg daily

• Week 1–4 (Androgen Support):

  • Proviron: 50 mg daily

  • Support: Full organ-support supplements (liver, kidney, cardiovascular)

Goal: Aggressive hormone restart while keeping libido active and preventing estrogen buildup.

3. Heavy / Advanced Cycle PCT

(e.g., 16–20+ weeks of high-dose compounds like Trenbolone, Anadrol, stacked injectables)

• hCG (Pre-PCT): 1000 IU every other day for 2–3 weeks post cycle (total ~10,000 IU)

• Week 1–2 (SERMs):

  • Clomid: 100 mg daily

  • Nolvadex: 40 mg daily

• Week 3–4:

  • Clomid: 50 mg daily

  • Nolvadex: 20 mg daily

• Week 1–6 (Androgen Support):

  • Proviron: 50 mg daily (extend up to 6 weeks if needed for libido/mood)

  • Add if required: Aromasin 12.5 mg every 2–3 days for estrogen control

  • Support: Advanced liver/kidney supplements + cholesterol management (fish oil, red yeast rice)

Goal: Full-scale hormonal restart, stable mood, energy, and sexual health during testosterone recovery.

Final Thoughts

Post Cycle Therapy is non-negotiable for anyone completing a steroid cycle. An effective PCT should always include:

• hCG to restore testicular size and function

• Clomid + Nolvadex to restart LH/FSH signaling from the brain

• Proviron to maintain libido, mood, and muscle hardness during recovery

Without proper PCT, athletes risk permanent hypogonadism, infertility, depression, and serious cardiovascular complications. With the right approach, you protect your gains, safeguard your health, and ensure the success of future cycles.