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The primary purpose of post-cycle therapy is to stimulate the natural production of testosterone and enhance or shorten the total recovery process after the use of anabolic steroids.

Objectives of Post-cycle Therapy

When people consume anabolic androgenic steroids, their natural hormonal levels change; natural testosterone production is reduced to a certain level and progesterone and estrogen also increases, which is detrimental to male health. However, this estrogen and progesterone level can be maintained by sticking to a proper diet and taking supplementation, but the level of testosterone remains suppressed. When the intake of anabolic androgenic steroids is stopped, the level of testosterone still remains suppressed. The primary purpose of post-cycle therapy is to restore testosterone levels to normal. It is achieved by using post cycle therapy supplements.

Implementation of Post-cycle Therapy

The right time to initiate the PCT plan is when the use of all anabolic steroid comes to an end. If you want to switch on the off-cycle for a limited period of time, PCT can cause more stress to the body. Therefore, it is recommended by therapists to initiate the post-cycle therapy once the use of anabolic steroid has been stopped.

Constituents of Post-cycle Therapy

A PCT plan consists of using Selective Estrogen Receptor Module (SERM) such as Clomiphene Citrate (clomid) and Tamoxifen Citrate (Nolvadex). The use of SERM is essential but along with it, a primary Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) can also be used. HCG is a strong peptide hormone and is used to prepare the body for SERM therapy. The misuse of HCG can lead to disastrous and chronic health issues.

Selective Estrogen Receptor Module (SERM)

The PCT plan depends on the types of steroids used in the past. For example, if the cycle ends with mostly ester anabolic steroid use, then SERM therapy should be started 15-18 days after the last injection or dose. If one intends to use HCG, then therapy should begin 10 days after the dose. If your cycle ends with small ester-based anabolic steroids, then SERM therapy should be started 3 days after the last injection. Clomid and Nolvadex are most commonly used in post-cycle therapy after discontinuing steroid use.

Functions of Clomid

The hypothalamus is stimulated by Clomid which in return stimulates the anterior pituitary gland, thus, releasing gonadotropic hormones. FSH (follicle Stimulating hormone) and LH (Luteinizing Hormone) are included in the gonadotrophic hormones. FSH is involved in testes stimulation to produce testosterone.

Dosage of Clomid

Clomid possesses a half-life of about 5 days and is continued for three weeks after the final anabolic steroid dose. Around 300 mg of Clomid is consumed on the first day after the last dose and 100 mg is recommended for the remaining days until the therapy comes to an end.

Dosage of Nolvadex

Nolvadex is used as an alternative to Clomid but due to some of its side effects, it is not recommended by physicians. In many patients, blurred vision has been noted after the consumption of Nolvadex.

 

A good post-cycle therapy plan after discontinuing anabolic steroids is essential for the maintenance of healthy hormone levels and if not administered properly can cause severe side effects such as hypertension, heart diseases or erectile function.