PCT Blueprints

Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) is the strategic use of drugs and supplements to restore natural testosterone production after anabolic steroid use. The primary goals of PCT are:

Restart the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis (HPTA)
Prevent post-cycle hypogonadism
Preserve gains and libido
Minimize side effects such as depression, testicular atrophy, and gynecomastia

The ideal PCT protocol depends on the type of cycle run, the compounds used, the length of suppression, and individual recovery ability.

Core PCT Drugs

Compound	Class	Function	Typical Dose	Notes
Clomid (Clomiphene)	SERM	Stimulates LH/FSH	50/50/25/25 mg/day	May cause mood swings/visual sides
Nolvadex (Tamoxifen)	SERM	Blocks estrogen receptors, stimulates gonadotropins	40/40/20/20 mg/day	Often stacked with Clomid
Toremifene	SERM	Similar to Clomid; fewer sides	120/90/60/60 mg/day	Alternate for those Clomid-intolerant
Aromasin (Exemestane)	AI	Prevents estrogen rebound	12.5–25 mg EOD	Optional; use if estrogen symptoms persist
HCG	LH Mimetic	Testicular stimulation	250–500 IU 2–3x/week pre-PCT	Used prior to, not during, SERM PCT

When to Start PCT

Start timing depends on the ester length of the anabolic steroid:

Compound Type	Wait Time Before Starting PCT
Short esters (Propionate, Acetate)	3–5 days
Long esters (Enanthate, Cypionate, Decanoate)	14–21 days
Oral-only cycles	1–3 days

Tip: Begin PCT once steroids have sufficiently cleared the system.

Common PCT Blueprints

Basic Oral-Only Cycle (e.g., Anavar, Turinabol)

Week	Nolvadex	Clomid
1	40 mg/day	50 mg/day
2	40 mg/day	50 mg/day
3	20 mg/day	25 mg/day
4	20 mg/day	25 mg/day

Optional: Add 12.5 mg Aromasin EOD if high estrogen symptoms persist
No need for HCG unless testicular atrophy occurred

Standard Test-Only Cycle (Test E or C for 10–12 weeks)

Week	Nolvadex	Clomid	Aromasin (optional)
1	40 mg/day	50 mg/day	12.5 mg EOD
2	40 mg/day	50 mg/day	12.5 mg EOD
3	20 mg/day	25 mg/day	12.5 mg E3D
4	20 mg/day	25 mg/day	12.5 mg E3D

Begin 14–18 days after last injection
HCG recommended pre-PCT: 500 IU EOD for 2 weeks

Harsh Suppressive Cycle (e.g., 19-nors, Tren, Deca)

Week	Nolvadex	Clomid	Aromasin	Notes
1	40 mg/day	50 mg/day	25 mg EOD	Consider extending to 6 weeks total
2	40 mg/day	50 mg/day	25 mg EOD	Precede with HCG blast: 1,000 IU EOD × 10 days
3	20 mg/day	25 mg/day	12.5 mg EOD
4	20 mg/day	25 mg/day	12.5 mg E3D
5	20 mg/day	–	Optional taper
6	10 mg/day	–	–	Evaluate recovery

Consider 6-week duration for full HPTA restoration
Bloodwork after week 6 to confirm recovery

Blast & Cruise Exit Strategy

If coming off a long-term cruise or TRT (even at TRT doses):

Pre-load with HCG: 500 IU 3x/week for 4 weeks
PCT:
1. Clomid 50/50/25/25
2. Nolvadex 40/40/20/20
3. Optional: Aromasin 12.5 mg EOD

Note: Coming off TRT requires more aggressive recovery support. Consider adding Toremifene or extending to 8 weeks.

Minimalist PCT Option

Used after mild oral cycles or by users prone to side effects from Clomid:

Week	Nolvadex Only
1	40 mg/day
2	40 mg/day
3	20 mg/day
4	20 mg/day

Not ideal for highly suppressive cycles
Monitor for incomplete recovery

Bloodwork and Monitoring

Run full bloodwork:

4–6 weeks after completing PCT
Key markers:
1. Total Testosterone
2. Free Testosterone
3. LH/FSH
4. Estradiol (sensitive)
5. Prolactin (if running 19-nors)

Recovery Targets:

Total T: >400 ng/dL
Free T: Mid-upper reference range
LH/FSH: In normal physiological range

If values are low, consider additional recovery time, another PCT round, or consult with an endocrinologist.

Real-World Tips (r/steroids PDF)

“Clomid made me moody as hell—Torem was smoother.”
“Ran PCT without HCG and stayed shutdown for 3 months. Never again.”
“You feel like garbage during PCT—don’t expect to feel amazing.”
“Bloodwork > feelings. Always test to know if you’re actually recovered.”

Summary

Tailor your PCT to the type and length of cycle
Use Clomid + Nolvadex together for most protocols
Use HCG prior to PCT, never during SERM use
Monitor bloodwork to confirm full recovery
Recovery can vary greatly between individuals—be patient and strategic

A proper PCT is just as important as the cycle itself. Without it, gains are lost and long-term health is put at risk. Plan your exit just as carefully as your entry.