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:
- Clomid 50/50/25/25
- Nolvadex 40/40/20/20
- 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:
- Total Testosterone
- Free Testosterone
- LH/FSH
- Estradiol (sensitive)
- 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.