Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) Guide: What You Need To Know Now

July 13, 2024 Talib Ahmad Supplement Expert 1700 Views

Navigating the world of dietary supplements can be tricky, especially when it comes to cycling. Whether you’re using pre-workouts or prohormones, one question often arises: Do you need to cycle? The short answer is yes! But don’t worry; this guide will walk you through all the essentials and explain why cycling, particularly Post Cycle Therapy (PCT), is crucial for your health and fitness goals.

If you’d like to explore specific topics, feel free to jump to the section that interests you:

What Is A Post Cycle Therapy
Why Do You Need It
How Long Does A PCT Run
What Lifestyles Need To Be Made
What To Look For
Popular Products

What Is Post Cycle Therapy (PCT)?

Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) refers to the protocol used after taking hormonal enhancers, like prohormones, to restore your body’s natural hormone production. This phase, often called “off-cycle,” involves a specific set of compounds designed to promote your body’s natural hormone production after completing a cycle of synthetic hormones. In this blog, we will focus on PCTs in the context of performance-enhancing hormonal supplements.

While PCT can also aid in hormone replacement therapy or other condition-specific situations, it’s important to note that this blog does not provide medical advice. If you are considering PCT for reasons beyond prohormone usage, please consult your doctor to discuss your options.

Why Do You Need It?

Prohormones are compounds that metabolize in the body into target hormones, often referred to as “pre” hormones. While prohormones can pertain to various hormones, they are typically discussed in the context of bodybuilding and performance-enhancing compounds. Most prohormones target testosterone or synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) like boldenone. (1)

When you take prohormones (on-cycle), your body’s natural production of testosterone can be suppressed. This suppression is not unique to prohormones; any external supplementation of a hormone can lead to decreased natural production. Although it might seem counterintuitive, your body is always striving for homeostasis (balance). In scenarios where your body produces too little of a hormone, it tries to compensate. However, this process isn’t perfect. Over time, your body may become reliant on external sources, leading to further imbalances. (2)

Consider This…

To illustrate, consider how melatonin supplements work. When you first start taking melatonin, it helps you fall asleep. However, consistent use can make it difficult to sleep without it. Now, imagine this scenario with your testosterone levels. Without PCT, your body cannot quickly readjust, leading to various issues like reduced well-being, low libido, increased fat mass or water retention, and even serious conditions like hypogonadism. (3)

Despite the importance of PCT, many prohormone users neglect it. This raises the question:

Why can’t they continue to use their prohormone?

The reality is the long-term side effects of prohormone abuse are well-defined (which is rare when it comes to supplements). Some of the side effects of prohormone/AAS abuse can include:

Cardiac Disease
Mood and Anxiety Disorders
Hypogonadism
Liver Toxicity
Gynecomastia (Breast Tenderness)
Infertility

And the list goes on. (4) Each body system contributes to homeostasis, and no system works in isolation. Disruption in one system often affects others.(2)

For example, androgens and estrogen are often mislabeled as “male” or “female” hormones. In reality, both hormone families regulate biological processes in both genders. A key interaction is the conversion of testosterone to estradiol by the enzyme aromatase. To manage excess estradiol in men, some use aromatase inhibitors, common in prohormones and PCT. While short-term use during a cycle can help increase testosterone levels, long-term suppression of estrogen in men can lead to issues like abnormal bone formation, metabolic syndrome, and impaired fertility. (5,6)

Therefore, when approaching your off-cycle period, it’s essential to carefully consider the length and components of your PCT protocol.

How Long Should Your PCT Be?

The general rule of thumb is that your time on-cycle should equal your time off-cycle. However, this can vary depending on your specific cycle. Different types of prohormones have different release rates, affecting how long your PCT should be. For example, slow-release prohormones may stay in your body longer, requiring an extended PCT protocol. Conversely, fast-release prohormones exit your body quickly, meaning you might not need a prolonged protocol and might even start your PCT before your cycle ends. (4)

Things to consider during your cycle that may affect your PCT:

1. Dosage and Variety of Prohormones: Higher doses and the use of multiple types of prohormones (stacking) can contribute to more significant weight/muscle loss during PCT. Lower doses may help avoid this loss but might not provide as much weight/muscle gain.

2. Duration Between Cycles: Longer durations between cycles can lead to weight/muscle loss, but they also give your body more time to recover and restore balance.

When Can You Start Your Next Cycle?

It is generally recommended to wait at least 30 days after completing your PCT before starting your next cycle. Additionally, it’s advised not to run more than three cycles within a year.

Lifestyle Changes During Your Off Season:

During PCT, you might experience fatigue and fluctuations in appetite, requiring adjustments to your on-cycle lifestyle. Rest is crucial during this time as your body needs to restore and recalibrate from hormonal fluctuations. However, this doesn’t mean you should stop training.

Training Adjustments:

Avoid overtraining. Maintain high intensity to preserve muscle mass.
Reduce training volume while increasing the weight you lift. This means lowering reps/sets and focusing more on the weight.

Nutritional Adjustments:

Calorie Intake: Depending on whether you were cutting or bulking during your cycle, adjust your calories to maintenance or slightly above maintenance to support recovery without gaining fat.
Macronutrient Balance: Pay close attention to your protein, carb, and fat intake. Overconsumption of protein isn’t beneficial, and neither is underconsumption of carbs and fat. Balancing your macronutrients is crucial for maintaining muscle mass and overall health during PCT.

What To Look For In A PCT?

With so many different ingredients claiming to be the best for your PCT, it’s essential to understand what has scientific evidence backing it.

Testosterone Booster vs. PCT: What’s the Difference?

This is a common question that highlights a broader issue in supplement classification. Often, categorizing ingredients by specific uses creates the misconception that they serve only those uses. This isn’t always the case.

For example, consider fat burners and pre-workouts. They might seem very different, but a closer look at their labels often reveals common ingredients, such as caffeine. Whether you consume caffeine from a pre-workout or a fat burner, it can still have appetite-suppressing and thermogenic effects. (7)

Similarly, testosterone boosters and PCTs often share ingredients. The primary difference lies in their intended use. A PCT may require more support than a general natural testosterone booster, but if you’re not coming off a prohormone cycle, you could still use a PCT to boost testosterone.

Now let’s discuss what your PCT should consist of!

Testosterone Repair:

Various ingredients can be beneficial to elevate your natural testosterone levels. The following list includes ingredients identified to increase testosterone:

Ingredients Known to Increase Testosterone: (8)

*Please note this list does not indicate the level at which testosterone is increased.

Anacyclus pyrethrum
Bulbine natalensis
Epicatechin
Eurycoma longifolia extract
Fenugreek extract
Horney goat weed extract
L-Arginine
L-Carnitine
Magnesium
Mucuna purine
Pantothenic acid
Selenium
Shilajit
Tongkat ali extract

While the list above includes ingredients with stronger evidence supporting their effectiveness, there are other ingredients that may also aid in boosting testosterone but have conflicting evidence.

These include:

Ashwagandha extract
Boron
Caffeine
Calcium
D-Aspartic acid
Dehydroepiandrosterone
Garlic
Ginseng
Maca Extract
Resveratrol
Vitamin D
Zinc

Although the evidence for these ingredients is mixed, it doesn’t mean they won’t help at all. When looking for a PCT product, it can be beneficial to choose one that features a combination of ingredients from both lists to maximize the potential for testosterone support.

Estrogen Modulation:

Another crucial function of PCT is estrogen modulation. The most common and popular ingredient for this purpose is Arimistane (also known as Androsta 3,5-dien-7, 17-dione).

Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs):

AIs are ingredients and products that block estrogen by inhibiting the aromatase enzyme, preventing the conversion of testosterone to estradiol. This process indirectly increases serum testosterone by boosting gonadotropin-releasing hormone, LH, and follicle-stimulating hormone levels. (9)

You can actually take arimistane alone; click HERE to check it out.

Outside of arimistane, some other natural ingredients and extracts may exhibit aromatase inhibition, like Agaricus bisporus (white button mushrooms) and Vitis L.(grape and/or wine). (10) However, there does seem to be a stronger efficiency from arimistane. (11)

Benefits of AIs and Testosterone Boosters:

While AIs help block estrogen and increase testosterone levels, testosterone boosters enhance testosterone production and its bioavailability. This combination can improve mood, libido, and overall well-being.

By including both AIs and testosterone boosters in your PCT, you can effectively manage estrogen levels and support natural testosterone production, helping to maintain muscle mass and optimize recovery.

Prostate Support/DHT Inhibition:

Another crucial aspect to consider during and after your cycle is the impact on your prostate. Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are known to cause an increase in prostatic volume, a reduction in urine flow rate, and alterations in voiding patterns.(12)

Ingredients for Prostate Support and DHT Inhibition:

The following ingredients can aid in prostate support and inhibit DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which is known to contribute to prostate issues: (13,14)

Resveratrol
Saw palmetto
Pygeum africanum
NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) (15)
Stinging Nettle Extract (Root)

Additionally, with increased levels of free testosterone and growth hormone comes an increased risk of prostate cancer. It’s important to keep this in mind when deciding if a prohormone cycle is the best option for you. Incorporating these ingredients into your PCT can help mitigate potential prostate issues and ensure a safer recovery period. (16)

Cardiovascular Support:

In addition to the expected areas of support, it’s crucial to consider supplements or ingredients that support heart health, especially given the potential cardiovascular risks associated with prohormone and AAS usage. These risks include increased blood pressure, which may necessitate avoiding these substances for individuals with existing cardiovascular issues. (17)

While evidence linking dietary supplements to cardiovascular support can be limited and lacking consensus, some products and ingredients show potential benefits: (18,19,20,21)

Multivitamins
Vitamin D
Fish Oil
Coenzyme Q10
Probiotics
Pine Bark Extract
Grape Seed Extract
Policosanol

Although individual responses can vary, these supplements may help support cardiovascular health during and after a prohormone cycle.

Liver Support:

Including liver support ingredients in your PCT can be crucial for aiding your liver in detoxification and maintaining metabolic health. While most modern prohormones are formulated to minimize liver toxicity, it’s prudent for some individuals to prioritize liver support, especially considering factors like alcohol consumption alongside prohormone use. (22)

Some key ingredients for liver support can include: (23)

Milk Thistle Extract
Silybin Extract Complex (as milk thistle extract)
Curcuminoids like Curcumin
NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) (15)

These ingredients are known for their ability to support liver function and aid in detoxification processes.

It’s important to note that certain ingredients may potentially impact liver health negatively. When comparing labels or considering stacking products, be mindful of ingredients that could pose risks: (24)

Ephedra
Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)
Garcinia Cambogia
Kava
Saw Palmetto
Usnic Acid

While these ingredients may have benefits in other contexts, their effects on liver health should be carefully considered, especially when combined with prohormone usage. Always consult with a healthcare provider to assess your individual risk factors and ensure the safety of your supplement regimen.

Popular PCTs:

Luckily, there are a bunch of PCTs available today that cover the majority of what you’d want from PCT and then some extra.

Arimiplex By Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals
HellRaiser By Innovative Labs
PCT-V By Blackstone Labs
RPCT By Repp Sports

Arimiplex by Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals:

This PCT features 4 blends covering all the areas we mentioned above. Within these blends, we want to highlight the following ingredients:

Prostate Support and DHT Inhibition Complex: 250 mg

Saw Palmetto Extract (Fruit)✔
NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine)✔
Pygeum Extract (Bark)✔
Stinging Nettle Extract (Root)✔

Testosterone and LH Support and Aromatase Inhibitor: 37.5 mg

Androsta 3,5-dien-7, 17-dione✔
Fenugreek Extract (50% Furastanol Saponins)(Seed) 125 mg✔
Tribulus Terrestris Extract (Minimum 90% Saponins) (Aerial Parts and Fruit) 167 mg

Cardiovascular Support: 150 mg

Pine Bark Extract✔
Grape Seed Extract (95% Proanthocyanidins)✔
Policosanol✔

Liver Support: 360 mg

Milk Thistle Extract (80% Silymarin)(Seed)✔

While Tribulus Terrestris Extract (TT) is a common ingredient in testosterone boosters, the research backing it has been inconsistent. However, we would like to highlight that research indicates that TT may be beneficial for (25)

Arimiplex Review By Justin: “I felt better with much faster progress PCT this time around with arimiplex. This has to be the best combo in one product. Highly recommended!”

HellRaiser by Innovative Labs:

Like Arimiplex, HellRaiser also contains extensive blends covering each PCT area. Additionally, their formulas are nearly the same!

Prostate Support and DHT Inhibition Complex: 250 mg

Saw Palmetto Extract (Fruit)✔
NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine)✔
Pygeum Extract (Bark✔
Stinging Nettle Extract (Root)✔

Testosterone and LH Support and Aromatase Inhibitor: 50 mg

Androsta 3,5-dien-7, 17-dione✔
Fenugreek Extract (50% Furastanol Saponins)(Seed) 125 mg✔
Tribulus Terrestris Extract (Minimum 90% Saponins) (Aerial Parts and Fruit), Bulbine Natalensis Extract 167 mg

Cardiovascular Support: 150 mg

Pine Bark Extract 95%✔
Grape Seed Extract (95% Proanthocyanidins)✔

Liver Support: 360 mg

Milk Thistle Extract (80% Silymarin)(Seed)✔

HellRaiser Review By Timothy: “Has high concentration of blockers compared to most other aromatase inhibitors. Also, supports live and organ function, smells better than some of the other inhibitors, but smells more like broccoli/asparagus, others I’ve taken smell like moth balls. Good product, highly recommend.”

PCT-V by Blackstone Labs:

Unlike both Arimiplex and HellRaiser, PCTV doesn’t contain blends. Rather, each ingredient is listed with it’s dosage. This makes it easier to compare between products and to evaluate the potential effectiveness. However, we would state this formula is rather short. Depending on your history with prohormones or AAS you may want to add an additional testosterone support like Apex Male.

Tribulus Terrestris 250mg
Saw Palmetto Berry Extract 160mg✔
NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) 125mg✔
Arimistane (Androsta-3,5-diene-7,17-dione)37.5mg✔
5-alpha-hydroxy Laxogenin 25mg

Additionally, you can see the last ingredient in this formula is 5-alpha-hydroxy Laxogenin or just Laxogenin for short. This ingredient is considered a plant steroid, meaning its nonhormonal. Some users find that this ingredient aids in recovery and muscle growth, but this will vary person to person. If you want to read more about laxogenin, click HERE.

PCT-V Review By Robbie: “Complete PCT. Exactly what I need for after my cycles.”

R PCT by Repp Sports:

The next product we’ll feature in this guide is R PCT, which features a combination of Blends and a disclosed label. Making it clear which ingredient is intended to do what.

Starting with the top of the label, you have Vitamin D3 (2000UI)✔. This ingredient is not within a blend but supports many bodily functions, including cardiovascular support.

Anabolic Test Amplifier (555mg)

Ashwagandha Root Extract (300mg)✔
Coleus Forskohlii (125mg)
Mucuna Pruriens (100mg)✔
5-Alpha Hydroxy Laxogenin (25mg)
Black Pepper Extract (5mg)

Estrogen Control (275mg)

Diindolymethane (DIM) (200mg)
Androsta-3, 5-Diene-7, 17-Dione (Arimistane) (75mg)✔

Liver Regeneration Matrix (400mg)

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) (400mg)✔

Coleus Forskohlii is another ingredient with mixed reviews on its ability to improve testosterone levels. However, some research has been done to support this claim. (26) Within the same blend, you can see Black Pepper Extract. This ingredient may not improve testosterone in itself, but it may aid in increasing the bioavailability of the other ingredients. (27) The last ingredient in this formula we haven’t covered is DIM, which may aid in inhibiting estrogen (28). However, there have been associations between DIM and hair loss.

RPCT Review By Robert: “I tried a couple from my buddy and then afterwards got a bottle for myself. This stuff works well. Perfect post dude!”

Novedex XT By Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals:

Lastly, we have Novedex XT, sometimes referred to as Novadex. Novedex XT features a proprietary blend including the following ingredients:

3b-hydroxy-androsta-1,4,6-triene-17-one (ATD)✔: This ingredient is a potent aromatase inhibitor.† (29)
3b-hydroxy-androsta-4,6-deine-17-one: This ingredient may prevent the conversion of testosterone into estrogen and help gain muscle and strength.†
Androsta-3,5-Diene-7,17-Dione (Arimistane)✔

Novedex XT Review By Chester: “I finished my pro cycle and started taking novadex. So far its great. I’m keeping all the gains I made while on cycle and feel great. Highly recommend it.”

Wrapping Up!

And this marks the end of our post on Post Cycle Therapy (PCTs). Thank you for reading! And as always, if there was something that wasn’t clear, another question you might have, or if you have another idea for a blog, Email Us!

Are you looking for more to read? Check out our other blogs!

Warnings And Side Effects:

The products in this post are intended for healthy athletes aged 21 and older. Keep out of reach of children. Before using these products, seek advice from your pharmacist or a physician. Avoid using these products if you have any pre-existing medical conditions. Additionally, you should consult your physician prior to use if you are taking any other medications.

Discontinue use immediately if you experience rapid heartbeat, dizziness, vomiting, or other similar symptoms. Side effects may include acne, hair loss, or increased aggressiveness.

Do not use it if you are:

Nursing, pregnant, or plan to become pregnant
Prone to dehydration
Exposed to excessive heat

Products in this post may contain ingredients that may be banned by some sports organizations and/or increase the risk of a false positive on a drug test. Please consult with your sports organization or physician before taking this product. Manufacturers recommend taking PCTs in conjunction with a blood test to watch the hormonal impact. Do not exceed suggested dosages.

ALLERGEN: Manufactured in a plant that also processes milk, egg, soy, peanut, fish, crustaceans/shellfish, tree nuts, and wheat products.

Disclaimer:

†Please note the intention of the information provided is for reference only. Furthermore, we are in no way providing medical advice or instruction. Instead, the information provided in this guide/blog utilizes anecdotal information and available studies/reviews. While we aim to maintain and display accurate information, we can’t guarantee it represents the latest product formula or information. Therefore, please visit the manufacturer’s website if you have any concerns. Also, the information above does not represent our views here at Same Day Supplements. Instead, these are the manufacturers’ and users’ views and information. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these statements. Finally, these products aim not to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease or illness.