Post Cycle Therapy Guide: PCT Protocol

Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) is a 4-week pharmaceutical protocol using Nolvadex (40/40/20/20mg) or Clomid (50/50/25/25mg) to restart natural testosterone production after a steroid cycle. Without PCT, the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis takes 3-6 months to recover. A clinical study on SERM therapy demonstrated that Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) increased LH levels by 150-200% within the first 2 weeks of administration, significantly accelerating testosterone recovery.

Key Takeaways

• PCT is mandatory after every steroid cycle, regardless of compound or dosage
• Nolvadex protocol: 40mg/day (week 1-2), 20mg/day (week 3-4)
• Clomid protocol: 50mg/day (week 1-2), 25mg/day (week 3-4)
• Timing matters: start PCT 14 days after last long-ester injection, or next day after last oral dose
• LH suppression reaches 94-100% during a cycle. PCT restores it within 4-6 weeks
• Confirm recovery with blood work: testosterone, LH, FSH at 6-8 weeks post-PCT

Why PCT Is Essential

During a steroid cycle, exogenous hormones shut down the HPG axis. The hypothalamus detects elevated androgen levels and stops producing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). The pituitary responds by halting LH and FSH output. The testes, without LH stimulation, cease testosterone production.

According to the European Journal of Endocrinology, LH levels drop to near-undetectable within 3 weeks of starting a testosterone cycle at 500mg/week. Without PCT intervention, restoring baseline levels takes 3-6 months.

Symptoms during unassisted recovery include:

• Severe fatigue and low motivation
• Muscle loss of 30-50% of cycle gains
• Fat accumulation, particularly abdominal
• Low libido and erectile dysfunction
• Depression and mood instability

PCT Protocols by Cycle Type

Standard PCT (Testosterone, Anavar, Dianabol, Winstrol)

Enhanced PCT (Multi-compound stacks, 12+ week cycles)

When to Start PCT

These timing windows are based on each compound’s elimination half-life. Starting PCT while the steroid is still active wastes the SERM because it cannot compete with the exogenous hormones.

Common PCT Mistakes

1. Starting too early: beginning PCT before the compound has cleared means the SERM fights active exogenous hormones. Wait the full clearance period
2. Skipping PCT entirely: “feeling fine” is unreliable. Blood work after unassisted cycles consistently shows suppressed testosterone
3. Running PCT for only 2 weeks: most cycles require a full 4-week SERM protocol for adequate recovery
4. Training too aggressively during PCT: your body is hormonally depleted. Reduce volume slightly and prioritise recovery, sleep, and nutrition

Browse our PCT range including Nolvadex, Clomid, HCG, Aromasin, and Arimidex.