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Post-cycle therapy: which drugs to use and how to combine them

Author: Nikita Shilkin - Candidate for Master of Sports in Powerlifting and gym trainer.
2014-03-22

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Important! We do not advocate for the use of steroids and other potent substances. All information is provided so that those who still decide to take them can do so with minimal health risks.

Post-cycle therapy (hereinafter referred to as PCT) is a set of medications taken to restore the normal functioning of the body after a course of AAS (anabolic-androgenic steroids). The primary focus is on the endocrine system. This is necessary for:

  • Controlling side effects during the cycle;
  • Restoring natural hormone levels;
  • Minimizing muscle mass loss after the course;
  • Preventing side effects from AAS, such as testicular atrophy or gynecomastia.

Control of Aromatization

During the cycle (without changing the types and dosages of steroids taken), it is possible to control their aromatization and progestational activity. It is also possible to support the function of the testes to produce testosterone. All this is achieved by taking additional medications.

Aromatization, or the conversion of androgens into estrogens, can be controlled in two ways. You can either block the action of estrogen on its receptors or prevent the aromatization process itself (aromatase inhibitors). Accordingly, there are two different classes of drugs with different mechanisms of action.

Estrogen Receptor Blockers

These drugs work by binding to estrogen receptors, thereby blocking estrogens from accessing them. This group includes Clomid (Clomiphene), Torremifene, and Tamoxifen.

In Russia, only Tamoxifen is available in pharmacies, and it is also the most effective and inexpensive option. Additionally, Tamoxifen has a number of very beneficial side effects. The most important of these is the direct increase in the synthesis of luteinizing hormone (LH). The function of LH is to stimulate testicular function. This means an increase in testosterone and sperm production. Tamoxifen is so effective that, just 10 days after taking 20 mg per day, testosterone production increases by 42% compared to baseline levels. After six weeks of use, this increase reaches 83%.

Under the influence of Tamoxifen, there is also an increase in the production of high-density lipoproteins, which serves as a preventive measure against the development of atherosclerosis.

However, despite all the advantages of Tamoxifen, it is not recommended to take it to suppress aromatization while using AAS, as this greatly reduces the effectiveness of steroid use. It is primarily used immediately after the discontinuation of steroid medications.

It is categorically inadmissible to use estrogen receptor blockers simultaneously with steroids that have progestational activity—such as Nandrolone, Trenbolone, and Oxymetholone. This will significantly amplify their side effects.

During an AAS cycle, Tamoxifen can be used provided you are only utilizing drugs that are not prone to aromatization and progestational activity (Boldenone, Stanozolol, Turinabol, Oxandrolone, Primobolan, etc.). In this case, Tamoxifen will be beneficial for minimizing the impact of AAS on endogenous testosterone secretion and counteracting the property of steroids that reduce the production of high-density lipoproteins.

Effective dosages of Tamoxifen range from 20-60 mg per day, and it is recommended to divide the dose into 2-3 intakes. You can determine the approximate dosage you need after an AAS cycle using this simple rule:

  • Total dose of AAS less than 500 mg/week – 20 mg/day of Tamoxifen.
  • 500-1000 mg/week – 40 mg/day.
  • More than 1000 mg/week – 60 mg/day.

Tamoxifen should be taken for at least 3-4 weeks post-cycle, preferably longer, extending up to the start of the next cycle.

Aromatase Inhibitors

Aromatase inhibitors represent the second class of medications for controlling estrogen activity in the body. These include drugs such as Proviron, Letrozole, and Anastrozole. They can be used both during and after a cycle. However, they also decrease the effects of the cycle.

Proviron not only acts as an aromatase inhibitor but also increases libido and the volume of produced sperm, which is extremely beneficial for restoring testicular function. Dosages used range from 25-75 mg/day.

Letrozole and Anastrozole are very similar to each other. For the prevention of side effects during a cycle, a dosage of 0.5 mg every other day is used. For treating gynecomastia, the dosage is 1 mg/day for Anastrozole and 2.5 mg/day for Letrozole. Both of these medications positively impact testosterone secretion, but at high dosages, they reduce libido.

Control of Progestational Activity

To control the progestational activity of steroids, two drugs are used – Bromocriptine and Cabergoline (Dostinex). However, the use of Bromocriptine is becoming outdated. This is because Dostinex significantly surpasses it in all parameters. Additionally, Bromocriptine has a number of unpleasant side effects, such as nausea and loss of appetite.

Dostinex is quite effective in suppressing prolactin production and the conversion of AAS to progesterone. Consequently, it increases prolactin secretion. I remind you that this property (conversion to progesterone) is characteristic only of three drugs: Trenbolone, Nandrolone, and Oxymetholone. Suppressing progestational activity enhances libido, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the decrease in testosterone production. It also mitigates the effects of taking AAS.

The dosage of Dostinex is 0.25 mg (1/4 tablet) every four days. Even this small amount is sufficient to suppress side effects even from high dosages of AAS.

Increasing Testosterone Production

In addition to using drugs that suppress female sex hormones, Chorionic Gonadotropin is used to increase testosterone production. Essentially, gonadotropin is an analogue of luteinizing hormone (LH), but it is produced not by the pituitary gland, but by the corpus luteum in the placenta of pregnant women, from whose urine this drug is isolated.

Thus, gonadotropin, like LH, stimulates hormone secretion in the testes, providing effects similar to testosterone. Accordingly, spermatogenesis increases, and the testes regain their size after a course of AAS.

Chorionic Gonadotropin should only be used while you are still on a cycle, as it suppresses your own production of LH, which is categorically unacceptable during the recovery period of the entire hormonal system.

The most effective regimen with minimal suppression of LH production is subcutaneous administration of 500-1000 IU of gonadotropin every three days. Generally, a total of 5-10 thousand units of the drug is sufficient for the entire course.

Restoration of Hormonal System and Maintenance of Muscle Mass

1. Testosterone boosters such as Ecdysterone (in dosages of 100-300 mg/day) and D-Aspartic Acid (3-4 grams per day) will help the body restore testosterone secretion faster and generally feel better.

2. Growth Hormone has anti-catabolic activity. The dosage is 10 IU per day, and it is recommended to divide the daily dose into 2-3 intakes. It also enhances the effects of AAS, burns fat, and aids in the recovery of joints and ligaments.

3. Sports nutrition—especially protein supplements and BCAAs (10 grams 3-5 times a day)—possesses anti-catabolic effects.

Examples of Cycles with PCT

All the cycles listed below are designed for experienced users of anabolic steroids. Lighter cycles do not require such a powerful PCT.

Gonadotropin, Tamoxifen, and Ecdysterone

The cycle consists of drugs with a strong tendency to aromatize, but the dosages used in the cycle are not so high that mandatory use of anti-estrogens is necessary. However, if aromatization is still too strong (significant water retention, itching in the nipples), it is essential to take Proviron at a dosage of 25 mg/day.

Proviron, Gonadotropin, Tamoxifen, and Ecdysterone

This cycle is aimed at gaining mass and strength indicators. High dosages imply a serious level of athlete preparation that requires such strong pharmaceutical support. Due to the use of Proviron, one can be less concerned about side effects, and the effectiveness of the cycle will not suffer significantly.

Proviron, Dostinex, Gonadotropin, Anastrozole, Tamoxifen,
Ecdysterone, and Growth Hormone (Part 1 of the table)

Part 2 of the table

This cycle is designed for gaining quality muscle mass and strength for high-level athletes. Quality post-cycle therapy will minimize side effects from the cycle, as well as quickly restore the endocrine system with minimal muscle loss.

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