What exactly is a PCT?
Post-cycle therapy is a special medication or supplementation strategy. It serves to restore hormone levels as quickly as possible after a course of treatment with hormonally active substances such as steroids, SARMs, or prohormones. This is necessary because these substances massively disrupt the hormonal balance in the body. Specifically, they cause the body to reduce its natural testosterone production. Prolonged use can even lead to the body producing virtually no testosterone at all. In bodybuilding, this is referred to as a "flattened axis." This refers to the hypothalamus-pituitary axis, the connection between the hormone control center in the brain and the pituitary gland, which controls the gonads.
As part of post-cycle therapy, the body is given preparations that stimulate it to produce more testosterone. Furthermore, the body receives substances that lower estrogen levels or prevent estrogen from docking onto the corresponding receptors in the body.
How does a PCT work?
To understand the concept of "PCT," we must first briefly explain what happens in the body during a cycle of anabolic steroids. The administration of anabolic steroids creates an "oversupply" of testosterone in the body – because every hormonally active anabolic steroid is a form of testosterone (or a precursor thereof). The body then reduces its own testosterone production via an endogenous feedback system, because the organism always strives for balance [1]. It also converts some of the excess testosterone into the female sex hormone estrogen. The longer a cycle of anabolic steroids lasts, the more endogenous testosterone production is reduced – and the more estrogen enters the system. As long as enough testosterone is "replenished" from outside, this is not a problem; muscle building continues merrily. But when the anabolic steroids are eventually discontinued, things get hairy. The following situation then prevails in the body:
- The testosterone level is suddenly very low because the external supply has been stopped and the body’s own production is running on low flame or
has come to a complete standstill. - The estrogen level is unnaturally high.
- As a result of the reduced body's own testosterone production, the testicles have shrunk.
- Depending on the anabolic steroids used, the liver may also be affected – many anabolic steroids are liver toxic (especially oral preparations). This can result in a wide range of clinical symptoms, ranging from elevated liver enzyme levels to acute liver failure [2]. However, steroid users can counteract this by taking a
liver-supportingCycle support supplementsuch as taking TUDCA.
The task of PCT supplements is to improve this poor overall situation as quickly as possible. If the situation persists, significant muscle and body loss will occur. This is also the reason why so many amateur bodybuilders who aren't familiar with biochemistry literally collapse after a steroid cycle: With low testosterone levels and simultaneously elevated estrogen levels, it's impossible to maintain all the muscle mass built with the help of steroids without PCT.
So, what do PCT supplements have to do? First, they have to ensure that the body produces more testosterone again, and second, they have to neutralize the excessive estrogen circulating in the system.
Typical PCT supplements
What PCT supplements are available? A distinction is made between
- medicinal PCT supplements and
- natural or herbal PCT supplements.
The former, like anabolic steroids, contain hormonal agents and can therefore cause side effects; however, these side effects are less severe than the consequences of untreated post-cycle syndrome. Herbal PCT supplements, on the other hand, are virtually free of side effects. However, their effectiveness is not as good as that of actual PCT medications.
Medicinal PCT supplements
Medicinal PCT supplements directly intervene in the hormonal balance to quickly restore testosterone production. The most commonly used medications in this category are:
- Clomiphene (Clomiphene, Clomid):
Clomiphene is a so-called SERM (selective estrogen receptor modulator). It causes the release of the hormones LH and FSH, which stimulate ovulation in women and testosterone production in men. In fact, clomiphene is the most commonly prescribed medication for treating male infertility following steroid use [3]. - Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)
Tamoxifen is another SERM commonly used for post-cycle therapy. It primarily acts as an aromatase inhibitor, meaning it inhibits the conversion of testosterone to estrogen. By keeping the estrogen receptors in the body occupied, it also prevents circulating estrogen from docking and exerting its effects. - Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG):
HCG is also a commonly used PCT medication. It binds to the LH receptors in the testes and exerts the same effect as the hormone LH itself—it causes the testes to resume their function. However, LH secretion remains suppressed. This means that HCG only causes the testes to enlarge after a steroid course. HCG does not repair a "flattened testicle."
Natural/Herbal PCT Supplements
In addition to medications, there are also herbal PCT supplements. These are often used as a gentler alternative or as a supplement to chemical preparations. The most well-known natural PCT supplements are:
- Tribulus Terrestris
Tribulus TerrestrisTribulus terrestris (Tribulus terrestris) is a plant traditionally used to stimulate endogenous testosterone production. (Most testosterone boosters contain Tribulus terrestris extract.) Indeed, studies show that Tribulus terrestris can increase libido in men and help overcome erectile dysfunction [4]. However, the extent to which the plant can also repair damaged hormonal balance remains uncertain. - Fenugreek:
Fenugreek is another herbal remedy used in PCT to promote natural testosterone production. Unlike Tribulus, it has been proven to have a direct positive effect on total testosterone levels in men [5]. - Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto extract is also a popular herbal PCT supplement. By blocking the 5-reductase enzyme, it prevents the conversion of testosterone to DHT, which can lead to a measurable increase in testosterone levels.
Other PCT funds
In addition, there are other agents and substances that can act as PCT supplements. For example, the prohormoneArimistane(Androsta-3,5-diene-7,17-dione), a metabolite of the hormone 7-keto DHEA: It basically works like the drug tamoxifen, meaning it blocks the estrogen receptors in the body, thus preventing the conversion of testosterone to estrogen. Furthermore, there isEpitaph– This peptide, actually known as an anti-aging agent, can promote the reactivation of the "axis" in cases of hypothyroidism. And then there's the mineral zinc, which has been proven to contribute to maintaining normal testosterone levels.
When do you have to do a PCT?
Whether PCT is always necessary after the use of anabolic steroids is controversial among bodybuilding enthusiasts. Since the use of PCT drugs
Because of the risks involved, some advocate simply waiting until hormone levels recover on their own. This is called "coming out of the cycle cold turkey." Depending on the anabolic steroids used previously, this can work. However, it will take several months for testosterone production to fully recover.
PCT after a steroid course
If you've injected or swallowed anabolic steroids, PCT is almost always indicated afterward. Even very mild steroids, such as methenolone (Primobolan) or oxandrolone (Anavar), are highly suppressive; they significantly reduce endogenous testosterone production. Anyone who doesn't perform PCT after a cycle and instead relies solely on their body's ability to regenerate will likely lose all the gains the steroids provided.
PCT after SARMs
SARMs, or Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators, have almost the same anabolic effect as steroids, but they don't have the same severe side effects. In particular, it's claimed that they don't damage the "axis." However, it's now known that they do, at least to some extent. The following applies: The stronger the SARM preparation, the greater the damage to the axis. SARMs likeLGD 4033 (Ligandrol)orRAD-140 (Testolone), which have a very strong anabolic effect, therefore absolutely require a PCT. The somewhat weaker SARMOstarineyou can also omit a PCT.
PCT after prohormones
The same applies to prohormones as to SARMs: the stronger they are, the more they suppress the body's own testosterone production and the more advisable a PCT is after use. Weak prohormones such asEpistanetherefore do not require PCT, strong prohormones such asM-Drolor the highly effectiveS-Drol (Superdrol)However, with moderately strong prohormones such asHalodrolis a PCT discretionary matter.
How long does a PCT take?
A sensible post-cycle therapy lasts at least four weeks. Most PCT preparations are designed in pack sizes to last for one month or 30 days. Of course, there's no guarantee that your hormone balance will be completely normal again afterward. This can't be verified without medical help. The only way to gain clarity is through a complete blood count, which checks your hormone levels – and then only if you've had an initial blood count done before the treatment (otherwise, you have nothing to compare it to). Having blood counts done by an endocrinologist before and after using anabolic steroids is a top civic duty anyway. Even if a blood count costs at least €100 and isn't covered by statutory health insurance, it should be worth it for your health!
Where can you buy PCT supplements?
Medicinal PCT products can only be obtained either in pharmacies (with a valid prescription) or where anabolic steroids are also available – in other words, in "grey" online shops whose operators don't care about legal regulations. All other PCT products are also available in legally operating online shops, at least in those that are well-stocked. Here at GETBOOST3D, we offer you a wide selection of PCT supplements, including both purely herbal complexes (such asUnicornfrom Intelligent Muscle) as well as preparations with aromatase-inhibiting synthetic ingredients (such asE-BlockorPCT RXfrom Core Labs X). Simply click through the program!
- deximed.de (2022): Testosterone treatment (https://deximed.de/home/klinische-themen/endocrinologiestoffwechsel/patienteninformationen/verschiedene-krankheiten/testosteronbehandlung)
- K. Apel et al. (2020): “Drug-Induced Liver Injury – Importance of Pathology” (https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00292-020-00811-x)
- AJ Tatem et al. (2020): “Management of Anabolic Steroid-Induced Infertility: Novel Strategies for Fertility Maintenance and Recovery”
(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30929329/) - Z. Kamenov et al. (1982): “Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Tribulus terrestris in male sexual dysfunction-A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial” (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28364864/)
- medical-tribune.de (2023): Fenugreek with anabolic and androgenic effects (https://www.medical-tribune.de/medizin-undforschung/artikel/bockshornklee-mit-anabolen-und-androgenen-effekten)
