Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) — Recovering After SARMs or Steroids

POST-CYCLE THERAPY PROTOCOLS: The HPG (hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal) axis suppression caused by exogenous androgens or SARMs requires active recovery. Without PCT, natural testosterone recovery can take 3-12 months and may be incomplete. STANDARD PCT OPTIONS: (1) Nolvadex (Tamoxifen) 20mg/day for 4-6 weeks — most commonly recommended for SARM cycles. Blocks estrogen at the pituitary, increasing GnRH → LH/FSH → testosterone. (2) Clomid (Clomiphene) 25-50mg/day for 4-6 weeks — more potent LH stimulation but more side effects (vision disturbances, mood changes). Often used for heavier cycles. (3) Enclomifene 12.5-25mg/day — the pure anti-estrogenic isomer of clomiphene, fewer side effects, increasingly preferred. (4) HCG pre-PCT: 1000-2000 IU every other day for 2-3 weeks BEFORE starting SERMs. This 'primes' the testes to respond to LH once the SERMs kick in. Especially important after long or heavily suppressive cycles. (5) HCG + SERM combo: HCG during the first 2 weeks of PCT, overlapping with SERM start. TIMING: Start PCT when the suppressive compound has cleared. For SARMs with ~24h half-life (Ostarine, Ligandrol): start PCT 1-2 days after last dose. For RAD-140 (~60h half-life): wait 3-5 days. For long-ester steroids: wait 2-3 weeks. BLOODWORK: Test total testosterone, free testosterone, LH, FSH, estradiol at: baseline (pre-cycle), end of cycle (to assess suppression depth), and 4 weeks post-PCT (to confirm recovery).