This reference is for educational purposes only. If you need post cycle therapy, see your physician. Much of what you find here will have come straight from the forums at anabolicminds.com.
Goals of post cycle therapy: Stimulation of the HPTA (Hypothalamic Pituitary Testicular Axis)
Oestrogens and progesterone are two hormones responsible for female characteristics. They can be produced as a side effect of anabolic steroid use when they convert (aromatise) into these hormones. Both are responsible for some of the side effects of steroid use, eg gyno (gynecomastia - female breast tissue development in males, aka 'bitch tits'), female body fat deposition, water retention, etcetera.
Oestrogen receptor antagonists
Oestrogen receptor antagonists are weak oestrogens which bind strongly to a hormone receptor, but do not activate the receptor and make it unresponsive to the stronger oestrogenic hormones present due to the aromatisation of steroids.
Progestins
The presence of progesterone in male bodybuilders is through the use of the progestins, i.e. Oxymetholone (Anadrol, Anapolan50), Trenbolone (Finaject, Parabolan) and Nandrolone (Deca durabolin). A large problem for the bodybuilder is that the symptoms displayed by progesterone are identical to those of oestrogen, but the concurrent use of the typical anti-oestrogens appears to have no effect in controlling or treating it.
Progesterone tends to aggravate oestrogen induced gyno symptoms, making them more difficult to cure. We will look at some methods of avoiding or controlling them, bearing in mind that progesterone actually requires oestrogen presence to activate it in the first place.
Use with non-aromatising steroids
If progesterone requires oestrogen presence to activate it, then one method of avoiding this would be to use the progestins in stacks with non-aromatising steroids. Amazingly heavy androgenic steroids like Anadrol and Trenbolone are exceptionally mild and safe with regard to female characteristics when used in conjunction with non-aromatising steroids like Primobolan or Winstrol. This is great news for the gyno-prone individual who has previously avoided these stronger steroids for fear of gyno development. A simple stack of Anadrol and Primobolan will go along way to packing on some serious mass without the worry of developing gyno.
Competitive Aromatase Inhibitors
If aromatising steroids are to be included in the stack with progestagenic steroids, then the concurrent use of Competitive Aromatase Inhibitors, like Arimidex or Proviron, would also seem a sensible option. These can be incorporated to keep oestrogen levels low and avoid the activation of the progesterone. Although they will not help with already developed progesterone induced gyno, they can certainly be employed to avoid its development. As usual, the amount of aromatase inhibitor required increases with increasing dose of aromatising steroids used, but the best dose is still the minimum amount that can be got away with to produce the desired effect.
Winstrol
The use of Winstrol is also an effective method of controlling progesterone-induced gyno, as it is anti-progestagenic. An effective dose appears to be in the vicinity of 50mg eod (depot) or 30 to 35mg/day (tabs) although this dose may require increasing depending on the doses being employed in the stack.
One important point worth mentioning is, although generally the progestins do not aromatise, there is an exception to this rule: Deca, as well as being a progestin also aromatises, only very slightly, but nevertheless, still does to some extent. Although this is not nearly enough to cause the large majority any problems at all, for those extremely sensitive to gyno, this small amount of aromatisation to oestrogen can be enough of an elevation to activate the progesterone. Very few people are likely to suffer this, but we feel it is a point worth mentioning.
SERMs (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators) - Block estrogen from acting on tissue.
Nolvadex (tamoxifen citrate)
10mg tablets = 15.2mg of tamoxifen citrate which is equivalent to 10mg of tamoxifen.
20mg tablets = 30.4mg of tamoxifen citrate which is equivalent to 20mg of tamoxifen.
Raloxifene: Raloxifene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator that produces both estrogen-agonistic effects on bone and lipid metabolism and estrogen-antagonistic effects on uterine endometrium and breast tissue.
Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid, Clomifen, Serophene): Clomid is capable of reacting with all of the tissues in the body that have estrogen receptors. It influences the way that the four hormones GnRH, FSH, LH and estradiol, relate and interrelate. It appears that Clomid fools the body into believing that the estrogen level is low. This altered feedback information causes the hypothalamus to make and release more gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) which in turn causes the pituitary to make and release more FSH and LH. More follicle stimulating hormone and more luteinizing hormone should result in increased testosterone production.
Like Nolvadex, Clomid is not a steroid but a triphenylethylene with anti-oestrogenic properties. The two compounds are structurally similar and their mechanism of action is also similar. The general consensus though, is that Clomid is best left as a post-cycle natural testosterone recovery product and a more appropriate anti-oestrogen found, as Clomid does not seem to be as effective in this role.
Droloxifine (experimental)
Idoxifene (experimental)
Toremifene Citrate (experimental): Less toxic than tamoxifen citrate and better on lipids and bone density. Discussions: 1 2 |
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AIs (Aromatase Inhibitors): Aromatase is the enzyme that causes the conversion of testosterone into estradiol and androstenedione into estrone. Aromatase inhibitors lower the amount of estrogen in post-menopausal women who have hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer. The hormone estrogen delivers growth signals to the hormone receptors. With less estrogen in the body, the hormone receptors receive fewer growth signals, and cancer growth can be slowed down or stopped.
6-OXO (chemical name: 3,6,17-androstenetrione): A suicide inhibitor of aromatase. Binds to the aromatase enzyme in a permanent and irreversible manner,
rendering it inactive. The result of this is an eventual diminishment
of aromatase enzyme in the body and a concomitant reduction in estrogen
levels.
A corresponding increase in testosterone production is usually experienced as well.
Arimidex (chemical name: anastrozole): Type 2 "non-steroidal inhibitors." They also stop the activity of the aromatase enzyme, but not permanently. Arimidex is the perfect choice for when using high doses of aromatising steroids, or indeed even for moderate doses if the individual is prone to gyno. It is thought that it may be possible to lower oestrogen levels too much with Arimidex and for this reason blood tests are recommended to determine whether the dosing schedule is correct for maximum results, as it is theorised that some oestrogen presence is required to keep the androgen receptors 'open'. Arimidex has excellent binding qualities at the receptor and therefore only low doses are required. The main downside is its price; it's very expensive. Dosing:
Arimidex is supplied in 1mg tablets.
Usual dose is between 0.25 - 1mg per day. In most cases 0.5mg per day is sufficient.
Letrozole (Femara): An oral, anti-estrogen drug used for treating postmenopausal women with breast cancer. Letrozole prohibits the enzyme in the adrenal glands (aromatase) that produces the estrogens, estradiol and estrone. Can be taken with or without food.
Aromasin (chemical name: exemestane): Type 1 "steroidal inhibitor," which stops the activity of the aromatase enzyme forever.
Chrysin: Chrysin is a flavonoid that has been purported especially in the bodybuilding world to be an effective inhibitor of an enzyme known as aromatase. European Olympic athletes report 1-3 grams of chrysin per day is a safe and effective dose. Chrysin may have poor bioavailability. Discuss
Ester C (Vitamin C): Has some natural Aromatase Inhibiting properties. 2-4 grams of Ester C per day should be safe. |
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ATD (1,4,6-androstatriene-3,17-dione): Stops estrogen production?
Rebound XT: Can be run inversely to a SERM. This is best when hCG is included. As the SERM dose goes down and hCG is phased out over a few wks, the Rebound XT goes up. I've posted everywhere on this method. Also, Rebound XT can be used solo for uncomplicated PCTs when stacked with DHEA and Fenugreek for short, oral only cycles (1 month or less). Last, Rebound XT can be used at the very end of a PCT just to taper off of SERMs. I haven't tried it yet, but it makes sense for longer PCTs or when an edge on test production or reduced estrogen is desired long term.
Ultra H.O.T.
Ultra H.O.T.ter
Anastrazole
Letrozole
Novedex XT |
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Discussion on running SERM inverse to ATD
Estrogen only "rebounds" based on the mechanism of suppression. SERM, for example, only masks estrogen expression by occupying receptors but estrogen production is left unchecked and actually increases as testosterone levels increase. AI's like letro inhibit inducible enzymes and just like a leaky faucet, they body will eventually try to balance the equation with increased aromatase activity. Steroidal AI's like Teslac, Exemestane, and ReboundXT will not result in 'rebound' phenomena because the inhibition is non-competitive and irreversible. They act as false substrates, so aromatase is still happy to act on them (instead of androstenedione) and the body keeps no record of an imbalance. There is no leaky faucet. In fact, after prolonged use, steroidal AI's often produce a protracted anti-e benefit even after being discontinued. This is why I suggest an inverse taper with SERM and RXT for PCT with an abrupt stoppage of RXT at the end. As the SERM elevates androgen/estrogen production, the AI dose is increased to compensate while the SERM is phased out. It works quite well to use this approach and rebound is not encountered. Adding LX and/or DHEA also really makes for a killer PCT in this scheme. This is a typical example of my PCT:
wk1: Clomid 150mg/d, RXT 25mg/d, DHEA 200mg/d, LX 75mg/d
wk2: Clomid 100mg/d, RXT 25mg/d, DHEA 200mg/d, LX 50mg/d
wk3: Nolva 60mg/d, RXT 50mg/d, DHEA 200mg/d, LX 25mg/d
wk4: Nolva 40mg/d, RXT 50mg/d, DHEA 100mg/d
wk5: Nolva 20mg/d, RXT 75mg/d, DHEA 100mg/d
wk6: RXT 75mg/d, DHEA 100mg/d
Notice I phase the Clomid out and introduce the Nolva later. This helps prevent sides from developing from accumulation of estrogenic metabolites from the Clomid and also acts to minimize the use of Nolva, which is more liver toxic than Clomid. Rebound is very unlikely and estrogen biosynthesis will likely be significantly lowered for 3+ wks even after the end of this PCT. I do long ones, as you can see.
Read the entire discussion here |
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The list below determines when you should start Clomid. Select from the list any steroids you've used in your cycle and whichever one has the latest starting point is the time to commence Clomid. For example, if Dianabol, Sustanon and Winstrol were cycled, the time for administering Clomid should be 3 weeks post cycle, as Sustanon remains active in the body for the longest period of time. Read the discussion here.
Steroid |
Time after last administration |
Length of clomid cycle |
Anadrol50/Anapolan50 |
8 - 12 hours |
3 weeks |
Deca durabolan |
3 weeks |
4 weeks |
Dianabol |
4 - 8 hours |
3 weeks |
Equipoise |
17 - 21 days |
3 weeks |
Finajet/Trenbolone |
3 days |
3 weeks |
Primabolan depot |
10 - 14 days |
2 weeks |
Sustanon |
3 weeks |
3 weeks |
Testosterone Cypionate |
2 weeks |
3 weeks |
Testosterone Enanthate/Testaviron |
2 weeks |
3 weeks |
Testosterone Propionate |
3 days |
3 weeks |
Testosterone Suspension |
4 - 8 hours |
2-3 weeks |
Winstrol |
8 - 12 hours |
2-3 weeks |
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Other products to help increase natural testosterone or aid workouts during PCT:
Tribulus, Fenugreek, Forskolin, DHEA, Rebound XT, Rebound Reloaded, Reduce XT, ActivaTe, Anabolic Xtreme PCT, Retain (reduce cortisol), Lean Extreme (reduce cortisol), CEE (Creatine Ethyl Ester). Nitric Oxide (NO2), Ultra H.O.T., Ultra HOTTER
ActivaTe - Should be used starting the last wk or 2 wks of a cycle and continued for no longer than 8 total weeks into PCT. 6 weeks seems perfect to me. The first and last week of dosing should consist of a half dose, and the weeks in between full doses. It's okay to take more than the full dose too because it's effects are non-toxic and dose dependent. |
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Products to help with blood pressure and cholesterol regulation / liver and support:
Liver: K-R-ALA, NAC ( N-Acetyl-Cysteine), Milk Thistle (80% standardized Silymarin), Lecithin
Cholesterol: Sesathin, Guggul, Red Yeast Rice*, CoEnzyme Q10*, Flax Seed Oil, Safflower Oil*, Policosanol*, Niacin, Garlic, Hawthorn Berry (helps regulate blood pressure as well), Pantethine
Blood Pressure: Coenzyme Q10, Garlic (best with high concentration of Allicin), Celery Seed Extract (best with high concentration of 3NB), C-12 Peptide. Also, high-dose vitamin B6 and vitamin C. High-dose vitamin D is also beneficial for Blood Pressure (not sure how, though). |
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Anti-Estrogens: Anti-oestrogens are compounds which act to reduce oestrogenic activity in the body. This is achieved in one of two ways, and there are different drugs which fall into these categories.
Nolvadex (Tamoxifen citrate):
Nolvadex is not a steroid but a triphenylethylene with potent anti-estrogenic properties. Its clinical use is primarily in chemotherapy for cancer patients. It is very useful and successful in combination with a steroid regimen at reducing water retention and preventing gyno. Nolvadex is probably the most commonly used anti-oestrogen mainly due to its mostly positive effects, availability and low price. Controversy surrounds the fact that it anecdotally appears to reduce gains made on a cycle, mostly due to reduced water retention, but most users agree that losses, if any, are minimal and its always difficult to say what gains may have been made in its absence. Dosing:
An effective dose seems to be 10 to 20mg per day.
At first signs of a possible gyno, take 20mg per day until symptoms subside, then 10mg per day until completion of cycle and post-cycle Clomid therapy.
Proviron (Mesterolone): Proviron is an anabolic steroid with little direct anabolic properties. It has good binding qualities with the androgen receptor, but most never reaches the androgen receptor in muscle tissue, as it is enzymatically converted to diol. It is however effective as an anti-aromatase, and is believed to also act in an anti-oestrogenic manner due to certain oestrogen receptor down-regulation, making it a very effective compound for preventing gyno. Proviron also helps restore sexual dysfunctions caused by steroid cycling, helping to increase sexual desire as a result of the increased androgen levels, a downside can be permanent erections in some males which at first may sound fantastic but can be extremely painful, in which case the dose should be lowered or discontinued. Proviron will also help reduce excess bloating caused by water retention.
Proviron can be used effectively throughout clomid therapy as it displays no signs of inhibiting the HPTA (see article 'Clomid and HCG'), and is helpful in keeping androgen levels elevated until natural testosterone production is restored correctly. The androgenic activity is also responsible for the distinct hardening of muscles and is one reason it is often favoured leading up to competitions. Dosing:
Proviron is supplied in 25mg tablets.
Usual dose is between 25 to 100mg per day. In most cases 25 to 50mg per day is sufficient. Dose is best split between morning and evening.
Anti-Oestrogens
Competitive Aromatase Inhibitors
Competitive aromatase inhibitors bind to the same site on the enzyme aromatase as testosterone does. This allows less testosterone to bind to aromatase, which in turn means less is converted to oestradiol (the primary type of oestrogen). An important point to note is that the amount of inhibitor required rises with increasing steroid dose i.e. higher doses of Arimidex or Proviron are required to prevent the aromatisation of 1000mg/week of testosterone than 500mgs/week. |
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Basic Post Cycle Therapy: |
Clomid:
Day 1: 300mg
Day 2-11: 100mg daily
Day 12-21: 50mg daily
Clomid:
week 1: 150mg
week 2: 100
week 3: 50
week 4: 50 |
Tamoxifen:
Week 1 (or 2): 40-50 mg daily.
Week 2 (or 3) through week 4 (or 5): 20-25mg daily.
Tamoxifen:
week 1: 40mg daily
week 2: 40mg daily
week 3: 20mg daily
week 4: 20mg daily |
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Articles related to the use of illegal performance enhancing drugs are for information purposes only and are the sole expressions of the individual authors opinion. We do not promote the use of these substances and the information contained within this publication is not intended to persuade or encourage the use or possession of illegal substances. These substances should be used only under the advice and supervision of a qualified, licensed physician.