The post cycle therapy refers to a protocol that is used after a steroid cycle to bring back natural hormone production in the body. Athletes are familiar with cycling, which is part of their dietary supplement used before and after workouts. But prolonged use of steroids leaves the body in a condition inhibiting hormone production entirely. Inhibiting natural hormone production can cause other problems in the body, so it avoids that experts recommend PCT. However, only some know much about PCT, so in this post, we will provide more details about this protocol so steroid users can make better decisions regarding their health.
Why Should Bodybuilders Start Doing PCT?
Most athletes take steroids in cycles to avoid building a dependency. Still, eventually, this action affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPTA), a system in our pituitary gland that regulates hormone production. Exogenous hormones that athletes take to signal the testes that the body has enough hormones, hence shutting down the natural hormone production. Steroid use can misbalance hormones entirely in the body, and in the post-steroid state, users can be vulnerable to muscle loss, increased estrogen levels, and liver toxicity. Because the body no longer produces natural endogenous hormones, the excess water from the steroid stays in the body, causing side effects. Therefore, athletes, after finishing a steroid cycle, should begin the best post-cycle therapy and take medications such as Nolvadex, Clomid, Aromaxyl, Accutane, etc. This method controls the healing hormone system and, within a couple of months, brings back natural testosterone production. Athletes should be doing PCT during the off-season and stay active without taking any performance-enhancing drugs.
How Long Does PCT Last?
Before starting PCT, steroid users should make sure they are free from steroid use; post-cycle therapy USA medications can react to steroids, so no steroid use during PCT. Steroid users can stretch a PCT for as long as one month or six weeks, depending on the user’s condition. Advanced steroid users take PCT in between steroid cycles, which is not ideal for beginners and intermediates. In case of severe estrogenic activities in the body, a user can run the best post-cycle therapy for several weeks. For PCT, the right dosage is also necessary, so knowing how much your body needs can save users from overdosing. Steroid users should talk to experts to know the right dosage and how long it should be taken. You can extend the therapeutic period because slow-releasing steroids take time to be out of the body, so longer PCT is recommended in this stage.
What Other Things You Should Do During PCT
Recognize that many unpleasant adverse reactions you are experiencing are typical, and practice self-compassion. It takes time for the body to mend and get back to normal. It is crucial to put rest and recovery—which includes getting adequate sleep every night—first during your best post-cycle therapy. Sleep is crucial for general health and well-being, but it is especially necessary during post-cycle therapy as your body heals from the pressures of a hormone cycle.
