Best PCT (Post Cycle Therapy): A Complete Guide for Every Cycle

Post cycle therapy, often involving a selective estrogen receptor modulator, is a critical step for athletes, bodybuilders, and fitness enthusiasts who have completed a cycle of anabolic steroids, prohormones, or selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs). Whether your goal is to restore hormonal balance, support natural testosterone production, or preserve your hard-earned muscle gains, the right PCT protocol can make all the difference in your recovery and overall health.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best PCT options for different scenarios related to performance enhancing drugs —after a steroid cycle, testosterone cycle, prohormones, and the SARM RAD 140. We’ll also cover how PCT works, what compounds are typically used, and why cycle therapy is essential for peak performance and long-term physical health.

Understanding Post Cycle Therapy

Post cycle therapy (PCT) refers to a period of targeted supplementation or prescribed medications taken after a cycle of performance enhancing drugs. Its goal is to help the body recover natural testosterone and hormone levels, reduce negative effects, and prevent issues like low libido, fat gain, mood swings, and muscle loss.

When you use anabolic steroids, prohormones, or selective androgen receptor modulators, the body’s natural production of testosterone is suppressed. This is because the brain senses elevated hormone levels and decreases luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), which are essential for endogenous testosterone production. Without intervention, recovery can take several weeks or months, leading to reduced training intensity, strength gains, and lean muscle retention.

Post cycle therapy PCT addresses this by:

• Stimulating the body’s own hormone production
• Controlling elevated estrogen levels
• Helping to restore hormonal balance
• Preserving muscle gains and energy levels

Key Compounds Used in PCT

Two of the most common prescription drugs used in cycle therapy are clomiphene citrate (Clomid) and tamoxifen citrate (Nolvadex). These are selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), meaning they block estrogen receptors in specific tissues while keeping estrogen active where needed.

• Clomid works by increasing LH and FSH, which signals the testes to produce more testosterone.
• Nolvadex helps reduce water retention and manage estrogen levels while promoting natural hormone recovery.

Other important PCT tools include human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to stimulate the testes directly, pct supplements for liver health and harm reduction, and aromatase inhibitors to reduce estrogen conversion.

Best PCT Cycle After Steroids

After an anabolic steroid or anabolic androgenic steroid cycle, recovery can be challenging. Anabolic androgenic steroid use suppresses the body’s ability to produce testosterone naturally, and without proper cycle therapy, you risk adverse effects such as low libido, depression, and loss of muscle.

A post cycle therapy protocol here often includes:

1. Start post cycle therapy a few days after your last dose (or longer for long-ester compounds).
2. Use clomiphene citrate at moderate doses for 4–6 weeks.
3. Pair with tamoxifen for additional estrogen control.
4. Consider human chorionic gonadotropin before starting SERMs to “prime” the testes.
5. Include liver support supplements for liver protection.

This approach helps support natural testosterone production, minimize mood swings, and keep testosterone levels within normal levels more quickly.

Best PCT for Testosterone Cycle

While testosterone is a natural hormone, using high doses in a testosterone cycle still suppresses natural hormone production. Even first cycle users should plan for starting post cycle therapy pct to preserve gains and prevent sudden drop in hormones.

A solid PCT protocol here may involve:

• Clomiphene citrate: 50 mg daily for 4 weeks
• Nolvadex: 20 mg daily for 4 weeks
• Liver support and antioxidant supplementation
• Regular bloodwork to monitor hormone levels

By taking this approach, male patients actively can restore hormonal balance, keep energy levels high, and maintain lean muscle while recovering natural testosterone levels.

Best PCT for Prohormones

Prohormones are potent performance enhancing drugs that convert into active anabolic steroids in the body. They can disrupt natural hormone balance significantly.

For prohormone recovery:

• Begin PCT immediately after the cycle ends.
• Use a SERM like clomiphene citrate to boost LH and FSH.
• Add an aromatase inhibitor if elevated estrogen levels are detected.
• Support physical health with proper diet, training, and supplements.

Because prohormones can cause fat gain, water retention, and mood swings post-cycle, the right pct protocol can make a substantial difference in how quickly you return to optimal health, similar to the impact of anabolic androgenic steroids .

Best PCT for RAD 140

RAD 140 is a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) known for impressive muscle gains and strength gains, but it still suppresses natural testosterone. While suppression may be milder than with anabolic androgenic steroids, many fitness enthusiasts experience low libido and reduced energy levels afterward.

An effective PCT protocol for RAD 140 includes:

• Clomiphene citrate for 3–4 weeks
• A focus on natural hormone production support through diet, sleep, and stress management
• Liver health support for liver protection
• Bloodwork to ensure testosterone levels return to normal levels

The goal is to recover natural testosterone, avoid negative effects, and sustain peak performance in the gym.

Timing Your PCT

Knowing when to start post cycle therapy is just as important as choosing the right compounds. For short-ester anabolic steroids or SARMs, you can begin within a few days. For long-ester compounds, wait up to two weeks after the last dose.

The duration of PCT and cycle therapy is typically several weeks, depending on the compound used, the length of the cycle, and individual recovery rates.

Supporting Recovery During PCT

Beyond pharmaceuticals, recovery can be enhanced by:

• Reducing stress levels
• Eating a nutrient-dense diet to promote natural hormone balance
• Maintaining training intensity without overtraining
• Prioritizing sleep to aid muscle recovery
• Avoiding alcohol and toxins for liver protection

Risks of Skipping PCT

Skipping post cycle therapy after steroid use or anabolic steroid use can lead to long-term suppression of natural testosterone, ongoing hormonal balance issues, and diminished overall health. Without a post cycle therapy protocol, many experience fat gain, persistent low libido, and difficulty regaining strength gains.

Consulting a Healthcare Professional

While many fitness enthusiasts share anecdotal PCT advice online, nothing replaces guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. They can prescribe the right prescription drugs, monitor your hormone levels, and ensure your recovery plan supports optimal health.

Final Thoughts

The best PCT isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution—it depends on the compounds used, steroid cycles length, your overall health, and how your body responds to post cycle recovery. By following a targeted pct protocol, using proven compounds like clomiphene citrate, and supporting your body with proper nutrition, sleep, and liver protection, you can restore hormonal balance, preserve muscle gains, and maintain testosterone levels for peak performance long after your cycle ends.