PCT PROTOCOL: HPTA RESTORATION
Post Cycle Therapy is the biological intervention used to restart the Hypothalamic Pituitary Testicular Axis (HPTA) after suppression. The primary objective is to restore endogenous testosterone production rapidly to prevent catabolism, adipose gain, and psychological instability. This guide details the pharmaceutical grade protocols for Testosterone, Anavar, and heavy cycles.
I. PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOUNDS
Effective recovery relies on Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs). These compounds occupy estrogen receptors in the pituitary gland, deceiving the brain into perceiving low estrogen levels. The brain responds by hypersecreting LH and FSH, forcing the testes to produce testosterone.
Post Cycle Therapy is the biological intervention used to restart the Hypothalamic Pituitary Testicular Axis (HPTA) after suppression. The primary objective is to restore endogenous testosterone production rapidly to prevent catabolism, adipose gain, and psychological instability. This guide details the pharmaceutical grade protocols for Testosterone, Anavar, and heavy cycles.
I. PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOUNDS
Effective recovery relies on Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs). These compounds occupy estrogen receptors in the pituitary gland, deceiving the brain into perceiving low estrogen levels. The brain responds by hypersecreting LH and FSH, forcing the testes to produce testosterone.
1. Tamoxifen Citrate (Nolvadex)
Role: The foundation of modern PCT. It is highly effective at stimulating the pituitary with a favorable side effect profile. It also positively impacts lipid profiles.
Standard Dosage: 10 mg to 40 mg daily.
Note: Avoid going higher than 40 mg. Higher doses do not increase LH output significantly but do increase the risk of side effects.
2. Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid)
Role: A more aggressive stimulator of LH and FSH. Biologically stronger than Nolvadex but carries neurotoxic risks.
Side Effects: Known to cause emotional volatility (mood swings) and visual disturbances.
Standard Dosage: 25 mg to 100 mg daily.
Note: Reserve high doses for heavy cycles. For Test or Anavar cycles, this is usually optional.
3. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)
Role: Mimics LH to keep the Leydig cells in the testicles sensitive.
Usage Rule: Use ONLY on cycle. Stop HCG 4 days before PCT begins. Using HCG during PCT will suppress your natural LH signal, causing the therapy to fail.
II. CLEARANCE TIMING
Initiating PCT while exogenous androgens are still active in the bloodstream is the most common cause of failure. You must wait for the compound to clear.
Initiating PCT while exogenous androgens are still active in the bloodstream is the most common cause of failure. You must wait for the compound to clear.
Anavar / Winstrol / Propionate (Short Esters)
Wait Time: Start PCT 3 to 5 days after the final pill or injection.
Testosterone Enanthate or Cypionate (Medium Ester)
Wait Time: Start PCT 14 to 18 days after the final injection.
Sustanon (Mixed Esters)
Wait Time: Start PCT 18 to 21 days after the final injection due to the long Decanoate ester in the blend.
III. PROTOCOL A: TESTOSTERONE OR ANAVAR RESTART
Use this protocol for: Testosterone Only cycles, Anavar Only cycles, or Test + Anavar stacks. Since Anavar causes suppression but not total shut down in short durations, this standard protocol is sufficient.
Use this protocol for: Testosterone Only cycles, Anavar Only cycles, or Test + Anavar stacks. Since Anavar causes suppression but not total shut down in short durations, this standard protocol is sufficient.
Week 1 (Receptor Saturation)
Nolvadex: 40 mg daily.
Clomid: Optional 25 mg daily (Only add if you ran the Anavar at high doses like 50 mg plus for 8 weeks).
Week 2 (High Stimulation)
Nolvadex: 40 mg daily.
Clomid: Discontinue or 25 mg daily.
Week 3 (Taper)
Nolvadex: 20 mg daily.
Clomid: Discontinue.
Week 4 (Finalization)
Nolvadex: 20 mg daily.
Clomid: Discontinue.
IV. PROTOCOL B: ADVANCED RECOVERY
Use this protocol for: Cycles involving Trenbolone, Deca Durabolin, or high dosages (1 gram total load). These compounds cause deeper HPTA shutdown requiring dual stimulation.
Use this protocol for: Cycles involving Trenbolone, Deca Durabolin, or high dosages (1 gram total load). These compounds cause deeper HPTA shutdown requiring dual stimulation.
Week 1 (Maximum Stimulation)
Nolvadex: 40 mg daily.
Clomid: 100 mg daily (Take 50 mg in the morning and 50 mg at night).
Week 2 (Sustained Load)
Nolvadex: 40 mg daily.
Clomid: 50 mg daily.
Week 3 (Taper Start)
Nolvadex: 20 mg daily.
Clomid: 50 mg daily.
Week 4 (Stabilization)
Nolvadex: 20 mg daily.
Clomid: 25 mg daily.
Weeks 5 and 6 (Nolvadex Tail)
Nolvadex: 20 mg daily.
Clomid: Discontinue.
V. ORGAN PROTECTION PROTOCOL
Orals like Anavar and heavy androgens stress the liver and kidneys while skewing lipid profiles. You must run a protection stack to regenerate organ tissue and restore blood markers. Adhere to the timelines to ensure efficacy.
Orals like Anavar and heavy androgens stress the liver and kidneys while skewing lipid profiles. You must run a protection stack to regenerate organ tissue and restore blood markers. Adhere to the timelines to ensure efficacy.
1. NAC (N Acetyl Cysteine)
Role: The most essential antioxidant for bodybuilders. Precursor to glutathione. Protects liver and kidneys from oxidative stress.
Dosage: 600 mg to 1200 mg daily.
Timeline: Run throughout the entire Cycle AND PCT. You can continue this year round for general health.
2. TUDCA (Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid)
Role: Essential if you ran methylated orals (Anavar, Winstrol, Dianabol). Prevents cholestasis (bile blockage).
Dosage: 500 mg to 1000 mg daily.
Timeline: Start when you begin orals. Continue for 2 weeks after stopping the orals. Do not run this year round; use it only when the liver is under active stress.
3. Fish Oil (Omega 3)
Role: Reduces systemic inflammation and helps restore HDL/LDL balance crushed by androgens.
Dosage: 3 grams to 4 grams daily.
Timeline: Run year round. This is a lifestyle staple, not just a cycle support.
4. Astragalus Root
Role: Kidney support. Maintains eGFR and protects renal function from blood pressure spikes.
Dosage: 2 grams to 4 grams daily.
Timeline: Start on day 1 of the cycle and continue until the end of PCT. Stop once water retention clears and blood pressure normalizes.
VI. LIFESTYLE AND DIETARY SUPPORT
Physiological support is required to provide the raw materials for hormone synthesis and to blunt the catabolic response.
Physiological support is required to provide the raw materials for hormone synthesis and to blunt the catabolic response.
Cholesterol and Fat Loading
Mechanism: Testosterone is synthesized from cholesterol.
Action: Consume 3 to 4 whole eggs and red meat daily. Maintain a caloric maintenance or slight surplus. Cutting calories during PCT guarantees muscle loss.
Cortisol Management
Mechanism: Low testosterone signals a spike in cortisol, which is catabolic to muscle tissue.
Action: Supplement Ashwagandha KSM 66 (600 mg daily) and Vitamin C (1000 mg daily) to suppress cortisol. Prioritize 8 hours of sleep nightly.
Training Intensity Management
Mechanism: The body has reduced recovery capacity without exogenous hormones.
Action: Reduce total training volume (sets) by 30 percent to 50 percent. Keep the weight on the bar heavy to signal tissue retention, but stop training to failure. Do not use forced reps or dropsets during this phase.
VelocityAnt1
