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How to Do a Proper PCT After a Steroid Cycle – Updated 2025 Protocol
Finishing a steroid cycle isn’t the end — it’s the beginning of recovery. Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) is what determines whether you keep your gains or crash hard with low testosterone, mood swings, and fatigue.
In this 2025 guide, we’ll break down how to run a modern, effective PCT that restores your natural hormone balance, preserves muscle, and protects long-term health.
🧬 Why PCT Is Critical After a Steroid Cycle
When you use anabolic steroids, your body shuts down natural testosterone production. Without proper recovery:
- Gains may disappear
- Estrogen may rise uncontrollably
- Libido, energy, and mood crash
- Long-term testosterone production can suffer
PCT jumpstarts your HPTA (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular Axis) and helps restore balance.
🔬 Updated PCT Start Times (Based on Ester Length)
| Steroid Type | PCT Start Time |
|---|---|
| Short esters (Test Prop, Tren Ace) | 3–4 days after last injection |
| Long esters (Test E, Deca, EQ) | 14–21 days after last injection |
| Oral-only cycles (Anavar, Dbol) | 1–3 days after last dose |
💊 Best PCT Compounds in 2025
🔹 Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate)
- Stimulates LH/FSH to restart natural test
- Dosage: 50 mg/day (first 2 weeks), 25 mg/day (last 2 weeks)
🔹 Nolvadex (Tamoxifen Citrate)
- Blocks estrogen receptors, especially in breast tissue
- Dosage: 40 mg/day (first 2 weeks), 20 mg/day (last 2 weeks)
🔹 Optional Add-ons:
- DAA (D-Aspartic Acid)
- Ashwagandha or Tongkat Ali for natural T-boosting
- Zinc + Vitamin D3 – hormone support basics
✅ Sample PCT Plan (4 Weeks – After Test E + Anavar Cycle)
| Week | Clomid (mg/day) | Nolvadex (mg/day) |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | 50 | 40 |
| 3–4 | 25 | 20 |
Optional Support:
- NAC or TUDCA (liver repair)
- Omega-3 and CoQ10 (heart health)
- DAA or natural T-boosters
🧪 How to Know If Your PCT Worked
- Morning wood, libido, and energy return
- Bloodwork shows rising testosterone
- Mood and strength stabilize
- No estrogen rebound (no gyno, water retention, etc.)
🚫 PCT Mistakes to Avoid
- Starting too early or too late
- Skipping PCT altogether
- Not running bloodwork before/after
- Relying only on supplements
- Using a cookie-cutter plan for all cycles
