How to Approach PCT Correctly After a Steroid Cycle

[lisanovskyi]

Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) is an essential step for restoring your body’s natural testosterone production after using anabolic steroids. A careless or poorly planned PCT can lead to prolonged suppression of the HPTA (hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis), issues with libido, mood disturbances, and overall health problems.


Here I’ll share core principles and an example protocol I consider effective, along with important advice on bloodwork and psychological mindset.



When to Start PCT

A common mistake among beginners is starting PCT immediately after the last injection. This is incorrect. You need to understand: as long as exogenous testosterone is still active in your blood, your natural production won’t restart.

The best approach is to get blood tests 2–3 weeks after ending the cycle (or last injection of a long ester).

Key markers: LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone).

They shouldn’t be near zero — if they are fully suppressed while residual testosterone is still active, starting PCT is premature.

Remember: the residual “background” action of long esters can last up to a month or more (especially enanthate, cypionate). Even if you still have a “lump” of oil in the muscle, it can slowly release hormone for weeks. That’s why bloodwork after a 2-week break is essential to time PCT properly.



Example Protocol I Use

Here’s one effective approach:

HCG: 1000 IU every other day

Clomid: 50 mg daily (sometimes a higher starting dose is used)

Dosing and duration are adjusted based on bloodwork


Important: I do not recommend using Clomid for more than one month to avoid potential side effects and issues with receptor sensitivity.



Individual Approach

There is no universal plan that works for everyone. Your cycle, dosages, compounds, cycle length, and individual response all influence your PCT. So:

Always monitor your bloodwork during recovery.

Adjust doses based on results — don’t guess.

Don’t blindly copy someone else’s protocol — your case is unique.



Psychological Aspect

Don’t underestimate the role of mindset. If you keep telling yourself “Off-cycle I’m worthless, everything is terrible,” that will become your reality.

PCT isn’t only about hormones — it’s about your mind.

Stay disciplined, focused, and keep training and eating well.

Don’t dramatize a temporary drop in form — it’s normal and will pass.




Conclusion

PCT is a critical part of the cycle that demands attention, careful planning, and bloodwork monitoring. Don’t rely on generic protocols blindly, and don’t rush it. Respect your body and give it the time it needs to recover.

 

[lisanovskyi]

Additional Note: It’s also important to mention that high doses of hCG can strongly stimulate aromatase activity, potentially leading to elevated estrogen levels. This is something to watch carefully and manage appropriately during PCT.

 

[dr. Doping]

A common mistake among beginners is starting PCT immediately after the last injection. This is incorrect. You need to understand: as long as exogenous testosterone is still active in your blood, your natural production won’t restart.

The best approach is to get blood tests 2–3 weeks after ending the cycle (or last injection of a long ester).

It takes 4-5 half-lives of a drug for it to be metabolised fully. In case of testosterone enanthate, that means around 22 days, in case of equipoise, that means 10 weeks.

 

[dr. Doping]

Example Protocol I Use

Here’s one effective approach:

HCG: 1000 IU every other day

Clomid: 50 mg daily (sometimes a higher starting dose is used)

Dosing and duration are adjusted based on bloodwork

I usually prefer enclomiphene, also you shouldn't be taking HCG while PCT-ing, because it still supresses LH and FSH, instead you should be taking it during the cycle and then switch to serms after the exogenous steroids and HCG have left the system

 

[ThePedsFather]

What do you think could be the reasons for choosing to go on PCT instead of doing a cruise?

 

[dr. Doping]

What do you think could be the reasons for choosing to go on PCT instead of doing a cruise?

I am cruising for over a year at this point, for me (and most others), the reason is just being scared to pull the trigger and commit. I was (still am, to a certain point) scared to rely on an injection for my wellbeing.