Guide to Post Cycle Therapy

The main goal of Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) is to restore the normal functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary system, testicles, and also to reduce the possible loss of muscle mass.

There are several stages of body's recovery after taking steroids:

  • HCG (usually after the end of the main cycle)
  • Actually PCT
  • The final stage - cleaning the body.

First Step: HCG

Gonadotropin intake is directed primarily at preventing testicular atrophy. This problem arises from a decrease in the production of testosterone in the body itself. After the termination of a steroid cycle, the hormonal system does not have time to recover independently. In addition to testosterone, the production of such hormones as luteinizing and follicle-stimulating is reduced. These hormones belong to the group of gonadotropins and are produced in the pituitary gland. Often, short-term atrophy passes by itself after some time after the end of the cycle. But, if it is delayed, it can lead to serious illnesses and a general hormonal failure. When taking a course of steroids, it is important to monitor the size of the testicles. If they decrease, this indicates that disruptions in the pituitary gland have already begun. It is important not to delay gonadotropin therapy.

Currently, gonadotropin is recommended to be used together with steroids, and not after. For these purposes, two substances can be used: hCG - human chorionic gonadotropin, and hMG - menopausal gonadotropin. They are used in the form of injections and can replace testosterone, the production of which is significantly reduced. Gonadotropin increases the amount of sperm, the production of testosterone. The injections are performed every few weeks. At the very end of the cycle, an increased dose of gonadotropin is usually taken, so that the body can move on to the next stage of post cycle therapy - taking anti-estrogens.

Second Step: PCT

In the event that during the course was taken Gonadotropin, then testicular atrophy will be minimal, and therefore, you can proceed to the next stage. At the very beginning of post-cycle therapy, anti-estrogens are usually taken. These are special substances that help to reduce the production of an unnecessary hormone, and also increase the production of gonadotropin and testosterone. Scientific name - SERM, stands for selective estrogen receptor modulator. The most popular in this group at the moment are Tamoxifen (Tamoximed / Nolvaxyl / Nolvadex / Tamox) and Clomiphene (Clomed / Clomy / Clomixyl / Clomid). In addition, often are used Enclomiphene, Toremifene and Raloxifene.

Anti-estrogens Action:

  • The active substance penetrates and binds to the estrogen receptors
  • Hypothalamus notes that estrogen levels are lowered
  • The synthesis of gonadotropins begins
  • As a consequence, the content of luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones increases
  • Due to a change in the hormonal background, development of body's own testosterone begins, spermatogeodes and testicular functions improves.

The main problem associated with the use of antiestrogens is an increase in the level of estrogens, however strange it may sound. After all, during PTC, a decrease in the level of estrogen is noted by hypothalamus and it is trying to increase their production. Until the anti-estrogens work, it does not succeed. But at the end of post-cycle therapy, hormones can be released. Until the specialists sought a solution to this problem, sportsmen taking steroids often developed gynecomastia. Now the solution is found - it's aromatase inhibitors (abbreviated AI). These substances allow to keep the minimum level of estrogens in the body and normalize the ratio of estrogen to testosterone. The most famous inhibitors of aromatase are Letrozole (Femara, Letroxyl), Exemestane (Exedrol, Aromasin, Aromaxyl), and Anastrozole (Arimixyl, Arimidex, Aridex). It should be separately noted that the reception of aromatase inhibitors should be under constant monitoring. The thing is that the excessive decrease in the level of estrogen threatens serious diseases. The main task of an athlete is not to stop the production of his body's own hormone.

Some steroids, like Trenbolone and Nandrolone, have specific side effects: erectile dysfunction, development of gynecomastia, a general decrease in sexual function. These troubles are due to the fact that steroids of this class increase the production of prolactin. So it is important to take drugs that help control the level of this hormone. These include Cabergoline and Bromocriptine. It is believed that Cabergoline is more easily tolerated by the body, so it is often recommended to beginners for PCT. At the same time, bromocriptine has a more pronounced effect. These substances are sold under different trade names, among them: Agalates, Dostinex, Cabaser. It is recommended not to pay special attention to the cost of prolactin inhibitors. Cheap analogs contain the same active ingredients as more expensive drugs. Prolactin inhibitors should be used during the course of steroids and during PCT.

Third Step: Cleaning the Body

Particular attention should be paid to cleaning the liver, as well as restoring the functions of the gastrointestinal tract. For cleaning, use usual drugs, such as hepatoprotectors. With A well formed steroid cycle, you can avoid most side effects.


 




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