On-Cycle & PCT Stacks

What is post cycle therapy and do I need it?

Post cycle therapy (PCT) is a structured protocol used after an anabolic cycle to restart natural testosterone production. Any cycle using exogenous testosterone or suppressive anabolic steroids requires PCT. Without it, the hormonal axis recovers slowly and incompletely — leading to low testosterone symptoms, mood issues, and significant loss of cycle gains.

What is the best PCT after a steroid cycle?

The most widely used PCT protocol combines Clomid (Clomiphene) and Nolvadex (Tamoxifen) for 4 to 6 weeks after the cycle ends. HCG is added before PCT begins when testicular atrophy is a concern, typically run in the gap period between the last injection and the start of Clomid and Nolvadex. This combination covers the two main recovery pathways — pituitary stimulation and estrogen receptor modulation.

When do I start PCT after a steroid cycle?

PCT timing depends on the ester of the last compound used. Short-ester cycles (Testosterone Propionate, Trenbolone Acetate) start PCT 3 to 4 days after the last injection. Long-ester cycles (Testosterone Enanthate, Cypionate, Nandrolone Decanoate) require a 2-week clearance gap before PCT begins. Starting too early — before compounds have cleared — reduces the effectiveness of PCT significantly.

What is on-cycle support and what does it include?

On-cycle support covers the compounds used during an active cycle to manage estrogen, protect the liver, and maintain cardiovascular health. Aromatase inhibitors (Anastrozole, Aromasin) control estrogen from aromatising compounds. Cabergoline manages prolactin when Nandrolone or Trenbolone is in the stack. Liver support compounds are used alongside oral steroids. Blood pressure and cholesterol support are added in longer or heavier cycles.

Do I need an aromatase inhibitor on every cycle?

Not necessarily on every cycle, but on most cycles involving testosterone or other aromatising compounds — yes. At standard doses, testosterone converts to estrogen at a rate that typically requires active management. Having an AI on hand throughout the cycle is the standard practice, even if it is not used at full dose every day. Letting estrogen run unchecked leads to water retention, gynecomastia risk, and blood pressure problems that are harder to manage once they appear.

What is the difference between Clomid and Nolvadex for PCT?

Both Clomid (Clomiphene) and Nolvadex (Tamoxifen) are SERMs — selective estrogen receptor modulators — used in PCT to stimulate LH and FSH production and restart natural testosterone output. Clomid acts more strongly on the pituitary and is the primary driver of LH/FSH recovery. Nolvadex provides estrogen receptor blockade and is often used alongside Clomid rather than instead of it. Running both together at moderate doses is the most common PCT approach for intermediate and advanced cycles.