Post cycle therapy is the process that starts when a steroid cycle comes to an end and consist of supplementation with various drugs to help control your levels of estrogen, normalize testosterone level and speed up recovery time.
When taking AAS, our natural testosterone production is suppressed, if you don’t keep a close eye on your estrogen and progesterone levels they can go wild causing serious health problems, such as gynecomastia or high blood pressure.
The main purpose of PCT is to stimulate testosterone production, helping to keep gains made during a cycle and stay healthy.
How PCT works?
First of all, a PCT delivers great results when steroids have been used properly. If you damaged your HPTA through misusing of AAS, than don’t expect PCT to treat this. Also, be aware that PCT help to restore testosterone production, but don't expect to bring it to the levels it was before getting involved in steroids use.
With all this in mind and assuming that you have run you steroid cycle properly, here’s how PCT works: it stimulates your pituitary to create more LH (Luteinizing Hormone) and FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) which in result activate testicles to create more testosterone. As simple as this.
Do you have any idea how long it may take to our body to recover without implementing PCT? A year or even longer is needed for natural testosterone levels to get back into normal limits. The main problem is that having low testosterone levels for so long time might lead to a range of low testosterone conditions and put at risk your health in general.
On the other hand, when a PCT is implemented, testosterone level is slowly increasing, helping your body to function normally. And by this shortening recovery time and making the steroid cycle successful.
When to consider PCT?
As a matter of course, PCT begins at the end of a steroid cycle and last for several weeks. The duration greatly depends on steroid cycle itself and its duration. But there are some exceptions when skipping a PCT is the best you can do.
No need to run a PCT if you:
Plan to be off-cycle for less than 12 weeks.
The reason behind this recommendation is that there’s no need to stimulate your natural testosterone production when only in few weeks it will be suppressed again. It’s a huge pressure on your body that may turn into serious damages.
Running a PCT is mandatory when:
Planning to be off-cycle for a long period of time, at least 12 weeks.
If you are about to take a pause of at least 12 weeks or 3 months, than having a PCT is required. Contrary to the reason stated above, such an extended period of time will allow your body to recover and bring up testosterone level while AAS are getting out of your system. A smooth transition that translates into more muscle preserved and a healthy return to your normal life.
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