Whether you are just finishing up a round of prohormones or you are looking to get started, being prepared with a proper PCT supplement is vital to your success. PCT supplements, which stands for post cycle therapy is a product that is going to help you ensure that you maximize the progress you just made while doing your cycle.
What all do you need to know about natural PCT supplements? Let’s have a closer look.
What Is A PCT Supplement?
Think of it this way. You just finished doing a cycle of prohormones where you were providing your body with an external substance designed to help elevate testosterone levels. This means that your natural testosterone production probably declined. The body tends to work that way. When something else is stimulating the greater release of testosterone, your normal body mechanisms that help you generate testosterone tend to go down.
But if you stop your prohormone cycle and then just end everything, you’re left with very low testosterone levels, which may mean you don’t keep the progress you just made.
Enter PCT. This helps you normalize your testosterone levels again so that you can come off prohormones and retain all the progress you saw.
When To Take A PCT Supplement
As you probably figured out, you should take one of the best PCT supplements immediately following your cycle. How long should you be on your post cycle therapy supplement?
This all depends on what you plan to use. Just like there are different prohormones out there and each stack will come with a different desired length, the same applies to post cycle therapy as well.
This may range from anywhere between 10 days to four weeks in most cases. The length of the PCT will most heavily depend on which prohormones were used. You’ll want to research up on the exact prohormone or combination of prohormones used and utilize that to guide you.
One big mistake many men make is neglecting proper PCT after their cycle, or doing a phase that’s too short and then they risk losing much of the progress they experienced while on cycle.
Should You Use Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin?
Some people wonder if you should use HCG while doing your PCT. The answer is no, but it should be used, ideally while ending your cycle and before you do your PCT.
HCG is useful to help aid with restoring testosterone levels back to normal. It does this by bringing about higher oestrogen levels, which will then help to increase the rate in which the testes are able to produce testosterone. Essentially, you are to use HCG in order to ensure that your PCT works to full capacity.
Once the testes are back to their normal state, you can then carry on with the natural testosterone production.
Best PCT Supplements
When searching for the best PCT supplements, you’re likely to come across a wide range of different options. These aim to be natural testosterone boosters and anti-estrogens , which contain naturally occurring ingredients aimed at helping to reduce estrogen and elevate testosterone levels.
Some of the ingredients you might find in these products include ZMA, Indole 3 Carbinol, Tribulus, D-Aspartic Acid, Horny Goat weed, Mucuna Pruriens, and other herbal ingredients.
Do keep in mind that if you simply search for a regular testosterone booster at your local supplement store, many will have products that contain similar ingredients in them. If you like, you may wish to try those products, but do remember that for best results, you’ll want to find a product that is specifically devoted to those who are coming off a cycle of prohormones.
After you finish your cycle you’ll also be experiencing very high cortisol levels, so one of the aims of the product must also be to bring those levels back down, putting you back into an anabolic state.
Many of the best PCT supplements out there are all natural, meaning they contain naturally occurring ingredients that work with your body. This is great because at this time, after increasing the hormones in your body, giving it a break from that is key.
Clomid And Nolvadex
Two other PCT supplements you may have heard about is Clomid and Nolvadex. These two are not naturally occurring compounds however are still often used to help restore natural testosterone levels. Clomid however may present negative side effects in many men, which is why Nolvadex is the often-stated alternative to use.
This is an actual drug that has been used to help treat and prevent breast cancer, so you will need to see your doctor to get a prescription. It helps to increase testosterone production in the body while reducing the level of circulating estrogen.
Usually when Nolvadex is used, you’ll be looking at about a 20 day period on the PCT.
With Nolvadex, there are some side effects to be aware of that you may start to experience at some point or another. These include:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Acne
- Diarrhea
- Upset stomach
- Skin irritation
- Depression or feelings of anxiety
- Loss of libido
Usually these symptoms are more prevalent in women taking this drug, however some men do show signs as well. This is one big reason why most men will choose a more natural route when doing their PCT cycling.
Note: When using prohormones the PCT’s we offer are sufficient and more highly recommended than Clomid or Nolvadex.
Other Things You Can Do
Finally, a word should be mentioned about other things you can do along with your PCT to see the best results. It’s important to remember that getting your body back to normal isn’t just about relying on supplements to get the job done.
You should also be tending to your lifestyle and ensuring that everything you do goes along with sustaining a higher level of testosterone. This can include things like:
- Making sure you’re sleeping at least 7-8 hours each night
- Increasing the intake of saturated fat in your diet (to moderate levels)
- Avoid dieting at all costs
- Not overdoing cardiovascular or weight training
- Resting appropriately throughout the week
- Keeping stress levels low
If you follow these steps, you’ll be doing your best to work with your PCT plan to ensure optimal results.
So there you have everything you need to now about post cycle therapy supplementation. Please keep in mind this is for informational and educational purposes only. If you are serious about doing a prohormone cycle, you should be getting a full medical work-up from your doctor prior to starting the cycle and then also getting a medical work-up done after the cycle so you can see where you are at. This is the best way to monitor your body and ensure that it is returning back to natural testosterone production.
