Post‑Cycle Therapy for SARMs & Prohormones

What Is Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) and Why It Matters

Post‑Cycle Therapy for SARMs & Prohormones

Post-cycle therapy (PCT) is a structured recovery phase that helps your body restore its natural hormone production after a suppressive cycle—whether it’s SARMs like RAD-140 or prohormones. Without it, you risk low testosterone, estrogen rebound, mood swings, fatigue, and serious muscle loss.

What Does PCT Do?

→ Stimulates natural testosterone production via the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis
→ Blocks estrogen receptors to prevent side effects like gynecomastia
→ Prevents muscle loss and catabolism after coming off suppressive compounds
→ Restores libido, energy, and mood as hormone levels normalize

“When endogenous testosterone production is suppressed by anabolic agents or SARMs, PCT is essential to reactivate the HPG axis and prevent prolonged hypogonadism.”
— Nassir Ghaemi, MD, Harvard Medical School

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Whether you ran a mild Ostarine cycle or pushed your limits with Superdrol, post-cycle therapy ensures your body can recover, recalibrate, and retain your results.

Do SARMs and Prohormones Really Require PCT?

Yes—most SARMs and virtually all prohormones suppress natural testosterone production, even if they don’t shut it down completely. The degree of suppression depends on the compound, dose, and cycle length—but make no mistake: recovery doesn’t happen on its own.

Signs You Need PCT (and What Happens If You Skip It)

Not sure if your cycle was suppressive? Your body will tell you. And if you ignore the signs, you could lose everything you gained—and more.

 Common Signs You Need PCT

→ Low libido or erectile dysfunction
→ Fatigue, brain fog, or poor sleep
→ Mood swings, irritability, or depression
→ Loss of muscle mass or strength
→ Increased body fat, especially around the waist
→ Shrunken testicles or lack of morning wood

Even mild suppression can create a hormonal rollercoaster, especially after SARMs like LGD‑4033 or prohormones like 1‑Testosterone.

Best PCT Compounds to Use After SARMs and Prohormones

A successful PCT isn’t about megadosing over-the-counter testosterone boosters. You need compounds that actually support HPTA (hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis) recovery and estrogen balance. For most cycles, that means a combination of SERMs and support supplements.

PCT After Mild SARMs (e.g., Ostarine, Andarine)

→ Weeks 1–4:
Tamoxifen – 20 mg/day
ZMT (6 caps/night)
DHEA (100 mg/day)
Krill Oil

PCT After Moderate-to-Strong SARMs (e.g., LGD‑4033, RAD‑140, YK‑11)

→ Weeks 1–4:
Tamoxifen – 20–40 mg/day
DHEA – 100 mg/day
ZMT – 6 caps/night
Krill Oil – Daily
Optional: Clomiphene (25 mg/day) if suppression symptoms are severe

What to Avoid in PCT (And Why Natural Test Boosters Aren’t Enough)

One of the biggest mistakes new lifters make post-cycle? Relying on natural testosterone boosters instead of clinically validated PCT compounds. Let’s break down the red flags and common pitfalls.

Prescription Status of SERMs

In the United States:

→ Tamoxifen and Clomiphene are FDA-approved for medical use but are prescription-only
→ Buying them without a prescription (e.g., via research chemical sites) exists in a legal gray zone
→ Possession without a script is not federally illegal, but distribution and sales are
→ Some countries classify these compounds differently (e.g., over-the-counter in Mexico)

“Tamoxifen and Clomiphene are controlled through prescription to mitigate misuse, particularly in non-medical contexts such as sports or bodybuilding.”

 Recap: Why PCT Matters

→ SARMs and prohormones suppress testosterone—even short cycles
→ SERMs like Tamoxifen and Clomid help restore hormonal balance
→ Support supplements like DHEA, ZMT, and Ashwagandha Gummies enhance recovery
→ Skipping PCT can lead to low libido, fatigue, mood swings, and loss of gains
→ Bloodwork and a personalized approach = smarter, safer cycles

If you’re unsure how to recover properly, consider scheduling a consult with a knowledgeable hormone coach or medical provider. It’s your body, your hormones, your health—own the responsibility.