PCT is essentially personalised depending on individual needs. Your choice of AAS and how it affects your body are two very important aspects on which your PCT choice would depend. Based on that, this blog looks into how your AAS stack will dictate your PCT choice.
Many bodybuilders look into stacking in their AAS cycles. This stacking is done to meet their body goals. And since different bodies require different workouts and AAS regimes, their PCT will also not be uniform. This post will look into how you can pick the ideal PCT method, based on your stack.
Understanding the Goal of Post-Cycle Recovery
AAS cycles can lead to your body gaining an increased dependency on artificial testosterone. Thus, your body can face a hormonal suppression. Thus, the post-cycle recovery period focuses on resetting your body and promoting natural testosterone production.
Here is a more detailed look at how a post-cycle recovery works and how it can depend on your stack:
What is a Post-Cycle Method?
Your post-cycle method essentially states how your post-cycle recovery will work. And, what are the post-cycle methods?
A post-cycle method can be defined as a combination of medications, supplements, and timing protocols that can help your body regain natural hormone production after a period of suppression.
AAS use shuts down your body’s natural synthesis of testosterone through what can be called a feedback loop. The hypothalamus stops producing GnRH (Gonadotropin-releasing hormone), reducing luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). And without them, testosterone production is no longer possible.
Here is a brief insight into how it works:
Figure 1
Essentially, this procedure explains why PCT after steroid use is necessary. By understanding how AAS leads to hormone suppression, which needs to be rectified for recovery.
Why Matching PCT to Your Stack Matters
From the previous subsection, it can be stated that the PCT method is essential in helping your body reset after an AAS cycle. Therefore, your post-cycle method needs to be aligned with what your AAS uses require.
And mismatched recovery can lead to testosterone crashes, a loss in gains, and health risks with long-term impacts.
These long-term impacts can include:
- Chronic fatigue and low energy
- Low libido and sexual dysfunction
- Signs of gynecomastia (enlargement of breast tissues in men)
Common Types of Stacks and Their Suppression Levels
Now, to look at all the common types of stacks and their levels of suppression. This will help identify the ideal PCT levels matching the stack:
Mild Suppression Stacks
In mild suppression stacks, the suppression levels range from low to moderate. A common example of such a stack is stacking AAS with SARMs, such as stacking on your Anavar cycle using Ostarine or LGD-4033. The Anavar + Ostarine stack involves minimal suppression with muscle preservation.
In such a case, the suggested PCT can include natural testosterone boosters and OTC liver support. You can also take PCTs such as Nolvadex or Clomid in short cycles.
Here’s a table explaining this:
| Stack | Example | Suppression Level | PCT |
| AAS with SARMS | Anavar + Ostarine | Mild (Low to Moderate) | ● Natural testosterone boosters
● OTC liver support ● (Optional) Short Nolvadex or Clomid cycles |
Table 1: Mild Suppression Stack PCT
Moderate Suppression Stacks
In moderate suppression stacks, the level of testosterone suppression is usually moderate. A common practice in this is stacking your AAS with other oral-only AAS, such as Dianabol and Anavar. An example can be undertaking a Testosterone Enanthate + Anavar Cycle.
In this case, the suggested PCTs involve a 4-week Clomid or Nolvadex cycle. You can also consider taking aromatase inhibitors in case of elevated levels of oestrogen.
Here’s another table, which explains this:
| Stack | Example | Suppression Level | PCT |
| AAS with Oral AAS | Test E + Anavar | Moderate | ● Clomid (50/50/25/25)
● Nolvadex (40/40/20/20) ● Aromatase inhibitors (in case of heightened estrogen count) |
Table 2: Moderate Suppression Stack PCT
Heavy Suppression Stacks
In the heavy suppression stacks, your testosterone suppression will be at severe levels. Such a stack cannot be recommended outside of specific conditions.
How does a heavy stack work? In this kind of a stack, you are combining AAS with other AAS. This time, you are considering heavy AAS as well for stacking. Examples can include a Testosterone + Trenbolone stack.
The PCT after steroid suggestion would primarily be a combination of Clomid and Nolvadex. And Arimidex can be used as an oestrogen rebound mediator. And, as per the created trend, here’s the table that explains this:
| Stack | Example | Suppression Level | PCT |
| AAS with AAS | Test Tren | Severe | ● Clomid + Nolvadex
● Arimidex (in case of heightened estrogen count) |
Table 3: Heavy Suppression Stack PCT
Summing Up
Your PCT choice depends on your AAS choice, especially your stack choice. Different stacks have different suppression levels. Therefore, your PCT choice will depend on this stack choice.
Planning a Cycle? Prepare For Your PCT Now
Are you planning for an AAS or an AAS stack cycle? You need to be aware of the side effects. And more importantly, visit a physician, understand your body’s requirements, and start planning for your PCT now!
