The first thing we need to understand is what is going on with our bodies when we're taking anabolic steroids:
Exogeneous anabolic hormones (or derivatives of anabolic hormones) are being brought into your system. This causes the body to take a number of responsive actions. The first and foremost (as you already know) is increased muscle mass. Unfortunately, other things are also going on that aren't so great

When an enzyme or hormone is brought exogeneously into the system, chemical balances shift around to attain a certain equilibrium. This is a chemical concept known as Le Chatelier's Principle of Chemical Equilibria. In a nutshell, your body will increase production of estrogen, cortisol, and other hormones in response to heightened testosterone levels, while simultaneously slowering (or completely stopping) natural production of testosterone. Biologist call this negative feedback.......biology sucks doesn't it?

Le Chatelier's Principle for the scientifically impaired:
Let's pretend A and B react to make C (can't get much simpler than that).

A + B --------> C

So we have a mixture containing A, B, and C. According to LeChatlier's principle, if we add more C to the mixture, the amounts of A and B will increase. If we remove some of the C from the mixture, A and B will decrease. And if we were to add A, B, or a combination of the two, C will increase. Still with me here? Good.


What's going on when we come off a cycle:
Ok, so while we're on the cycle, are natural test production is going down to compensate for the exogeneous test intake, and our production of other steroid hormones (i.e. Estrogen, Cortisol, etc.) is going up to compensate for the heightened test levels. When we come off a cycle, we cease intake of exogeneous testosterone. In other words, we have very low test levels, and very high cortisol and estrogen levels: it's the EXACT OPPOSITE of what we had while starting our cycle.

REMEMBER Le Chatelier's Principle because this is where it gets really important. When we have an excess of one hormone, the others will start shifting around, to attain a certain equilibrium. Ok, I'm gonna say it (and bold it) again because it's just that important. When we have an excess of one hormone, the others will start shifting around, to attain a certain equilibrium. It is a very common misconception that we want to eradicate estrogen . High estrogen levels play an integral part in Post Cycle therapy. That's right, you want to welcome high estrogen with open freaking arms, but there's a trick to it. And that trick is the almighty SERM (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator).

SERM's: the foundation of post cycle therapy:
Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators are (and damn well should be) the foundation for any proper post-cycle therapy plan. A post cycle therapy plan without them, isn't a post cycle therapy plan: it's a bunch of crap you decided to take after doing a cycle. The purpose of a SERM is to block the negative effects estrogen, while your hormone levels go back to equilibrium.

SERM's are prescription drugs, and are NOT SOLD IN SUPPLEMENT STORES. In fact, there are only 3 ways ( can think of) in which you can obtain a SERM:

1) Through a Doctor's Prescription.
2) Through the Black Market (a.k.a. illegally)
3) As a research chemicals intended for use in lab rats.

The Different SERM's:

Tamoxifen (Nolvadex):
Reputation: Most popular SERM for PCT
Pros: Cheap. Effective for gyno prevention.
Cons: Heptatoxicity. Studies have shown it to lower IGF levels (I don't feel like citing, but it's about 20% decrease...IMO no biggie).
Popular Dosage (for a 4-week cycle): 40/40/20/20
Note: Tamoxifen Citrate is less potent, and should be dosed at an extra 30%.

Clomiphene Citrate (clomid):
Reputation: Second most popular. Usually taken the first week or so to speed up Testosterone recovery with Tamoxifen being taken the whole therapy.
Pros: Better than Tamoxifen for HTPA regernation. Less heptatoxicity. Does not lower IGF.
Cons: Less effective against gyno. Can cause emotional issues. May Cause blurred vision. Hot Flashes.
Popular Dosage (for a 4-week cycle): 100-200mg/100mg/50mg/50mg

Toremifene:
Reputation: Very popular on this board
Pros: Much less toxic.
Con's: $$$$$expensive$$$$$
Popular Dosages (for a 4-week cycle): 120-240mg/120mg/60mg/30mg

Raloxifene:
Reputation: Very effective against gyno
Pros: Strong protection against gyno. Less toxic than Tamoxifen.
Con's: Cost Restricting. Can cause abnormal blood clotting in the eyes, lunges, and legs. May also cause hot flashes trouble breathing, and blurred vision.
Popular Dosages: (for a 4-week cycle): 120-240mg/120mg/60mg/30mg


Moving down the PCT Hierarchy: Cortisol Control
Excess cortisol can be damaging to your newly found muscle mass. Because of this, it is a good idea to use something to block or lower the excessive cortisol levels. Always start high, and taper your way down. Here's what we have to work with:

B-Androstenetriol (b-triol): This is one of the better cortisol suppressors. It has a terrible oral bioavailability, and should be taken transdermally. Dosages range from 25-50mg every 12 hours.

Methyl B-Androstenetriol (mb-triol): This is an enhanced version of b-triol designed for oral use. Because it is not an androgenic steroid, there is minimal heptatoxicity associated with it's alkylation. Found in the following products: Retain (by Anabolic Xtreme), Restore (by ALRI), Thyrogen-X (by ALRI)

7-Hydroxy-DHEA: Another potent cortisol suppressor with great oral bioavailability. Found in the following products: Lean Xtreme (by Designer Supplements), Reduce XT (by SNS)

7-oxo-DHEA (7-keto-DHEA): Still a decent contender, this has a terrible oral availability and an even worse half life (2 hours). This is best taken transdermally, where such effects can by bypassed.

Cissus: Unlike the above, the components of Cissus do not suppress Cortisol, but rather block cortisol receptors (better than Nandrolone or Dianabol according to some studies). Dosages vary significantly (pending extracts). SuperCissus by USPLabs is a high quality Cissus product.

Branched Chain Amino Acids: These should be a staple to begin with, but are a great anti-catabolic that mitigates the muscle-wasting effects of cortisol.

At the bottom of the PCT hierarchy there's AI's, Test Booster's, and other 'natural' anabolics
Way too many different things going on in here to go into too much detail. Just a word of caution (and this is my personal opinion), but if you're post cycle plan starts to look like a constitutional ammendment: you're over-doing it. And the worst part is if something goes wrong, you won't have a damn clue what caused it.

Honorable mentions of this part of the hierarchy:
Jungle Warfare (by ALRI)
MassFX (by Anabolic Xtreme)
Hyperdrol (by Anabolic Xtreme)
Ecdysterone/Turkesterone
Creatine Monohydrate

How about some example PCTs? Whats worked best for you? What the cycle consisted of? etc...

Ill go first PCT when it rolls around next. I wont list my normal preworkout formula(creatine/N.O./ etc) or AP because, they are staples for me.

DISCLAIMER: Yes, this is overkill. Its certainly a lot to take at any time. My theory is that each product has its place, and in PCT, Id prefer too much rather than too little. No, more supps doesnt guarantee a better outcome, but I feel each product has its place and is described below. This is just my opinion and what works for me.

Week 1: Torem(120mg)/ Hyperdrol2.0(2pills)/ MassFx(3pills)/ Retain2.0(3pills)/ RPM(5pills)/ Powerfull(4pills)/

Week 2: Torem(90mg)/ Hyperdrol2.0(3pills)/ MassFx(5pills)/ Retain2.0(3pills)/ RPM(5pills)/ Powerfull(4pills)/

Week 3: Torem(60mg)/ Hyperdrol2.0(4pills)/ MassFx(5pills)/ Retain2.0(2pills)/ RPM(5pills)/ Powerfull(4pills)/

Week 4: Torem(30mg)/ Hyperdrol2.0(4pills)/ MassFx(5pills)/ Retain2.0(2pills)/ RPM(5pills)/ Powerfull(4pills)/

I also use Dr.Ds 'inverse' protocol and Hyp2.0 takes the place of Atd. I prefer 6-bromo, since it doesnt negatively affect libido. Many people would only do Torem at 120 for the first 4 days, but I like to go 7 days at 120. MassFx is a great addition to PCT and 5 is where it really kicks in for me. Of course, many will need less, but for me, 5 is the sweet spot. I normally use the original retain, but the new one looks solid and it would be the only NEW supp in my PCT. RPM is freaking amazing(Ive been testing it for about 2.5 weeks now). It will make a great addition to any stack and in PCT, the increases in libido and strength will make it a breeze. Powerfull is a good Hgh promoter and it helps with libido as well. Thats my setup.

I have also read were people hold off on introducing the AI/Test booster until the 2nd or 3rd week and then continue it a week or 2 past when they stop the SERM.

This is a contreversial topic. I'm going to give my thought and opinions, then I want others to chime in with experiences and thoughts as well. This is by no means a FAQ or fact, but I hope we will come to some conclusion regarding this.

Why AI during cycle?
Estrogen is high during PCT. AI kills estrogen. Anything else? Seriously though. Who wants to be bloated, full of estrogen waiting to attack once you stop the nolva. becuase theres gonna be a plethora of estrogen waiting to get at your receptors once you stop. Nolva will increase test and therefor estrogen. That's why people mistake estrogen bloat on Nolva for Gyno. "My nolva isn't working!!!" No. Your just holding water. Even if your test / estrogen level has balanced, there is still excess estrogen from the first week of your cycle. AI's will limit the risk of gyno forming, bloating and other unwanted sides.


When to start an AI?
I would say 3 days in. AI's kill aromatase, not estrogen. Once your nolva starts working, it's the best time to introduce an AI. This will boost strength, test, limit estrogen and help you keep gains. It's a little premature to start the day you start Nolva, but once your body produces test and starts producing aromatase, it's a good bet to start.

How much?
If your running an aromatizing compound, you may want to run a low dose throughout cycle. But during PCT, I recommend this:

CHOOSE YOUR WEAPON
Week 2: 50mg ATD / 600mg 6oxo / 200mg 6bromo
Week 3: 50mg ATD / 600mg 6oxo / 200mg 6bromo
Week 4: 25mg ATD / 300mg 6oxo / 150mg 6bromo
Week 5: (stop nolva and continue dosing week 4)

http://www.mesomorphosis.com/articles/rea/...-inhibitors.htm

good article

Then there is the idea of tapering the SERM while ramping the AI...?

Just trying to bring some knowledge and intelligent chatter about the whole PCT subject.

the idea behind the tapered-down aproach (which was mainly intended for those who don't want or can't use a SERM)is as follows: after a cycle of a non-aromatizing compound, there is very little estrogen in the system. bot testh and e are low. however, aromatase and estrogen activity may (and this is the big question mark) be upgraded. i.e. what little test you produce initially is immediately/to a large amount converted to e (and DHT, obviously). with the short half-life of orals, this would indicate a phase where the anabolic effects of the oral is quickly vanishing, whereas the test is still to low (if its converted "away" to e) to excert an anabolic effect, thusly making it difficult to hang unto gains made on-cycle.

the AI is added to prevent/reduce conversion of test to e, to help the t to remain unconverted and to maintain gains. the ramp-down of the AI in the following phase is then intended to allow the body to slowly normalize aromatase and e levels over time, while minimizing the risk of rebound. i.e. the idea is not to recover from total shutdown as quickly as possible, but to help maintains gains and normalize aromatase and e levels in a controlled and consistent manner over time.

SERMs notoriousy have very long half-lifes (between 5 and 9 days, depending on the exact compound). while you have peak levels a few hours after ingestion, stable serum levels are only reached after prolonged ingestion. the idea to start high on the AI in AI/SERM combined PCT protocols is to allow the SERM a few days to build up to effective serum levels, while preventing conversion of test (little as it may be) to e, at a time when estrogen receptor activity may be upgraded and against which no sufficient protection may be initially available.

if you ramp up the ai while tapering down the SERM, do you not delay the increase in estrogen (against which the serm is supposed to protect you, breast- and hpta-wise) into the phase where you already have low or no serum levels of the SERM left in the system? why then have a SERM in the first place, if you delay estrogen production until the SERM is gone?

personally, and i am in no way advocating this as the best solution, nor am i actually convinced that it is, i currently believe that if you want to combine SERM and AI it's best to start the AI moderately high (see above for the reasoning), and to taper it down such as to allow estrogen production to reoccur/increase while the SERM is still in full effect to protect the HPTA and breast tissue from its effects. one also has to take into consideration the long half-life of SERMs here, and the build-up of serum levels of the SERM over time.

good posts bro, thanks 4 the info

This cool...

Nolva 40,40,20,20

POST Cycle Support 2 caps AM 2 caps PM, throughout pct

Cycle Support, 1 scoop AM, 1 Scoop PM throughout pct

Two weeks into pct, Lean Extreme, week one at 4 caps a day, week two at 3 caps, and last two weeks at 2 caps a day.



(I know i've probably asked this a few times lol, but i'm Obsessive Compulsive about this kind of shit)

Great info here. This needs to get stickied.

okay this is my first post and i hope it winds up in the right place and actually gets read and responses. i notice formadrol was not mentioned in pct info here - i was told it makes a very effective pct. is this not the case? also i am considering dhea on weekends and off days all cycle - any feedback. im starting with pSARM, then going into HAVOC then pct with formadrol. im aware that i may be doing a few weeks more than recommended but what can i say... moderate doses of psarm for about 8 weeks, havoc for 4 weeks and formadrol for 4 weeks...

thats cuz formadrol sux for pct or other wise.

I usually just use the serm for the first 2 weeks of pct, with supports, then on the 3rd week i start a low dose of the AI and test booster, and slowly ramp it up until i get to week 6, serm stops on week 4 of my pct.

fuck a pct.

test taper anyone?