The benefits of steroids are well known; they make you bigger and stronger. But steroids do have some adverse effects. That’s why it’s important to know that cycling on and off steroids can cause a lot of serious problems. Researching steroid use before you start is very important, and be sure to consult your doctor prior to any post-cycle therapy routines.

[Read More] [Read Less]

Post-Cycle Therapy Benefits:
*Reduces cycling side effects
*Supports muscle development
*Improves cycling benefits
*Maintains muscle gains after training

Importance of Post-Cycle Therapy
Post-cycle therapy is important because at the end of every steroid cycle there is a decrease of water and a sharp increase of cortisol and estrogen levels in the body. Without proper adjustment of compounds, diet, training, and cardio, your muscular weight achieved during the cycle can potentially disappear all together. Without proper attention, additional side effects from steroid cycling can be experienced, such as depression, increased acne, and gynecomastia.

Post-Cycle Therapy Supplementation
PCT supplements contain a combination of one or two Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs) and one Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM). AIs include Arimidex, Letro, Aromasin, and Proviron. SERMS include Clomiphene and Tamoxifen. Individual needs should dictate the levels and functions of each compound, so altering your PCT supplementation to your personal goals is very important. Doing the appropriate research into what PCT supplement is best for you is critical to PCT success.

Post-Cycle Therapy & Diet
Adjustments in PCT supplementation are made for availability, as well as size, but the same two compounds (AIs and SERMs) are used every time. Following a cycle, increasing your intake of calories by as much as 500 to 1000 calories per day is very important. This can lead to an increase in body fat, but this is important to ensure that the muscle you just added stays with you. Diet adjustments are often the most underappreciated element of PCT, and without proper attention, it can lead to the loss of a lot muscle you just worked so hard to gain.

Cardiovascular & Training
Cardiovascular training needs to be maintained in order to ensure that body fat levels don’t spike too sharply. Cardio training following a cycle should be maintained, but it should also not be too intense, with a maximum of 60 to 70 percent intensity and a limit to 3-4 cardio sessions a week for 30 minutes each. Workout intensity should also remain constant throughout PCT, even in the event of a weight drop off. But if you decide to use less weight, be sure to shorten rest time between sets to make up for any loss of intensity. Overtraining is also a major concern, so plan your strategy appropriately, as either under or overtraining can limit the success of your post-cycle training.

Medical/Preventative
Getting blood work done before you start a cycle is very important so that you know your body can handle the effects. PCT supplements have a panel of liver value, testosterone levels, haemoglobin, and other listings which must be adhered to so that you can be sure you won’t threaten your health during a period of natural hormone level alteration. PCT is a central part of steroid use, but many bodybuilders simply stop steroid use without considering the consequences of their actions. This can not only impact their health but also their muscular development, which is the purpose of steroid use all together. These people will end up smaller and weaker because of it. That’s why making certain that you thoroughly research, understand, and appreciate the need for post-cycle therapy following a steroid cycle. Without it, you may just waste your time and money while also damaging your health.