PCT for SARMs?
In the world of bodybuilding supplements, there have been lots of floating theories regarding post cycle therapy (PCT) associated with SARMs cycles.
Do SARMs really require a PCT? Well, the answer is both a yes and a no. This is because it all depends on which SARM is being used and for how long.
For instance, a cycle of RAD-140 at 20mg every day for 12 weeks will be much more suppressive in nature than a cycle of Ostarine 20mg per day for 8 weeks.
On the other hand, GW-501516 (Cardarine) and SR-9009 (Stenabolic) are SARMs that really don’t require post cycle therapy, as they don’t lead to a negative impact on the production of natural hormones.
SARMs PCT and Bloodwork
It is always a good option to have your bloodwork done before starting with a SARMs cycle. This will help you find out whether a specific SARM or multiple SARMs can have an impact on your testosterone levels.
Moreover, bloodwork will give you a complete confirmation as to whether you really require PCT or not. A good PCT will be ideal if your hormones are on the lower end of the range, but otherwise it may or may not be necessary at all. In other words, it is best to do as much research as possible about the Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators you are interested in.
Shutdown of Hormones
If you’re considering a cycle of PCT after SARMs, it’s worth knowing why it might be useful in the first place.
The human body has a unique action mechanism. It inhibits the production of natural hormones to a partial or complete extent when an anabolic-androgenic compound, drug, or SARM is consumed.
The body detects an abundance of androgens. Thus, it signals the hypothalamus to reduce the excretion of Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which in turn is responsible for the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
FSH is made by the pituitary gland and is vital in the development and functioning of the pubescent sex organs. With a complete lack of FSH, the ovaries or the testes would cease to function.
In men, this signals the Leydig cells in the testes to stop naturally producing enough - or any - testosterone. A testosterone deficiency in men can lead to reduction of lean muscle mass, loss of body hair, fatigue, body fat gain, and symptoms of depression - putting health and wellbeing at risk, and reversing many of the reasons people may choose to consider SARMs at all.
Post Cycle Therapy: The Role of PCT
The primary purpose of post-cycle therapy is to quickly restore the natural production of hormones, and signal the body to resume its usual testosterone levels.
The duration of post-cycle therapy can be referred to as a period after a course of SARMs is complete. This is a time when the body requires a balance of drugs, nutrition, sleep, and other specific compounds for regulating hormones.
For this, a healthy lifestyle and a chance to rest the body from all the processes going on is important, but you may also need to consider drugs that replenish your estrogen and/or testosterone levels.
There is no denying the fact that SARMs are less suppressive than anabolic steroids, but there may still be instances in which some hormones in the body are affected. Levels may either be suppressed, or spike suddenly.
In cases like these, a post-cycle therapy is almost always recommended, as it acts like a rejuvenation course to treat unhealthy hormonal imbalance and restore the normal secretion of hormones. Of course, bloodwork should be done before taking this on and medical guidance should be adhered to.
Is PCT After SARMs Really Important?
PCT is not without a purpose. Working out the best PCT for SARMs can target many common stumbling blocks during recovery.
As explained earlier, SARMs trigger an abundance of androgens in the body. There are instances when the levels of LH and FSH are reduced to a point where the testes stop producing testosterone. This is the reason why some men experience testicular atrophy (a noticeable shrinking of testes).
A well-planned and -executed PCT helps to restore normal functioning of organs, and treats the affected hormones.
It is important that a post-cycle therapy must always be pre-planned. Having read the information above, it goes without saying that intense SARMs cycles can take a toll on the body. It does not make any sense to rush into the nearest SARMs store to buy PCT drugs if signs of excess estrogen or testosterone formation show up.
All SARMs cycles, and the PCT that follows them, should be extensively planned with backup, and all procedures must first be approved by a professional.
PCT and SARMs Explained: SARMs PCT
SARMs are non-steroidal compounds that were originally developed to have the same beneficial effects as anabolic-androgenic steroids but without their adverse side effects. This is because SARMs, unlike steroids, possess a selective action mechanism. In other words, they come with less suppression of natural hormones and fewer resultant side effects.
However, SARMs - like all drugs - may react differently in rare cases. This is especially so when they are fake, over- or under-dosed, or include different compounds than mentioned on the label with malicious intent to sell. Unfortunately, sellers who are willing to compromise your health do exist, which is why it’s so important to only seek SARMs for a trustworthy supplier. The horror stories can happen!
Should you find yourself in this case (or should you have adverse effects for any other reasons) PCT and Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs) come into the picture.
Even with the most cautionary measures taken with SARMs, PCT may be necessary. It is worthwhile to remember here that it is always best to conclude a SARMs cycle with post-cycle therapy to stay on the safer side.
SARMs and Post-Cycle Therapy
Post-cycle therapy is always recommended after a cycle of potent drugs, and SARMs cycles are no exception. PCT is extremely useful to retain strength, keep fat away, and avoid gynecomastia, oily skin, and acne.
Morever, choosing the best PCT for a SARMs course may also be useful in maintaining a sense of wellbeing and retaining cycle gains. In addition, it also helps to provide the body with the required nutrients and compounds to stay strong.
Remember, the best PCT for SARMs helps your body through the period when the HPTA (Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Testes Axis) is in recovery, and the body begins to produce natural testosterone on its own.
PCT and AIs: Best Post-Cycle Therapy Supplements for SARMs Cycles
When researching the best PCT for SARMs, you may hear about the following:
Clomid
Clomid is a post-cycle therapy drug that has the ability to inhibit estrogen formation. It blocks estrogen from entering the body’s pituitary glands. Otherwise, this estrogen would have triggered the production of luteinizing hormone, and further resulted in abnormally high testosterone levels.
Of course, this is just a temporary phenomenon and this manipulation stops on its own once Clomid is out of the picture.
Nolvadex
Nolvadex is a proven PCT drug for restoring healthy levels of testosterone in the body after a steroid cycle, prohormone cycle, or SARMs cycle. This may in turn assist in reducing the body’s stress hormone (cortisol).
Ostarine
Though a SARM on its own, Ostarine is also used as a post-cycle therapy complementary drug by some users at times.
It can be run in PCT in moderate doses for a period of 4 - 6 weeks. The best thing about including MK-2866 in PCT is that it prevents muscle wasting, helping you retain strength and muscle during and after the cycle.
HCGenerate
HCGenerate is an ideal PCT compound to make you stay motivated and ready to handle intense workouts. The best thing about it is that it is not suppressive at all. In other words, it is possible to run HCGenerate for the entire PCT and beyond.
N2Guard
N2Guard is extremely useful to cleanse out organs and improve lipids.
What is the Right Way to Do PCT During and After a SARMs Cycle?
Food Intake During PCT
One of the most critical - but most often overlooked - aspects of PCT is calories.
It is important to note here that the endocrine system may not be optimally functioning after a SARMs cycle. The human body strives for homeostasis (a state of the maintenance of healthy blood pressure) and it is in a state quite often after a cycle where it has gained an amount of mass it had not been used to.
In order to retain cycle gains, it is important that calorie consumption is equal to or greater than it was while on the cycle. Many users worry that they may end up gaining fat if they consume too many calories. But they forget that the body needs additional time to become accustomed to the new muscle.
Dosing for PCT
The average recovery time for post-cycle therapy is 4 - 6 weeks, or even more depending on a wide range of factors. This includes, but is not limited to: the kind of steroid/prohormone/SARM cycle; the dosages of SARMs used; how your system works; length of the SARMs cycle.
An ideal PCT dosing program will involve a front load that is followed by a reduced dosage schedule for the remaining part of the cycle, FOr instance, a PCT might include Clomid 100/100/50/50 and Nolvadex 40/40/20/20.
The dosages are initially high for the weekly doses of both compounds, but then they are halved for the last 2 weeks.
It is not compulsory to do post-cycle therapy after a cycle with Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators, but it is always recommended. It will ensure a complete and healthy balance of your hormone levels.
Do not forget to complement PCT for SARMs with proper diet, adequate sleep, hydration, and intense workouts.