Research Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. All SARMs are sold as research compounds and are not intended for human consumption.
What Is Post Cycle Therapy (PCT)?
Post Cycle Therapy is a recovery protocol used after a SARMs cycle to help restore your body’s natural testosterone production. During a cycle, exogenous androgens (the SARMs) partially suppress your hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis — the hormonal feedback loop that controls testosterone production.
When you stop the cycle, your body needs time to recognise that exogenous androgens are gone and restart its own production. PCT speeds this process up and helps you retain the gains made during the cycle.
Why PCT Matters
Without PCT, your testosterone levels can remain suppressed for weeks or even months after a cycle. Low testosterone means:
- Muscle loss — Without adequate testosterone, your body shifts from anabolic (building) to catabolic (breaking down) mode
- Fat gain — Low T is associated with increased fat storage, particularly around the midsection
- Low energy and mood — Fatigue, irritability, and reduced motivation are hallmarks of suppressed testosterone
- Reduced libido — Testosterone drives sex drive; low levels affect it noticeably
- Slower recovery — Training performance drops when hormonal support is lacking
PCT isn’t just about feeling better — it’s about keeping what you built during the cycle.
Which SARMs Require PCT?
Not every compound requires PCT. The key factor is whether it suppresses natural testosterone:
PCT Typically Required
- RAD-140 (Testolone) — Significant suppression at standard doses
- LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) — Clinically demonstrated suppression in human trials
- YK-11 — Potent compound, suppression expected
- RAD-150 (TLB-150) — Similar suppression profile to RAD-140
- Andarine S4 — Moderate suppression at higher doses
PCT May Be Needed (Dose-Dependent)
- Ostarine MK-2866 — Mild suppression; short/low-dose cycles may not need PCT, but longer cycles often do
- ACP-105 — Milder compound, but suppression still possible at higher doses
PCT Not Required
- Cardarine GW-501516 — PPARδ agonist; doesn’t interact with androgen receptors
- MK-677 (Ibutamoren) — Growth hormone secretagogue; no testosterone suppression
- SR-9009 (Stenabolic) — Rev-Erbα agonist; non-hormonal
This is why correctly classifying these compounds matters. Running PCT after Cardarine alone would be unnecessary.
Common PCT Compounds
The two most commonly used PCT compounds for SARMs are:
Nolvadex (Tamoxifen Citrate)
A selective oestrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that blocks oestrogen at the pituitary, stimulating LH and FSH release, which in turn tells the testes to produce testosterone. The most popular PCT choice for SARMs cycles.
- Typical protocol: 20mg/day for weeks 1–2, then 10mg/day for weeks 3–4
- Best for: Mild to moderate suppression (most SARMs cycles)
Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate)
Another SERM that works similarly to Nolvadex but is generally considered stronger. Usually reserved for heavier suppression.
- Typical protocol: 50mg/day for weeks 1–2, then 25mg/day for weeks 3–4
- Best for: Significant suppression (stacked cycles, potent compounds like YK-11 + RAD-140)
PCT Timing: When to Start
Start PCT based on the compound’s half-life — you want the SARM to have mostly cleared your system before beginning:
| Compound | Half-Life | Start PCT |
|---|---|---|
| RAD-140 | ~60 hours | 3–4 days after last dose |
| LGD-4033 | ~30 hours | 1–2 days after last dose |
| Ostarine | ~24 hours | 1 day after last dose |
| YK-11 | ~6–10 hours | Next day |
| S4 | ~4–6 hours | Next day |
| RAD-150 | ~48–72 hours | 3–4 days after last dose |
PCT Protocol by Cycle Intensity
Light Cycle (e.g., Ostarine solo 8 weeks)
- Nolvadex 10mg/day for 4 weeks
- Or: Assess with bloodwork — short Ostarine cycles may not need formal PCT
Standard Cycle (e.g., RAD-140 solo, LGD-4033 solo)
- Nolvadex 20/20/10/10 mg over 4 weeks
Heavy Cycle (e.g., Advanced Stack or Bulk Mass Stack)
- Clomid 50/50/25/25 mg over 4 weeks
- Or: Clomid + Nolvadex together for the first 2 weeks, then taper
Supporting Recovery During PCT
PCT compounds handle the hormonal side, but you can support recovery further:
- Maintain training intensity — Don’t drop volume drastically. Your body needs the stimulus to retain muscle
- Keep protein high — At least 1g per pound of bodyweight to protect against catabolism
- Sleep 7–9 hours — Testosterone production peaks during deep sleep
- Consider natural T-support supplements — Ashwagandha, zinc, vitamin D, and magnesium all support healthy testosterone levels
- Continue MK-677 if used — Since MK-677 doesn’t suppress testosterone, it can bridge through PCT to maintain GH support and appetite
Common PCT Mistakes
- Skipping PCT entirely — “I feel fine” doesn’t mean your testosterone is fine. Get bloodwork.
- Starting PCT too early — If the SARM is still active in your system, PCT is fighting against it
- Using too much Clomid — Higher doses increase side effects (mood swings, vision issues) without proportional benefit
- Jumping straight into another cycle — Minimum time off = cycle length + PCT length. Your HPG axis needs genuine recovery time
Bloodwork: The Only Way to Know
Symptoms are unreliable indicators of hormonal status. The only way to truly assess suppression and recovery is bloodwork. Recommended panels:
- Pre-cycle baseline: Total testosterone, free testosterone, LH, FSH, oestradiol, liver enzymes (ALT/AST), lipid panel
- End of cycle: Same panel to assess suppression level
- End of PCT: Same panel to confirm recovery
Many UK services offer affordable at-home blood test kits that provide results within days.
