You crushed your cycle—more strength, harder pumps, visible gains. But now you’re wondering… what happens next?
Whether you ran RAD-140, MK-677, 1-Andro, or something even stronger, the truth is this: every cycle has a cost, especially when it comes to your natural testosterone levels. SARMs and prohormones may not be “real steroids,” but they still impact your hormonal axis. And skipping post-cycle therapy (PCT)? That’s how you lose your gains, feel like garbage, and wreck your progress.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
→ What PCT actually does and why it’s non-negotiable
→ How SARMs and prohormones affect your endocrine system
→ What to use (and what to avoid) for real recovery
→ How to build a PCT protocol that protects your gains and your health
If you’re serious about lifting—and not just experimenting—this guide is your roadmap to doing it smarter, safer, and with fewer regrets.
What Is Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) and Why It Matters
Post-cycle therapy (PCT) is a structured recovery phase that helps your body restore its natural hormone production after a suppressive cycle—whether it’s SARMs like RAD-140 or prohormones. Without it, you risk low testosterone, estrogen rebound, mood swings, fatigue, and serious muscle loss.
➤ What Does PCT Do?
→ Stimulates natural testosterone production via the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis
→ Blocks estrogen receptors to prevent side effects like gynecomastia
→ Prevents muscle loss and catabolism after coming off suppressive compounds
→ Restores libido, energy, and mood as hormone levels normalize
“When endogenous testosterone production is suppressed by anabolic agents or SARMs, PCT is essential to reactivate the HPG axis and prevent prolonged hypogonadism.”
— Nassir Ghaemi, MD, Harvard Medical School
Whether you ran a mild Ostarine cycle or pushed your limits with Superdrol, post-cycle therapy ensures your body can recover, recalibrate, and retain your results.
Do SARMs and Prohormones Really Require PCT?
Yes—most SARMs and virtually all prohormones suppress natural testosterone production, even if they don’t shut it down completely. The degree of suppression depends on the compound, dose, and cycle length—but make no mistake: recovery doesn’t happen on its own.
➤ SARMs and Suppression
Some users believe SARMs are "mild" enough to skip PCT. That’s a myth. Research shows that compounds like RAD‑140, LGD‑4033, and YK‑11 can reduce luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and total testosterone levels—sometimes significantly.
→ Mild SARMs like Ostarine (MK‑2866) may cause temporary suppression
→ Stronger SARMs like S23 are often highly suppressive and may shut down testosterone completely
→ Suppression can last 4–8 weeks after the cycle ends without proper PCT
“SARMs may produce less androgenic side effects than anabolic steroids but still significantly suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.”
— Handelsman et al., The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
➤ Prohormones and Testosterone Shutdown
Most prohormones are methylated and highly suppressive, often comparable to oral steroids. Compounds like 1-Andro, 4-Andro, and Epiandrosterone convert to active androgens that interfere with natural testosterone production.
→ PCT is non-negotiable after prohormone cycles
→ Even short 4-week cycles can cause testosterone suppression or shutdown
The takeaway? If you’re using SARMs or prohormones to enhance performance or physique, you need a proper post-cycle protocol—even if you “felt fine” during the cycle.
Signs You Need PCT (and What Happens If You Skip It)
Not sure if your cycle was suppressive? Your body will tell you. And if you ignore the signs, you could lose everything you gained—and more.
➤ Common Signs You Need PCT
→ Low libido or erectile dysfunction
→ Fatigue, brain fog, or poor sleep
→ Mood swings, irritability, or depression
→ Loss of muscle mass or strength
→ Increased body fat, especially around the waist
→ Shrunken testicles or lack of morning wood
Even mild suppression can create a hormonal rollercoaster, especially after SARMs like LGD‑4033 or prohormones like 1‑Testosterone.
➤ What Happens If You Skip PCT?
→ Longer recovery time: Your HPG axis may take months to restart naturally
→ Muscle loss: Without testosterone, catabolism increases
→ Estrogen rebound: Bloating, mood issues, or even gynecomastia
→ Permanent damage: In rare cases, prolonged suppression can lead to hypogonadism
“Anabolic agents, including prohormones and SARMs, can cause prolonged endocrine suppression. Without intervention, this may lead to persistent hypogonadism and infertility.”
— Rahnema et al., Urology Journal
If you want to protect your gains, mood, and overall well-being, skipping PCT isn’t just risky—it’s reckless.
Best PCT Compounds to Use After SARMs and Prohormones
A successful PCT isn’t about megadosing over-the-counter testosterone boosters. You need compounds that actually support HPTA (hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis) recovery and estrogen balance. For most cycles, that means a combination of SERMs and support supplements.
➤ SERMs (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators)
SERMs are the backbone of effective post-cycle therapy. They block estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus and pituitary, stimulating natural testosterone production.
→ Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) – Typically dosed at 20–40 mg/day for 4 weeks
→ Clomiphene (Clomid) – 25–50 mg/day for 4 weeks
→ Raloxifene – Sometimes used for gynecomastia prevention, but less common in PCT stacks
Tamoxifen is often the preferred SERM for SARMs and milder prohormones, while Clomid is more commonly used after stronger or longer cycles.
“Clomiphene citrate and tamoxifen have both demonstrated efficacy in restoring testosterone levels and sperm production in hypogonadal men.”
— Ramasamy et al., Journal of Urology
➤ Support Supplements
→ DHEA (100mg/day) – May support adrenal androgen production and mood
→ ZMT (6 caps/night) – Zinc, magnesium, and herbal support for testosterone and sleep
→ Ashwagandha Gummies – Cortisol reduction and mood stability
→ Krill Oil – Inflammation and hormone support
While not replacements for SERMs, these supplements help optimize recovery, improve mood, and support anabolic environment during the fragile post-cycle phase.
Sample PCT Protocols for SARMs and Prohormones
The ideal PCT protocol depends on what you ran, how long, and how suppressive it was. Below are beginner-friendly PCT templates to help guide recovery based on your compound and cycle intensity.
➤ PCT After Mild SARMs (e.g., Ostarine, Andarine)
→ Weeks 1–4:
Tamoxifen – 20 mg/day
ZMT (6 caps/night)
DHEA (100 mg/day)
Krill Oil
→ Consider adding Ashwagandha Gummies to support stress resilience and cortisol control
➤ PCT After Moderate-to-Strong SARMs (e.g., LGD‑4033, RAD‑140, YK‑11)
→ Weeks 1–4:
Tamoxifen – 20–40 mg/day
DHEA – 100 mg/day
ZMT – 6 caps/night
Krill Oil – Daily
Optional: Clomiphene (25 mg/day) if suppression symptoms are severe
➤ PCT After Prohormones or Oral Anabolics (e.g., 1‑Andro, Methyl‑1-Testosterone)
→ Weeks 1–4:
Clomiphene – 50 mg/day (Weeks 1–2), 25 mg/day (Weeks 3–4)
Tamoxifen – 20 mg/day (All 4 weeks)
DHEA – 100 mg/day
ZMT – 6 caps/night
Krill Oil – Daily
Optional: Liver support and bloodwork before/after PCT
Each PCT protocol is designed to restart your HPG axis, balance estrogen, and support recovery while maintaining strength and size.
What to Avoid in PCT (And Why Natural Test Boosters Aren’t Enough)
One of the biggest mistakes new lifters make post-cycle? Relying on natural testosterone boosters instead of clinically validated PCT compounds. Let’s break down the red flags and common pitfalls.
➤ Natural Test Boosters Are Not PCT
Products that contain herbs like tribulus, fenugreek, or maca do not have the clinical potency to restart suppressed testosterone production after a SARM or prohormone cycle. These ingredients may support libido or mood, but they won’t correct hormonal suppression.
“Most over-the-counter testosterone boosters lack evidence for increasing serum testosterone and are not appropriate substitutes for medical therapy following anabolic suppression.”
— Clemesha et al., Translational Andrology and Urology
➤ Don’t Skip Bloodwork
Always run pre- and post-cycle bloodwork to assess testosterone (total and free), LH, FSH, estradiol, and other key biomarkers. Guessing is dangerous—especially if you’re stacking strong SARMs like RAD-140 or prohormones like M1T.
➤ Avoid Extending Cycles or Overlapping Compounds
Running a “bridge” cycle or overlapping compounds without a proper break and PCT can lead to prolonged suppression, shutdown, or even permanent endocrine damage. Always allow at least as long off-cycle as your total cycle duration, including PCT.
The bottom line: Real PCT requires real strategy—not just throwing a couple pills in and hoping for the best.
Legal and Safety Considerations of PCT Compounds
While many SARMs and prohormones exist in a legal gray area, the compounds used in post-cycle therapy (PCT) are typically prescription-grade medications—and that brings legal and safety implications you should understand before starting.
➤ Prescription Status of SERMs
In the United States:
→ Tamoxifen and Clomiphene are FDA-approved for medical use but are prescription-only
→ Buying them without a prescription (e.g., via research chemical sites) exists in a legal gray zone
→ Possession without a script is not federally illegal, but distribution and sales are
→ Some countries classify these compounds differently (e.g., over-the-counter in Mexico)
“Tamoxifen and Clomiphene are controlled through prescription to mitigate misuse, particularly in non-medical contexts such as sports or bodybuilding.”
— FDA Drug Safety Communications
➤ Risk of Counterfeit Products
If sourcing PCT compounds online, there's a significant risk of underdosed, mislabeled, or contaminated products. Always research the vendor and look for independent third-party lab results.
→ Avoid generic “test boosters” labeled as PCT
→ Research chemical vendors are not regulated like pharmaceutical manufacturers
→ Consider telehealth clinics that legally prescribe Tamoxifen, Clomid, or HCG
➤ Supplement Safety
Trusted, high-quality supplements like ZMT, DHEA, Ashwagandha Gummies, and Krill Oil are legal and safe to use. These should be part of your recovery strategy, but not relied on as standalone PCT solutions.
Moral of the story: Know what’s legal, what’s safe, and what you’re putting into your body. And when in doubt—talk to a professional or work with a licensed hormone optimization clinic.
Final Thoughts: Should You Always Run PCT After SARMs or Prohormones?
If your goal is to build muscle, boost performance, or get lean—and stay that way—then yes, you should always run post-cycle therapy after SARMs or prohormones. No exceptions.
Even if your cycle felt “mild,” and even if you don’t immediately feel suppressed, your endocrine system has likely been affected. And skipping PCT can lead to more than just stalled gains—it can impact your mood, libido, long-term hormone health, and ability to train hard.
➤ Recap: Why PCT Matters
→ SARMs and prohormones suppress testosterone—even short cycles
→ SERMs like Tamoxifen and Clomid help restore hormonal balance
→ Support supplements like DHEA, ZMT, and Ashwagandha Gummies enhance recovery
→ Skipping PCT can lead to low libido, fatigue, mood swings, and loss of gains
→ Bloodwork and a personalized approach = smarter, safer cycles
If you’re unsure how to recover properly, consider scheduling a consult with a knowledgeable hormone coach or medical provider. It’s your body, your hormones, your health—own the responsibility.
Up next: Want to know how Tamoxifen and Clomid actually work in the male body? Check out our science-backed guides on both compounds.
