During Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) we shouldn’t use simultaneously human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and Selective Estrogen Receptors Modulators (SERMs).
The reason is that they work for the same effect throughout opposite and antagonistic pathways.
HCG is LH analogue that mimics LH, but it shuts off GnRH in hypothalamus.
Or the contrary, SERMs like Clomiphene/Tamoxifen stimulate GnRH by lowering estrogens in hypophysis.
That in turn will kick hypothalamus for GnRH release.
Moreover the sequence has to be HCG first while SERMs have to follow.
HCG will kick testicles and Leydig cells; while SERMs will kick gonadotropins
LH/FSH.
There was a case where a former steroid user started his protocol by the use of SERMs and continued with HCG.
The final result was high Total Testosterone (TT) and Free Testosterone (FT) with suppressed gonadotropins.
On the other hand when we follow the proper sequence, TT/FT will elevate from HCG and afterwards LH/FSH will follow by the use of SERMs; that in turn will further boost TT/FT.
For some PCT is a waste of time.
In a way it is true, because eventually you’ll face and end up hypogonadal after repeated anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) cycles.
However the major issue that every steroid user faces is the withdrawal symptoms between two cycles.
Therefore we need this lift to feel better, recover faster and maintain a decent sex drive.
The question that arises, is why don’t why cruise with Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) instead of doing PCT.
The most convincing answer is that PCT will have a positive impact in spermatogenesis and fertility.
Moreover getting off from testosterone will lower your hemoglobin, elevate your HDL and improve your MPB.
The reality is that the more we stay away from AAS abuse, the more chances we have to recover hormonally.
Our Hypothalamic Pituitary Testicular Axis (HPTA) will resurrect as long as we remain natty
PCT efforts seem pointless by the time we enter the following cycle.
As a doctor who focuses on AAS harm reduction, I ensure my patients that healthy biochemistry labs are the key point and not HPTA recovery.
Because sooner or later eventually you’ll shut off again your endogenous production.
Frankly, you don’t die of been hypogonadal.
But you may die of severe dyslipidemia in combination with transaminemia and poor kidney function.
Several men have passed through the valley of AAS abuse, in order to become TRT patients.
The vast majority of TRT/HRT patients faced the so called ASIH.
A late onset secondary Hypogonadism as a result of chronic AAS use.
Replacement therapy isn’t a trendy thing.
I have denied access to TRT in men who aren’t strictly hypogonadal.
You enter TRT in case your own production is impaired; either primary or secondary hypogonadism.
Every time we introduce a hormone into our body, there’s a homeostatic mechanism that shuts off our own production (either it’s testosterone, cortisone or thyroid hormones).
The point is when we use testosterone we suppress our own production from testicles
However in case this is really low in first place, we practically replace it.
So more or less we don’t have anything to lose; on the contrary we get benefits; and certainly there are more advantages rather than disadvantages getting into TRT, rather than staying hypogonadal.