Post Cycle Therapy

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General

• Post-cycle therapy (PCT) refers to the use of pharmacologic agents following cessation of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) to accelerate recovery of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and mitigate symptoms of hypogonadism.
• Symptoms of AAS-induced hypogonadism include low libido, fatigue, depression, and infertility.
• There is no consensus guideline and evidence is limited, with most data coming from observational studies, case series, and expert opinion.
• Common regimens include selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) such as tamoxifen or clomiphene, after the last dose of AAS. In some cases, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is added to stimulate endogenous testosterone production.
• Many protocols also include adjunctive agents aimed at mitigating side effects associated with AAS use, such as liver support supplements (e.g., N-acetylcysteine, milk thistle), cholesterol/lipid support, and blood pressure management. These are often based on anecdotal experience rather than strong clinical evidence.

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