Clomid in PCT: what it's for, dosage, side effects, and more
The use of Clomid in PCT is common after cycles to help restore natural testosterone production.
Main points:
In PCT, Clomid stimulates natural testosterone production after anabolic steroid cycles.It does not require a prescription to be purchased at the pharmacy.It does not provide protection to testosterone production when used during the cycle.The use of Clomid in PCT begins when all steroids have left the body, considering the half-life of the longest.Standard dosage is 50 mg daily, reduced to 25 mg after 1-2 weeks, lasting 4-6 weeks.Possible side effects include irritability, mood swings, nausea, headaches, and visual changes.What is it for?Clomid is primarily used in fertility treatment for women who have difficulty getting pregnant due to lack of ovulation.
It works by encouraging the ovaries to produce eggs by stimulating the release of hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle.
Clomid helps the body “remember” how to activate the ovulation process, being a common solution in cases of anovulation .
The use of Clomid by men, although not a common clinical practice, aims to stimulate the body to produce more testosterone naturally.
This may be beneficial in cases of male infertility related to hormonal imbalances, as Clomid can improve sperm quality and quantity. It can also potentially reduce the adverse effects of low testosterone.
If you want to delve deeper into the subject, Dr. Marco Túlio Cavalcanti, urologist and andrologist, explains the application of Clomid in men:
Use of Clomid in PCT after testosterone cyclesClomid is often used during PCT (post-cycle therapy) as a way to stimulate the body to naturally produce testosterone again after using anabolic steroids.
During an anabolic steroid cycle, testosterone production may be disrupted, and it may take some time for the body to resume normal hormonal function after the cycle ends.
Clomiphene helps kick-start this process by increasing levels of hormones such as LH and FSH, which are essential for stimulating testosterone production in the testicles.
Other medications may be used together, such as tamoxifen citrate .
Does Clomid increase testosterone?On the other hand, Clomid has some drawbacks. Not all men who increase their testosterone levels with the medication notice significant improvements in aspects such as libido and overall well-being.
This may occur due to the blocking of estrogen receptors caused by the medication. Estrogen, even in men, is important for functions such as sexual desire and metabolism.
Last but not least, Clomid depends on the health of the testicles, being less effective in cases where they already have damage or functional limitations.
Can you use Clomid during your cycle?Many, in an attempt to prevent the problem before it even happens, choose to use clomid during the cycle.
However, this has no protective effect on testosterone production.
Let's examine what happens to someone who is using anabolic steroids.
When your anabolic steroid levels rise to supraphysiological levels (much higher than you would have naturally), your hypothalamus stops sending messages to your brain telling you to produce testosterone.
In other words, you already have anabolic hormones circulating and the last thing your body will do is continue producing testosterone (which is also an anabolic hormone).
Basically, as long as you are using steroids, taking clomid will not do anything to increase your testosterone.
It will only serve as a weak estrogen “blocker.”
How to use Clomid in post-cycle therapyThe use of Clomid in post-workout therapy will depend on which hormones are being used and how long they remain in the body.
You should start taking clomid as soon as all the steroids are out of your body.
To determine when this occurs and avoid the risk of starting PCT too late (and losing gains), you need to know how long the hormones you are using last in your body.
Below is an estimate of when to start PCT based on the half-life of the most common hormones:
Testosterone propionate: 2 daysTestosterone phenylpropionate: 3 daysNandrolone phenylpropionate: 3 daysTestosterone isocaproate: 4 daysTestosterone decanoate: 7 daysNandrolone Decanoate: 6-7 daysTestosterone cypionate: 6 daysTestosterone enanthate: 5 daysDrostanolone propionate: 2 daysMetenolone enanthate: 5 daysBoldenone Undecylenate: 7 daysTrenbolone Acetate: 2 daysTrenbolone Enanthate: 5-6 daysRemembering that in a steroid cycle where multiple drugs are used, Clomid use begins when the drug with the longest half-life leaves the body.
Dosage and durationThe dosage of Clomid during PCT is usually 50mg per day during the first or second week.
After this period, the dose is usually decreased to 25 mg per day, depending on how the body responds to the treatment.
The total time of use varies between four and six weeks in more common protocols, and can be extended to longer cycles or in specific situations, always considering the hormonal response and follow-up exams.
The duration and dosage need to be adjusted according to the characteristics of the previous cycle and individual conditions. Post-cycle tests may be necessary to determine whether or not PCT should be continued.
Side effectsWhile Clomid is used to prevent certain side effects of recreational hormone use, it itself brings its own.
Episodes of irritability and drastic mood swingsVisual changes may occur in some cases, such as blurred vision or sensitivity to light. These symptoms are usually temporary and disappear after discontinuation of use.Nausea and headache occur in a small percentage of users. These effects are usually not serious, but they can cause discomfort.Skin redness and a sensation of heat are reported as transient symptoms during use.Some men do not notice a significant improvement in libido or well-being, even with increased testosterone levels, which may be related to the blocking of estrogen receptors.