I have moved this to a more appropriate forum.
Feel free to jump in and disscus changes/updates
That's how a bunch of us came up with this many years ago
It' a winded. it's bit dated perhaps, nut I.ve beeen using variations of this for years, and have always bounced back fully, and raring to train again. Here it is!
steroids produce their benefits by interfering with the endocrine system, a complex system of glands and brain structures that are normally kept in an homeostatic state of balance by the action of feedback mechanisms. The changes in normal endocrine function that is introduced by the use of steroids can, through these feedback mechanisms, elicit compensatory endocrine responses, such as up- or down-regulation of essential enzyme stores or of receptor molecules, in order to maintain homeostasis. When these compensatory mechanisms persist into the post-cycle era after steroids have been withdrawn, unwanted effects can occur, such as fatigue, depression, loss of sex drive, loss of size and strength, and others. Fortunately, both there are both during cycle and post cycle measures that the athlete can take in this situation that are well known.
It should be noted that the longer a cycle lasts past the eight-week mark, the harder testosterone recovery becomes. The best way of gauging ones hormonal situation and thereby planning compensatory measures is to have blood tests done prior to during, and following cessation of AAS therapy. This is very, very important.
This is what the common post cycle situation looks like:
a) Luteinizing Hormone (LH): low to none,
Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone (LHRH): low to none
b) Testosterone (T): low
c) Estrogen (E): high in relation to T
d) Cortisol (C): high
e) Red Blood Cell (RBC) count: falling
While all of these hormone measurements are generalizations, and assumed on the low end of the scale, The important blood work tells the individual story, and must be used at this point, in other words, GET YOUR BLOOD WORK DONE!
1. How we address Post Cycle Recovery.
The return of hormonal balance is but one goal of this program. To create a transitional period of minimized muscle loss and sustained and/or increased motivation is another.
2. Detailed Recommendations
If the athlete is ready to come off and is still taking long acting esters he shall switch to short acting drugs in order to have complete control of exogenous hormone levels. stying with long acting esters at this stage is unacceptable, and only provides for a slow slide into the dreaded post cycle catabolic state. This period of short acting supplements shall last for a minimum of 2 weeks.
a) Luteinizing Hormone and shrunken testicles
H C G
If the testis have atrophied, the introduction of H C G at 1000iu x 14 days is necessary. To prevent this atrophy from happening, the use of H C G at 1000iu x 7 days every fourth week of the AAS cycle is recommended. This will provide exogenous LH and must only be used to restore/keep proper testicle size.
Week 1-2: H C G, 1000iu ed
C l o m i d
The practice of using Clomid at 50mg throughout the AAS cycle or 100mg a day for 3-5 days every 4th week has been used successfully to maintain proper testicle size
b) Low testosterone and lack of motivation
The introduction of exogenous hormones to compensate for the low endogenous testosterone levels may help to keep loss of drive, strength and muscle at bay but may also slow the recovery process. The below drug and application was chosen for its limited impact on the HPTA
D i a n a b o l
Studies and empirical evidence have shown Dianabol to be beneficial to keep Cortisol in check and provide some intermediate relief from the symptoms of low testosterone via an increase of dopamine, IGF-1, and Central Nervous System stimulation. The heightened dopamine will combat Prolactin and help raise the levels of endogenous Human Growth Hormone. Other studies point to a lack of LH suppression when taken first thing in the morning. It shall be noted that only a low dose upon rising is recommended in order to avoid further disruption of the HPTA
Week 1-6: 10mg dbol am, ed
c) High Estrogen and suppressed Hypothalamus- Pituitary- Testicular- Axis (HPTA)
Estrogen acts as the primary messenger of testosterone production. Testosterone is aromatized into estrogen, which signals the Hypothalamus to stop producing the proper testosterone release hormones. Estrogen must be kept low.
A r i m i d e x
A powerful aromatize inhibitor shall be part of every cycle. For testosterone recovery it is used to keep the testosterone/ estrogen balance in favor of testosterone. It is also of help to keep any additionally occurring estrogen from the morning dbol low to none. Studies have shown a 54% increase of testosterone in eugonadal patients from the use of Arimidex.
Week 1-10:.5-1mg ed
C l o m i d
Universally accepted as THE testosterone recovery tool. It blocks estrogen from the HPTA and stimulates the production of LHRH. LHRH then initiates the production of LH, which in turn signals the testis (if not atrophied) to produce testosterone.
Week 3-5: 100mg ed
Week 6-8: 50mg ed
N o l v a d e x
A volume of research and empirical evidence suggest the usefulness of this estrogen blocker for recovery. Its action is very similar to Clomid but may be better suited for individuals who experience side effects from Clomid.
Week 1-8: 20mg ed
d) High Cortisol, suppressed HPTA and catabolism
Cortisol is highly catabolic. It is the enemy of all anabolism and must be kept in check. While it is blocked when under the influence of AAS, it is free to attach to the Anabolic Receptors (AR) once the steroids leave. Due to this blockage Cortisol tends to accumulate and increase when on. A low level is desirable however since it is important for other vital functions such as control of inflammation. Balance is the key.
EPO- As the prime regulator of red cell production, erythropoietin's ( EPO) major functions are to 1. Promote the development of red blood cells. 2.nitiate the synthesis of hemoglobin, the molecule within red blood cells that transports oxygen.
V i t a m i n C
At 3-5g before heavy workouts, it keeps the exercise induced rise of Cortisol in check
Always: 3-5g before workouts
D H E A
A useless pro-hormone as far as anabolism is concerned, this substance is great to keep Cortisol within normal levels. There is a correlation between high Cortisol and low DHEA levels.
Week 1-6: 150mg am and pm
D e x t r o s e a n d M a l to d e x t r i n
It is neither a supplement nor a drug, but these carbohydrates have a very high glycemic index and keep Cortisol levels low by increasing endogenous insulin or keep blood sugar normal when used with exogenous insulin. They also provide excellent energy for heavy workouts. In order to not gain unwanted fat, dextrose and/or maltodextrin shall be ingested during your workout and with your post workout shake only.
Always: 100g with workout water and 100g with post workout shake
e) Red Blood Cell Count and Stamina
C r e a t i n e
The use of Creatine has shown to increase ATP metabolism and cellular water storage among many other things. This is very beneficial because it provides for heightened nutrient storage and a slight increase in anabolism as well as workout stamina. Perfect with dextrose/maltodextrin/.
Always: 5g with workout water and 10g with post workout shake
V i t a m i n B - 1 2 & I r o n
Prolongs the life of your RBC and may be beneficial for increased oxygen transport
Week1-8: 1,000mcg ed
f) Miscellaneous beneficial drugs, supplements and recommendations
H G H
Administration of exogenous HGH has been shown to help maintain an anabolic environment until natural testosterone levels have reached a satisfactory level.
Week 1-8: 2iu at mid morning and 2iu at mid afternoon
Z i n c
Assists with testosterone production and is always low in weight lifting subjects. Do not consume with calcium for ease of absorption
Week1-8: 50mg ed
M a g n e s i u m
Has too many benefits for weight lifters to list here
Week 1-8: 800mg every evening
V i t a m i n B - 6
Assists with testosterone production, keeps Prolactin in check and is very relaxing
Week 1-8: 200mg every evening
M e l a t o n i n
May improve sleep pattern and help increase HGH. With this supplement, the less you take the more it works.
Always: 1.5mg at nite
Ephedrine HCL and related products such as Clenbuteral or Nor-ephedrine (NYC) may offer limited anti catabolic and workout stimulating benefits.
You must take a liver supplement, especially if the cycle included the use of oral tablets. We very hihghly recommend, Silbinin at 300 mg BID,or silipide if preferred..
G) Training and Caloric requirements.
Workouts shall be brief and focus on retaining your newly gained strength after a week long layoff. A power lift routine works well at this stage.
Calorie intake shall match expenditure; a calorie-restricted diet shall commence only upon complete recovery of natural testosterone production.
3. Final word
This program is based on empirical evidence, research and experimentation and represents the maximum effort to recover testosterone production. Some of the above supplements and drugs may not be required or may not agree with every individual and advances in medicine may provide newer and more useful drugs for the testosterone recovery following steroid therapy.
Furthermore, after the PCT regimen is completed, a period of 4 weeks of abstinence from all drugs (vitamins and supplements excluded) is the minimum time recommended, after which a blood test will the assess actual testosterone recovery. That should act as the only gauge for the timing of the next Course of Steroid enhanced training.
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