PCT Protocol for Beginners: What You Need to Know

Post-cycle therapy (PCT) is the process of helping your body restore natural testosterone production and HPTA function after running exogenous hormones. Get it wrong, and you stay suppressed longer. Get it right, and recovery is smoother.

Why PCT Matters

When you introduce external testosterone or other AAS, your brain gets the signal that enough is already in circulation. It shuts down or reduces production of LH and FSH. Sperm production drops. Natural test crashes. PCT aims to kick those signals back on.

Core Elements

1. Stopping the compound – Give your body a chance to clear exogenous hormones before starting PCT.
2. SERMs – Medications like clomiphene or tamoxifen can help restart the HPTA. These require a prescription and medical oversight.
3. Support supplements – CoQ10, zinc, selenium, L-carnitine, and ashwagandha support sperm quality and natural testosterone during and after PCT.

The Supplement Piece

Even with a proper medical PCT, supplements matter. The hormones may come back, but sperm quality and motility can lag. A high-dose fertility stack fills that gap—especially for guys who ran longer cycles or more suppressive compounds.