Lately I have been asked by a few people concerning PCT
(Post-Cycle Therapy) supplementation. For those unaccustomed to the term, it
relates to supplementation after running a cycle of synthetic testosterone
promoting substances. Even though I am a drug free athlete, my opinion on the
use of synthetics is neutral, my goal is to educate and aid individuals in
their goals, not to judge on their chosen paths. When concerning a PCT, a few
areas must be addressed: The reduction of natural testosterone production, the
increase of estrogen in the system, liver detoxification, as well as an
increase of cholesterol.
Starting
with stimulating natural testosterone production; the human body is incredibly
adaptable, when a substance it normally produces is added to the system, its
response is to start limiting production of that substance at an incredibly
quick rate. In order to pick up production a few products may aid to “kick
start” the process. Tribulus Terrestris has a long history of potentially
stimulating the body’s natural process for testosterone production. Most
companies suggest 2 doses per day, preferably morning and evening. Another
option is D-Aspartic acid, which has claimed much stronger effects than
tribulus, but is still fairly new on the market. I would personally stick with
tribulus until more information is available on D-Aspartic acid.
The next
issue to address is estrogen management. Chrysin, a flavone derived from the
passionflower family, has been noted for years as having potential anti
aromatase(estrogen blocking) activity. D-Indol-3-Carbonyl and DIM(diindolylmethane)
are found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower.
Originally sold as estrogen blockers as a whole, they now are sold as potential
inhibitors of “bad” estrogens (Yes, some estrogen is actually beneficial).
Consider them more as regulators in your system when concerning estrogen. Most
individuals that are in need of a post cycle therapy already use a
pharmaceutical estrogen blocker, but it still may be a good idea to supplement
with a low dose natural estrogen management supplement to help in getting
levels back to normal.
The next
area of discussion has to do with liver detoxification. In the body the liver
acts like a filter in your system, unfortunately it tends to take a big hit
from all the impurities we come across in our daily lives. Compound that with
the introduction of synthetic substances, and a real issue can result.
Fortunately, there are products available to aid the liver in its daily
activities. The most common supplement being Milk Thistle. Out of all the
products available for liver health, I would suggest using Milk Thistle
standardized for the phytochemical Silymarin. If you want to spend a few more
dollars and go with an herbal blend by all means, just be sure to check the
milk thistle contained within is standardized.
The last
area of interest is cholesterol levels. As the body starts to reduce its
natural testosterone production your cholesterol levels may begins to elevate.
This is because the body uses cholesterol as a backbone for many of your
hormones. Couple this with a diet in high cholesterol foods and levels can
really get out of hand. Fortunately once your natural system begins producing
again your levels should start to reduce. A few supplements available for
cholesterol support are flax seed oil, red yeast rice, and nattokinase. They
may not be needed, but I have heard a few individuals after finishing a
synthetic cycle of having cholesterol levels in the hundreds. This is a very
dangerous situation.
A few other
supplements that may help during a PCT are eurycoma longifolia (Longjack),
Horny Goat Weed, and Maca. Information on these supplements seems to vary, but
the most popular information relates to their use as testosterone support in
the system, not so much as actual testosterone boosters.
Hopefully
the information provided will be of use to those who require a PCT. All of us
have specific goals; it’s our choice as to how we reach them. If you would like
to add any more valuable information, feel free to comment. In such an
ever-changing industry as nutrition it is wise to always be open to new
findings and ideas.
Michael Petrinjak CFT
