Post Cycle Therapy (PCT): Complete Guide for European Athletes (2026)
PCT is the most important phase of any anabolic steroid cycle. Skipping or doing PCT incorrectly leads to prolonged testosterone suppression, muscle loss, and health risks. This guide covers Nolvadex, Clomid, HCG timing, and where to source PCT compounds in Europe.
What Happens to Your Body During an AAS Cycle
During an anabolic steroid cycle, exogenous testosterone (or other androgens) signals the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis to shut down endogenous testosterone production. High testosterone levels suppress GnRH from the hypothalamus → which reduces LH and FSH from the pituitary → which causes the testes to cease testosterone and sperm production. After the cycle ends and exogenous androgens clear, the HPG axis must restart this chain — a process that takes weeks to months. Without PCT, recovery is slow: low testosterone for months means muscle loss, depression, fatigue, and libido failure. PCT dramatically accelerates this recovery.
Nolvadex (Tamoxifen): The Standard PCT Foundation
Tamoxifen Citrate (Nolvadex) is a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) that blocks estrogen receptors at the hypothalamus and pituitary. When estrogen cannot signal suppression at these sites, the pituitary increases secretion of LH and FSH, which stimulates the testes to restart testosterone production. Nolvadex does not increase testosterone production directly — it removes the estrogenic brake on the HPG axis. Standard protocol: 40 mg/day for 2 weeks, then 20 mg/day for 2 weeks. For longer, more suppressive cycles (Nandrolone, multiple compounds): 40 mg for 2 weeks, 20 mg for 4 weeks.
Clomid (Clomiphene): When and How to Use It
Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid) is also a SERM but acts both at the hypothalamus and pituitary — it stimulates both GnRH and gonadotropin release more directly. It produces a stronger LH surge than Nolvadex but has more side effects: visual disturbances (temporary phosphene flashes), mood swings, and emotional lability in susceptible individuals. Standard PCT dose: 50 mg/day for 2–4 weeks. For severely suppressed recoveries (12+ week cycles with multiple androgens, or after trenbolone), combining Clomid 50 mg + Nolvadex 20 mg daily is a potent combination that has strong anecdotal and some clinical support.
HCG: The Secret to Faster Recovery
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) mimics LH — it directly stimulates Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone and maintain testicular volume. During a cycle, the testes atrophy from LH deprivation. By using HCG in the last 3–4 weeks of the cycle (500 IU every other day), you maintain testicular sensitivity and volume before PCT begins — making the subsequent SERM-based PCT far more effective. Do NOT use HCG during PCT itself: it will further suppress the pituitary by providing exogenous LH-like stimulus. The protocol is: HCG during last 4 weeks of cycle → clear HCG (3–4 days, it has a short half-life) → begin Nolvadex/Clomid PCT.
When to Start PCT: Timing by Ester
PCT timing is determined entirely by when the cycle compounds clear the body — starting PCT too early means active androgens are still suppressing the HPG axis and the SERMs are fighting against ongoing suppression. Starting too late means delayed recovery. By ester: Testosterone Propionate (t½ ~2 days): begin PCT 3–4 days after last injection. Testosterone Enanthate / Cypionate (t½ ~10–12 days): begin PCT 14 days after last injection. Sustanon 250 / Testosterone Decanoate-containing: begin PCT 21 days after last injection. Nandrolone Decanoate / Boldenone Undecylenate (t½ ~14–15 days): begin PCT 21 days after last injection.
Where to Buy Nolvadex, Clomid, and HCG in Europe
PCT compounds (Tamoxifen, Clomiphene, HCG) are pharmaceutical medications — look for original packaging, stated active ingredient concentration, and EU-based warehousing. PharmaForce stocks Nolvadex (Tamoxifen 20 mg tablets), Clomid (Clomiphene 50 mg tablets), and HCG from licensed pharmaceutical manufacturers, shipped from within the EU. Delivery to Germany, France, Netherlands, Poland, Italy, Austria, Spain, Belgium, Sweden, Czech Republic, and 25+ European countries. 3–8 business day delivery, fully discreet plain packaging with no product names on the outside.
Written by
Dr. Markus Hein
Sports Pharmacologist