The role of Clomid in restoring endogenous testosterone production during PCT

As a bodybuilder looking to go on an anabolic steroid cycle, the one thing you should always consider before you start using performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) is the adverse effects these drugs could have on your body.

Indeed, some anabolic steroids like trenbolone can severely inhibit endogenous testosterone production, even though they flood your body with exogenous testosterone to promote mass gain and performance enhancement.

Exogenous testosterone in your body tends to convert to estrogen through the process of aromatization and with a high concentration of estrogen in your body, you are more likely to experience severe estrogenic and feminizing side effects like gynecomastia.

But the problem with steroid-induced suppression is that more often than not, you need to jump-start your natural testosterone production with specific medications. Using a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) like clomiphene citrate or Clomid can help boost your natural testosterone production and restore the hormonal balance your body so desperately needs after a steroid cycle.

In this article we explain how Clomid works, the benefits of Clomiphene Citrate PCT, Clomid dosage and schedule, possible side effects during Clomid PCT, and other post cycle therapy medications you can combine with Clomid.

How Clomid PCT Works

As we have already mentioned, clomiphene citrate (Clomid) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that works by blocking estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus. By blocking estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus, Clomid triggers the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH).

The increase in LH and GnRH hormones in your body will work by sending signals to your testicles, encouraging them to begin producing your own endogenous testosterone. When your testicles recover from suppression and start producing natural testosterone again, your body is better able to achieve hormonal balance and avoid the health problems associated with low endogenous testosterone.

Some of the most common health problems associated with low natural testosterone include mood swings, fatigue, low libido, and loss of muscle mass (catabolism).

The Health Benefits of Clomid's PCT Protocol

A Clomid PCT protocol will provide you with several health benefits, including:

#1. Endogenous testosterone production

This is the main benefit of Clomid PCT, as it will help restore your natural testosterone production and provide your body with the much-needed hormonal balance. As we have already mentioned, Clomid stimulates the release of LH and GnRH hormones which in turn stimulate the production of endogenous testosterone by the testes. The importance of restoring natural testosterone levels after your anabolic steroid cycle is very important for your overall health, as well as maintaining your strength and skeletal muscle mass gains.

#2. Restore hormonal balance

Using Clomid during your PCT protocol will help restore hormonal balance in your body and prevent serious side effects. Clomid works by restoring normal functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. The HPG axis regulates your body’s natural testosterone production, and with well-balanced hormone levels, you will experience a better libido, energy levels, and mood, in addition to improving your overall health and well-being.

#3. Clomid reduces estrogenic side effects

Clomiphene citrate helps reduce your exposure to estrogenic side effects by acting as an antiestrogenic agent in the hypothalamus. By doing so, Clomid prevents or reduces estrogenic side effects such as water retention and gynecomastia that can occur during and after your anabolic steroid cycle.

#4. Clomid promotes rapid recovery

Using Clomid during your PCT protocol will help your body recover quickly by promoting the rapid healing of micro-tears in your skeletal muscle tissues after an intense weight training session. Clomid will also help reduce muscle fatigue, meaning your endurance levels will be boosted, allowing you to train harder and longer than before.

#5. Maintenance of skeletal muscle mass

As we have already pointed out, Clomid PCT after your anabolic steroid cycle will help preserve your mass gains and prevent catabolism or loss of muscle mass. Low endogenous testosterone levels after a steroid cycle can have the negative effect of causing you to lose your muscle mass gains and nullifying all of your efforts in training, diet, and your anabolic steroid cycle.

Clomid PCT Dosage, Recommended Timing and Duration

Clomid PCT dosage should be based on the advice of a qualified physician or experienced personal trainer. Clomid PCT dosage depends on the potency of the anabolic steroids used as a standalone cycle or stack. However, Clomid PCT dosage typically ranges from 25 mg to 50 mg per day.

A Clomid PCT protocol often lasts between 4 and 6 weeks. The timing of daily Clomid administration is also very important, as you can either maximize or minimize the effectiveness of your Clomid PCT with good or bad timing of daily administration.

Typically, you should start your Clomiphene PCT protocol from the expected elimination half-life of the last dose of your chosen anabolic steroid(s). To be sure that your natural testosterone levels are normal, you should have periodic blood tests as a way to monitor your progress and make the proper adjustment in your daily Clomid dosage during PCT.

Risks and possible side effects of PCT with Clomid

It should be noted that most people who use clomiphene citrate as part of their PCT protocol report having little to no side effects to worry about. However, there are some possible risks and side effects that you should be aware of.

#1. Estrogen-Related Side Effects

While Clomid works effectively in the hypothalamus as an antiestrogen agent, it does not necessarily provide the same antiestrogen efficacy in other tissues of the body. The danger of this is that you may experience estrogenic side effects even while you are PCT Clomid. Common side effects you may experience include breast tenderness, bloating, mood swings, and hot flashes.

However, it should be noted that the intensity and severity of estrogenic side effects you may experience while taking Clomid cannot be compared to the side effects associated with aromatization of anabolic steroids.

#2. Ovarian cysts

Clomid can also cause enlarged ovaries and/or ovarian cysts. Ovarian cysts can cause discomfort, bloating, and even pelvic pain. By regularly monitoring your progress during PCT, you will be better able to detect potential problems with your ovaries before they become serious.

#3. Multiple pregnancies

It is worth mentioning here that clomiphene citrate is a medicine used for the treatment of fertility problems. Clomid is often prescribed to women with fertility problems to promote conception.

This is why there is a high probability of multiple pregnancy in women who use Clomid. It has been reported that women on Clomid have a high chance of conceiving twins or triplets.

But it must be said that the daily dosage plan of Clomid PCT is generally lower than the dosage plan for fertility treatment, which helps to significantly reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies.

#4. Irritability and mood swings

Clomid may cause mood swings and irritability in users. However, these psychological and emotional changes are often temporary and should stop as soon as you stop taking Clomid.

#5. Visual disturbances

This side effect should be considered rare, but some Clomid users have reported visual disturbances such as floaters, photophobia or sensitivity to light, and blurred vision while performing a Clomid PCT protocol.
Combine Clomid with other post cycle therapy protocols for greater effectiveness

You can enhance your recovery while reducing the side effects associated with using a performance enhancing drug or anabolic steroid cycle during your PCT by combining clomiphene citrate with other post cycle therapy protocols such as the following:

#1. Testosterone boosters

There is a school of thought that strongly believes in combining Clomid with natural testosterone-boosting supplements like fenugreek extract, D-aspartic acid, or Tribulus Terrestris to boost endogenous testosterone production. However, it should be noted that anecdotal evidence far outweighs scientific research in verifying the validity of the claims.

#2. Other SERMs

Clomid is not the only SERM available. Tamoxifen citrate (Nolvadex) is another popular SERM that you can combine with Clomid during your PCT. Note, however, that the mechanism of action of Clomid and Nolvadex is similar, as they both act as antiestrogens to stimulate endogenous testosterone production by restoring the HPG axis. Many people report that they get better results with PCT when Nolvadex is combined with Clomid.

#3. Aromatase inhibitors (AI)

Many people prefer to combine aromatase inhibitors (AIs) like exemestane or anastrozole with Clomid during their PCT protocol and the reason is simple.

The mechanism of action of AIs is primarily to block the aromatization phase of exogenous testosterone in the body. They therefore help prevent the conversion of exogenous testosterone to estrogen and thus reduce your exposure to estrogenic side effects such as water retention and gynecomastia. While AIs are very effective in reducing your estrogen levels, you will need to be careful how they are used, as lower than normal estrogen levels can be a cause for concern for your health, as it can have adverse effects on your lipid profile, among other health issues.

#4. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

Many bodybuilders use hCG during their Clomid PCT to stimulate their testes to produce endogenous testosterone directly instead of waiting for their hypothalamic-pituitary axis to release enough GnRH and LH to help stimulate their testes to produce natural testosterone. In addition to stimulating endogenous testosterone production, hCG also protects you from testicular atrophy (shrinkage). However, it is advisable to use hCG with caution to avoid suppressing the hypothalamic-pituitary axis.

Conclusion

The clomiphene citrate is indeed an effective SERM to successfully complete your PCT protocol. You can either take a daily dose of Clomid between 25mg and 50mg for 4-6 weeks or combine your Clomid with another SERM, natural testosterone boosters, hCG or AIs. However, you should consult your doctor or personal trainer before choosing your PCT protocol. At 2GetMass, we offer a range of Clomid products from internationally renowned pharmaceutical companies. You can place your order today and be sure of the quality of our products.