SARMs PCT: The ultimate guide

SARMs are a possibly safer alternative to Androgenic Anabolic Steroids (AAS). In general, SARMs have fewer side effects than steroids and do not cause the same amount of suppression. Therefore, people wonder if they need a PCT (Post Cycle Therapy) after using SARMs.

In this article, we intend to get to the bottom of this question. We will discuss if and why a PCT is important after a SARM cycle, what the most popular PCT for SARMs is.

What is a PCT?

When it comes to bodybuilding, Post Cycle Therapy is considered an important regimen that follows after completing a cycle of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), such as anabolic steroids or SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators).

The main purpose of PCT is to help you restore your body’s natural hormone levels, particularly your testosterone, which may be suppressed or disrupted during the cycle. Once you do PCT, you can expect your body to reproduce testosterone and reestablish hormonal balance.

It is essential to undergo this process to prevent side effects associated with hormone imbalances, such as decreased libido, fatigue, and mood swings. It also helps reduce the risk of estrogen-related issues like gynecomastia. In terms of your physique, PCT also plays a significant role in preserving the muscle mass and strength gains achieved during the cycle.

Do SARMs require a PCT?

But do SARMs require a PCT? The answer is not a straightforward “yes” or “no.” It depends on which SARM, at which dosage an for how long you have been using.

Although SARMs do not cause the same amount of suppression that androgenic steroids do, they will still have an impact on natural testosterone levels. Symptoms of low hormone levels include reduced libido, fatigue, insomnia, decreased muscle mass, and emotional changes.

The purpose of a SARM PCT is to reduce the side effects associated with post-cycle hormonal imbalance and help to restore natural testosterone levels.

Which SARMs require a PCT?

The need for PCT after using SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) can vary depending on the specific SARM, the dosage, the duration of the cycle, and individual responses.

In general, it’s advisable to follow PCT after using any SARM, regardless of the type. This is since most SARMs have been shown to suppress testosterone or affect hormonal balance, while there are some that are less researched and offer no guarantee if they have less pronounced effects on hormone levels.

MK-2866 (Ostarine)

Ostarine is one of the most popular SARMs and is also considered the mildest and least suppressive. Any dip in natural testosterone production will usually return to baseline soon after the cycle.

However, when used at higher dosages, for an extended period of time, or when combined with other SARMs, a PCT is considered advisable.

LGD-4033 (Ligandrol)

Ligandrol is one of the more potent SARMs currently available. It is known to produce significant increases in both muscle mass and strength. The amount of suppression associated with the use of LGD-4033 is highly dose dependent, but in general a PCT such as Enclomiphene is advisable, especially if this product is stacked with other SARMs.

RAD-140 (Testolone)

Testolone (RAD-140) is considered the strongest non-steroidal SARM on the market. It is highly effective in building muscle mass and strength.

RAD 140 is also one of the more suppressive SARMs around, which means that a post cycle therapy after a cycle of RAD-140 is highly recommended.

YK-11

YK-11 is an unusual SARM in a number of ways. Not only because it is a myostatin inhibitor, but also because it is the only steroidal SARM currently on the market.

Chemically, YK-11 appears to be a derivative of DHT, which some believe classifies it as an anabolic steroid. There is some debate about its suppressive effects, but the general consensus is that PCT is necessary after using YK-11.

S-23

S-23 is by far the most suppressive SARM on the market, and it is actually being evaluated as a potential male hormonal contraceptive. As a result, S23 is very suppressive, equivalent to steroid suppression in terms of Testosterone suppression. This means that a PCT is absolutely needed after a cycle of S-23.

S-4 (Andarine)

Andarine, aka S-4, is generally considered to be one of the least suppressive SARMs on the market, along with Ostarine. Still, it will decrease natural testosterone production to some extend. When used in high dosages, for an extended period, or in combination with other SARMs, a PCT is recommended.

Which SARMs do not require a PCT?

There are several substances often labeled as SARMs, but in reality, they do not bind to androgen receptors. This implies that they do not suppress natural testosterone levels and therefore, do not necessitate a PCT (post cycle therapy).

Cardarine (GW-501516)

Cardarine, also known as GW-501516 is not a SARM but a PPAR delta agonist. It doesn’t target the androgen receptors and has no influence on hormone levels. Cardarine therefore does not require any sort of PCT.

Stenabolic (SR-9009)

SR-9009, also known as Stenabolic, is another compound that is actually not a SARM, but an agonist of Rev-ErbA. Stenabolic is not a hormone modulator, but a metabolic modulator, modulating or inducing metabolic effects. Thus, post cycle therapy is not required with the use of Stenabolic.

Ibutamoren (MK-677)

MK 677 is another compound that is actually not a SARM, but a growth hormone secretagogue, mimicking the growth hormone-stimulating action of the endogenous hormone ghrelin. Because it doesn’t target the androgen receptors, it has no influence on natural testosterone production. This means that MK-677 does not require any form of post cycle therapy.

Which type of PCT for SARMs?

Enclomiphene

Enclomiphene is an isomer of Clomiphene Citrate (also known as Clomid), a medication traditionally used to treat infertility in women. However, Enclomiphene is used differently and has been studied for its potential to stimulate the production of natural testosterone levels in men.

Enclomiphene, which is a non-steroidal estrogen receptor antagonist, has gained a lot of attention in the research community for its potential use in post-cycle therapy (PCT). 

A typical Enclomiphene research cycle for PCT might last from 4 to 6 weeks. Here’s a general guide:

1. Dosage: A common dosage for Enclomiphene is between 6.25-25mg per day. The specific dosage may depend on the individual’s body weight, the nature of the cycle that was completed, and the individual’s response to treatment.
2. Frequency: Enclomiphene is commonly taken once per day, due to its relative short half-life.

Nolvadex

Nolvadex is a popular trade name for Tamoxifen Citrate, a SERM (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator) which is used for the treatment of breast cancer in women.

It binds to the estrogen receptors in our body, leaving no room for your natural estrogen to reach abnormal levels.

Clomid

Clomid is the brand name for Clomiphene (Clomifene), which is a popular SERM used to treat infertility in women. This SERM is stronger than Nolvadex and has more side effects.