Copyright (c) Vigorous Steve 2020. All rights reserved.

The intellectual property rights of this eBook belong to Vigorous Steve.

No part of this eBook may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any
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Published on www.vigoroussteve.com

First Edition, 2020

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 Preface
Thank you for purchasing this eBook on The VigorousSteve.com Shop! Coach Steve has spent a
lot of time & effort to write this eBook to help bodybuilders, strength athletes & fitness
enthusiasts reach their goals while doing so in the healthiest way possible.

Coach Steve decided not to include references or studies to prove a point or confirm the
information provided in this eBook. Coach Steve doesn’t believe in “Cherry-Picking” studies as
evidence to support a claim. In most cases, some studies prove a particular point, while
opposing studies disprove it. Spending a significant amount of time on comparative analyses
of ALL published studies relevant to a specific subject discussed in this eBook would be
represented in a much higher sales price for the reader.

Coach Steve’s goal with this eBook is to provide quality information at an affordable price.
Providing you everything you need to know to make decisions that help you reach your goals
or solve problems related to your bodybuilding or fitness aspirations. Without going into
Medical Minutia & Mental Masturbation, which will most likely cause “Paralysis by Analysis”,
bringing your decision-making process to a complete standstill…

The contents of this eBook are based on Coach Steve’s 20+ years of personal experience in
bodybuilding, as well as 8+ years of Coaching (competitive) bodybuilders, (competitive)
strongmen or powerlifters, prescribed or self-prescribed users of Testosterone / Hormone
Replacement Therapy (TRT / HRT) as well as fitness enthusiasts, looking to improve their health
& quality of life!

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Purchasing this eBook yourself supports Coach Steve financially and allows him to produce
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Purchase this eBook: www.vigoroussteve.com/shop/

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Contact Email: [email protected]

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 Medical Disclaimer
This eBook does not contain ANY medical advice. The author of this eBook, Coach Steve is NOT
a Doctor. The contents of this eBook, such as text, graphics, images, and other material, are
intended for entertainment, informational and educational purposes ONLY!

This eBook is not designed to render medical advice. The Contents of this eBook or The
VigorousSteve.com Website is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice,
diagnosis, or treatment.

Coach Steve takes great care to keep the medical & scientific information in this eBook &
website up to date. However, Coach Steve can’t guarantee that the information in this eBook
reflects the most recent research & medical consensus.

Always do additional research on any given topic mentioned in this eBook, on The Vigorous
Steve Website, Instagram Page, or YouTube Channel. Furthermore, consult with your physician
for medical advice and questions regarding a medical condition. Never disregard or delay
seeking professional medical advice or treatment because of something you have read in this
eBook, on The Vigorous Steve Website, Instagram Page, or YouTube Channel. Before taking any
Supplement, Herb, Drug, Prescribed or Over-the-Counter Medication, consult a physician for a
thorough evaluation of your current state of health.

This eBook does not endorse any particular vitamins, herbs, drugs, or medications, nor does it
condone the use of illegal drugs or prescription medication for off-label purposes. A qualified
physician should make a decision based on each person’s medical history and current
prescriptions. The medication summaries provided in this eBook do not contain all of the
critical information required by patients and should not be used as a substitute for professional
medical advice.

Please consult with your physician if you suspect you are ill. The information in this eBook is
not intended for medical advice. You should always discuss any medical treatment with your
health care provider.

NO LIABILITY WILL BE ASSUMED FOR THE USE OF THIS E-BOOK!!!

In case of a Medical Emergency, call 122, 911, or your local emergency telephone number
immediately! This eBook does not recommend or endorse any specific test, physician, product,
procedure, opinion, or any other information provided. Reliance on any information provided by
this eBook, VigorousSteve.com, VigorousSteve.com’s Employees, Individuals represented on the
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Discretion!

This eBook is STRICTLY Informational & Educational!

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Table of Contents
Comprehensive Guide to Post-Cycle Therapy ............................................................. 6
Approved Anabolic Agents ............................................................................................. 7
Growth Hormone (GH) .............................................................................................................. 8
Clenbuterol ................................................................................................................................... 9
Neuro-Steroid & Sex-Hormone Reference Ranges .................................................. 11

PHASE 1: Testosterone Replacement Therapy “Bridge”.......................................... 13

HPTA Suppressive AAS & SARMs: Half-Lives, Active-Lives & Detection Times .. 13
Injectable Compounds .......................................................................................................... 14
Oral Compounds ....................................................................................................................... 16
Long-Term use of HCG on Cycle ................................................................................... 18
Estrogen (Estradiol E2) & Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs) ............................................. 19
Diindolylmethane (DIM) ........................................................................................................ 20
Calcium D-Glucarate (CDG) ................................................................................................... 21

PHASE 2: Restoring HPTA & HPAA Function .............................................................. 23

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) ....................................................................... 23
HCG Protocol to Start HPTA & HPAA Recovery............................................................. 23
Human Menopausal Gonadotropin (HMG) ................................................................. 24
HMG Protocol to Start Spermatogenesis ........................................................................ 25
Triptorelin ........................................................................................................................ 25
Triptorelin Protocol to Start HPTA & HPAA Recovery ............................................... 26

PHASE 3: Maintaining HPTA & HPAA Function .......................................................... 28

Tamoxifen Citrate (Nolvadex) ...................................................................................... 28
Nolvadex Protocols to Continue HPTA & HPAA Recovery ....................................... 29
Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid) ........................................................................................ 29
Clomid Protocols to Continue HPTA & HPAA Recovery ........................................... 30

Measuring the Success of your PCT ............................................................................ 31

Supplementation ............................................................................................................ 33
Dietary Guidelines .......................................................................................................... 35
Training Guidelines ........................................................................................................ 36
Abbreviations .................................................................................................................. 38
Supplement Resources .................................................................................................. 40

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Comprehensive Guide to Post-
Cycle Therapy
There are certain situations where you want to come off exogenous hormones
and naturally produce Neuro-Steroids & Sex-Hormones again. First-time Steroid
users should go through at least ONE Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) unless they have
a medical reason to use therapeutic dosages of Testosterone, as their natural
production was already insufficient before using exogenous Testosterone.

The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testes/Adrenal-Axis (HPTA / HPAA) downregulates

in the presence of Testosterone and other Anabolic-Androgen Steroids (AAS) or
Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs). The Testicles stop producing
Testosterone & Estrogens in response to supra-physiological concentrations of
Testosterone and other AAS or SARMs. As Intra-Testicular Testosterone (ITT)
levels decline, so does Semen production. Some AAS or SARMs might
completely downregulate Semen production altogether, resulting in complete
loss of fertility, albeit temporarily for the duration these AAS or SARMs are used.
In other cases, fertility might actually increase with higher dosages of
exogenous Testosterone, as a minute amount is said to enter the Testicles,
where it signals the Sertoli Cells to start the process of Spermatogenesis.
Although there’s currently no scientific evidence to support this claim, some
enhanced individuals were able to conceive healthy babies with their partner
while using relatively high dosages of Testosterone.

PCT is a lengthy process and requires a lot of patience before natural

Testosterone production returns to baseline, which was your Testosterone level
before starting a Cycle with AAS or SARMs. It’s generally advisable to experience
PCT at least once and see if you’re able to recover the HPTA before you decide
to follow a Blasting & Cruising approach to Steroid Cycling. This way, you know
what to expect when choosing to come off Steroids a few months or years into
Blasting & Cruising, knowing that your previous PCT allowed you to recover
your HPTA & HPAA function. If this wasn’t the case and your PCT wasn’t
successful, you either didn’t do the PCT correctly or have a medical reason for
Traditional Testosterone or Hormone Replacement Therapy (TRT / HRT).

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For fertility purposes, a PCT is highly advisable as it allows you to produce fertile
& healthy Semen without the presence of exogenous Testosterone or other AAS
& SARMs. Couples should be able to start conceiving 90 days after PCT has
completed, as it generally takes 78 days for Semen to mature in the Testicles
and another 10-12 days for it to travel to the Prostate & Seminal Vesicles, from
which it ejaculates at the end of intercourse.

There are a few ways to come off your Steroid Cycle to restart HPTA and produce
Testosterone and Semen in the Testicles again. In this eBook, we’ll discuss the
most effective ways to follow Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) correctly for normal &
healthy Testosterone levels, which should represent your age & current state
of health! Keep in mind that the Fertility Drugs & Supplement Protocols
incorporated during PCT improve fertility tremendously; the use of
Contraceptives might be required!!

This eBook doesn’t discuss Gonadorelin or Kisspeptin-10 as Coach Steve doesn’t

have any experience with these peptides, nor has he come across anybody
who’s used these compounds to recover their HPTA & HPAA after a few years of
Blasting & Cruising.

Approved Anabolic Agents

It might be incredibly challenging to see your muscularity & strength decline
throughout a lengthy Post-Cycle Therapy. Especially considering that your
physical shape will slowly regress to your natural potential, albeit a bit softer
and fatter compared to before you started taking AAS or SARMs. The main
reason is that your super-natural muscularity was developed on supra-
physiological dosages of hormones and requires supra-physiological
concentrations of hormones to maintain it. Once you return to natural serum
concentrations of Neuro-Steroids & Sex-Hormones under normal HPTA & HPAA
function, Androgen levels aren’t sufficient to maintain the excess muscle mass
you’ve built on Cycle.

Neither are physiological dosages of Androgens sufficient to provide the

cosmetically enhancing effect that most AAS or SARMs do. Meaning you’ll slowly
lose muscle fullness, hardness, density, vascularity, elevated resting
metabolism, and other benefits associated with Anabolic Agents.

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In order to prevent this, some bodybuilders, strength athletes, or fitness
enthusiasts prefer to continue with a low dose of Growth Hormone or
Clenbuterol throughout the entire duration of their PCT. Both Performance
Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) provide minor Anabolic benefits, which become very
noticeable in the absence of AAS or SARMs.

GH & Clenbuterol don’t negatively affect HPTA & HPAA and might even improve
the success of your PCT by improving nutrient partitioning and metabolic rate.
At the same time, improving fat loss or minimizing body fat gain in a slight
caloric surplus.

Growth Hormone Secretagogues like GHRP-6, MK-677, or Ipamorelin, as well as

fat burners like Yohimbine or Rauwolscine, GW-1516, or Ephedrine, might also
be beneficial during PCT. Although these PEDs are generally less effective and
potent compared to GH & Clenbuterol and result in less Anabolism or
preservation of muscle tissue built on AAS or SARMs.

Growth Hormone (GH)

Human Growth Hormone (HGH) or Somatotropin is a peptide hormone that

stimulates growth, cell reproduction & cell regeneration and is very important
in human development. GH also stimulates the production of IGF-1 in the Liver,
and raises serum glucose concentrations as well as free fatty acids in the
bloodstream. GH is a 191-amino acid, single-chain polypeptide that is
synthesized, stored & secreted by Somatotropic Cells within the Anterior
Pituitary Gland’s lateral wings. Naturally pulsed GH has a short biological Half-
Life of about 10 to 20 minutes, while exogenous GH administrations usually
have an Active-Life of 4-4.5 hours.

Assuming you sleep according to your Circadian Rhythm, falling asleep between
10-11 PM and waking up around 6-7 AM, the highest natural GH pulse of the day
occurs somewhere between 1-3 AM when you’re in deep REM sleep. Those who
sleep outside of the regular Circadian Rhythm often see their night-time GH
pulse diminish as Cortisol levels fluctuate according to the day & night cycles.
Sunlight at dawn or dusk instructs the body to release Cortisol, to wake you
from sleep according to the Circadian Rhythm.

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Since it takes a few hours to reach REM sleep, you might enter REM sleep at the
time the sun is coming up, and Cortisol slowly rises. Falling asleep after
midnight means that Cortisol levels are relatively high when you’re supposed
to release GH, dramatically diminishing the natural GH pulse, which cascades
into marginal IGF-1 release.

Exogenous GH has a relatively short Active-Life of approximately 4-4.5 hours

when administered through Sub-Cutaneous (SubQ) or Intra-Muscular (IM)
injections. Using GH between 8-9 PM allows for a sufficient amount of time to
completely metabolize exogenous GH, without sending negative feedback to
your night-time GH pulse. However, elevated IGF-1 levels have negative
feedback towards additional IGF-1 production in the Liver, meaning that your
night-time GH pulse will only marginally increase IGF-1 output.

As the evening GH administration already elevated serum IGF-1 concentrations,

blunting additional IGF-1 release. This marginal increase still results in the
highest possible IGF-1 levels upon waking, making fasted cardio or morning
workouts, Intermittent Fasting & Ketogenic Diets, or other low Insulin states
more effective.

Generally recommended dosing protocol during Post-Cycle Therapy is a

conservative dose of 1-2iu GH before bed around 8-9 PM. Overall, when your GH
budget is 1-2iu per day, serum IGF-1 levels will be highest with evening
administrations compared to day-time administrations, which remain elevated
for the following 24-36 hours after GH administrations!

This eBook doesn’t cover Growth Hormone Secretagogues like GHRP-6, MK-677,
or Ipamorelin. For more information about Growth Hormone and
Secretagogues, consider purchasing the “Comprehensive Guide to Growth
Hormone | Insulin-like Growth Factor-1” eBook on The VigorousSteve.com Shop:
www.vigoroussteve.com/shop/

Clenbuterol

Clenbuterol is a Sympathomimetic Amine medication, prescribed as a

decongestant & bronchodilator in some countries to treat chronic breathing
disorders like Asthma or Bronchitis. Clenbuterol was never FDA Approved in the
United States.

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Partially due to its long Half-Life of 36-48 hours and limited medical
applications over Ephedrine & Salbutamol, which are FDA Approved as
decongestants & bronchodilators.

Clenbuterol is a Beta-2 Adrenergic Receptor (B2-ARs) agonist with some

structural & pharmacological similarities to Epinephrine / Adrenaline,
Ephedrine & Ventolin / Salbutamol. However, the Beta-2 Agonistic (stimulant &
thermogenic) effects of Clenbuterol are more potent & last longer. It is
commonly available as a Hydro-Chloride Salt; Clenbuterol Hydro-Chloride (HCl).

Clenbuterol does not actively burn fat by stimulating the Beta-2 Receptors of
the fat cells, although it does induce Lipolysis and increases Free Fatty Acids
(FFA) concentrations in the bloodstream. Clenbuterol stimulates the Beta-2
Receptors on cardiac & skeletal muscle, which increases fatty acid metabolism
& body temperature in a dose-dependent fashion. This allows the individual to
burn dietary fat and body fat at an accelerated rate. Cardiac muscle
predominantly utilizes FFAs. A continuously elevated heart rate contributes to
most of Clenbuterol’s fat-burning effects.

The stimulation of the Beta-2 Receptors in the sympathetic nervous system

results in a moderate Anabolic effect by increasing contractile capacity during
workouts. In the absence of AAS or SARMs, the Anabolic and muscle-preserving
effects of Clenbuterol are quite noticeable.

Clenbuterol’s side-effects commonly include; shakiness / shaky hands,

cramping, sweating at rest, or a jittery & wired feeling. These side effects are
more pronounced at the start of Clenbuterol use, usually last for 2-3 weeks, and
don’t worsen after the dose increases. Side-effects quickly wear off as the Beta-
2 Receptors slowly down-regulate with prolonged use of Clenbuterol. However,
the thermic effects and increased heart rate, metabolic rate & fat loss remain
after the side-effects have dissipated.

Headaches & blood pressure issues are rare at low-moderate dosages but not
impossible to occur. Individuals who suffer from pre-existing high blood
pressure shouldn’t use Clenbuterol. Beta-Blocker like Bisoprolol or Nebivolol
mitigate the side-effects but also reduce Clenbuterol’s effectiveness
significantly! Especially Butaxamine, which is a Beta-2-Selective Beta-Blocker.

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Generally recommended dosing protocol during Post-Cycle Therapy is a
conservative dose of 20mcg Clenbuterol upon waking per day. Once side-effects
dissipate, the dose can be increased to 20mcg Clenbuterol twice per day.

Clenbuterol potentiates its effect on Cardiac muscle and the sympathetic

nervous system; it’s advisable to supplement 3,000-5,000mg Taurine & 100-
200mg Ubiquinol per day. This prevents cramping and allows for adequate ATP
production in Cardiac muscle when heart rate & metabolic rate increase due to
the continuous stimulation of the Beta-2 Receptors.

For more information about Clenbuterol, consider purchasing the “Fat Loss
Pharmacology Handbook” eBook on The VigorousSteve.com Shop:
www.vigoroussteve.com/shop/

Neuro-Steroid & Sex-Hormone Reference Ranges

When you’ve completed your PCT, you should check the following blood work
markers about 4 weeks after stopping ALL fertility drugs to assess if your PCT
was successful. Below are the standard reference ranges for healthy adult men
over 18 years of age. After PCT, your hormone profile should return within the
following parameters:

• Pregnenolone: 13.0-208.0 ng/dL or 0.5-7.2 nmol/L

• Pregnenolone-Sulfate (PregS): 2.7-7.9 μg/dL or 0.1-0.2 μmol/L

• DeHydroEpiAndrosterone (DHEA): 63-778 ng/dL or 2.2-27.0 nmol/L

• DeHydroEpiAndrosterone-Sulfate (DHEA-S): 25-457 μg/dL or 0.7-12.4 μmol/L

• Total Testosterone: 240.0-980.0 ng/dL or 8.3-34.0 nmol/L

• Free Testosterone: 2.29-21.2 ng/dL or 0.1-0.7 nmol/L

• Free Testosterone (Percentage of Total Testosterone): 1.6-2.9 %

• Bio-Available Testosterone: 40.0-257.0 ng/dL or 1.4-8.9 nmol/L

• Serum DiHydroTestosterone (DHT): 12.0-77.0 ng/dL or 0.4-2.7 nmol/L

• DiHydroTestosterone (DHT) (Percentage of Total Testosterone): 5-10 %

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• Serum Estrogen / Estradiol E2: 10-44 pg/mL or 36.7-161.5 pmol/L

• Total Testosterone (ng/dL) to Serum Estrogen (pg/mL) Ratio (TT:E): 13-18:1

• Sex Hormone–Binding Globulin (SHBG): 1.1-6.7 μg/mL or 10-60 nmol/L

• Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): 1.0-13.0 mIU/mL

• Luteinizing Hormone (LH): 1.0-9.0 mIU/mL

NOTE: Healthy reference ranges for these hormone markers will differ on each
country’s standards for medical care.

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PHASE 1: Testosterone Replacement
Therapy “Bridge”
Before you start PCT, you need to discontinue ALL Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid
Hormones (AAS) as well as ALL Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs)
and allow enough time to let these compounds and their metabolites clear
from your system. During this time, you can choose to slowly taper down your
Testosterone dose until you end up around 150-200mg per week. Some
individuals might need to reduce it further and go down to 100-125mg per week
to get used to the feeling of normal & physiological concentrations of
Testosterone again.

You can slowly taper down the Testosterone dosages over a few weeks,
depending on the total dose of AAS or Testosterone you were using previously.
For the sake of convenience, it’s probably easiest to switch to a Testosterone
Ester with a longer Half-Life, such as Enanthate or Cypionate, which allows for
bi-weekly injections. For example; 1,000mg Testosterone per week tapered to
750mg Testosterone for 2 weeks, 500mg Testosterone for 2 weeks, 250mg
Testosterone for 2 weeks, 125mg Testosterone for 2-4 weeks until that becomes
your new baseline!

Depending on the other AAS or SARMs you were using during your Cycle, you
might need to stay on Testosterone Replacement Therapy for several months
for the compounds and their metabolites to clear from your system entirely!

HPTA Suppressive AAS & SARMs: Half-Lives, Active-

Lives & Detection Times
The duration of time you’re required to stay on TRT depends on which
compound you were using during your Cycle before deciding to start your PCT.
Progestogenic AAS might cause continuous HPTA suppression beyond their
calculated Active-Life, either through the presence of their metabolites or
Progestogenic side-effects. Nandrolone & Trenbolone can increase Prolactin
levels and alter the body’s response to Estrogen, resulting in reduced libido or
Erectile Dysfunction (ED), even if PCT was successful in restoring HPTA & HPAA!

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Although Nandrolone is most likely completely metabolized within 75-90 days
or 5x the Half-Life of the Decanoate Ester of 15-18 days. The metabolites of
Nandrolone are detectable for up to 18 months and might suppress HPTA &
HPAA well after the entire PCT has already finished. These metabolites prevent
the complete restart of your HPTA or HPAA as they continue to send negative
feedback to the Testicles and Adrenal Glands. This makes the use of fertility
drugs during PCT less effective, resulting in sub-optimal serum Testosterone,
Estrogen, DHEA & Pregnenolone concentrations after PCT.

The Androgenicity of Steroids also contributes to HPTA suppression. Generally

speaking, Steroids with a relatively high Anabolic Rating have a less potent
effect on HPTA downregulation, compared to Steroids with a relatively high
Androgenic Rating. You can find the Anabolic-Androgenic Ratios of Steroids on
VigorousSteve.com: vigoroussteve.com/anabolic-to-androgenic-ratio-of-
steroids/

SARMs also suppress HPTA & HPAA and lower Testosterone levels in individuals
who use SARMs without a Testosterone Base. Unfortunately, the medical data
is extremely limited at this point. Most SARMs are still undergoing Clinical
Trials, or further research has already been abandoned. For successful recovery
of HPTA, SARMs need to be discontinued well before starting PCT!

Below is a list of commonly used AAS & SARMs, their known Half-Lives,
Calculated Active-Lives (5x the duration of the Half-Life), and known Detection
Times of their metabolites. Keep in mind that the carrier oil also contributes to
the Half-Life & Active-Life of a particular compound. Pharmaceutical grade
Testosterone or Primobolan in Castor Oil might have a biological Half-Life of up
to 33.9 days!

Injectable Compounds

• Boldenone Acetate: Half-Life; 3 days, Active-Life; 15 days, Detection Time; 5

months.

• Boldenone Cypionate: Half-Life; 12 days, Active-Life; 60 days, Detection Time;

5 months.

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• Boldenone Undecylenate (Equipoise): Half-Life; 14-16.5 days, Active-Life; 70-
82.5 days, Detection Time; 5 months.

• Drostanolone Enanthate: Half-Life; 10.5-12 days, Active-Life; 52.5-60 days,

Detection Time; 5 months.

• Drostanolone Propionate (Masteron): Half-Life; 2-4.5 days, Active-Life; 10-22.5

days, Detection Time; 2 months.

• Methandienone Injectable (Dianabol Depot): Half-Life; 24 hours, Active-Life; 5

days, Detection Time; 5 months.

• Methenolone Enanthate (Primobolan): Half-Life; 10.5-12 days, Active-Life;

52.5-60 days, Detection Time; 5 months.

• Nandrolone Decanoate (Deca Durabolin): Half-Life; 15-18 days, Active-Life;

75-90 days, Detection Time; 18 months.

• Nandrolone Phenylpropionate (NPP): Half-Life; 4.5 days, Active-Life; 22.5

days, Detection Time; 12 months.

• Oxymetholone Injectable (Anadrol Depot): Half-Life; 24 hours, Active-Life; 5

days, Detection Time; 5 months.

• Trenbolone Acetate: Half-Life; 3 days, Active-Life; 15 days, Detection Time; 5

months.

• Trenbolone Enanthate: Half-Life; 10.5-12 days, Active-Life; 52.5-60 days,

Detection Time; 5 months.

• Trenbolone HexaHydroBenzylCarbonate (Parabolan): Half-Life; 14 days,

Active-Life; 70 days, Detection Time; 5 months.

• Testosterone Blends (Sustanon / Omnadren): Half-Life; 14-16.5 days, Active-

Life; 70-82.5 days, Detection Time; 5 months.

• Testosterone Cypionate (Testex): Half-Life; 12 days, Active-Life; 60 days,

Detection Time: 3 months.

• Testosterone Enanthate (Testoviron): Half-Life; 10.5-12 days, Active-Life;

52.5-60 days, Detection Time; 3 months.

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• Testosterone Propionate: Half-Life; 2-4.5 days, Active-Life; 10-22.5 days,
Detection Time; 2 Weeks.

• Testosterone Suspension: Half-Life; 2-4 hours, Active-Life; 10-20 hours,

Detection Time; 4 days.

• Testosterone Undecanoate (Nebido): Half-Life; 14-16.5 days, Active-Life; 70-

82.5 days, Detection Time; 5 months.

• Stanozolol Injectable (Winstrol Depot): Half-Life; 24 hours, Active-Life; 5

days, Detection Time; 2 months.

NOTE: There’s no information on the Half-Life, Active-Life & Detection Time of

injectable SARMs at this time. Going by the Half-Life of most injectable Esterless
AAS (suspensions); the Half-Life might be around 24 hours, and the Active-Life
might be about 5 days. Considering the known Detection Times of oral MK-2866
(Ostarine) & GW-501516 (Cardarine), the Detection Time of injectable SARMs
might be anywhere between 3 weeks to 5 months. These estimates are pure
speculation and probably don’t represent how long these compounds might
suppress HPTA!

Oral Compounds

• FluoxyMesterone (Halotestin): Half-Life; 9.2 hours, Active-Life; 46 hours,

Detection Time; 2 months.

• LGD-4033 (Ligandrol): Half-Life; 24-36 hours, Active-Life; 5-7.5 days,

Detection Time; unknown.

• Mesterolone (Proviron): Half-Life; 12-13 hours, Active-Life; 2.5-3 days

Detection Time; 5 Weeks.

• Methandienone (Dianabol): Half-Life; 3.5-6 hours, Active-Life; 17.5-30 hours,

Detection Time; 5 Weeks.

• Methasterone / Methyl-Drostanolone (Superdrol): Half-Life; 8-12 hours,

Active-Life; 1.5-2.5 days, Detection Time; 2 months.

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• Methenolone Acetate (Primobolan): Half-Life; 3 days, Active-Life; 15 days,
Detection Time; 5 Weeks.

• Mibolerone (Cheque Drops); Half-Life; 2-4 hours, Active-Life; 10-20 hours,

Detection Time; unknown.

• MK-2866 (Ostarine): Half-Life; 25 hours, Active-Life; 5 days, Detection Time; 3

Weeks.

• Oxandrolone (Anavar): Half-Life; 9.4-10.4 hours, Active-Life; 2-2.5 days,

Detection Time; 3 Weeks.

• Oxymetholone (Anadrol): Half-Life; <16 hours, Active-Life; <3.5 days,

Detection Time; 2 months.

• RAD-140: Half-Life; 16 hours, Active-Life; 3.5 days, Detection Time; unknown.

• S-4 (Andarine): Half-Life; 3-6 hours, Active-Life; 15-30 hours, Detection Time;
unknown.

• Stanozolol (Winstrol): Half-Life; 9 hours, Active-Life; 2 days, Detection Time;

3 Weeks.

• Testosterone Undecanoate (Andriol): Half-Life; unknown, Active-Life;

unknown, Detection Time; 1 Week.

• Turinabol (CDMT): Half-Life; 16 hours, Active-Life; 3.5 days, Detection Time;

12 months.

• YK-11: Half-Life; 10-12 hours, Active-Life; 2-2.5 days, Detection Time;

unknown.

Once these compounds have cleared your system entirely and you’ve given
yourself enough time TRT until that feels normal, then you can safely stop the
Testosterone injections entirely in preparation for PCT. After discontinuing TRT,
you patiently wait until you feel lethargic, have reduced sex drive & libido, lack
the usual pump in the gym, and lack the motivation to go to the gym altogether.
That’s the perfect time to start PCT after a long Cycle with AAS or SARMs, as that
means there’s ZERO AAS or SARMs left in your system to suppress HPTA and
prevent the PCT from being successful!

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Long-Term use of HCG on Cycle
If you’re already using Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) on Cycle to prevent
Testicular shrinkage, or because you feel it’s beneficial to maintain fertility
levels while using steroids. Then you’ll need to discontinue HCG for at least 4
weeks, preferably 8 weeks before starting PCT with a suitable dose of HCG, HMG,
or Triptorelin to start the HPTA recovery process.

Although the common practice of using HCG on Cycle is anywhere between 100-
250iu HCG 2-3x per week, this results in constant activation of the Luteinizing
Hormone / Chorio-Gonadotropin (LHCG) Receptors. As LH or HCG activates the
LHCG receptors on the cell membrane, Guanine Nucleotide-Binding Proteins (G-
Proteins) release into the Leydig Cell’s interior (cytoplasm), which starts a
cascade of processes, eventually resulting in Testosterone & Semen
production.

However, HCG has a Half-Life of approximately 23 hours and is detectable for

up to 3-4 days, causing constant activation of the LHCG Receptors, which might
deplete LHCG Receptor G-Protein content over time. Over-activation results in
the desensitization of the LHCG Receptors, which become unresponsive to
either HCG or naturally pulsed LH. Prolonged exposure to HCG might result in
the complete downregulation of LHCG Receptors. Over time, the cell
membrane’s LHCG Receptor content slowly reduces due to increased
metabolization of the receptor themselves.

To prevent the downregulation of LHCG Receptors, HCG should only be used for
short-term periods to restore libido when hormone balance is off. Or for the
complete restoration of HPTA by following a Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) correctly!

In the long-term, it’s better to use DHEA & Pregnenolone supplementation to

complement your hormone-balance while using exogenous Testosterone,
which keeps LHCG Receptors responsive to LH & HCG in case you want to or
need to do PCT. In most cases, DHEA & Pregnenolone supplementation provides
a medium-high libido and improves Androgen Receptor-mediated Gene-
Transcription, a WIN-WIN scenario for any enhanced bodybuilder, strength
athletes, or fitness enthusiast!

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Estrogen (Estradiol E2) & Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs)
You can keep using Exemestane (Aromasin) or Anastrozole (Arimidex), but not
Letrozole (Femara), during the period that the AAS or SARMs are clearing from
your system to keep serum Estrogen levels within the reference range.

Letrozole (Femara) isn’t a preferred AI as it’s less potent than Arimidex on a

milligram for milligram basis with regards to Estrogen management but slightly
worse on lipid levels. Femara is commonly produced in 2.5mg tablets, making
it very difficult to get 0.25-0.3mg servings needed for Traditional TRT or HRT
Protocols. A quarter tablet contains 0.625mg Femara, which is only useful for a
Steroid Cycle or Blast. Regardless, Coach Steve doesn’t recommend the use of
Femara for Estrogen management to prevent Estrogen from crashing to the
bottom or below the reference range.

While serum concentrations of Aromatizing Hormones decline, so will your

serum Estrogen levels. Keep in mind that you need to adjust your Aromatase
Inhibitor (AI) dose, alongside the declining serum Testosterone levels. Suppose
you’re tapering down your Testosterone slowly over a few weeks; you need to
adjust your AI carefully as well, to prevent Estrogen from crashing into the
single digits, or climb into the high double digits or even triple digits.

By removing AI during PCT, you allow for the adequate conversion of

Pregnenolone, DHEA & Testosterone into Estrogen, resulting in a natural &
libido-favorable Neuro-Steroid & Sex-Hormone ratio!

Serum Estradiol (E2) levels are directly correlated to the production &
upregulation of Luteinizing Hormone / Chorio-Gonadotropin (LHCG) Receptor in
the Leydig Cells of the Testicles. FSH also upregulates the LHCG Receptors. It
might be beneficial to end up with serum Estrogen levels towards the middle-
top of the reference range, between 25-44 pg/mL but not above the reference
range when you start your PCT protocol.

Medium Estrogen levels give you a buffer in which serum Estrogen levels can
naturally increase with fertility drugs like HCG, HMG, or Triptorelin. While
stimulating Luteinizing Hormone (LH) & Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
production with Triptorelin, Nolvadex & Clomid, or replacing LH with HCG, you
don’t require any additional AI.

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HMG, Triptorelin, Nolvadex & Clomid all stimulate the release of FSH from the
Pituitary Gland, which also helps to keep the LHCG Receptor responsive to both
HCG & LH throughout the duration of PCT.

LH released by the Pituitary Gland has a biological Half-Life of approximately

20 minutes in serum. Sub-Cutaneous (SubQ) HCG administrations have a
(compounding) Half-Life of approximately 23 hours and can be detected for up
to 3-4 days. Stimulation of LHCG receptors is far more constant with HCG use
than naturally pulsed LH. Managing serum Estradiol (E2) levels around the top,
or slightly above the reference range, by restricting or removing Aromatase
Inhibitors altogether allows for LHCG Receptor sensitivity to be maintained
while using HCG, HMG, or Triptorelin during PCT.

HCG, HMG & Triptorelin increase Estrogen production directly in the Testicles.
Aromatase Inhibitors aren’t able to reduce Testosterone’s conversion into
Estrogen, as they’re unable to enter the Testicles to potentiate their effects on
the Aromatase Enzymes. Individuals that noticed relatively high Aromatase
Activity & serum Estrogen levels during their Cycle can consider
Diindolylmethane (DIM) & Calcium D-Glucarate (CDG). These supplements help
to keep serum Estrogen levels around the reference range while you’re
restarting HPTA & HPAA. DIM & CDG can be discontinued 4 weeks after the last
HCG, HMG, or Triptorelin injection, usually around the time you finish the PCT
with Nolvadex & Clomid. Men with relatively high body fat levels (over 20%) can
continue with DIM & CDG to keep serum Estrogen levels in range after
completing their PCT.

Diindolylmethane (DIM)

Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a component of Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) found in

broccoli, kale & cauliflower. To get a significant dose of DIM, you’d have to
consume several hundred grams of broccoli, kale, or cauliflower per day.
Therefore, it’s generally advised to take DIM in supplemental form. DIM is
classified as a Phyto-Estrogen, which can aid in detoxifying other Phyto-
Estrogens through the Liver. DIM also has a potent effect on Estrogen
metabolism and helps to keep levels between different Estrogens relatively
balanced by preventing drastic increases or decreases in serum concentrations
of either Estrone (E1), Estradiol (E2), or Estriol (E3).

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In supplemental amounts, DIM can both inhibit the aromatase enzyme and
prevent the conversion of Testosterone into Estradiol (E2). At the same time,
DIM can also act on more potent forms of Estrogen and convert them into less
potent forms or metabolites. This conversion reduces the overall effects of
Estrogens & Phyto-Estrogens in the body. However, taking too much DIM at
once might actually cause it to act as a catalyst for aromatase activity and
increase Estrogen synthesis.

Men looking to improve Estrogen metabolism & detoxification while reducing

Estrogen concentrations in the bloodstream during PCT can consider using
100mg Diindolylmethane twice per day, with breakfast & dinner. DIM is often
used in combination with Calcium D-Glucarate (details below) at 500mg twice
per day, also with breakfast & dinner.

Calcium D-Glucarate (CDG)

Calcium D-Glucarate (CDG) supplies Glucarate for a detoxification process,

where a glucuronide molecule attaches to a hydrophobic molecule to make it
more water-soluble. Many toxins, Phyto-Estrogens & ALL Sex-Hormones, are
hydrophobic molecules. That’s why the majority of Sex-Hormones are bound to
albumin or Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG), or subject to Sulfuration by
Steroid Sulfatase (STS), for transport through the bloodstream. Glucuronidation
facilitates the Kidneys to remove these water-soluble molecules from the body,
as Kidney filtration is highly dependent on water & electrolyte flow.

The maximum detoxifying effect only occurs at higher dosages of 100-200mg

CDG per 1kg or 50-100mg CDG per 1lbs of body weight. When using CDG in
supplemental form, we’re not looking to fully detox the body of ALL toxins &
hydrophobic sex-Hormones. We’re merely trying to prevent the recycling of
glucuronide when serum concentrations drop below optimal levels. When this
happens, toxins & Sex-Hormones aren’t entirely excreted by the Kidneys as
glucuronide is cleaved off, before the toxins & Sex-Hormones can reach the
Kidneys and excrete through urine.

All Neuro-Steroid & Sex-Hormones in the body (Testosterone, Estrogen, DHEA,

Pregnenolone, etc.) are also subject to glucuronidation, including exogenous
Testosterone, other AAS, and some SARMs.

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In contrast, only DHEA & Pregnenolone are subject to Sulfuration, which helps
to maintain the balance between DHEA & DHEA-Sulfate and Pregnenolone &
Pregnenolone-Sulfate levels.

Men looking to improve Estrogen metabolism & detoxification while reducing

Estrogen concentrations in the bloodstream during PCT. Can consider using
500mg Calcium-D-Glucarate twice per day with breakfast & dinner, in
combination with 100mg DIM twice per day, also with breakfast & dinner. This
combination is usually enough to prevent symptoms related to high Estrogen
levels, without harming all the processes Estrogen contributes too.

NOTE: If you’re using an excessively high dose of CDG to reduce toxins & Phyto-
Estrogens, these Neuro-Steroid & Sex-Hormones will also undergo optimized
glucuronidation, resulting in decreased serum concentrations while CDG
supplementation is high!

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PHASE 2: Restoring HPTA & HPAA
Function
Once ALL AAS or SARMs have cleared from your system, you’ve discontinued HCG
at least 4 weeks prior, and serum Estrogen levels are around the middle-top of
the reference range, you can officially start the recovery process of natural
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testes/Adrenal-Axis (HPTA / HPAA) function.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a peptide hormone produced by cells
surrounding a growing Embryo, which eventually forms the Placenta after
implantation in the Uterus. HCG pregnancy strips test the presence of HCG in
the urine, indicating pregnancy. However, pregnancy strips are not 100%
accurate to determine pregnancy, as some cancerous tumors also produce HCG,
and counterfeit UGL Growth Hormone is sometimes relabeled HCG or GHRP-6.

HCG used to be extracted from pregnant women’s urine, as their urine contains
a relatively high HCG concentration. Nowadays, HCG is synthesized with
recombinant technology, allowing for pure HCG production, which is not
contaminated by other proteins present after urinary extraction.

HCG has structural similarities to LH, FSH & Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH),
and can activate the LCHG Receptors. Exogenous HCG acts similarly to
Luteinizing Hormone (LH), produced in the Pituitary Gland, and is used as a
temporary replacement for LH to recover HPTA & HPAA function, while LH
production is downregulated. HCG mimics LH’s action and signals the Testicles
to produce Testosterone & Semen again. Depending on the Cycle’s duration,
you might have to take between 500-2,000iu HCG every other day (EOD).

HCG Protocol to Start HPTA & HPAA Recovery

The following HCG protocols are under the assumption that you didn’t use HCG
during the Cycle’s full duration.

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Before starting an HCG protocol for HPTA recovery, make sure you discontinue
HCG for at least 4 weeks, preferably 8 weeks prior. Below are a few guidelines
to assess the required HCG dose & duration of administrations, depending on
the duration of the Steroid Cycle and compounds used:

• 3 months Cycle without Progestogenic or Androgenic Steroids: 500iu HCG

EOD for 2 weeks.

• 6 months Cycle without, or 3 months Cycle with Progestogenic or Androgenic

Steroids: 1,000iu HCG EOD for 2 weeks.

• 9 months+ Cycle without, or 6 months+ Cycle with Progestogenic or

Androgenic Steroids: 2,000iu HCG EOD for 2-3 weeks.

NOTE: Due to HCG’s Half-Life of approximately 23 hours, every other day

administrations are preferred to maintain LHCG Receptor sensitivity and
prevent downregulation!

Human Menopausal Gonadotropin (HMG)

Human Menopausal Gonadotropin (HMG) or Menotropin is a hormonally active
medication for treating fertility complications, consisting of FSH, LH, and
perhaps HCG. Menotropins used to be extracted from the urine of
postmenopausal women, as their urine contains a relatively high concentration
of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) & Luteinizing Hormone (LH). Human
Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) might also be present in extracted HMG
Formulations, albeit in much lower amounts compared to LH.

Over the last few years, fertility treatments have transitioned into the use of
recombinant gonadotropins, largely replacing extracted HMG. The recombinant
process allows for pure FSH & LH production, which are not contaminated by
other proteins present after urinary extraction. Traditional HMG Formulations
often contain FSH & LH at a 1:1 Ratio. In contrast, more recent recombinant
Menotropin medications have a much higher amount of FSH to LH ratio.

Daily HMG administration stimulates the ovaries to mature follicles and release
egg cells, making Women more fertile. Hypogonadal Men can use HMG daily to
stimulate Semen production. HMG can be run alongside HCG to increase
Spermatogenesis and help with fertility after the PCT has finished.

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Please keep in mind that it takes 78 days for Semen to mature in the Testicles
and 10-12 days to travel to the Prostate & Seminal Vesicles for ejaculation. HMG
is more effective compared to HCG to increase Spermatogenesis, but not as
beneficial when it comes to recovery of HPTA, especially compared to
Triptorelin.

HMG Protocol to Start Spermatogenesis

A 2-3 week protocol of 75-150iu HMG per day, while also using 500-2,000iu HCG
every other day, is enough to make a difference in Semen count, but not in
volume & motility, which are also required for healthy fertility levels. If you
want to use HMG to improve fertility, it’s advised to use it 2-3 weeks before
you’re trying to get your partner pregnant, AFTER you’ve been off ALL AAS or
SARMs completely, for at least 90 days to ensure healthy Semen production.
When using HMG after completing PCT, motility & volume will increase
alongside Semen count, as there’s no HPTA suppression from AAS or SARMs!

When using 75-150iu HMG, we’re looking to utilize about 37.5-75iu of FSH for
Spermatogenesis, while the remainder of 37.5-75iu LH alongside HCG,
contributes to Testosterone production in the Leydig Cells. However, 37.5-75iu
LH or HCG isn’t sufficient for complete HPTA recovery. Additional HCG is required
alongside HMG administration for both fertility & Testosterone production to
return to baseline after a Steroid or SARMs Cycle.

Triptorelin
Triptorelin is a medication that acts as a Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
(GnRH) agonist. It stimulates both Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-
Stimulating Hormone (FSH) production directly in the Pituitary Gland and starts
recovery of HPTA & HPAA, without merely mimicking LH as HCG does.

Triptorelin is an earlier step in the HPTA & HPAA compared to HCG & HMG. It
replaces the signal between the Hypothalamus to the Pituitary, whereas HCG &
HMG replace the signal between the Pituitary to the Testes & Adrenal Glands.
Triptorelin should be considered the preferred medication to restore HPTA &
HPAA function after prolonged periods of Blasting & Cruising.

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When Triptorelin is administered in higher dosages or prolonged periods, it
causes downregulation of the Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptors
(GnRHR) in the Pituitary Gland. Overstimulation of the GnRH Receptors makes
them unresponsive to GnRH, which results in impaired LH & FSH release from
the Pituitary Gland, preventing further production of Androgens & Estrogens.

Triptorelin is used medically for sterilization purposes in the treatment of

Prostate Cancers or Hyper-Sexuality. Dosages used for sterilization vary
between 3.75-11.25mg Triptorelin in a single administration or 3.75-11.25mg
Triptorelin per day until the patient is completely sterility and Androgen
deficient. These dosages are between 75-225x higher compared to single
administrations of 50mcg Triptorelin for HPTA Recovery, spaced 5-10 days apart!
DO NOT, under ANY circumstance, use vials that contain 3.75-11.25mg
Triptorelin for HPTA recovery. If your reconstitution calculations are off, you risk
PERMANENT infertility and HPTA downregulation!

Triptorelin has a relatively short Half-Life of a few hours, although these Half-
Lives are based on Intra-Venous (IV) administrations of 3.75-11.25mg, not Sub-
Cutaneous (SubQ) administrations of 50-100mcg. Either way, serum LH & FSH
levels remain elevated for up to 48 hours after a single Triptorelin injection
before returning to baseline.

Triptorelin Protocol to Start HPTA & HPAA Recovery

The common consensus for Triptorelin administration is a single injection of

100mcg Triptorelin after ALL AAS or SARMs have metabolized from your system.
Coach Steve found that 2 injections, spaced 5 days apart at half the advocated
dose (50mcg), are more effective in stimulating LH & FSH production for an
extended period of time. Dividing the amount of Triptorelin is particularly
useful after Blasting & Cruising for months or years. Below are a few guidelines
to assess your required Triptorelin Protocol, depending on the duration of the
Steroid Cycle and compounds used:

• 3 months Cycle without Progestogenic or Androgenic Steroids: 100mcg

Triptorelin in a single injection.

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• 6 months Cycle without, or 3 months Cycle with Progestogenic or Androgenic
Steroids: 100mcg Triptorelin over 2 injections (50mcg per injection), spaced 5
days apart.

• 9 months+ Cycle without, or 6 months+ Cycle with Progestogenic or

Androgenic Steroids: 150mcg Triptorelin over 3 injections (50mcg per
injection), the 1st & 2nd injection are 5 days apart, and the 2nd & 3rd
injection are 10 days apart.

NOTE: 150mcg Triptorelin spaced over 3 injections can be considered by

individuals who have been using AAS or SARMs for years (Blasting & Cruising).

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PHASE 3: Maintaining HPTA & HPAA
Function
Once you’ve partially or completely restored Hypothalamic-Pituitary-
Testes/Adrenal-Axis (HPTA / HPAA) function with fertility drugs like HCG, HMG,
or Triptorelin, you have to sustain HPTA & HPAA function with Selective
Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) by blocking the Estrogen Receptors in
the Pituitary.

Tamoxifen Citrate (Nolvadex)

Nolvadex is a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) that is an
antagonist and an agonist. It can act as Estrogen in the Liver, while working as
an Anti-Estrogen in other areas (Testicles, Nipples & Breast Tissue). Nolvadex
can block the negative feedback brought on by elevated Estrogen levels in the
Hypothalamus & Pituitary Gland, subsequently increasing the secretion of
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) & Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), which
stimulate Testosterone & Semen production in the Testicles.

Unlike Triptorelin, this method of stimulation of LH & FSH release is indirect

and not as pronounced. Nolvadex needs to be taken for an extended period to
get the desired effect on HPTA axis recovery.

Nolvadex’s main side effect is increased liver enzymes, usually between an

additional 10-25 U/L on ALT & AST above baseline. Nolvadex might cause a
dramatic reduction of serum IGF-1 levels, between 18-38% below baseline.
Lowered IGF-1 levels mean that recovery, while you’re using Nolvadex, is
slightly impaired. You can consider using 2iu GH around 9 PM to slightly
increase serum IGF-1 levels, although IGF-1 might still end up below baseline
compared to your average IGF-1 production before taking Nolvadex! Other side
effects of long-term Nolvadex use include; reduced cognition, liver toxicity, and
bone mineral loss. However, these side effects are generally not observed
during the 4-6 weeks of Nolvadex treatment.

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Nolvadex Protocols to Continue HPTA & HPAA Recovery

You can start treatment with Nolvadex & Clomid simultaneously, 2 days after
the last administration of HCG & HMG (if applicable) or 5 days after the last
administration of Triptorelin. Below are a few guidelines to assess your required
Nolvadex Protocol, depending on the duration of the Steroid Cycle and
compounds used:

• 3 months Cycle without Progestogenic or Androgenic Steroids: Week 1 & 2;

40mg Nolvadex per day (20mg AM & PM), Week 3 & 4; 20mg Nolvadex per day
(10mg AM & PM).

• 6 months Cycle without, or 3 months Cycle with Progestogenic or Androgenic

Steroids: Week 1 & 40mg Nolvadex per day (20mg AM & PM), Week 3 & 4;
20mg Nolvadex per day (10mg AM & PM), Week 5 & 6; 10mg Nolvadex per day
(PM).

• 9 months+ Cycle without, or 6 months+ Cycle with Progestogenic or

Androgenic Steroids: Week 1-3; 40mg Nolvadex per day (20mg AM & PM), Week
4-6; 20mg Nolvadex per day (10mg AM & PM), Week 7 & 8; 10mg Nolvadex per
day (PM).

Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid)

Clomid is also a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) and works
similarly to Nolvadex by antagonizing the Estrogen Receptors in the Pituitary
and thus stimulating the release of additional LH & FSH. Clomid also promotes
Spermatogenesis in the Testicles and increases Serum volume as a (welcome)
side effect.

The main side effect of Clomid is overly emotional reactions, as Clomid acts as
an Estrogen in the Brain. Mood instability usually triggers during emotional
scenes in movies or television series but generally doesn’t occur in real life.
Clomid can block the Estrogen Receptors in the Eyes, resulting in temporary
vision changes, noticeable as tracers or blurry vision. While this effect isn’t as
pronounced as the SARM S-4, it’s still possible to occur. The emotional & vision-
related side effects dissipate within several days of discontinuation. Other side
effects of long-term Clomid use include liver toxicity, although this is generally
not observed during the 4-6 weeks of Clomid treatment.

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Clomid Protocols to Continue HPTA & HPAA Recovery

You can start treatment with Clomid & Nolvadex simultaneously, 2 days after
the last administration of HCG & HMG (if applicable) or 5 days after the previous
administration of Triptorelin. Below are a few guidelines to assess your required
Clomid Protocol, depending on the duration of the Steroid Cycle and
compounds used:

• 3 months Cycle without Progestogenic or Androgenic Steroids: Week 1; 100mg

Clomid per day (50mg AM & PM), Week 2-4; 50mg Clomid per day (25mg AM &
PM).

• 6 months Cycle without, or 3 months Cycle with Progestogenic or Androgenic

Steroids: Week 1 & 2; 100mg Clomid per day (50mg AM & PM), Week 3 & 4;
50mg Clomid per day (25mg AM & PM), Week 5 & 6; 25mg Clomid per day (PM).

• 9 months+ Cycle without, or 6 months+ Cycle with Progestogenic or

Androgenic Steroids; Week 1-3; 100mg Clomid per day (50mg AM & PM), Week
4-6; 50mg Clomid per day (25mg AM & PM), Week 7 & 8; 25mg Clomid per day
(PM).

Contrary to popular belief, both Nolvadex & Clomid are required for a successful
PCT and complete recovery of HPTA. You might be able to get away with either
Nolvadex or Clomid if you’re below 25 years old, and the Steroid or SARMs Cycle
was of relatively short duration (less than 13 weeks). Still, it’s better to be safe
than sorry and run both compounds together for HPTA recovery. Nolvadex and
its metabolites have a slightly higher affinity for the Estrogen Receptor-Beta,
while Clomid has a higher affinity for the Estrogen Receptor-Alpha. Blocking
both Receptors ensures HPTA recovery.

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Measuring the Success of your PCT
You can measure the success of your Post-Cycle Therapy 90 days after the
discontinuation of SERMs treatment. Blood work & semen analysis will
determine if HPTA & HPAA is completely restored. Sex-Hormone & Neuro-
Steroids blood work markers should fall within their respective reference
ranges after finishing PCT. Semen analysis should return with adequate-normal
fertility levels 90-120 days after PCT. It takes 90 days for Semen to mature and
travel to the Seminal Vesicles close to the Prostate for ejaculation.

If your Neuro-Steroids & Sex-Hormones blood work markers aren’t comparable

to the blood work results before starting a Steroid or SARMs cycle, then you
didn’t recover completely. Keep in mind that natural Sex-Hormone & Neuro-
Steroid production declines with age as part of the normal aging process. If
you’ve been Blasting & Cruising for 10+ years, you can’t expect to have
comparable blood work, as your body has aged 10+ years in the meantime.

Suppose you followed the information provided in this eBook correctly, but you
didn’t recover HPTA sufficiently, and your Neuro-Steroids & Sex-Hormones
markers aren’t favorable for your bodybuilding, strength, or fitness aspirations.
In that case, you might have to consider indefinite Hormone Replacement
Therapy.

For more information about Hormone Replacement Therapy, consider

purchasing the “Comprehensive Guide to HRT | Cruising | Bridging” eBooks on
The VigorousSteve.com Shop: www.vigoroussteve.com/shop/

Although Neuro-Steroids & Sex-Hormones might not be sufficient, for the

added muscle mass you’ve acquired during your Steroid or SARMs Cycle, fertility
should return to adequate normal levels, which are adequate to get your
partner pregnant. Most advanced bodybuilders, strength athletes, or fitness
enthusiasts only follow PCT to conceive children with their partner. Once
pregnancy is confirmed, the majority of people go back to a TRT, HRT, Cruising,
or Blasting Protocol. Some might even stay on TRT or HRT while using 75-150iu
HMG & 25-50mg Clomid per day for several weeks to boost fertility and
successfully get their partner pregnant, without following a complete PCT.

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Regarding other blood work markers to assess overall health. Ideally, all
markers should fall within their respective reference ranges before you start
another Steroid Cycle. This ensures you’re in the best possible state of health,
which determines the overall success of your next Steroid Cycle. In case you’re
starting a Steroid Cycle, while specific blood work markers are still out of range
and recovering to baseline, it means that you’ll need to take extra precautions
to keep these markers from worsening further.

For more information about Organ Health & Blood Work Markers, consider
purchasing the organ-specific eBooks on The VigorousSteve.com Shop:
www.vigoroussteve.com/shop/

Copyright (c) Vigorous Steve 2020 www.vigoroussteve.com Page 32 of 40

Supplementation
Production of Neuro-Steroids & Sex-Hormones is an intensive process that
requires a lot of energy & micro-nutrients to be efficient and allow for the
highest possible levels of Testosterone! You should supplement the following
Micro-Nutrients throughout the entirety of PCT, preferably up to 90 days after
completing PCT. At that point, you can accurately assess your fertility levels
with a Semen Analysis test.

• 800iu Vitamin E (Mixed Tocopherol & Tocotrienols) per day: 400iu Vitamin E
with Breakfast & Dinner. Vitamin E activates Spermatogenesis & enhances
Pregnenolone, DHEA, Testosterone & Estrogen production while using HCG,
HMG, or Triptorelin. It also contributes to healthy levels of serum FSH & LH
when using Nolvadex & Clomid.

• 5000iu Vitamin D3 per day: 5,000iu Vitamin D3 with Breakfast. Plays an

essential role in the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testes/Adrenal-Axis (HPTA/HPAA),
increases sensitivity to LH or HCG & FSH, helps to manage Leydig Cell & Adrenal
Gland function & maintains healthy Spermatogenesis once HPTA recovers.

• 3,000-5,000mg Taurine per day: 3,000-5,000mg Taurine 1 hour pre-workout or

1,000mg with 3-5 meals. Supports HPTA & HPAA function by increasing serum
LH & FSH levels. Taurine is abundant in male reproductive organs;
supplementation improves Testicular function while using HCG, HMG, or
Triptorelin.

• 2,000mg L-Carnitine-L-Tartrate per day (or more): 2,000mg+ Carnitine 1 hour

pre-workout or 500mg with 4+ meals. Carnitine contributes to the production
of new Androgen Receptors and gives male Sex-Hormones adequate Receptors
to bind too, which improves Androgen-induced libido & sex-drive. Carnitine
also enhances Spermatogenesis, Chromatin Quality & Sperm Motility.
Supplementation of Carnitine for at least 90 days, right from the beginning of
PCT or before starting PCT, results in the healthiest & fertile Semen possible!!

• 50-100mg Zinc per day: 25-50mg Zinc with Breakfast & Dinner. Plays an
essential role in the HPTA & HPAA, increases sensitivity to LH or & FSH. Zinc
helps to manage Leydig Cell & Adrenal Gland function & maintains healthy
Spermatogenesis once HPTA recovers.

Copyright (c) Vigorous Steve 2020 www.vigoroussteve.com Page 33 of 40

• 15mg Manganese per day: 15mg Manganese with Breakfast. Manganese
supplementation generally isn’t required, but deficiencies can impact fertility
negatively. Adequate dietary or supplemental intake is advisable!

• 3-6mg Boron per day: 3mg Boron with Breakfast or 3mg with Breakfast &
Dinner. Sufficient Boron intake might prevent Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin
(SHBG) levels from climbing too high during PCT. Managing SHBG levels with
supplemental Boron allows for relatively high Free Testosterone levels
throughout the full PCT duration.

• 400-800mg Selenium per day: 100-200mg Selenium with 4 Meals. Selenium

plays an essential part in the Endocrine, Immune & Cardio-Vascular System. The
Testicles contain relatively high amounts of Selenium, where it contributes to
fertility & Semen volume. If you and your partner enjoyed the increase in Semen
volume, feel free to continue with the supplemental Selenium at 800mg per
day!

• 500mg+ Dietary Cholesterol per day: 2 whole eggs or 1,000g beef, chicken,
pork, or salmon, also contain about 500mg Cholesterol. Cholesterol is a building
block for ALL Sex-Hormones & Neuro-Steroids. Fertility drugs utilize dietary
Cholesterol or Cholesterol produced in the Liver and other bodily tissues to
synthesize Pregnenolone, DHEA, Testosterone & Estrogens, and many other
intermediate Sex-Hormones & Neuro-Steroids.

Cholesterol is ESSENTIAL for normal HPTA & HPAA function! Besides including
dietary Cholesterol throughout the entire duration of your Post-Cycle Therapy,
it’s imperative to discontinue lipid-altering supplements or medications,
including; Citrus Bergamot, Red Yeast Rice & Statins, unless medically
prescribed. Nolvadex improves HDL synthesis and LDL metabolism within the
Liver by acting like Estrogen. Simultaneously, adequate serum concentrations
of LH & FSH throughout Triptorelin, Nolvadex & Clomid treatment improves
Cholesterol metabolism within the Adrenal Glands & Testes.

Citrus Bergamot, Red Yeast Rice & Statins all reduce Cholesterol synthesis,
which is undesired during the entirety of your PCT!

Copyright (c) Vigorous Steve 2020 www.vigoroussteve.com Page 34 of 40

Dietary Guidelines
For complete recovery of your HPTA, it’s essential to follow a diet with a surplus
of calories, preferably with a decent amount of dietary Cholesterol. Caloric
restriction by itself already has a suppressive effect on HPTA, especially over
prolonged periods. You should be prepared and expect to gain some body fat
in the process of recovering your natural Testosterone & Semen production.

Attempting to minimize fat gain or restricting calories to burn body fat during
PCT usually impairs recovery of HPTA & HPAA and might lead to chronically low
Testosterone levels afterward! If that happens, you need to go back on TRT
while improving your metabolism before attempting another PCT a few months
later. Ensure you’re in a sufficient caloric surplus and follow the ENTIRE PCT
protocol without caloric restriction for proper recovery of the HPTA & HPAA!

Coach Steve found that the Ketogenic diet is the most successful diet for the
complete recovery of HPTA after PCT has finished. The Ketogenic or Carnivore
Diet minimize Insulin release by restricting dietary carbohydrates, which also
reduces the potential for accumulating body fat during the time your natural
hormone production is recovering during PCT.

These diets also allow you to easily reach the required amounts of Cholesterol,
Vitamin E, Vitamin D3, Magnesium, Zinc, Selenium, Manganese & Boron for
healthy Testicular function. A Ketogenic or Carnivore Diet also allows you to
keep strength consistently high, although the rep-ranges are generally lower
due to limited ATP production from fatty acids, while Glycogen stores are
moderately depleted.

Copyright (c) Vigorous Steve 2020 www.vigoroussteve.com Page 35 of 40

Training Guidelines
During the 1st Phase of PCT, you can continue with your regular training
program and make as much progress as possible. While you’re waiting for all
Non-Bioidentical Hormones or SARMs and their metabolites to clear from your
system, your Testosterone Replacement Therapy dose should be sufficient to
provide adequate recovery from heavy hypertrophy-specific workouts. Once you
discontinue TRT to let serum Testosterone levels decline to the bottom of the
reference range before beginning with the 2nd & 3rd Phase of PCT.

It’s advised to reduce your training volume and intensity to maintenance levels,
as you lack the Anabolics (AAS or SARMs) to recover from hypertrophy stimulus
and training to failure and beyond. If you decided to use Growth Hormone,
Clenbuterol, or other non-suppressive Anabolic Agents during your PCT, you
might be able to sustain training intensity to a certain extent. Coach Steve
recommends bodybuilders, strength athletes, and fitness enthusiasts to reduce
training volume to the (bare) minimum required to maintain strength & muscle
mass. At least until you’ve restored HPTA function and physiological levels of
Testosterone, feel completely normal again.

If you’re used to following Progressive Overload Principles while Blasting &

Cruising, it’s best to adjust your goals and reset your desire to beat the logbook,
as it’s probably not going to happen during PCT. Unless you’re consuming a very
high amount of calories every day and don’t mind gaining a significant amount
of body fat in the process.

Once you’ve administered your last injection of Testosterone, bring your

workout intensity back down to maintenance levels, don’t set any Working
Weight or Rep Range goals, don’t attempt to train to failure, and don’t
incorporate any intensifying techniques like drop sets, supersets, rest/pause or
resistance bands. You’re merely aiming to maintain your muscle mass for the
next few months and don’t require that much stimulation to maintain strength.

As soon as you feel your natural HPTA function is restored, you can increase
your training intensity, caloric intake, incorporate a few working sets to failure,
add a few back-off sets, and perhaps some intensifying techniques. Keep in
mind that you’ll have limited recovery capability on physiological levels of
Testosterone and are always pushing against your natural potential.

Copyright (c) Vigorous Steve 2020 www.vigoroussteve.com Page 36 of 40

Switching to a Low-Volume High-Frequency Push-Pull-Legs Routine is highly
recommended, as this split works very well for lifetime Drug-Free Athletes. PPL
also works very well for soon to be (temporary) Drug-Free Athletes. You can find
more information about the Push-Pull-Legs Routine on VigorousSteve.com:
vigoroussteve.com/how-to-design-your-own-push-pull-legs-training-program-
with-examples/

Copyright (c) Vigorous Steve 2020 www.vigoroussteve.com Page 37 of 40

Abbreviations
Below is a list of frequently used abbreviations found in this eBook, and their
full meaning:

AAS: Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Hormones

AI: Aromatase Inhibitor

AR: Androgen Receptor

B2-ARA: Beta-2 Adrenergic Receptor Antagonist

CDG: Calcium D-Glucarate

DIM: Diindolylmethane

FFA: Free Fatty Acids

FSH: Follicle-Stimulating Hormone

G-Proteins: Guanine Nucleotide-Binding Proteins

GnRH: Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone

GnRHR: Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptors

HCG: Human Chorionic Gonadotropin

HMG: Human Menopausal Gonadotropin

HPTA/HPAA: Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testes/Adrenal-Axis

IM: Intra-Muscular

ITT: Intra-Testicular Testosterone

LH: Luteinizing Hormone

LHCGR: Luteinizing Hormone / Chorio-Gonadotropin Receptor

PCT: Post-Cycle Therapy

Copyright (c) Vigorous Steve 2020 www.vigoroussteve.com Page 38 of 40

PEDs: Performance Enhancing Drugs

SARMs: Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators

SERMs: Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators

STS: Steroid Sulfatase

SubQ: Sub-Cutaneous

TSH: Thyroid-Stimulation Hormone

Copyright (c) Vigorous Steve 2020 www.vigoroussteve.com Page 39 of 40

Supplement Resources
You can purchase the supplements mentioned in this eBook on iHerb, using
Coach Steve’s 5% Discount Code. If you find a better offer elsewhere, by all
means, save yourself some money in the process. The fertility drugs used during
PCT are expensive enough as they are!

iHerb 5% Discount Code: DTV967

Diindolylmethane: https://www.iherb.com/pr/source-naturals-dim-
diindolylmethane-100-mg-180-tablets/53958

Calcium D-Glucarate: https://www.iherb.com/pr/Source-Naturals-Calcium-D-

Glucarate-500-mg-120-Tablets/1090

Vitamin E (Mixed Tocopherol & Tocotrienols): https://www.iherb.com/pr/Now-

Foods-Gamma-E-Complex-Advanced-120-Softgels/299

Vitamin D3: https://www.iherb.com/pr/Now-Foods-Vitamin-D-3-High-Potency-

5-000-IU-240-Softgels/22335

Taurine: https://www.iherb.com/pr/Now-Foods-Taurine-Double-Strength-1-
000-mg-250-Veg-Capsules/39933

L-Carnitine-L-Tartrate: https://www.iherb.com/pr/ALLMAX-Nutrition-L-
Carnitine-L-Tartrate-Vitamin-B5-1000-mg-120-Vegan-Capsules/67665

Magnesium: https://www.iherb.com/pr/KAL-Magnesium-Glycinate-400-400-
mg-180-Tablets/18943

Zinc: https://www.iherb.com/pr/Now-Foods-Zinc-Glycinate-120-Softgels/18419

Selenium: https://www.iherb.com/pr/Now-Foods-Selenium-100-mcg-250-
Tablets/813

Manganese: https://www.iherb.com/pr/Thorne-Research-Manganese-
Bisglycinate-60-Capsules/55063

Boron: https://www.iherb.com/pr/Now-Foods-Boron-3-mg-250-Capsules/428

Copyright (c) Vigorous Steve 2020 www.vigoroussteve.com Page 40 of 40