Whether you’re coming off a TRT blast, a peptide stack, or a full anabolic steroid cycle, one thing is certain: if you don’t run proper post-cycle therapy (PCT), your gains and hormones will crash. PCT isn’t just about restarting natural testosterone production — it’s about optimizing your HPTA (Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Testicular Axis), maintaining muscle, and preventing estrogen rebound or mood crashes. In this guide, we break down the best PCT protocols for 2025, including compound selection, dosage timing, and real-world recovery strategies.
BPC-157 recovery
First, let’s start with the two pillars of any effective PCT: Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate) and Nolvadex (Tamoxifen Citrate). These SERMs (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators) work by blocking estrogen at the pituitary and hypothalamus, triggering the release of LH (Luteinizing Hormone) and FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) — which in turn signals the testes to produce testosterone again.

A common PCT protocol looks like this:

Clomid: 50mg/day for 2 weeks, then 25mg/day for 2 more weeks

Nolvadex: 40mg/day for 2 weeks, then 20mg/day for 2 more weeks

For many, this Clomid + Nolvadex stack creates a synergistic rebound effect, maximizing T-level recovery while reducing estrogenic side effects like gyno or water retention.

If you’re coming off milder cycles or research peptides, some biohackers prefer Nolvadex-only PCT due to its more favorable side effect profile (less mood swings and visual disturbances compared to Clomid). A standard Nolva-only protocol: 40/20/20/10mg over 4 weeks.

For more aggressive cycles, HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is often used before starting SERMs. Known as the “blast then taper” method, this involves injecting HCG at 250–500 IU every other day for 2 weeks post-cycle, to re-sensitize the testes before initiating Clomid or Nolvadex. HCG mimics LH directly, giving a head start on natural T production.

Other emerging PCT tools include:

Enclomiphene (a refined version of Clomid with fewer side effects)

Exemestane (an AI for estrogen control when using HCG)

Ashwagandha, Tongkat Ali, Fadogia Agrestis (natural test boosters for lighter cycles or support)

It’s also critical to focus on lifestyle recovery during PCT. Optimize sleep, reduce alcohol intake, support the liver with TUDCA or NAC, and keep lifting heavy (but smart). A clean diet rich in healthy fats and micronutrients can significantly support testosterone recovery.

Many Redditors on r/BodyHackGuide have shared lab-tested recovery protocols showing full HPTA restoration within 6–8 weeks using structured PCT stacks. Others transition directly to low-dose TRT if long-term shutdown is confirmed via bloodwork.

Don’t wing your recovery. Post-cycle therapy is where long-term health, libido, and mental focus are either protected or lost. Share your bloodwork, dosing plans, or side effect management strategies with the r/BodyHackGuide community to get feedback and optimize your bounce-back.