PCT

Post Cycle Therapy is the protocol you run after a suppressive cycle to restart natural testosterone production. Every anabolic cycle, oral or injectable, shuts down the body’s HPTA (hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis) to some degree. Without a planned PCT, recovery can take six months or longer and many users never fully return to their pre-cycle baseline. With a properly run PCT, most users recover within 4 to 8 weeks.

Optimum Biotech UK stocks the four core PCT compounds used in standard protocols: Clomid (clomiphene), Nolvadex (tamoxifen), Proviron (mesterolone), and our pre-built PCT stack for users who want a single-purchase solution. Every batch is QR-verified with an independent assay on file. Orders placed before our daily cut-off ship the same working day via Royal Mail Tracked 24 in plain unbranded packaging.

Most Popular PCT Products

How Post Cycle Therapy Works

During a steroid cycle, exogenous hormones flood the bloodstream. The body responds by shutting down its own production of luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) through negative feedback at the pituitary. When the cycle ends, the exogenous hormones clear but the natural production hasn’t restarted. The user is left in a low-testosterone state with high oestrogen relative to testosterone, which causes the classic post-cycle symptoms: depression, libido crash, muscle loss, and fatigue.

PCT compounds work by blocking oestrogen at the pituitary, tricking it into thinking the body is low on oestrogen and triggering it to release LH and FSH, which then signal the testes to resume testosterone production.

Clomid (Clomiphene)

The strongest signal restorer. Clomid blocks oestrogen receptors at the hypothalamus aggressively, producing the largest LH and FSH spike. Standard dose is 50mg per day for the first two weeks, dropping to 25mg per day for weeks three and four. Side effects can include mood changes and visual disturbances at higher doses.

Nolvadex (Tamoxifen)

Milder than Clomid but with cleaner side effects. Often used alone for lighter cycles or stacked with Clomid for heavier cycles. Standard dose is 40mg per day for two weeks, dropping to 20mg per day for two more weeks. Also acts as protection against gyno during a cycle.

Proviron (Mesterolone)

Not a true PCT compound, but used alongside Clomid and Nolvadex to occupy SHBG and free up more of the testosterone the body is producing. Improves libido and mood during the recovery window. Typical dose is 25 to 50mg per day during the PCT block.

PCT Stack

Our pre-built combination product containing Clomid and Nolvadex at standard PCT doses. One purchase, one bottle, the most-asked-for option from first-time PCT users.

When to Start PCT

Timing depends on the half-life of the longest-acting compound in your cycle.

Short ester injectables (propionate, acetate, NPP): start PCT 3 to 5 days after the last injection. Medium ester injectables (enanthate, cypionate): wait 14 to 18 days after the last injection. Long esters (decanoate, undecanoate, Nebido): wait 21 to 28 days. Oral-only cycles: start PCT the day after the last tablet, since orals clear within 24 hours.

Starting too early means the suppressive compound is still in your system and PCT compounds will fight against it. Starting too late wastes recovery time in a low-testosterone state.

Standard PCT Protocol

A typical 4-week PCT after a moderate cycle:

Weeks 1 and 2: Clomid 50mg per day plus Nolvadex 40mg per day plus optional Proviron 25 to 50mg per day.

Weeks 3 and 4: Clomid 25mg per day plus Nolvadex 20mg per day, Proviron continues or drops.

For heavier or longer cycles, extend to 6 weeks. For oral-only or short cycles, 3 weeks at lower doses can be enough. Bloodwork 4 weeks after PCT ends confirms recovery: total testosterone should be back within natural range and LH/FSH should be measurable.

Authenticity and Lab Testing

Underdosed PCT products are a serious problem in the UK black market because failed PCT often takes weeks to show up in bloodwork, by which point the user has wasted a recovery window. Every Optimum Biotech PCT product carries a unique QR code on the label. Scanning it confirms the batch came from our manufacturing run and links to that batch’s independent assay report showing the actual compound and dose per tablet.

UK Delivery

All PCT products ship from UK stock. Same-day dispatch on Royal Mail Tracked 24 for orders placed before the daily cut-off, with the tracking number emailed automatically at the moment of dispatch. Plain unbranded packaging, no labels or product descriptions visible on the exterior. Full terms on our Shipping Policy page.

PCT FAQ

Do I really need PCT after every cycle?

Yes, unless you’re on a permanent TRT protocol. Every suppressive cycle, including oral-only and short cycles, shuts down natural testosterone production to some degree. Without PCT, recovery can take 6 months or longer and many users never return to their pre-cycle baseline. With proper PCT, most users recover within 4 to 8 weeks.

When exactly do I start PCT?

Wait for the longest-acting compound in your cycle to clear. Short esters (propionate, acetate, NPP): 3 to 5 days after last injection. Medium esters (enanthate, cypionate): 14 to 18 days. Long esters (decanoate, undecanoate, Nebido): 21 to 28 days. Oral-only: the day after the last tablet. Starting too early wastes the protocol fighting against the suppressive compound still in your system.

Clomid or Nolvadex, which one should I use?

Both. Stacking them is standard for any cycle beyond a beginner test-only run. Clomid provides the stronger LH/FSH signal, Nolvadex protects against rebound oestrogen and gyno. Using one without the other works but recovery is slower and less complete. For a very mild cycle (oral-only at low doses, or 8-week low-dose test), Nolvadex alone can be enough.

What’s the right dose for PCT?

Standard 4-week protocol: Clomid 50/50/25/25mg per day and Nolvadex 40/40/20/20mg per day over the four weeks. Heavier cycles extend to 6 weeks. Lighter cycles can drop to 3 weeks at half the dose. Bloodwork 4 weeks after PCT ends confirms whether you’ve recovered or need to extend.

What does Proviron do in PCT?

Proviron isn’t a true PCT compound, it doesn’t restart natural production. It binds to SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin), which frees up more of the testosterone your body is producing during recovery. The result is better libido, mood, and a feeling of “fullness” during what would otherwise be a low-T window. Optional but popular addition at 25 to 50mg per day.

Should I get bloodwork before and after PCT?

Yes. Pre-cycle baseline bloodwork (total test, free test, LH, FSH, oestradiol, prolactin, full lipid panel, liver enzymes) gives you something to recover to. Post-PCT bloodwork at the 4-week mark after PCT ends tells you whether you’ve actually recovered or just feel like you have. Without bloodwork you’re guessing.

How do I check my PCT product is authentic?

Every Optimum Biotech PCT bottle has a unique QR code printed on the label. Scan it with any phone camera. The link should resolve to a batch verification page on our domain showing the assay report. If the QR scan fails, takes you elsewhere, or the bottle has no QR code at all, the product is not ours. Underdosed PCT is one of the most common counterfeit problems in the UK black market.

What if my parcel doesn’t arrive?

Royal Mail Tracked 24 has a high next-day delivery rate but occasional delays happen. If tracking shows no movement after 3 working days from dispatch, contact us with your order number. Lost-in-transit replacements are covered under our Refund Policy.