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Ostarine PCT Protocol: How To Keep Your Gains

Chris Jackson

August 27, 2020

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If you have been looking into the idea of bodybuilding, you might have heard of those who take steroids. Well, that was a long time back. Today, there are safer alternatives for anabolic steroids that some fitness instructors peddle. 

These alternatives are called selective androgen receptor modulators or SARMs and they help build muscle mass, burn fat and enhance physical performance. But there is some debate over whether or not one should take SARMs like Ostarine for bodybuilding. 

This is because during clinical trials some compounds were found to cause cancer among rats and mice. However, those who argue in favor of SARMs say that this was because large doses were given to the animals for an excruciatingly long period of time. 

It is now used as a research compound to study its therapeutic impact on cancer patients to help them avoid muscle wasting and bone healing.

Ostarine, also known as Enobosarm or MK2866, is a SARM like any other. It stimulates proteins in the body called androgen receptors that act like testosterone. 

As mentioned before, these are banned by the WADA and there are consequences for sportspersons who consume it to enhance their performance. But fitness junkies (and athletes too) take it because:

1. It increases lean muscle mass.
2. It can lower cholesterol and improve insulin resistance.
3. It can improve bone strength.

SARMs like ostarine are a safer alternative to steroids which cause hormonal imbalances and also disturb reproductive organs in men and women. They leave the pelvic floor undisturbed and help lose weight and gain strength.

Now, ostarine cycles have three components: bulking cycle, cutting cycle and body recomposition cycle. This way, you can make sure that you lose muscle at the right pace without making yourself sick. Some studies have also shown that it aids in improving heart health.

Some SARMs, including ostarine, have a powerful effect on the human body. And their complete impact on the human body is not well known because most of these drugs never reached a point where they could be cleared for human trials. 

Since SARMs such as Ostarine target your androgen receptors, one of the major known side effects caused by powerful SARMs is testosterone suppression and mismatched hormones. 

This can be very unpleasant as it leads to lowered libido, mood swings and lack of energy. This condition needs to be rectified right away and balanced out by post-cycle therapy or PCT. 

During PCT, your testosterone levels are restored to normal and any side effects caused by the SARM of your choice will be treated. Compounds that are commonly used during post cycle therapy are Nolvadex and Clomid.

The Dangers of PCT

Post-cycle therapy, when unregulated, can lead to a few side effects on the human body. It can cause headaches, brain fog, depression, erectile dysfunction and mood swings among other bodily issues. To avoid these side effects and retain the benefits of a SARM cycle, you need to keep a few pointers in mind. In fact, the first thing to remember is to not overdo or even undergo post cycle therapy when not required.

What Studies Say

A lot of research has been done on the impact of ostarine on the human body. However, there isn’t too much scientific data that talks about the impact of specific dosages and when you need to start doing PCT. However, there is anecdotal evidence that has guided enthusiasts in their quest for building lean muscle mass.

So, we know that a typical cycle lasts for six to eight weeks. During this time, you must keep your dosage at 15 mg per day. During a bulking cycle, experienced bodybuilders are known to take as high as 25 mg per day. But that is not advisable for everyone. You must keep it under 20 mg per day and monitor your body’s response on a daily basis. 

If you keep it at 15 mg per day, you don’t have to do PCT. But if you are a beginner or if you notice changes in your body that prompt you to do PCT, we will guide you on how to do so.

The best way to figure this out is to do a blood test before you start the SARM cycle. This way, you have a reference point and can figure out for yourself if your body is asking for therapy. Blood tests are helpful in checking testosterone levels and if the levels are lower than required, you must go for post-cycle therapy.

If you reach a point where you have decided that your body needs PCT, here’s how to go about it. Two compounds—Nolvadex and Clomid—are used in post-cycle therapy. And its dosage depends on your ostarine cycle. So, let’s look at that. Keep in mind that some users of Clomid have reported depression. So, Nolvadex is a preferred compound.

PCT With Either Nolvadex or Clomid

This is the PCT protocol for small to medium suppression after an ostarine cycle:

For the first six weeks is when you will be “on cycle”, and therefore don’t take your PCT during these weeks. From week six to week eight, you want to take 20 mg Nolvadex or 25mg Clomid every day. And continue the same dosage from week eight to week ten.

If your suppression is major, this is how to go about post cycle therapy. For the first six weeks, keep going with the ostarine. From week six to eight, take 40 mg of a Nolvadex every day. And from week eight to ten, bring it down to 20 mg per day.

Ostarine PCT With Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)

PCT With Comifene (Clomid)

Ideally, if you keep the dosage for your ostarine cycle within anecdotally approved limits, you will not need post cycle therapy. But if you feel the need for it, the above-mentioned guidelines are the safest to follow. 

The best way to determine this is to take a blood test before starting the cycle and do a recheck around week six when suppression is likely to hit your body. PCT is also recommended for three to four weeks. Overdoing is not going to do you any good.