What is Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) — and Why It Matters
When someone runs a cycle of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) or testosterone replacement protocols, the body’s natural hormone systems get suppressed. The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis senses high external androgen (or testosterone), reduces luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) release, which in turn leads to diminished endogenous testosterone production, reduced spermatogenesis, and testicular atrophy.
Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) is the protocol used after or at the end of a steroid (or testosterone) cycle to:
- Restore natural testosterone production
- Prevent or reverse side effects like low libido, mood issues, testicular shrinkage
- Preserve or restore fertility, sexual function, and hormonal balance
What is hCG — and Its Role During Cycle / PCT
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone that mimics luteinizing hormone (LH). LH normally triggers Leydig cells in the testicles to produce testosterone, and indirectly supports spermatogenesis. Using hCG during a steroid or testosterone cycle, and/or as part of PCT, helps:
- Prevent testicular atrophy by stimulating Leydig cells despite suppressed natural LH
- Preserve intratesticular testosterone levels, crucial for sperm production
- Speed up recovery of fertility after cycle completion
Why Running hCG Throughout the Cycle Can Prevent Losing Fertility
If hCG is used only after the cycle ends, much of the damage (suppression of intra-testicular testosterone, shrinking of seminiferous tubules, loss of sperm output) may already have occurred. Running hCG during the cycle helps to mitigate that damage in real-time by:
- Maintaining testicular volume and function
- Keeping intratesticular steroidogenesis active
- Reducing recovery time needed in PCT
Designing a PCT Protocol with hCG
(For educational purposes only — medical supervision is recommended)
| Phase | What You’re Doing | Sample hCG Usage | Other PCT Agents |
|---|---|---|---|
| During Cycle | Keep testes active | 500-1,500 IU hCG 2-3x/week | Steroid dose maintained, monitor symptoms |
| Immediately Post-Cycle | Start recovery | Higher frequency for several weeks | Clomid, Nolvadex, possibly AI |
| Monitoring | Bloodwork, semen analysis | Taper down hCG as function returns | Adjust SERMs if recovery is slow |
Scientific Support
- A 2025 study found hCG effective in improving spermatogenesis even in ongoing androgen users.
- Clinical guidelines recommend 1,500-5,000 IU hCG 2-3x weekly for several months for fertility recovery.
- The Cleveland Clinic notes hCG helps restore testosterone and sperm production.
Risks, Considerations, and Best Practices
- hCG can increase estrogen via aromatization (risk of gynecomastia, fluid retention).
- Products must be legitimate — many “hCG diet” products are unsafe or not true hCG.
- Bloodwork monitoring is essential.
- Individual variation matters — genetics, cycle length, dosage, baseline health all influence recovery.
Below is a highly engaging video that aligns perfectly with this topic:
For more detailed protocols, access to lab-grade hormone support, and fertility preservation strategies, visit
AlphaPharmCanada.
Post-Cycle Therapy is non-optional for anyone using steroids or external androgens who wants to preserve fertility, hormonal balance, testicular health, libido, and results. Running hCG throughout the cycle and into PCT is one of the most effective tools to prevent long-term suppression of fertility. Done correctly, it ensures faster recovery, better preservation of gains, and stronger overall health.