Today we’ll talk about something a little different. Instead of focusing on anabolic steroids and overall muscle gain, we’ll compare Clomid vs Nolvadex and concentrate on PCT.
PCT, or Post Cycle Therapy, is something that far too few bodybuilders think about, which is unfortunate. Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons, this lack of care and concern is costing them their health and well-being. As a result of their misfortune, some have even died.
Yes, PCT is that crucial, and we’ll explain why in a bit. We know steroids are dangerous, and steroid users knows as well, but they continue to use them. When used properly, steroids may do wonders for a person’s body, overall strength, and athletic performance.
Steroids, despite being illegal, are extremely beneficial for anyone looking to bulk up, develop muscle, burn fat, and improve their physique. However, by using the correct PCT cycle after a steroid cycle, the risks connected with using these hazardous medications can be significantly reduced. This brings us to Clomid vs Nolvadex, which is the topic of today’s essay. So, kick back, eat some chicken and brown rice, and let’s go over everything PCT.
What Is Clomid?
To begin, let us define Clomid.
Clomid, sometimes spelled Clomiphene Citrate, is a SERM (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator).
SERMs, not to be confused with SARMs, are often utilized in the dark realm of steroid use by massive meatheads who seek to lessen the risks, dangers, and side-effects of anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use. Clomid, on the other hand, was never meant to be used by big bodybuilders looking to lower their risk of developing gyno, often known as man boobs.
Clomid was initially designed as a female fertility drug. When women take the medication, it aids in triggering ovulation.
This is feasible because Clomid raises FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) levels in the body, as well as LH (Luteinizing Hormone), which is vital in the regulation of a woman’s menstrual cycle.
So you’re probably wondering how a prescription meant especially for ladies who are having problems conceiving can aid a massive bodybuilder after he’s finished chasing his gains and finished his current steroid cycle.
While there is a lot of science, chemistry, and biology at work, Clomid helps to naturally induce an increase in testosterone production in males.
This is because LH and FSH levels have risen.
Clomid, like a SERM, can help men who are concerned about estrogenic side effects because it contains anti-Estrogen properties.
Estrogenic side effects occur in steroid users when the steroids used aromatize and are converted into Estrogen by the body’s existing testosterone.
Clomid, in essence, prevents this from happening.
Read more about Turinabol Cycle
What Is Nolvadex?
The following section will define Nolvadex.
Nolvadex, commonly known as Tamoxifen Citrate, is another SERM. Clomid and Nolvadex compliment each other like salt and pepper. When one is used as part of a PCT cycle, the other is frequently close behind. It, too, was developed to aid in the treatment of women, while Nolvadex was developed to aid in the treatment of women suffering from breast cancer.
However, it is also used to help treat female infertility. Nolvadex differs from Clomid in that it stimulates gonadotropin production through hypophysis. When gonadotropins are produced and secreted, they enhance total LH and FSH levels in the human body. In the end, though, both drugs produce the same results.
They, too, bind to Estrogen receptors and keep them active, reducing total estrogenic activity in the body. This is critical for a bodybuilder.
Why Is PCT So Important After A Steroid Cycle?
So, now that we’ve looked into Clomid and Nolvadex, we know that they both play important roles in reducing estrogenic activity and aromatization in the body. Now we’ll look at why PCT after a steroid cycle is so important. We’ll discuss the negative effects of steroid use later, but for now, let’s concentrate on why PCT is required in general.
When you use anabolic steroids, you are effectively changing the genetic makeup of your entire body. It’s the same as buying a regular family saloon car from a dealership, removing the engine, and modifying it with a supercharged v12 turbo engine and a slew of other modifications. This car was not designed for such power, and while it would be extremely speedy and powerful at first. As a result, the car’s regular parts would suffer and it would begin to break down. That is essentially what your body goes through when you utilize steroids.
That is essentially what PCT aims to do to your body if you replace the supercharged turbo engine and all of the other modifications with the car’s original parts.
PCT is the computer or smartphone equivalent of pressing the factory reset button. PCT helps your organs and hormones perform properly and regulate themselves. It also aids in the prevention of steroid side effects.
Common Steroid Side Effects
The importance of PCT is now painfully obvious. But, are steroids really as hazardous and powerful as some claim? They’re probably even worse, to be honest.
Yes, steroids will make you big and jacked, but they will also provide you with certain health benefits. They are, however, generally highly powerful and should be respected. Among the most prevalent negative effects of steroids are:
- Gynecomastia or Gyno
If you’ve ever heard a bodybuilder use the term “gyno,” you’ve heard of this ailment.
Gynecomastia, often known as man boobs or bitch tits, is a condition in which men grow and develop breasts in the same way that women do.
Most people associate gyno with a man with a muscular body and a set of cord-cup breasts.
This can occur in extremely unusual circumstances.
Gynecomastia is a condition in which a man accumulates fatty deposits around his nipples, making them appear large and puffy.
Gyno is especially bad because it persists no matter how many bench presses and push-ups you accomplish.
The only method to remove it is to have surgery, have the fat chopped and drained, and then have your chest stitched back together.
When the body’s testosterone aromatizes, gyno occurs.
As a result, Clomid and Nolvadex are both quite successful for women who want to avoid gyno.
- Steroid Acne
Acne is another side effect of excessive estrogen levels in the body that can be avoided by performing a PCT cycle after your steroid cycle is completed.
Acne can be severe in steroid users, especially if you are already prone to spots and blemishes.
While acne is not fatal, it can reduce your overall quality of life and make you feel self-conscious about your appearance.
This is surprising given that many men choose bodybuilding to improve their attractiveness and self-confidence.
After completing a steroid cycle, Clomid and/or Nolvadex can help you avoid acne.
- Keep Your Gains For Longer
Another advantage of PCT that is commonly overlooked.
Most people associate PCT with helping to prevent disease and negative side effects.
However, PCT may also assist you in retaining your gains for a longer period of time.
Your goal when running a steroid cycle is most likely to develop muscle, lose fat, and look better overall.
Steroids are amazing, but once you stop using them, your gains tend to diminish.
Now, if you follow a strict diet and exercise plan, you may be able to slow the rate at which you lose muscle and maintain your gains for a longer period of time.
If you slack off and become negligent, they will quickly go.
As previously stated, PCT aids in the enhancement of natural testosterone production.
Testosterone is a potent androgenic hormone with anabolic properties.
That is, the more you have in your system, the more muscle you will build and fat you will burn.
Clomid Side Effects:
Despite the fact that Clomid is a medication designed to help prevent the bad effects of steroids, it does have certain side effects.
The good news is that these negative effects are mild, and some men may even find them beneficial.
If the dosages are not too high, the side effects should be minor (25mg – 100mg).
Some men report increased libido, harder erections, and a general sense of well-being.
Women who use this medication often have more energy than usual.
In contrast, high doses can cause moderate mood changes and agitation.
Read more about Clomid Vs Nolvadex
Nolvadex Side Effects:
Nolvadex, like Clomid, has a variety of side effects depending on the dosage.
As a result, many users will try to limit their Nolvadex dosages to no more than 40mg each day.
In large doses, Nolvadex can also cause mood swings and irritability.
It is worth noting, however, that Nolva can up-regulate progestin receptors when combined with other types of steroids, such as Deca-Durabolin.
As a result, unfavorable progestin effects such as water retention and gynecomastia are conceivable.
This is strange because Nolvadex is a medication designed to avoid and prevent certain harmful side effects.
Clomid Vs Nolvadex: What Are The Differences?
So, which is better?
In actuality, neither treatment is preferable because everything is dependent on the steroids used, the cycle used, the amounts used, and the length of time used.
For some steroid regimens, Clomid is the only PCT medicine required.
Others only need Nolvadex for PCT.
However, most post-cycle therapy cycles combine the two since they typically work in cooperation and bring out the best in one another.