What to Do After Anadrol: PCT Timing, Doses & Blood Work

What to Do After Anadrol PCT Timing, Doses & Blood Work

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You just finished your Anadrol cycle.

The gains were real — strength skyrocketed, size exploded, and workouts felt effortless. But now, the pump is gone. Your energy is crashing. Mood swings creep in. You feel flat, tired, and unmotivated.

This isn’t “normal” post-bulk fatigue.

This is hormonal collapse — a direct result of Anadrol shutting down your natural testosterone production.

And if you don’t act now with the right Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT), those hard-earned gains could vanish — along with your health.

Why You Need PCT After Anadrol (Even on Solo Cycles)

Anadrol (oxymetholone) completely suppresses natural testosterone production — even when used alone.

A study published in Clinical Endocrinology found that healthy men taking 50 mg/day of oxymetholone experienced testosterone levels drop below 100 ng/dL within 3 weeks — deep into hypogonadal range (PubMed, PMID: 6828715 ).

That means:

  • No testosterone signaling
  • No muscle maintenance
  • No libido
  • No motivation

Without PCT, recovery can take 3–6 months or longer.

Dr. Mike Israetel (RP Strength) states:

“Your body forgets how to make testosterone. PCT reminds it.”

Bottom line: Yes — you absolutely need PCT after Anadrol, regardless of stack.

How Long Until Natural Testosterone Returns?

Recovery time depends on several factors:

FactorImpact on recovery
Cycle lengthLonger cycles = slower recovery
DosageHigher doses = deeper suppression
AgeUnder 25 recovers faster; over 35 slower
Prior hormone healthPre-existing low T delays bounce-back
Use of hCG pre-PCTSpeeds up testicular reactivation

With proper PCT:

  • Most users see testosterone return to normal in 4–8 weeks
  • LH and FSH restart pituitary signaling
  • Energy, libido, and mood improve progressively

Without PCT:

  • Recovery may take 4–9 months
  • Some report persistent low T even after a year

William Llewellyn notes in Anabolics:

“HPTA recovery is not guaranteed. It requires intervention.”
Source: Llewellyn, W. Anabolics. 2017

When to Start PCT After Anadrol

Timing is critical.

Start too early → compounds still active → SERMs ineffective
Start too late → prolonged hormonal crash

Here’s the rule:

  • For solo Anadrol or short esters: Start PCT 14 days after last dose
  • For long esters (Test E, Deca): Wait 21 days after last injection

Why?

  • Anadrol has a half-life of ~8 hours
  • Clears system in 3–4 days
  • But HPTA remains suppressed until SERMs kick in


To restart natural testosterone after Anadrol, start PCT two weeks post-last dose.

Greg Doucette admitted on YouTube:

“I started Clomid too early once. Wasted two weeks of recovery.”
Source: Greg Doucette – YouTube Channel

Best PCT Protocol for Anadrol (Solo or Stacked)

The gold standard uses SERMs (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators) to reactivate the HPTA axis.

Standard 4-Week PCT Plan

WeekClomid (Clomiphene)Nolvadex (Tamoxifen)
150 mg/day20 mg/day
250 mg/day20 mg/day
325 mg/day10 mg/day
425 mg/day10 mg/day

Why This Works:

  • Clomid stimulates pituitary release of LH and FSH
  • Nolvadex blocks estrogen receptors, preventing gyno and supporting feedback loop

According to Anabolics, combining both yields better results than either alone.


Combining Clomid and Nolvadex restores testosterone faster than monotherapy.

Using hCG Before PCT (Advanced Strategy)

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) mimics LH — signaling the testes to produce testosterone.

Used correctly, it prevents testicular atrophy and jumpstarts recovery.

Recommended hCG Protocol:

  • Dose: 500 IU every other day
  • Duration: 10 days
  • Timing: Start immediately after Anadrol ends, before PCT

⚠️ Never use hCG during PCT — it suppresses gonadotropin response to SERMs.

Dr. Thomas O’Connor (“The Anabolic Doc”) explains:

“hCG primes the pump. SERMs turn it back on.”
Source: The Anabolic Doc Podcast

User report from r/steroids:

“Ran 500 IU EOD x 10 days, then Clomid/Nolvadex. Felt normal by week 6.” – u/GearVeteran

PCT Differences: Solo Anadrol vs. Stacked Cycles

Not all cycles are the same. Here’s how PCT changes based on your stack.

🟢 Solo Anadrol Cycle

  • No exogenous testosterone used
  • Still causes full HPTA shutdown
  • Use full PCT protocol (Clomid + Nolvadex)
  • Add hCG if testicular atrophy occurred


There are three signs of testicular atrophy: shrinkage, low sex drive, lack of morning erections.

🟡 Anadrol + Testosterone

  • TRT base protects organs but suppresses natural T
  • Stop testosterone first (if short ester), wait 21 days
  • Then begin PCT
  • Blood work essential: check total/free T, LH, estradiol

Simon Miller of More Plates More Dates warns:

“Just because you ran TRT doesn’t mean you skip PCT.”
Source: More Plates More Dates

🔴 Anadrol + Deca-Durabolin

  • Nandrolone prolongs suppression due to metabolite buildup
  • Extend PCT to 6 weeks
  • Monitor prolactin — consider Cabergoline if elevated

🔴 Anadrol + Trenbolone

  • Extremely suppressive
  • High risk of post-cycle depression
  • Consider Pramipexole for dopamine support
  • Extend PCT and get blood work at 8 weeks

Chase Irons (Instagram: @chaseirons):

“Tren makes PCT harder. Don’t rush it.”
Source: Chase Irons – Instagram

Common PCT Mistakes That Delay Recovery

Avoid these critical errors:

Starting PCT Too Early

  • SERMs can’t work while androgens are still present
  • Wait full clearance time (14–21 days)

Skipping Blood Work

  • You’re flying blind
  • Test: Total T, Free T, LH, FSH, Estradiol, CBC, Liver Panel

Use labs like WellnessFX, InsideTracker, or private clinics.

Using Only Nolvadex

  • Less effective than Clomid at restoring LH
  • Always include Clomid unless contraindicated

Relying on “Natural Boosters”

  • Fenugreek, ashwagandha, DAA — none restart HPTA
  • These support baseline health — not recovery

Dr. Jordan Grant emphasizes:

“No OTC product replaces Clomid.”
Source: Dr. Jordan Grant – Hormone Optimization

Ignoring Mental Health

  • Low testosterone causes depression, anxiety, brain fog
  • Seek help if needed — this is physiological, not weakness

Supplements That Support (But Don’t Replace) PCT

While SERMs are mandatory, these supplements aid recovery:

SupplementEffectDose
Zinc + Magnesium + Vitamin D3Supports baseline hormone functionZMA formula at night
AshwagandhaMay reduce cortisol, mild T boost500–600 mg/day
FenugreekWeak aromatase inhibitor500–1000 mg/day
Fish Oil (Omega-3)Reduces inflammation, supports cell membranes2–3 g EPA/DHA daily


Common supportive supplements include zinc, magnesium, vitamin D3, ashwagandha, fenugreek, and fish oil.

These not replace SERMs — only assist overall recovery.

Monitoring Progress: Essential Blood Work

You cannot assess PCT success without lab testing.

Get tested:

  • Before cycle start (baseline)
  • 4–6 weeks post-PCT start
  • Optional: Midway through PCT

Required Markers:

MarketNormal RangeGoal Post-PCT
Total Testosterone300–1000 ng/dL>300 ng/dL
Free Testosterone9–30 pg/mLIn mid-high range
LH1.7–8.6 IU/LDetectable (>1.0)
FSH1.5–12.4 IU/LDetectable
Estradiol (E2)10–40 pg/mL<40 pg/mL
ALT/AST<40 U/LNormalized from Anadrol spike
Hematocrit38–50%Back to baseline

If values remain low at 6 weeks:

  • Extend PCT
  • Consult a hormone-literate doctor

Signs Your PCT Is Working (Or Failing)

Working Signs:

  • Energy returning
  • Morning erections resume
  • Libido improves
  • Mood stabilizes
  • Strength retention

Failing Signs:

  • Persistent fatigue
  • Depression
  • Low sex drive
  • Muscle loss
  • Poor sleep

If failing: extend PCT or consult a physician.

Dr. Rand McClain states:

“Don’t tough it out. Hormonal imbalance is medical.”
Source: Dr. Rand McClain – Regenerative Medicine

How Long Should PCT Last?

The standard duration for Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) after an Anadrol cycle is 4 weeks, but this can vary depending on the length and severity of your steroid use.

For most users running a typical 4–6 week Anadrol cycle — especially when stacked with testosterone or other suppressive compounds — a 4-week PCT protocol using Clomid and Nolvadex is sufficient to restart natural testosterone production.

However, recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some individuals may need 6–8 weeks of PCT, particularly if they:

  • Ran a long or high-dose cycle
  • Are over 35 years old
  • Had pre-existing low testosterone
  • Did not use on-cycle support (e.g., TUDCA, NAC)
  • Skipped hCG pre-PCT and experienced testicular atrophy

Dr. Thomas O’Connor (“The Anabolic Doc”) advises:

“If your blood work shows low LH, FSH, or testosterone at week 4, don’t stop PCT. Extend it and retest.”

Extending PCT should be done conservatively:

  • Weeks 5–6: Reduce Clomid to 25 mg every other day
  • Weeks 7–8: Use 25 mg every third day, then taper off
  • Continue monitoring symptoms and consider follow-up blood tests at 6 and 8 weeks

Do not extend SERMs beyond 8 weeks without medical supervision — prolonged use may lead to receptor downregulation or mood disturbances.

Chase Irons (Instagram: @chaseirons) notes:

“I used to quit PCT early because I felt fine. Then my energy crashed two weeks later. Now I wait for blood work before stopping.”
Source: Chase Irons – Social Media Presence

In summary:

  • Minimum: 4 weeks
  • Average: 4–6 weeks
  • Extended cases: Up to 8 weeks with proper monitoring

Always base your PCT length on clinical feedback (blood work) and symptom resolution, not just how you feel.

Final Verdict: Is PCT Worth It?

Here’s a clear summary based on all available evidence:

FactorAssessment
Effectiveness of PCT⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Extremely High)
Risk Without PCT⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Severe Hormonal Crash)
Cost (Clomid/Nolvadex)$50–$100 per cycle
Legality⚠️ Prescription-only in most countries
Long-Term Health Impact✅ Prevents prolonged low T

If you choose to use Anadrol:

  • Always run PCT
  • Get blood work before and after
  • Use hCG pre-PCT if testes shrank
  • Never rely on “natural” boosters alone

But consider this: Can you achieve impressive results naturally?

Yes — with consistency, nutrition, sleep, and smart programming.

As Dr. Charles Yesalis says:

“Genetics set the ceiling. Effort determines how close you get. Steroids raise the ceiling — but also the floor of risk.”
Source: Dr. Charles Yesalis – Steroid Nation

Frequently Asked Questions About Anadrol PCT

Do I need PCT after a solo Anadrol cycle?

Yes — natural testosterone production shuts down completely, even without added testosterone.

When should I start PCT after Anadrol?

Start 14 days after last dose if solo or short esters; 21 days if stacked with long esters like Test E or Deca.

Can I use Nolvadex alone for PCT?

Less effective. Clomid is superior at restoring LH — combine both for best results.

Should I use hCG before PCT?

Yes — if you experienced testicular atrophy. Dose: 500 IU every other day for 10 days, then start SERMs.

What blood work should I get?

Test total/free testosterone, LH, FSH, estradiol, liver enzymes, and hematocrit before and 4–6 weeks post-PCT.

How long does it take for testosterone to recover?

With proper PCT: 4–8 weeks. Without: 3–6+ months.

Can women use Anadrol PCT?

Rarely. Due to extreme androgenicity, virilization occurs quickly. Safer options exist.

Picture of Dr. Marko Trajanovski
Dr. Marko Trajanovski
Dr. Marko Trajanovski Specialist in Testosterone Replacement Therapy and Men's Hormonal Health Dr. Marko Trajanovski is a board-certified endocrinologist specializing in testosterone replacement therapy and male hormonal health. With over 15 years of clinical experience, Dr. Trajanovski helps men restore healthy testosterone levels and improve their overall well-being. His patient-centered approach focuses on safety, science, and long-term health outcomes. Education and Training Fellowship in Endocrinology – University of Skopje, North Macedonia Residency in Internal Medicine – Clinical Center Skopje, Faculty of Medicine Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) – University of Skopje, North Macedonia Professional Background Dr. Trajanovski completed his medical degree and endocrinology training at the University of Skopje. Throughout his career, he has worked in both hospital and private practice settings, helping men with hormone imbalances, fatigue, low libido, and muscle loss caused by low testosterone levels. He uses evidence-based protocols to diagnose testosterone deficiency and tailors each treatment plan to the patient’s needs, using testosterone replacement therapy to restore hormonal balance and vitality. He also monitors patient progress closely to ensure optimal results and safety. Research and Advocacy Dr. Trajanovski actively contributes to clinical research on testosterone therapy and men’s health. He regularly participates in international conferences, sharing insights on hormone optimization and patient outcomes. He is dedicated to educating both patients and professionals about responsible hormone therapy use. Personal Life Outside of work, Dr. Trajanovski enjoys cycling and hiking in the mountains of North Macedonia. He lives in Skopje with his wife and daughter and is passionate about promoting healthy aging and lifestyle balance. Contact 📍 Skopje, North Macedonia 📧 [email protected]

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