PCT – Tamox

Following MOST Sarm cycles, PCT will be required.

Tamoxifen also known as Nolvadex or Nolva is classed as a specific estrogen receptor modulator or SERM. It acts as an estrogen antagonist in the brain and the breast area meaning it prevents estrogen from exerting its normal effect in those areas. With respect to its action in the brain it inhibits the conversion of testosterone to estrogen which during a cycle can mean that estrogen levels remain low. Although low estrogen is often considered advantageous by bodybuilders it should be noted that estrogen helps both with the accrual of muscle mass and also helps to boost libido on cycle. In fact, when bodybuilders use testosterone enhancing compounds and run tamoxifen alongside it, they often lose out on some of the muscle gains and enhanced libido that normally accompanies testosterone elevation.

WHATS THE DIFFERENCE WITH CLOMID AND NOLVA?

Clomid and Nolvadex work similarly in lowering estrogen levels and increasing natural testosterone production, the main difference side effects and effectiveness in increasing testosterone.

Clomid will give you more side effects such as emotional vulnerability, hot flushes, upset stomach, headaches (not everyone). Clomid will work quicker to bring your testosterone levels back to normal comparative to Nolvadex, which means more retained gains, but side effects may seem harsher for the first week.

This is why some users prefer Nolvadex comparative to Clomid. It’s all about personal preference.

Although classed as an estrogen antagonist it should be noted that in some parts of the body Nolvadex actually acts as an estrogen agonist meaning it actually acts in an estrogenic manner as opposed to how most think of it being which is an anti-estrogen. When it acts in an estrogenic fashion in the liver for instance, tamoxifen can increase levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHGB) which acts to bind to testosterone thus lowering free testosterone in the body. Free testosterone is the amount of unbound testosterone in the system and it is the level of free testosterone which is strongly correlated to the positive effects of high testosterone such as increased muscle mass, strength, and libido.

By lowering free testosterone, tamoxifen has the potential to hurt our bodybuilding gains. This helps to explain why we never hear of people using tamoxifen on a standalone basis (similar to how a testosterone booster is used) and gaining any muscle mass despite the significant rise in testosterone it is capable of producing. Quite simply, a lot of the testosterone rise is cancelled out by the increase in SHGB. Another negative of tamoxifen’s action in the liver is its ability to suppress production of the peptide hormone IGF-1. IGF-1 is broken down from growth hormone and is considered to be more potent than growth hormone itself for the purposes of building muscle tissue.

This is why we recommend including MK-677 in a PCT. As MK will combat some of the side effects of Nolvadex whilst still helping to maintain the majority of gains made whilst on a Sarms course.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T USE PCT?

If you do not complete a proper PCT, your estrogen levels are likely to rise slightly after a course and your natural testosterone levels will increase back to normal at a much slower rate. Which can inhibit you from keeping the majority of the gains made.

NOLVADEX SIDE EFFECTS

You are probably wondering if there are any side effects associated with the use of a stack with Nolvadex.

The most common side effects associated with Nolvadex is nausea, diarrhea, hot flushes. But these side effects are not as harsh as they would be with Clomid.

High levels of estrogen can cause: Gynecomastia, becoming overly emotional, fat gain, muscle loss and water retention. Which is what Nolvadex prevents and speeds up the process of avoiding.

Low testosterone can also cause lethargy, muscle loss, decreased confidence, decrease is sex drive.

Nolva was designed to combat all of these side effects caused by suppression of testosterone. And will help to maintain the majority of gains made.

WHICH SARMS REQUIRE PCT?

REQUIRE PCT

• LGD-4033
• RAD-140
• MK-2866
• YK-11
• S-23
• S4 ANDARINE

DON’T REQUIRE PCT

• MK-677
• SR9009
• GW-501516 CARDARINE

PCT DOSAGES

The amount of PCT required is dependent on the cycle length.

If you are cycling for 10 weeks or under, it is recommending you do 3 weeks of PCT with dosages:

Tamox: Week 1 – 40 MG Per Day

Tamox: Week 2 – 40 MG Per Day

Tamox: Week 3 – 20 MG Per Day

If you are cycling for 10 weeks or more, it is recommending you do 4-5 weeks of PCT with dosages:

Tamox: Week 1 – 40 MG Per Day

Tamox: Week 2 – 40 MG Per Day

Tamox: Week 3 – 20 MG Per Day

Tamox: Week 4 – 20 MG Per Day

Tamox: Week 5 – 20 MG Per Day