Anavar – Oxandrolone: PCT
Do I need to run PCT in Anavar?
The main purpose of PCT is to restore endogenous testosterone production. This is done to help maintain cycle gains. It also ensures that your hormones function normally, ensuring optimal physiological and psychological health.
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Anavar lowers natural testosterone levels but is unlikely to completely shut down testosterone.
Earlier, we cited a study that found that men who took 20 mg a day for 12 weeks had a 45% reduction in testosterone levels. It was excessive cycle time, standard cycle time was 6-8 weeks (for men). From this study, it can be concluded that natural testosterone production is likely to remain quite high if a moderate dose/cycle is followed.
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Therefore, some people who only ride anavar may choose not to use PCT and wait for their natural testosterone to recover. It can usually last from 1 to 4 months.
However, when Anavar is combined with other anabolic steroids, this inhibitory effect is potentiated; make PCT a recommended strategy. Also, if the user does not want to wait a few months, he can allow PCT to shorten this recovery period.
Very aggressive PCTs include:
- HCG – 2000 IU for 20 days (taken every 2 days)
- Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) – 20 mg x 2 (continuous for 45 days)
- Clomiphene – 50 mg x 2 (taken continuously for 30 days)
If the user is combining Anavar with aggressive compounds, the above protocol can be included.
However, if a man is taking a cycle containing only Anavar, one of these PCT drugs should be enough to quickly restore endogenous production.
For those who want to activate PCT, they should start as soon as the oxandrolone leaves the body. You can calculate this with the following formula: 5.5 x half-life.
The half-life of Anavar is 9.4-10.4 hours. Although the half-life increases with age, it can increase to 13.3 hours in the elderly.
Therefore, if a half-life of 10.4 hours is indicated, PCT should be started 57 hours after the last dose.
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Do Women Need PCT With Anavar?
It is widely believed that women do not need PCT; in practice, however, women show signs of lower testosterone levels after AAS. Therefore, women are advised to take PCT after taking Anavar because even though they produce less testosterone than men, it is still an important hormone for their well-being, libido, and cycle performance enhancement.
Women often report depression and decreased libido after menstruation. Dave Crossland, founder of the Crossland Harm Reduction Service, tested a woman who had just stopped taking steroids; and found that testosterone and estrogen levels were extremely low.
Nolvadex can be used as PCT in women, which has successfully accelerated recovery and alleviated depression. However, the menstrual cycle resumed after 3 to 6 months. The Nolvadex dosage should be lower in women than in men and cycles should be shorter. The protocol reported by Dave Crossland is successful:
Nolvadex PCT (female)
1 week – 20mg
Week 2: 15mg
Week 3: 10mg
Week 4: 5mg
However, DHEA is an official medical treatment prescribed for women with low androgen levels. Therefore, this PCT protocol is the best method.
DHEA PCT (female)
25-50 mg per day (4 weeks)
DHEA has been used in studies for 4 to 6 months, so you can take as much as you want (during that time) until your withdrawal symptoms improve.
HCG is not recommended as a PCT in women, as evidence suggests that it enlarges the ovaries and causes virilization. Clomid is also not ideal for women with PCT as it can cause ovarian hypersensitivity.
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