Written by DR. GEORGE TOULIATOS, MD
29 September 2020

 PCT vs TRT

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Testosterone
By George Touliatos, MD

 

PCT VS. TRT

 

During PCT, we shouldn’t simultaneously use HCG/SERMs. The reason is they work for the same effect, throughout opposite and antagonistic pathways. HCG is LH analogue that mimics LH but it shuts off GnRH in the hypothalamus. On the contrary, Clomiphene/Tamoxifen stimulate GnRH by lowering estrogens in the hypophysis. That in turn will kick the hypothalamus for GnRH release. Moreover, the sequence has to be HCG first while SERMs have to follow. HCG will kick the testicles and Leydig cells; while SERMs will kick gonadotropins LH/FSH.

 

There was a case where a former steroid user started his protocol by the use of SERMs and continued with HCG. The final result was high TT/FT with suppressed gonadotropins. On the other hand, when we follow the proper sequence, TT/FT will elevate from HCG and afterwards LH/FSH will follow by the use of SERMs (that in turn will further boost TT/FT).

 

For some, PCT is a waste of time. In a way it’s true, because eventually you’ll face and end up hypogonadal after repeated AAS cycles. However the major issue that every steroid user faces is the withdrawal symptoms between two cycles. Therefore, we need this lift to feel better, recover faster and maintain a decent sex drive. The question that arises is, why don’t we cruise with TRT instead of doing PCT? The most convincing answer is that PCT will have a positive impact in spermatogenesis and fertility. Moreover, getting off from testosterone will lower your hemoglobin, elevate your HDL and improve your MPB.

 

The reality is that the more we stay away from AAS abuse, the more chances we have to recover hormonally. Our HPTA will resurrect as long as we remain natty. PCT efforts seem pointless by the time we enter the following cycle.

 

As a doctor who focuses on AAS harm reduction, I assure my patients that healthy biochemistry labs are the key point and not HPTA recovery – because sooner or later, eventually, you’ll shut off your endogenous production again. Frankly, you don’t die of been hypogonadal. But you may die of severe dyslipidemia in combination with transaminemia and poor kidney function.

 

Several men have passed through the valley of AAS abuse in order to become TRT patients. The vast majority of TRT/HRT patients faced the so-called ASIH – late-onset secondary hypogonadism as a result of chronic AAS use. Replacement therapy isn’t a trendy thing. I have denied access to TRT in men who aren’t strictly hypogonadal. You enter TRT in case your own production is impaired – either primary or secondary hypogonadism. Every time we introduce a hormone into our body, there’s a homeostatic mechanism that shuts off our own production (either it’s testosterone, cortisone or thyroid hormones).

 

The point is when we use testosterone, we suppress our own production from the testicles. However, in case this is really low in the first place, we practically replace it. So more or less we don’t have anything to lose; on the contrary, we get benefits. And certainly there are more advantages rather than disadvantages getting into TRT rather than staying hypogonadal.

George Touliatos, MD is an author, lecturer, champion competitive bodybuilder and expert in medical prevention regarding PED use in sports. Dr. Touliatos specializes in medical biopathology and is the medical associate of Orthobiotiki.gr and Medihall.gr, Age Management and Preventive Clinics in Athens, Greece. He is the author of four Greek books on bodybuilding, has extensively developed articles for www.anabolic.org and is the medical associate for the book Anabolics, 11th Edition (2017). Dr. Touliatos has been a columnist for the Greek editions of MuscleMag and Muscular Development magazines, and has participated in several seminars across Greece and Cyprus, making numerous TV and radio appearances, doing interviews in print and online. His personal website is https://gtoul.com/

 

 

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