Reflections: my PCT protocol for prolonged HPTA suppression/shut-down

[Vitruvian-Man]

I didnt feel much different, a slight increase in labido 2-3 days after starting, but nothing significant.

I noticed an increase in acne. That signalled to me that my testes were firing again as the acne could have been from elevated endo. T, estrogen or progesterone. After I knew they were online, I reduced my HCG too EOD, from ED.

I didnt run HCG at any point during the cycle this time and seem to have recovered just fine. When I get my BW, I'll post it all here. Took my final dose of Tamox 10mg/ED last night. I wont take any SERMs again, then get BW done after 2-3 weeks from now. Or sooner, then again in 2-3 weeks.

Cool stuff. Yeah, I never really notice any increase in acne, because I take acctuane as a preventative measure. lol. I felt that the HCG @ 500iu/ed did make my estrogen levels elevate. I'm not sure by how much... This is what went down:

About a week and a half into my HCG protocol I began to feel sightly emotional, and wanted to cry almost (I know, lol, real.y weird.) I actually talked to pharmadoc about it and he thought it could probably be contributed to the rapid decline of hormones. It seemed logical, but for some reason I just thought it was estrogen... so I used a-dex @ 0.25mg after 2 shots (around 3.5 days apart.) I didn't get why the aromasin wasn't controlling my E levels @ 10mg/ed... so I thought arimidex was needed. However, after taking the a-dex I felt 100% better, and calmer.

Good luck coming off the PCT bro. Keep us updated on results,

-VM

[Coca Cola]

Great info here VM!

When I'm experiencing low libido during the end of pct (week 3-4), I get a bloodwork done, and usually it shows that my test level was still in the low end, around 350 (range 300-800), then when I feel my libido is back (usually after week 8), I do another test and it shows my test level is around 650+.

You mentioned that during week 6-7 and up to 2 weeks after this, you were experiencing significant drop in libido, at what week did it come back to normal? Is it week 10?

I'm guessing you're experiencing no libido up to week 6-7 is because your test level is not back to normal range, is this true in your experience?

Also do you think AI alone can help suppress acne during PCT or is accutane still required? I never run AI or Accutane during PCT, and I get pretty bad acne breakout, I'm considering adding AI on the next PCT, low dose accutane seems interesting as well, but not sure if its really necessary if the AI by itself already manage to suppress most of it, I don't mind a few acne here and there, as long as its not a big mess..

[Vitruvian-Man]

Great info here VM!

When I'm experiencing low libido during the end of pct (week 3-4), I get a bloodwork done, and usually it shows that my test level was still in the low end, around 350 (range 300-800), then when I feel my libido is back (usually after week 8), I do another test and it shows my test level is around 650+.

You mentioned that during week 6-7 and up to 2 weeks after this, you were experiencing significant drop in libido, at what week did it come back to normal? Is it week 10?

Sexual desire returned about 9 - 10 weeks, after discontinuing the cycle

I'm guessing you're experiencing no libido up to week 6-7 is because your test level is not back to normal range, is this true in your experience?

Actually, if you re-read, I said that I was EXTREMELY horny for the first 3 weeks. I was even fine until week ~4 - 4.5. However, for the month following this time, (IE) weeks 5 - 9 I had almost no motivation in bed, and needed viagra.

Also do you think AI alone can help suppress acne during PCT or is accutane still required? I never run AI or Accutane during PCT, and I get pretty bad acne breakout, I'm considering adding AI on the next PCT, low dose accutane seems interesting as well, but not sure if its really necessary if the AI by itself already manage to suppress most of it, I don't mind a few acne here and there, as long as its not a big mess..

It's your call. I wouldn't really use an AI during your PCT. You may want to try using one during your cycle first, and see if that helps to dry out your skin (IE) 0.25mg/ every 3 days. Accutane is the strongest acne medication out there, but it comes with it's side-effects, so research for yourself and establish what your cycling priorities are.

Answers in bold..

-VM

[Coca Cola]

Thx for the answer