Seeking Guidance on PCT Design for Recovery

Pharma / TRT
1

Hi all,

At the age of 25, I used a topical anti-androgen called Pyrilutamide for my hair (high affinity binding to androgen receptor). Unfortunately, after about 20–22 days of use (September), I began experiencing unusual side effects that have persisted despite doctors’ initial expectations of recovery.

Here’s some background about me before this incident:

  1. High Libido and Fertility: I had very high libido and my sperm count was measured within the 220–262 million range. I used to feel the need to ejaculate daily.
  2. Strong Physique: My body responded exceptionally well to weightlifting and cardio, with rapid weight gain post-exercise and a high caloric demand for recovery (2,000–3,000 calories/day).
  3. Thick, Sensitive Skin: Particularly on the penis, with good elasticity and resilience.
  4. High Auditory/Verbal Memory: My memory and cognitive performance were sharp and above average. I was a gifted speaker and still am, but my auditory memory has declined significantly.

Current Symptoms:

  1. Mild gynecomastia (gyno).
  2. Extreme fatigue and exhaustion.
  3. Social anxiety, anhedonia, and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities.
  4. Brain fog, forgetfulness, and cognitive decline.
  5. Facial changes, including muscle loss.
  6. Smaller testicles, thinning skin on the penis, and lack of morning erections.

Bloodwork Summary:

My total testosterone before taking Pyril was measured at 917 (31.7nmol/l).

Bloodwork Now: Dropbox

  • Estradiol is elevated relative to total testosterone.
  • Free testosterone is within a good range. This must have been much higher before judging by my previous condition.

Products Purchased (On-Hand):

  • Enclomiphene Citrate (12.5mg - 60 tablets)
  • HCG (14,000 IU)
  • Nolvadex (Tamoxifen) - 20mg, 60 tablets
  • Arimidex

Questions:

  1. How should I structure my PCT to optimize recovery? My thinking was Tamoxifen → HCG w/Adex (get test up to 1000ng/dl) → then stop HCG and finish off with Enclo to maintain gains. Any problems with this?
  2. Is it advisable to start HCG and Nolvadex simultaneously to address gynecomastia while supporting overall recovery? Or do I take these separately?
  3. Is the IGF-1 decrease from Nolvadex and Enclo permanent? If I were to fully heal myself using these products, will my IGF-1 levels return back to baseline or will they permanently decrease?
  4. I’ve been told taking AI’s (i.e Arimidex) are not good for your health. How else should I control my estradiol then if it gets out of hand then? I know Estradiol is neuroprotective and contributes to memory, so I want to ensure I’m not damaging my cognition more than it already has.

Thank you in advance for any guidance that can be offered.

2

  1. what recovery? it looks like your blood work is fine, save the high e2 currently. Just use an AI for that and assess again after 3-5 weeks.

  2. no, HCG will not address gyno.

  3. small and transient.

  4. they are fine is measured doses.

good luck

3

Hi, thank you for the reply. What does it mean if I’m still having low T symptoms with this bloodwork? I feel very very weak and tired. And my skin has thinned quite a bit. I don’t have any anxiety.

4

As @swoops39 said, your balls are working. What is the purpose of this post? Are you planning to run a cycle?

To answer your questions.
1- Run a standard PCT. No HCG. All that will do is increase estrogen. You maintain your muscle mass by eating and training properly. If your a PCT guy you are always gonna lose a little bit. That’s life.
2-Just run Nolva/Clomid combo or pic one. No HCG in PCT. Run it after. Standard PCT. Do you have gyno? Not sure why you are mentioning this as part of PCT?
3-Any time you mess with your hormones there is a chance they will not recover back to pre cycle levels. This chance increases as you get older. Only way to find out is to do it.
4-Estrogen will rise as your testosterone levels increase. If you are feeling no symptoms then i would not worry about it. If you are feeling symptoms then you’ll need an AI. No way around it.

5

Hi apologies, I’m very inexperienced with this stuff. I took a topical anti-androgen called Pyrilutamide (binds to AR receptor) for like 20 days in September. I haven’t recovered since, unfortunately. I used to have much higher levels of testosterone and was wondering what protocol to do in what order to recover it. I’ve been suffering from lack of morning wood, less semen production, etc.

I wanted to ask experienced bodybuilders here. My endocrinologist hasn’t been helpful.

Apologies for the confusion.

6

You could try running a standard PCT again but i’m doubtful your levels will go much higher. Your balls are working. You FSH is still a touch low but in range.You may see an increase over time but there is no guarantee.
Your estrogen is a touch elevated but i wouldn’t have a problem seeing it stay there.
What kind of bodyfat are you carrying?