There are 3 types of estrogen control typically used during post cycle therapy. They are SERM’s
(Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators), AI’s (Aromatase Inhibitors) and ATD
(1, 4, 6-androstatriene-3, 17-dione). Each works by a different mechanism to decrease estrogen or
estrogen production. In addition to the estrogen control products there are also supplements that
help to increase testosterone production or provide other benefits during post cycle therapy.

SERM’s work by blocking estrogen from acting on the bodies tissues. There are three main SERM’s that
are used during post cycle therapy. These are tamoxifen citrate (Nolvadex), clomiphene citrate
(Clomid) and toremifene citrate. Click on each name in the table below for a more detailed
description.

AI’s lower estrogen by stopping the activity of the aromatase enzyme. Aromatase is responsible for
the conversion of testosterone to estradiol and androstenedione to estrone. There are 6 AI’s listed
below. They are 6-OXO, anastrozole (Arimidex), letrozole (Femara), exemestane (Aromasin), chrysin
and vitamin C. You can find out more about each by clicking on the name in the table below.

ATD is a recent introduction to estrogen control. It is thought to stop estrogen production in a
manner similar to steroidal AI’s such as exemestane. Brand name ATD’s are Rebound XT, Novedex XT,
Ultra H.O.T and Ultra H.O.T.ter.

In addition to estrogen control it is often good to include testosterone boosters in your post cycle
therapy. Many users commonly include the herbs tribulus, fenugreek and maca as part of their PCT
protocol. Another good addition is Activate by Designer Supplements which is used to free up bound
testosterone.

Finally, the addition of products like Lean Extreme or Retain are helpful in reducing cortisol levels.
Cortisol is often elevated after a cycle of anabolics and keeping it in check can help to maintain
your lean mass while minimizing fat storage.

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By adding a methyl group to Epitiostanol chemists have made it a different compound and therefore it is not covered under current laws. This group of now legal steroids have long lasting and strong anti-estrogen effects and are considered to be weak androgens.

Because of the anti-estrogen effects of epistane you can expect very dry gains with little to no water retention. Because it is a weak androgen you should experience little to no side effects such as gyno and hair loss. Epistane does not suppress the gonads and you shouldn’t see much if any shrinkage. It has also been shown to maintain high LH levels and some users report that it is even effective in reducing existing gyno.

Because of the above mentioned properties I would consider using epistane as a cutting agent to maintain strength and lean mass while dieting. However, that does not mean it wouldn’t make a good bulking compound. The benefit here would be that any gains would be lean gains and users reports gains of 5-10 pounds in a month of using epistane. Because it is so dry most of the gains are kept once the cycle is ended.

Most users are dosing epistane from 10-60 mgs a day for a maximum of 6 weeks. You should no continue using this legal steroid for longer than 6 weeks. Remember, epistane is methylated so both dosage and time on cycle should be adhered to. A beginners dosing schedule might look like this:

Week 1: 10 mgs for the first 3 days then increasing the dose to 20 mgs.

Week 2: 20 mgs

Week 3: 30 mgs

Week 4: 40 mgs- This week is optional and depends on how your body reacts.

Even though the side effects associated with epistane are small I would still consider using support supplements while on cycle and running a complete and proper post cycle therapy at the conclusion of your cycle.

Based on user feedback I think that the legal steroid epistane can be a great tool to help athletes add lean mass and/or maintain strength and mass when cutting. It may be quite beneficial as part of a stack with another, non-methylated legal steroid such as 1,4 AD or Mega TRN. Since epistane is already methylated itself I would avoid other methylated designer legal steroids such as Superdrol and Halodrol and their clones.

Since Toremifene citrate is so new there are few anecdotal reports from the bodybuilding community so far. It seems that the reports that are out there are positive. I think Fareston will be a more potent and safer alternative to Nolvadex both for post cycle therapy as well as prevention of gynocomastia. This ‘is especially true for those worried about side effects.

It also makes sense that Toremifene citrate (Fareston) may provide a greater increase in leutinizing hormone and testosterone production. And since it is stronger than Nolvadex it should provide greater prevention for gyno.

ATD is technically an aromatase inhibitor, but with some interesting properties that make it a very useful addition to our estrogen control arsenals.

There are two negative feedback loops that we try to correct through post cycle therapy. The first is elevated estrogen levels from aromatase activity act on the hypothalamus to decrease GnRH production. The second is that elevated androgen levels stimulate androgen receptors in the hypothalamus causing decreased GnRH production. Decreased GnRH leads to reduced LH and FSH production, both of which are directly involved in testosterone production.

Typical PCT with SERM’s and AI’s address the estrogen component of this negative feedback, but do nothing for androgenic stimulation of the hypothalamus. ATD addresses the androgenic feedback loop. ATD has 90% androgenic activity in muscle tissue but only 10% androgenic activity in the hypothalamus.

ATD works for androgen activity the same way that tamoxifen works for estrogen. Tamoxifen blocks estrogen in breast tissue, but has positive effects in other tissue such as liver and bone. ATD blocks androgens in the hypothalamus, but allows it to be active in other tissue.

Because of this dual action estrogen levels are lowered while testosterone levels begin to rise. This is because ATD tricks your hypothalamus into thinking testosterone levels are low so it produces more. ATD provides benefits far beyond simply controlling estrogen in your body. Through its control over the androgen negative feedback loop testosterone production is restarted much faster. And the faster you recover your natural testosterone production the easier it is to keep muscular gains.

In addition to ATD’s benefits for post cycle therapy studies have shown that employing ATD during AAS use maintains significant HPTA function. This means reduced testicular atrophy and faster post-cycle recovery. This is something that you simply can’t get from estrogen control alone.

ATD can also be used by the natural athlete to increase testosterone production. In studies increases of up to 400% in testosterone have been seen. This is equivalent to injecting 400-600mg per week of testosterone enanthate or cypionate. This means continued growth for the natural athlete without the problems and side effects usually associated with injecting testosterone.

While there should technically not be any difference between the ATD ptoducts I have personally seen the best results using Rebound XT by Designer Supplements. I believe it is also the most cost effective of the ATD products out there. Your mileage may vary.

I’ve found the following discussion on running SERM’s inverse to ATD’s which is both informative and by all accounts very effective. It has been posted on many forums and the credit for it goes to Dr. D. Thank you Dr. D!

“Discussion on running SERM inverse to ATD
Estrogen only “rebounds” based on the mechanism of suppression. SERM, for example, only masks estrogen expression by occupying receptors but estrogen production is left unchecked and actually increases as testosterone levels increase. AI’s like letro inhibit inducible enzymes and just like a leaky faucet, they body will eventually try to balance the equation with increased aromatase activity. Steroidal AI’s like Teslac, Exemestane, and ReboundXT will not result in ‘rebound’ phenomena because the inhibition is non-competitive and irreversible. They act as false substrates, so aromatase is still happy to act on them (instead of androstenedione) and the body keeps no record of an imbalance. There is no leaky faucet. In fact, after prolonged use, steroidal AI’s often produce a protracted anti-e benefit even after being discontinued. This is why I suggest an inverse taper with SERM and RXT for PCT with an abrupt stoppage of RXT at the end. As the SERM elevates androgen/estrogen production, the AI dose is increased to compensate while the SERM is phased out. It works quite well to use this approach and rebound is not encountered. Adding LX and/or DHEA also really makes for a killer PCT in this scheme.

This is a typical example of my PCT:

wk1: Clomid 150mg/d, RXT 25mg/d, DHEA 200mg/d, LX 75mg/d wk2: Clomid 100mg/d, RXT 25mg/d, DHEA 200mg/d, LX 50mg/d wk3: Nolva 60mg/d, RXT 50mg/d, DHEA 200mg/d, LX 25mg/d wk4: Nolva 40mg/d, RXT 50mg/d, DHEA 100mg/d wk5: Nolva 20mg/d, RXT 75mg/d, DHEA 100mg/d wk6: RXT 75mg/d, DHEA 100mg/d

Notice I phase the Clomid out and introduce the Nolva later. This helps prevent sides from developing from accumulation of estrogenic metabolites from the Clomid and also acts to minimize the use of Nolva, which is more liver toxic than Clomid. Rebound is very unlikely and estrogen biosynthesis will likely be significantly lowered for 3+ wks even after the end of this PCT. I do long ones, as you can see.”

1,4,6 etioallocholan-dione (ATD) is the first ingredient in Arom-X. ATD is an aromatase inhibitor (AI). This means it stops the body from forming the aromatase enzyme which the body uses to convert androgens to estrogen. Thus you get a decrease in estrogen in the body with a concurrent rise in testosterone since the test is not being aromatized into estrogen. This makes ATD very useful after finishing a legal steroid cycle to help in raising natural testosterone production back to normal. It can also be used in smaller doses along with legal steroids to help minimize any side effects associated with excessive estrogen. Larger doses of ATD can cause a decrease in libido.

3a-Hydroxyetioallocholan Ethyl Ester is the second ingredient in Arom-X. It is a new anti-aromatase that is meant to compliment ATD as it increases libido. It is also reported to increase focus and aggression. All of these are very desirable when in post-cycle therapy.

I have used ATD before and it works very well in controlling estrogen. And as stated it is very powerful stuff so be careful. I suggest starting off at just 1/2 the recommended dose to see how your body responds. The 3a-Hydroxyetioallocholan Ethyl Ester may help in maintaining your libido, but it is best not to wipe out ALL of your estrogen.

Arom-X also contains Beta Sitosterol which has been shown to have activity in promoting prostate health. It also has cholesterol lowering activity which is useful because cholesterol levels can get very high if you decrease estrogen too much.

Traditionally, Tongkat Ali has been used as an aphrodesiac and a libido booster in SE Asia. Studies confirm that it is very useful in this capacity. It boosts libido as well as sexual function and endurance. You can think of it as the pornstar herb.

Researchers are unsure of the mechanism that Tongkat Ali uses, but they think it works through two means. It both stimulates the production of testosterone as well as reducing the level of bound and inactive testosterone. Common effects from the use of Longjack include a sense of well being, improved body composition, a boost in libido and increased recovery from exercise. Definitely worth adding to your arsenal of supplements.

Longjack is very powerful stuff so start off at a lower dose to determine its effects on you. It has been reported to cause insomnia, irritability (hehe tongkat rage), restlessness and increased body temperature. Thanks to the boost of natural testosterone it is a very useful addition to post cycle therapy and will help bring natural testosterone production up to speed. Because of the potency and above mentioned side effects it is not suggested that you take Tongkat Ali more than 2-3 days in a row. I think an every other day dosing protocol would work very well.

When purchasing Longjack be sure that you are getting the extract of the root and not just root powder. It is believed most supplements that claim to be Longjack are actually root powder preperations and too weak to be of any use. I haven’t had the chance (or the cash) to try it yet myself but when I do you can be sure I will report the results here.

OK, I tried the tongkat ali and as a test booster I think it definitely does the trick. It takes a little while to kick in. For me I didn’t start to notice changes until after about 8-10 days. At that point I got a noticable boost in my libido as well as an increase in my energy levels during my workouts. I was more focused and more aggressive in the gym for sure.

After several weeks I could see a slight change in body composition as well. I am an older athlete and tend to hold more fat around my middle, but with the tongkat ali these fat deposits started to shrink. I was also noticing the increased body temperature. Good side effect during the cold winter, but could be irritating during the summer months or in warmer climates.

Tongkat Ali is not a miracle worker, but I think it does have testosterone boosting properties and could be useful in supporting healthy testosterone production especially during post cycle therapy. But you don’t have to take my word for it. Try it yourself.

Exemestane will suppress estrogen as well as Letrozole, around 85% reduction. The difference is that with exemestane when you stop using it you will experience little if any estrogen rebound since it binds permanently to the aromatase enzyme. Once exemestane binds to the enzyme that particular enzyme will no longer function. This is not dangerous, because your body will create more aromatase enzyme.

Because exemestane is so effective in eliminating estrogen it is also extremely effective at avoiding the negative effects of estrogen when we’re on a cycle. This includes gynocomastia and excess water retention. Limiting the conversion of testosterone to estrogen by eliminating the aromatase enzyme can be beneficial in minimizing estrogen related side effects.

Because it is so effective at removing estrogen exemestane is also useful during post cycle therapy. If you want to keep the gains you made while on cycle you want to minimize the estrogen in your system as well as stimulating the HPTA to begin normal testosterone production. Exemestane not only increases testosterone and lowers estrogen, but it also increases levels of insulin-like growth Factor (IGF). It’s like a 1-2-3 punch for your PCT.

Exemestane is a steroidal AI. This makes it more useful during PCT because it has been known to cause some androgenic side effects like increased aggressiveness and a good hardening effect. Combined with the drying effect you get from an 85% reduction in estrogen it will keep you ripped and shredded while helping you maintain your hard won lean mass.

Another bonus is that exemestane isn’t too harsh on blood lipids (cholesterol), unlike some of the other AI’s like Letrozole.