conversion for one to feel properly when running any kind of

cycle.

You can find plenty of examples of how exogenous

Testosterone is used as a “test base” in the “How To Use It”
section of each AAS profile and in the “Cycle Examples”
chapter of this e-book.

However, not everyone wants to use exogenous Testosterone

as the test base. Some people want to run short oral-only
cycles without having to go through the hassle of pinning
Testosterone for just 4-6 weeks.

Thankfully, injectable Testosterone is not the only type of “test

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base” one can use. In the next few pages, you will discover
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what all the possible test base are and how to use them
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properly.
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299
ALTERNATIVE TEST BASES
Before I delve into the following alternative test bases, I want
to make it very clear that the best and safest test base of all is
injectable Testosterone.

The test bases here either replicate the effects of actual

Testosterone, or they modulate processes in the body to
stimulate endogenous Testosterone production despite the
shutdown.

Most of these alternative test bases work pretty well, but they
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cannot replace injectable Testosterone in every possible

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cycle.
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With that being said, here are some solid options for those
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who are not able or not willing to use injectable Testosterone.

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Topical Testosterone gel is a possible alternative to injecting

Testosterone. Even though it is painless and arguably more
convenient, its effectiveness is much lower so finding the right
dose takes some trial and error.

Most Testosterone gel users apply it to their underarms,

chest/shoulders or even scrotum. I recommend applying it
once a day (in the morning) on the chest/shoulders after a
shower, and waiting for it to absorb before putting any clothes
on.
300
A decent dose of Testosterone gel is 40mg a day. At this dose
one gets enough estradiol conversion to feel good during the
cycle without experiencing estrogenic side-effects (some
users may be an exception, so having an AI on hand is
recommended).

For all intents and purposes, Testosterone gel should be

treated the same way as injectable Testosterone. The only
things that change are the administration route, the frequency
of use and the effective dose.

Testosterone gel is as suppressive as injectable Testosterone,

so a PCT is still necessary.
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4-Andro, also known as 4-DHEA, is a pro-hormone that
converts into Testosterone inside the body. The main pros of
4-Andro are that it is legal and orally bioavailable.

It is the closest thing we have to an effective form of oral

Testosterone, but like any oral it cannot be used indefinitely.
The liver toxicity of 4-Andro is minimal, so it can be used
during an entire oral AAS cycle.

The right 4-Andro dose for a test base would be 100 to

150mg a day, splitting the dose into two servings (morning
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and night). Some users may experience excess estradiol

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conversion at 150mg/day or higher doses, so having an AI on

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hand is recommended.
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4-Andro is suppressive, so it requires a PCT.

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302
HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is a peptide that is
commonly used to preserve fertility while taking AAS and to
facilitate hormonal recovery after a cycle.

However, it can be used as the sole test base for oral AAS
cycles as it can act as a Luteinizing Hormone (LH) analogue
and force the testicles to produce Testosterone despite the
suppression caused by AAS.

When used as the test base, HCG should be pinned

subcutaneously every other day at 500iu, throughout the
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whole cycle. Estrogenic side-effects are unlikely to occur at

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this dose, but always have an AI on hand in case they

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happen.
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The great thing about HCG compared to most test bases is

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that instead of replacing your Testosterone and shutting you

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even further, it will keep your testicles running and producing

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sperm and Testosterone during the cycle.

This means that when one comes off everything, the PCT will
be very easy since the testicles will already be active, and one
will simply need to run a SERM like Enclomiphene for a couple
of weeks (at 12.5mg a day for a week, then 6.25mg for
another week) to restore LH levels, which HCG will suppress.

You will find more information on HCG and how it works in the
“Post-Cycle Therapy” chapter of this e-book.

NOTE: I personally think that HCG is the best non-oral

alternative test base.

303
Enclomiphene is a SERM which, like HCG, is often used as
part of PCT protocols. However, it can also be used as a
Testosterone base with oral AAS because it is strong enough
to prevent the testicles from getting shut down.

The use of Enclomiphene as a test base is a controversial

subject that I first introduced in THE SARM HANDBOOK back
in 2020. In it, I suggested that Enclomiphene was an effective
test base for SARM cycles, and even though a lot of people
doubted its effectiveness at first, it has now become a widely
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used and accepted form of test base for both SARM and oral
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AAS cycles.
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Enclomiphene should be used at 25mg a day throughout the

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whole cycle, and for another 2 weeks after the cycle at

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12.5mg a day as the PCT.

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I have personally used this protocol as the test base for

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Anavar, Turinabol and Epistane cycles, and I can confirm that

it works well. I have also seen plenty of anecdotal evidence
from other people showing similar results, so I am confident in
the ability of Enclomiphene to prevent testicular shut down
during 4 to 6-week oral AAS cycles.

Estrogenic side-effects are unlikely to occur with

Enclomiphene, but the drug can have side-effects of its own.
You will learn more about Enclomiphene and its properties in
the “Post-Cycle Therapy” chapter of this e-book.

NOTE: I personally think that Enclomiphene is the best

alternative test base one can use if injections are off the table.
304
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a naturally occurring pro-
hormone that converts into hundreds of metabolites within the
body, each with its own characteristics and effects.

One of the hormones that DHEA converts into is estradiol.

This means that supplementing with exogenous DHEA in pill
or cream form is an effective way of getting sufficient estradiol
without having to replace one’s Testosterone or forcing the
testicles to produce it.

A good dose of DHEA as a test base is 50mg a day if using it

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orally or 25mg a day if using the topical version, which is more

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bioavailable.
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At these doses, it will provide sufficient estradiol for one to feel

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good and perform properly during the cycle despite the

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suppression. Some users may need to use higher doses if

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they don’t respond well to DHEA, but one should always be

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careful not to go overboard as it would be very easy for this

pro-hormone to cause estrogenic side-effects if overdosed.

This risk aside, DHEA is a very safe supplement with tons of

amazing properties. The main downside of using DHEA,
however, is that it does not contribute to testicular function
like Enclomiphene and HCG do, so a full PCT will be
necessary after a cycle.

305
Believe it or not, Birth Control pills are a valid test base (even
though I do not recommend using them).

Birth Control is made up of estradiol + a progesterone

derivative. In females, the progesterone causes infertility
whereas the estradiol is simply used to replace the natural
estradiol that the female would be producing (similar to TRT
for men).

Since Birth Control is an exogenous source of estradiol, men

can take it during a cycle to get sufficient estradiol without
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having to use any other kind of test base.

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A reasonable dose would be one pill every other day, or even

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one pill a day depending on the user’s reaction to it.

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The main downside of using Birth Control, however, is that the

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progesterone derivative would contribute to the testicular shut

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down and possibly make it hard for one to recover even with a
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PCT.

306
A good alternative to Birth Control pills are Estradiol pills.
These have all the benefits of Birth Control without the
progesterone derivative which contributes to suppression.

Taking estradiol pills is effective, but it is very easy for one to

overdose on them by accident and develop estrogenic side-
effects. After all, estradiol pills are what Male-To-Female
transgenders take to transition, so a bodybuilder using
estradiol pills would be a pill or two a day away from becoming
a transgender woman.
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Given that the oral estradiol dose used by transgenders is

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between 2 and 8mg a day, I would never take more than 1mg
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a day when using estradiol as a “test base”.

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Estradiol pills neither prevent suppression nor exacerbate it,

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so a full PCT would be necessary after a cycle.

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307
Dianabol is one of the few commercially available AAS that
aromatize into estradiol.

Therefore, it does not require a Testosterone base when used

on its own, and it could theoretically be used as a test base at
a dose of 10 to 20mg per day.

However, Dianabol is very liver toxic, so using it as the test

base for other liver toxic oral AAS would be a terrible idea.

I personally think that Dianabol should only be used as its own

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test base, and never as the test base for other orals. I have
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seen people use it as the test base for Anavar cycles (since
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Anavar is not really liver toxic), but I still think that other oral
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options like Enclomiphene or DHEA would have been a better

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choice.
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The same could be said about oral Trestolone (MENT).

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308
Trestolone is another highly estrogenic AAS that does not
require a test base. Oral Trestolone is not a feasible option
due to its liver toxicity, but injectable Trestolone is a decent
test base for other AAS.

Since it needs to be injected, Trestolone is not a good option

for people who are looking for a non-injectable test base like
Enclomiphene, 4-Andro or DHEA, but many advanced
bodybuilders who have no issues with pinning find that
Trestolone is a solid test base for their cycles.
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Using Trestolone at 50 to 75mg per week would definitely

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provide sufficient estradiol conversion for Trestolone to act as

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a test base, but I would always keep an AI on hand.

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As you know, Trestolone is a highly-suppressive compound so

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I would not recommend anyone to attempt a PCT right after

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using it.
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309
POST-CYCLE
THERAPY ha
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310
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 PCT EXPLAINED
As you know, all AAS (except for Proviron) will shut down your
natural Testosterone production. When the brain realizes that
exogenous androgens are being introduced, it stops signalling
the testicles to produce Testosterone. After all, why would the
body work hard to produce its own Testosterone when
exogenous Testosterone and/or its derivatives are already
saturating the androgen receptors?

The result of this “shut-down” is that the testicles stop

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producing Testosterone (trace amounts are still being

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produced by the adrenal glands) and that sperm production

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becomes significantly lower (but very rarely to the point where

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one becomes infertile).

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Furthermore, since organs that are not being actively used by

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the body tend to atrophy, this “shut-down” causes the

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testicles to shrink.

Users who stay on low doses of Testosterone between cycles

(Blasting & Cruising, more information on that later) do not
have to worry about testicular shut-down because they are
committed to using exogenous Testosterone for the rest of
their lives, but testicular “shut-down” is a big issue for those
who want to come off every AAS and go back to relying on
their own Testosterone production after a cycle is over.

311
The solution to being “shut-down” is doing what is known as a
Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT).

The goal of a PCT is to restart the production of Testosterone

and sperm in the testicles so that the user can go back to
feeling and performing as he did before the cycle as quickly
as possible.

While it is certainly true that the body can recover on its own
and start producing Testosterone again without a PCT after
many weeks or even months of being off-cycle, doing a PCT
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simply accelerates this process to make our lives easier and

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facilitate the retention of gains after a cycle.

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But before you can understand how a PCT works, you need
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to understand what the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-

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Gonadal/Testicular Axis (HPGA or HPTA) is:

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312
As you can see in the previous image, the hypothalamus (in
the brain) produces GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing
Hormone), which signals the pituitary gland to release
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone
(FSH).

These two hormones than travel to the testicles (gonads)

where they stimulate the production of Testosterone (in the
case of LH) and the production of sperm (in the case of FSH).

AAS cause testicular “shut-down” by interrupting this

process, and the goal of a PCT is to restart it so that the
testicles can produce Testosterone and sperm again.
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The main drugs used in PCT are Selective Estrogen Receptor

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Modulators (which are also used to prevent and shrink gyno)

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and HCG.
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313
BLASTING & CRUISING
Before I delve into the SERMs, HCG and how to run a proper
PCT, I want to explain a concept known as Blasting &
Cruising (B&C), which is essentially the opposite of doing a
PCT.

Blasting & Cruising consists in remaining (cruising) on a TRT

dose of Testosterone between cycles (blasts) instead of
coming off between cycles and doing a PCT to restore natural
Testosterone production.
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B&C is what most experienced, serious bodybuilders do

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because it simplifies everything, and it allows one to avoid the

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hormonal and emotional ups and downs that come with

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coming off everything and doing a PCT. B&C also makes it

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much easier for one to retain their gains after a cycle/blast.

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In most instances, however, B&C is a lifetime commitment to

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using exogenous Testosterone. Users who opt for B&C realize

that they will probably never be able to have the same natural
Testosterone levels they had before becoming enhanced if
they decide to come off everything and do a PCT after years
of B&C.

For that reason, I personally believe that most beginners

should do a PCT after their few first cycles, and only consider
doing B&C once they have some serious experience and are
comfortable with the idea of pinning Testosterone for the rest
of their life.

314
Blasting & Cruising is much simpler and more straightforward
than doing a PCT. A user who wishes to B&C simply needs to
reduce their weekly Testosterone dose once to a healthier
range once their cycle/blast is over.

The right dose for cruising depends on every individual, but

most bodybuilders use between 150 and 250mg of
Testosterone per week.

A good rule of thumb is using around 1mg of Testosterone per

pound of bodyweight per week. Someone who weighs
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between 150 and 200lbs can cruise on 150 to 200mg of

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Testosterone to feel good and maintain their muscle mass,

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and someone who weighs between 200 and 250lbs can do

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the same on 200 to 250mg of Testosterone per week.

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Some users may experience excess aromatization when

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cruising on 200mg+ of Testosterone per week. If that

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happens, they should reduce their weekly dose until the

excess aromatization stops being an issue, instead of using
an Aromatase Inhibitor, since using AIs for long periods of
time can be extremely unhealthy.

NOTE: I personally believe that everyone who is blasting and

cruising but planning to eventually come off or have children
should be using HCG to maintain their fertility and testicular
function (more info on HCG later).

315
 SERMs
SERMs, also known as Selective Estrogen Receptor
Modulators, are a class of drugs that exert antagonistic (and
sometimes agonistic) actions on the estrogen receptor.
SERMs are primarily used for the treatment of estrogen-
related diseases such as osteoporosis, infertility and breast
cancer in women.

But why are SERMs used by bodybuilders? To put it simply,

SERMs can stimulate endogenous Testosterone production in
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males by blocking the hypothalamic estrogen receptor. This

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action tricks the brain into thinking that estrogen levels are
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low, and since estrogen is primarily acquired through the

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aromatization of Testosterone, the hypothalamus secretes

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GnRH which stimulates the pituitary causing it to release LH

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and FSH to boost Testosterone levels and sperm production.

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SERMs like Tamoxifen and Raloxifene are also used to

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prevent and/or treat gynecomastia, which is a possible side-

effect of AAS and SARMs. They do this by blocking the
estrogen receptor in the breast, which can prevent and even
reverse the development of breast tissue.

In the following pages you will learn everything you need to

know about each SERM when used in a bodybuilding / Post-
Cycle Therapy context.

316
 TAMOXIFEN
NOLVADEX
Half-life: 5-7 days
Dose: 5-20 mg/day (Morning)
PCT LENGTH: 4-6 weeks
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STIMULATES TESTOSTERONE PRODUCTION

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Tamoxifen can increase Testosterone levels by stimulating the

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release of LH and FSH. Off-label use of Tamoxifen by

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bodybuilders also confirms this phenomenon, with thousands

upon thousands of men reporting good results and a
complete reversal of their Testosterone suppression after a
PCT with Tamoxifen.

TREATS GYNECOMASTIA
Tamoxifen is effective at preventing gynecomastia and
reducing the size of already existing breast tissue. It has been
used by thousands if not millions of bodybuilders to prevent
gynecomastia and to reduce its size if it has already

317
developed. You can find more information about the use of
Tamoxifen for gynecomastia in the On-Cycle Therapy chapter.

REDUCES CHOLESTEROL
Tamoxifen can reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol,
but its effects on HDL are unclear. This benefit can help
reverse the negative impact of the SARMs on your lipid panel.

It can increase Triglycerides though.

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LOWER IGF-1
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Tamoxifen can lower IGF-1, one of the most anabolic

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hormones in the human body. This can limit gains in muscle

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mass, but it can easily be avoided by using MK-677.

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MOOD SWINGS AND SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION

Even though there is no scientific data to prove that
Tamoxifen can cause mood swings and sexual dysfunction in
men, a small percentage of users report these side-effects.
Brain fog is commonly reported, and there is some scientific
evidence indicating that Tamoxifen can cause it.

318
HOT FLASHES AND NIGHT SWEATS
Tamoxifen has been proven to cause hot flashes and night
sweats in women with Breast Cancer. There is no scientific
data about the occurrence of these side-effects in men who
take Tamoxifen, but according to anecdotal reports it is
entirely possible.

BLOOD CLOTS
Tamoxifen was proven to increase the chances of developing
deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in elderly
women with breast cancer. If you have a family history of DPV
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or PE, stay away from Tamoxifen and only use it for short
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periods of times if necessary. Fortunately, this is a rare side-

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effect even in women with breast cancer who take Tamoxifen

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for years.
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MILDLY LIVER TOXIC

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Tamoxifen could potentially increase AST and ALT levels but

having a significant degree of liver toxicity due to Tamoxifen is
extremely unlikely. Running NAC during PCT is always
advisable.

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 CLOMIPHENE
CLOMID
Half-life: 5-6 days
Dose: 12.5-50 mg/day (Morning)
PCT LENGTH: 4-6 weeks
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STIMULATES TESTOSTERONE PRODUCTION

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Clomiphene is extremely effective at boosting Total

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Testosterone and Free Testosterone levels. In fact, it is often

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prescribed as an alternative to Testosterone injections in men

with hypogonadism. Clomiphene is reportedly more effective
than Tamoxifen at increasing Testosterone levels, and it is
also more effective at improving fertility. It has been a staple of
PCT protocols for decades.

MAY TREAT GYNECOMASTIA

Clomiphene may be useful at treating gynecomastia, but it is
nowhere near as effective as Raloxifene or Tamoxifen at doing
so.

320
LOWERS IGF-1
Clomiphene can lower IGF-1, one of the most anabolic
hormones in the human body. This can limit gains in muscle
mass, but it can easily be avoided by using MK-677.

MOOD SWINGS AND SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION

Clomiphene is infamous for causing terrible mood swings,
anxiety and depression in a very significant percentage of
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users.
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Despite providing a modest increase in sexual function in

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some users, it is also possible for Clomiphene to have a

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negative impact on sex drive and erectile function.

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HOT FLASHES AND NIGHT SWEATS

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Clomiphene can cause both hot flashes and night sweats in a

small percentage of users.

MILDLY LIVER TOXIC

Clomiphene could potentially increase AST and ALT levels but
having a significant degree of liver toxicity due to Clomid is
extremely unlikely. Running NAC during PCT is always
advisable.

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VISUAL DISTURBANCES
As show in this study, Clomiphene caused visual disturbances
such as blurring, spots and flashes in a small percentage of
subjects. According to this paper, these side-effects subsided
after discontinuing Clomiphene.
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 TOREMIFENE
FARESTON
Half-life: 5 days
Dose: 15-60 mg/day (Morning)
PCT LENGTH: 4-6 weeks
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STIMULATES TESTOSTERONE PRODUCTION

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Toremifene can increase Testosterone levels by stimulating

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the release of LH and FSH. According to anecdotal

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information, Toremifene is not as strong as Tamoxifen or

Clomiphene, but it is strong enough to restore Testosterone
levels in conjunction with a different SERM like Clomiphene or
Enclomiphene.

MAY TREAT GYNECOMASTIA

Toremifene is useful at treating gynecomastia, but it isn’t as
effective as Tamoxifen and Raloxifene. It can probably help
you reverse gynecomastia if you catch it early enough, but I’d
recommend having Tamoxifen or Raloxifene in hand instead.

323
REDUCES CHOLESTEROL
Toremifene can reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol
while increasing HDL cholesterol levels. This benefit can help
reverse the negative impact of the SARMs on your lipid panel.

LOWERS IGF-1
Toremifene can lower IGF-1, one of the most anabolic
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hormones in the human body. This can limit gains in muscle

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mass, but it can easily be avoided by using MK-677.

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MOOD SWINGS AND SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION

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These side-effects are possible with any SERM, but they are
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rarely reported by users of Toremifene. This SERM is one of

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the least likely to cause such side-effects.

HOT FLASHES AND NIGHT SWEATS

Toremifene can cause hot flashes (and consecuently night
sweats) in a very small percentage of users. This is a side-
effect that Toremifene users rarely report.

324
MILDLY LIVER TOXIC
Toremifene could potentially increase AST and ALT levels, but
having a significant degree of liver toxicity due to Toremifene
is extremely unlikely.

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 RALOXIFENE
EVISTA
Half-life: 28-33 hours
Dose: 15-60 mg/day (Morning)
PCT LENGTH: 6-12 weeks
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STIMULATES TESTOSTERONE PRODUCTION

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Raloxifene is somewhat effective at boosting Testosterone,

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but it isn’t strong enough to be used as a PCT. It could work

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as a PCT after a mildly/moderately suppressive cycle, but in

my opinion, you are better off saving for fighting
gynecomastia.

TREATS GYNECOMASTIA
Raloxifene is, hands down, the most effective SERM when it
comes to preventing and reversing gynecomastia. Unlike
Tamoxifen which is primarily useful at treating gynecomastia
in its early stages, Raloxifene can reverse and shrink pubertal
gynecomastia that has existed for years. You can find more

326
information on how to use Raloxifene for gyno in the chapter
about “On-Cycle Therapy”.

REDUCES CHOLESTEROL
Raloxifene can reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.
This benefit can help reverse the negative impact of the
SARMs on your lipid panel.
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LOWERS IGF-1
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Raloxifene can lower IGF-1, one of the most anabolic

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hormones in the human body. This can limit gains in muscle

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mass, but it can easily be avoided by using MK-677.

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MOOD SWINGS AND SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION

There is no scientific or anecdotal data indicating that
Raloxifene could have a negative impact on sexual function or
mood.

MILDLY LIVER TOXIC

Raloxifene could have an impact on the liver, but according to
this scientific paper, the elevation of liver enzymes due to
Raloxifene is uncommon.

327
 ENCLOMIPHENE
ANDROXAL
Half-life: 10 hours
Dose: 6.25-25 mg/day (Morning)
PCT LENGTH: 4-6 weeks
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STIMULATES TESTOSTERONE PRODUCTION

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Enclomiphene is the only SERM that is being seriously studied

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as a treatment for hypogonadism. It is extremely effective at

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boosting Testosterone levels, and more and more anecdotal

data is coming out proving that it is the best SERM out there.

It is also extremely effective at increasing fertility and sperm

count.

MAY TREAT GYNECOMASTIA

There is no scientific or anecdotal information about
Enclomiphene and its effects on gynecomastia, but if
Clomiphene has mild anti-gyno properties, it is safe to assume
that Enclomiphene does too. After all, Clomiphene is 62%

328
Enclomiphene and 38% Zuclomiphene. The former is pro-
androgenic, and the latter is estrogenic, so we can easily
conclude that Clomiphene’s anti-gyno properties are derived
from Enclomiphene.

Despite this, I have seen reports of guys whose nipples got

puffy on Enclomiphene. This does not necessarily mean it
causes gynecomastia, since many factors can modulate the
volume and shape of the nipples.

MUSCLE GAINS
There is no scientific proof that Enclomiphene can directly
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cause muscle growth, but it can increase Testosterone so

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much that I personally believe it can help with gaining muscle

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(despite the IGF-1 drop). The same could be said about other
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SERMs, but they are not as powerful as Enclomiphene so I

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would not expect the same results.

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LOWERS IGF-1
Enclomiphene will lower IGF-1 levels significantly. As
mentioned before, this side´-effect does not seem to stop
Enclomiphene from potentially causing muscle growth. MK-
677 can potentially reverse that side-effect.

329
MOOD SWINGS AND SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION
There is no scientific information about the impact of
Enclomiphene on mood and sexual performance, but
according to anecdotal reports, it can cause something like
what is commonly described as “Roid Rage”. Users report
feeling more masculine, aggressive and impatient.

High libido is also commonly attributed to Enclomiphene use.

HOT FLASHES AND NIGHT SWEATS

There is no scientific or anecdotal information indicating that
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Enclomiphene could cause hot flashes and night sweats.

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MILDLY LIVER TOXIC

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There is no scientific or anecdotal information indicating that

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Enclomiphene could be hepatotoxic but seeing how most

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SERMs can have a small impact on liver enzymes, it is safe to

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assume that Enclomiphene is no exception, especially if we

consider that it is significantly stronger than its counterparts.

330
HCG - FERTILITY & PCT
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a peptide hormone
that occurs naturally in pregnant women.

In fact, HCG is the molecule that pregnancy tests detect to

determine whether a woman is pregnant or not.

Exogenous HCG is used in mainstream medicine to trigger

ovulation in infertile women and to boost fertility in men. It is
also used as a cancer marker since some tumours can
secrete it.
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In the context of performance enhancement, HCG is

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extremely useful because it acts as an analogue of LH

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(Luteinizing Hormone), making it an excellent ancillary for

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boosting fertility, keeping our testes full & running during a

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highly suppressive cycle or simply to kickstart endogenous

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Testosterone production after the cycle.

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Unfortunately, HCG is suppressive because it causes

endogenous LH levels to drop significantly. For that reason,
HCG use for the purpose of PCT is always followed using
SERMs, which boost Testosterone levels by increasing
endogenous LH, rather than replacing LH like HCG does.

Another common concern with HCG is that it can cause

serious estrogenic and androgenic side-effects if a high dose
is administered, so one may have to increase their AI or 5-ARI
dose if they are using HCG during a cycle to maintain their
fertility and testicular function and size.

331
HCG FOR FERTILITY & TESTICULAR SIZE
When used for preserving fertility and testicular function & size
during cycles or on TRT, most men opt for injecting around
500 to 750iu twice a week (so every 3 to 4 days).

One should start with 500iu twice a week and only increase it
to 750iu if they still experience testicular atrophy, all while
accounting for increased estradiol levels by tweaking their AI
dose if necessary.

HCG BEFORE POST-CYCLE THERAPY

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Using it after a cycle to kickstart Testosterone production

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(assuming HCG was not used on-cycle) requires 500iu every

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other day for 2 weeks, followed by 4 weeks of SERM use.

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You will find more information on how to use HCG as part of a

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PCT protocol in the next section of this chapter.

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332
TRANSITIONING FROM
THE CYCLE TO PCT
Optimizing the transition from the cycle to a PCT is crucial.
Not nailing this step can make it easier for one to lose gains
and experience symptoms of low Testosterone after a cycle.

In most cases, starting the PCT right after the last day of the
cycle is not a good idea. This is because most injectables
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have long half-lives so it can take weeks or even months for

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these compounds to leave your body.

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In the case of Nandrolone and its derivatives, I advise against

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using them unless one is planning to cruise on Testosterone

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because their suppressive metabolites will linger for many

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months after discontinuing the parent compound.

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In the case of most other injectables, one must wait for about
2 weeks after the end of the cycle to start the PCT with
SERMs.

When it comes to short-acting injectables, one should wait up

to a week. Orals have short half-lives, so one could
theoretically start the PCT the day after the end of the cycle.
However, short-acting injectables and orals are almost always
stacked with long-acting esters of AAS like Testosterone, so
the 2-week rule still applies.

333
The only exception to the 2-week rule would be if one is only
using orals in conjunction with a test base like DHEA,
Enclomiphene or HCG (PCT could begin the day after the end
of the cycle) OR with a short-acting Testosterone ester like
Propionate (waiting a week would be enough).

THE TRANSITION
What can be done during these ~2 weeks to start preparing
for the PCT with SERMs? Well, if one does nothing and simply
goes straight into the SERMs, there is a good chance their
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PCT will be very rough.

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They may lose a significant amount of muscle, they may

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experience sexual dysfunction and they may feel depressed

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and/or lethargic.
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This is because their circulating Testosterone levels would be

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extremely low and their testicles would be completely

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“dormant” after letting the injectables fade away, and they

would be starting the PCT from the worst possible position.

Ideally, one would want to start the PCT in a better position,

with the testicles already “awake” and producing some
Testosterone by the end the exogenous injectables have left
the body and the PCT with SERMs is supposed to start.

This is achieved by using HCG during the ~2 weeks in-

between the last day of the cycle and the first day of PCT.

By acting as an LH analogue, HCG “forces” the testicles to

start working and producing Testosterone and sperm, even

334
when exogenous AAS are still in the body. Using it before the
PCT with SERMs allows users to enter PCT in the best
possible position, and helps them maintain their gains and
their well-being by preventing Testosterone levels from
plummeting.

Using 500iu of HCG every other day for two weeks, starting
the day after the end of the cycle and ending the day before
the start of PCT with SERMs works in most scenarios.

Users who were already on HCG during the cycle for the sake
of maintaining their fertility and testicular function can
probably get away with using the same dose of HCG they
used during the cycle (usually around 500 to 750iu twice a
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week) during the 2 weeks of transition since their testicles

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never stopped working during the cycle.

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335
IDEAL PCT PROTOCOL
The core components of a Post-Cycle Therapy are the
SERMs. PCT protocols for AAS cycle have typically consisted
of Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) and Clomiphene (Clomid) used
together for 4 to 6 weeks.

This protocol has been used since the 90s with great
success, but I personally believe that the development of
Enclomiphene made it obsolete.

Tamoxifen + Clomiphene may work very well, but the

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Clomiphene tends to cause side-effects like moodiness,

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depression, and possibly sexual dysfunction. These side-

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effects have given the concept of PCT a bad reputation for

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being an emotional rollercoaster, when the reality is that a

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PCT can be a smooth and enjoyable experience with the right

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protocols.
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In my opinion, Enclomiphene is the perfect replacement for

Clomiphene. It not only eliminates the bad side-effects
Clomiphene is known for, but it is also more effective at
restoring Testosterone levels.

If one can get his hands on high-quality Enclomiphene, I see

no reason to use Clomiphene instead. The only advantage of
Clomiphene over Enclomiphene is that the former is more
effective at increasing fertility in females, but that is not
something we are concerned with.

But, what about the other SERMs? Do they have a place in a

PCT protocol?
336
Toremifene is a solid alternative to Tamoxifen, but the reality is
that it has become very hard to source. Tamoxifen is cheap,
readily available and just as (if not more) effective, so I
personally see no reason to choose Toremifene over it.

Raloxifene is an incredible SERM but the weakest one at

increasing Testosterone levels. It shines at preventing and
reversing gynecomastia, so that is what it should be used for.

POST-CYCLE THERAPY LENGTH

I personally decide the length of a PCT based on the length of
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the cycle. A 4-week PCT is enough for a cycle of up to 8

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weeks in length, and a 6-week PCT is usually enough for a

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cycle of up to 20 weeks (assuming that HCG is used to

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transition).
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When coming off a long blast and cruise that has lasted for
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many months or even years, some users will do a PCT for up

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to 8 or even 12 weeks.

People who incorporate HCG into their blast and cruise can
probably get away with a 6-to-8-week PCT.

POST-CYCLE THERAPY DOSE

Using the right dose of each SERM during PCT is the key to
achieving complete hormonal recovery. Here are the doses I
recommend:

337
ENCLOMIPHENE + TAMOXIFEN

• Enclomiphene should be dosed at 25mg a day every

week, and half of that (12.5mg/day) the last week of
PCT.

• Tamoxifen should be dosed at 20mg a day every week,

and half of that amount (10mg/day) the last week of
PCT.

CLOMIPHENE + TAMOXIFEN

• Clomiphene should be dosed at 50mg a day every week,

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and half of that (25mg/day) the last week of PCT.

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• Tamoxifen should be dosed at 20mg a day every week,

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and half of that amount (10mg/day) the last week of

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PCT.
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You will find practical examples of these protocols in the

“Cycle Examples” chapter of this e-book.

338
 HEALTH SUPPS - PCT
It is worth noting that the same health supplements that are
used during a cycle to prevent dyslipidemia, liver toxicity,
kidney damage and cardiovascular problems should continue
to be used after the cycle to ensure complete recovery.

Supplements like Fish Oil, NAC, Citrus Bergamot and other

are used during the cycle to mitigate side-effects, but they do
not completely avoid all the damage. Therefore, they need to
be used during PCT alongside HCG and the SERMs.
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339
AAS FOR FEMALES
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340
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CAN FEMALES USE AAS?
The short answer is YES, but most female athletes should
steer clear of the vast majority of AAS.

As you will know if you have paid attention while reading this
e-book, most AAS will have androgenic side-effects like hair
loss, acne, body hair growth, deeper voice and aggression.

In females, this androgenicity can lead to the same side-

effects while also causing a more masculine facial structure,
clitoris growth, reducing breast size and interfering with
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menstrual cycles. Besides the last side-effect I just listed,

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these side-effects are not fully reversible.

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Female bodybuilders who wish to compete at the highest

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levels will have to resort to some of these drugs despite their

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masculinizing effects (example: Iris Kyle) often under the

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supervision of a coach who specializes in coaching female

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bodybuilders to reduce androgenic side-effects.

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Unfortunately, I am no expert when it comes to teaching

women how to use the most potent AAS, so this chapter will
not be helpful to female athletes who wish to become as big
and shredded as the typical male bodybuilder who competes
in Men’s Physique.

The average female athlete, however, can make a ton of

progress and achieve the look that she wants while avoiding
the most androgenic AAS and sticking to the least androgenic
AAS. Keep reading to find out what those AAS are and how to
use them in the safest way possible.

341
FEMALE-FRIENDLY AAS
We could argue that the right AAS for the average female
athletes are the same AAS that men who want to avoid hair
loss at all costs tend to go for.

That leaves us with a small selection of compounds, but that

is fine because most enhanced female athletes do not even
need to use a lot of stuff to experience drastic improvements
in their ability to gain muscle and strength.

The main AAS that female athletes can use are Anavar,
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Primobolan, Turinabol and Equipoise. Except for Anavar +

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Turinabol, all these AAS can be combined with each other

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(although the risk of masculinization will increase).

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ANAVAR
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Anavar (Oxandrolone) is the most popular AAS among female

athletes. Despite being a DHT derivative, it carries a very low
risk of androgenic side-effects and provides a very clean
increase in lean muscle mass and strength.

Female athletes can run 5 to 10mg of Anavar per day for up

to 6 weeks.

The risk of virilization at these doses is very low, but Anavar

should be discontinued immediately if it still occurs.
Dyslipidemia is the most prevalent side-effect of Anavar in
females.

342
Some female athletes will experience irregularities in their
menstrual cycles, but this side-effect will resolve itself once
the cycle is over.

PRIMOBOLAN
Primbololan (Methenolone) is also a DHT derivative, but unlike
Anavar it can cause hair loss and other androgenic side-
effects at higher doses. Fortunately, this risk is almost non-
existent at the low doses that female athletes use.

Female athletes should take 50 to 100mg of injectable

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Primobolan per week, or 10 to 20mg a day if they prefer oral

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Primobolan. The injectable can be used for up to 20 weeks at

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a time, whereas the oral should be kept at 6 weeks.

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The risk of virilization at these doses is very low, but

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Primobolan should be discontinued immediately if it still

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occurs. Mild liver toxicity (on the oral) and dyslipidemia are
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the most prevalent side-effects of Primobolan in females.

Some female athletes will experience irregularities in their

menstrual cycles, but this side-effect will resolve itself once
the cycle is over.

TURINABOL
Turinabol (Chlorodehydromethyltestosterone) is an oral AAS
derived from Testosterone that carries a very low risk of
masculinization. It is worth noting, however, that many East

343
German Olympic athletes did develop masculine features
after being on state-mandated Turinabol for many months or
even years at a time.

Female athletes should take 5 to 10mg of Turinabol per day

for up to 4 weeks.

The risk of virilization at these doses is very low, but Turinabol

should be discontinued immediately if it still occurs. Liver
toxicity and dyslipidemia are the most prevalent side-effects of
Turinabol in females.

Some female athletes will experience irregularities in their

menstrual cycles, but this side-effect will resolve itself once
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the cycle is over.

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EQUIPOISE
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Equipoise (Boldenone) is an injectable AAS derived from

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Testosterone that many female athletes really enjoy thanks to

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its relatively mild side-effect profile and the slow yet steady
lean muscle gains it provides.

Female athletes should take 50 to 100mg of Equipoise per

week. The cycle can last for up to 16 weeks, maybe even 20.

The risk of virilization at these doses is very low, but Equipoise

should be discontinued immediately if it still occurs. All
Equipoise users should keep an eye on their kidneys and
ensure optimal hydration while running it, and females are no
exception.

344
Some female athletes will experience irregularities in their
menstrual cycles, but this side-effect will resolve itself once
the cycle is over.

OTHER AAS
Other AAS that females can run in very low doses and for very
short periods of time without experiencing a significant degree
of virilization are Testosterone, Proviron, Winstrol, Nandrolone
and even Masteron.

These AAS can be deployed for a week or two in preparation

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for a contest, but only by females who are willing to take the
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risk (even though it’s low).

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If you are a female athlete who is looking to compete at a high

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level and you are thinking about using some of these AAS, I
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suggest you find a good coach who specializes in female

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bodybuilders. Make sure their previous clients don’t have a 5

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o’clock shadow!

345
 OCT & PCT
When it comes to avoiding side-effects during a cycle of the
AAS we have just covered, female athletes will have to focus
on treating dyslipidemia, liver toxicity and kidney damage.

Simply take the information in the “On-Cycle Therapy”

chapter of this e-book and apply it to your cycle without
changing the doses.

Even though female athletes use lower doses of AAS than

males, they should still be as careful with side-effects as men
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because their organs are more susceptible to being damaged

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by AAS.
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Using a Testosterone base is not necessary, but some women

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feel better during their cycles when they take 25 to 50mg of

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DHEA per day.

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PCT is not necessary either, but some female athletes choose

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to slowly taper off the dose of whatever they are taking to

make the transition to being “natural” again smoother.

346
 OTHER PEDs
In my opinion, female athletes who do not wish to become
high-level competitors and who simply want to have a lean,
muscular physique do NOT need to use AAS.

SARMs like Ostarine, RAD-140 and S-4 offer the same

benefits as the AAS we have covered in this chapter with an
even lower risk of side-effects.

You can learn more about SARMs and how to use them as a
female athlete in THE SARM HANDBOOK.
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Peptides are also completely fine for female athletes to use

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whether they are trying to heal injuries, improve their skin

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quality, get a darker skin tone, build muscle, or burn fat.

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You can learn more about Peptides and how to use them in
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THE PEPTIDE HANDBOOK.

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Other PEDs that female athletes can use are fat-burners like
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Clenbuterol, Albuterol, T3, Yohimbine, etc… Pretty much

every non-hormonal PED is ok for females to use provided
that they use a conservative dose and are aware of their risks
and how to mitigate them.

347