Most people fear losing muscle gain after the steroid cycle stops. However, with proper diet, exercise, and Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) after you discontinue anabolic steroid doses. Learn in the following discussion how you can maintain a healthy physique after the steroid cycle.

Synthetic steroids are used to accelerate muscle growth, increase strength, and improve the performance of an athlete. The synthetic ones work similarly to the naturally produced testosterone in the human body. These synthetic steroids, known as anabolic steroids, help to increase protein synthesis and maintain nitrogen in the body. As a result, anabolic testosterone stimulates muscle growth and increases the production of red cells, but reduces the natural production of testosterone.

However, once the steroid cycle is stopped, your body has to readjust itself to the lower level of hormones. This is the most crucial time for your body. With the right exercise, diet, and therapy, you can retain the hard-earned muscle. 

It is necessary to go through post-cycle therapy (PCT) to recover from the steroid usage. Let’s start the discussion by understanding what the PCT is.

1. Understanding Post-Cycle Changes

During the steroid cycle, the body experiences a high level of testosterone. Besides, the anabolic steroids increase protein synthesis and water retention in the muscle. But all of these elevated activities get disrupted when you stop taking steroids.

Moreover, during the steroid cycle, the body experiences a high level of anabolic processes, helping build muscles. But, as soon as the steroids stop, the anabolic process slows down, and the catabolic process increases.

Moreover, the synthetic steroids also suppress the natural production of testosterone, which also influences the anabolic process. This is why the post-cycle therapy is necessary to bring the hormone production process to normal in your body. 

2. The Role of Post Cycle Therapy (PCT)

Regardless of whether you are going through a steroid cutting cycle or a bulking cycle, anabolic steroids put strain on your liver, heart, kidneys, and other organs. Moreover, the natural production of testosterone gets suppressed because the anabolic steroids suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. As a result, the body reduces the production of testosterone.

However, the Post-cycle therapy helps to bring hormones in your body to the natural level. During the PCT, the body goes through the process of reducing the negative effects of the suppressed testosterone. 

During the PCT, you might be given Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERM), for example, Clomiphene citrate, which helps in boosting natural testosterone production. It helps to improve the overall hormone balance in your body after the steroid cycle.

Besides, aromatase inhibitors are also used in the PCT to control the sudden increase of estrogen. However, if you do not complete the PCT carefully, you might risk muscle loss.

3. Nutrition for Muscle Retention

If you want to know how to maintain a lean physique even after stopping the consumption of anabolic steroids, then exercise and a balanced diet can help you meet the goal.

Try to take protein-rich foods, which will help you preserve the hard-earned muscle. Protein-rich foods will also help offset the catabolism phase in the post-cycle phase. At the same time, keep enough carbohydrates in your diet to keep yourself energised. 

Also, add some micronutrients like vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc. And never forget to get hydrated during the day.

4. Training Adjustments after a Cycle

As your body adjusts to the new, reduced hormone levels, try not to push yourself too hard during exercise. Too much exercise will put extra strain on the muscles and on your heart.

Anabolic steroids already put pressure on your organs; now, putting additional pressure on your body without the support of testosterone might backfire. Rather, focus on maintaining your strength by exercising with lower weights.

Take small steps to maintain your gains during. Exercise moderately, eat healthy foods, and take sufficient rest to adjust your body to the new condition.

5. Supplements That Can Help

Besides the medicines you take during the PCT to boost natural testosterone in your body, try consuming food supplements to do the same. Try consuming zinc supplements, vitamin D, fenugreek, and ashwagandha to naturally maintain testosterone levels.

You should start taking these supplements after getting advice from a certified practitioner. Overdosing might harm your body, so try to consume them as advised.

At the same time, whey protein, BCCAs, and other supplements can help you in your recovery and retaining muscle.

6. Lifestyle Habits That Support Gains

During the recovery period, you should manage your stress for a better and quicker recovery. Try to be relaxed during the entire period of your PCT phase and even during the later period. A high level of stress causes a high level of cortisol production, which might increase blood pressure. 

Moreover, try to get normal sleep to help your body recover faster. The right intensity of exercise, diet, and sleep will help you come back to your natural lifestyle. Most importantly, stay away from alcohol and junk foods.

7. Long-Term Health Considerations

To stay healthy in the long run, try to monitor your testosterone levels. To understand your health condition, a few medical tests can be done. You can get yourself the following tests done:

• Liver Function Test
• Kidney Function Test
• Estrogen Levels monitoring
• Complete Blood Count
• Lipid Profile

These tests will help you monitor your health condition in the long run. If you face any difficulties recovering, consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Summary Recap

Once you stop using anabolic steroids, the level of testosterone in your body goes down. Moreover, the use of anabolic steroids had already suppressed the natural production of testosterone, so there is a risk of losing muscle.

But with the right training and diet, you can preserve your muscle. Make sure you monitor your health condition by doing some tests, and if necessary, consult a doctor for a fast recovery.

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