Please allow me to flesh out a few points, so my previous work is better understood.
To minimize the risk of permanent HPTA shutdown, I think it is very important to: (1) use HCG regularly during the cycle. This maintains testicular function, for the most part, and also stimulates the conversion of CHOL to pregnenolone, by virtue of its effects on the CYP450scc enzyme. As perhaps some of you remember, I first brought this concept to the forefront, and was later proven by several important studies--long AFTER many had already successfully used the protocol. lol
(2) Appropriate use of AI's during the cycle, so estrogen is kept in check all along the way. Not only is it suppressive, and brings untoward subjective side effects, I most fear cancer down the road due to build-up of dangerous 4-OHE and 16-OHE in those who don't, so also want to see a good load of daily anti-oxidants on board as well. Of note, no where am I recommending driving E too low--that is dangerous and counterproductive as well.
I think a lot of confusion comes from lack of agreement on just when IS the cycle over? Depending upon particulars, it could be, literally, several weeks status post final injection. If one chooses to use Deca, I have seen profound HPTA-suppression for months (although recovery can begin much sooner, of course). So when I speak of "post cycle", I mean when serum androgen levels have dropped below the top of normal range. BTW, clomid is not effective until serum T falls to a concentration roughly equal to that produced by 200mg per week of test cyp.
So E should be controlled while it is still elevated, otherwise it continues to suppress the HPTA. But after that, using an AI-- there by forcing E too low--extends the time of Lipid Profile damage, further inhibits sexual function, etc etc. IOW, it extends the time of damage to health from using steroids.
I'd stick to a SERM-class drug post cycle when possible. It is only when same fails I would employ an AI in a more aggressive therapy. Otherwise you risk the ill side effects previously described. I hope this clears this up for all.
The TRUE goal of post cycle therapy is not often described well. The idea is not just to bring T back up. The more scientific and professional approach is to think in terms of restoring hormonal metabolic pathways. Therefore, using ANY powerful endocrine-disrupting drug is contrary to this strategy. And, no doubt, all AI's fall into this category.
Obviously, then, goofy ideas such as using finasteride for PCT should be promptly ignored in particular, and the propagators of same in general.
Let's always be careful to not extrapolate conclusions for otherwise healthy adult males from studies conducted on, for instance, postmenopausal females. The hormonal milieu between males and females is just that different. It seems as though one guy posts a study on the latter group, and a week later hundreds of self-proclaimed Internet gurus post their mistaken notions as if same were proven fact. I read several examples of what I speak in this very thread.
