I'm 41 and been on Eroids for about 3 years I guess. I've worked out since I was 12 and didn't start using gear until I was 38. Read a lot of different advice on PCT and followed much of it. The veterans on here have really helped me out.
However, from the beginning, I have tweeked my "PCT" a little just with what seems to me as common sense. First of all, I would like to say "to each his own" and I'm not trying to name anyone as exactly right or totally wrong. But I have noticed time and time again that with many cycles that members run, there is little to no "tapering down" at the end of a cycle. To me this seems counterproductive just like someone trying to kick a habit in one day. Of course for those of you that know me, I don't run heavy cycles and I take sometimes 3-5 months between cycles. In fact, my first few were Anavar only. No PCT required but I did taper down the dose over the past two to three weeks. Don't worry, I'm getting to my point.
Anyway, I've always believed that your body responds better to a gradual change instead of a drastic reduction in Test, Deca etc, etc,. I'm only sharing this because I see so many members (mostly younger) really going through it during PCT. Depression, lack of motivation, drastic loss in size, decreased libido among other things. That is something that I have never experienced and don't care to. My last cycle, which ended about 10 weeks ago was about as heavy as I run and it consisted of 350 Deca EW, 350mg's of Eq EW and 350mg's of Test E EW with some Avar, Test Prop, Adex, and Clomid mixed in. It was also my longest cycle to date - 14 weeks in all not counting PCT. But the thing that I do differently than most is about 2 -3 weeks out, I start decreasing my dose of the Deca, Eq, and Test and slowly start increasing Clomid, Adex or Aromasin. I also end my cycle with Test Prop because of it's short half life it makes it easier for me to slowly decrease from 100mg's MWF to 75 to 50 to 25 to 0 without having to "guess when I will be coming off of the long esters. Following this, I go to the Clomid 100/75/50/25, Nolvadex 40/30/20/10. About two days after my last pin of Test P, I usually hit about 1000iu's of HCG EOD for a total of three shots. I know it's probably best to use HCG on cycle instead of, or in addition to, at the end, but to date I've had no real reason.
Another thing I've found to be extremely helpful is the use of Avar as part of, or a prelude to PCT. I like using Avar at the beginning and end of cycles. Many times, I will start reducing the amount I pin 2 -3 weeks out and begin Avar starting with 10mg's a day gradually going up to 60mg's a day about a week after my last pin of long ester oils. Then I slowly decrease from 60mg's a day to 0mg's a day in about 3 -4 weeks. Most of the time I still use my AIs but in smaller doses. I also love using Aromasin at the very end by itself.
Something else that I've found useful is saving all supplements until AFTER my cycle. During my cycle, I try to hit the gym hard, eat plenty and get adequate sleep and usually do drink my protein shakes. But I've found it helpful to save the Creatine, Arginine, Beta Alanine, natural test boosters etc, etc, until my cycle is finished. This seems to give me a little push when my body really needs it, and like gear, in my experience, those supplements don't seem to work as well when taken for months on end. Also, I begin taking Mirtazapine 30mg before bed to cut down on cortisol levels at night and help me sleep better.
I am only writing this because I think it may help some of you fellas deal with PCT a little easier. I really feel bad for the members I see all "down in the dumps" after a cycle because I don't think it has to be this way. Whether you're running a heavy cycle for 20 weeks or a light cycle for 12 weeks, I believe that tapering down dosage about 3 weeks out will keep many of you from experiencing such dramatic drops in well being, libido, strength, etc.
There are many members on here that know MUCH more about using gear than I do. I'll be the first to admit this, however, I see the cycles that many members use and pretty much stop "cold turkey" then go into PCT. So take my advise for what it's worth and maybe it will help with your PCT. I am not trying to discredit or disagree with anyone else on this matter, it's just what has worked well for me. In addition, because I've worked out for so long, it's pretty hard to tell when I'm on cycle or not. My strength, and definition may decrease a little but nothing that anyone seems to notice. I know this may not be the case if I were doing heavier cycles but I still believe this approach will make PCT easier for some of you. KEA