Post-cycle therapy after androgen abuse: what are we seeking to achieve?

Abstract

Despite limited evidence supporting its efficacy, the use of post-cycle therapy (PCT) is widespread amongst men following cessation of androgen abuse. The proposed rationale for PCT is to accelerate recovery of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis function following androgen-induced suppression. In this commentary, we consider the distinction between pharmacological response and sustained recovery of endogenous HPG axis function, the relationship between biochemical and symptomatic recovery, and the potential role of PCT as a harm-reduction strategy.