PCT Compounds: The 2026 Comparison
The three SERMs that form the backbone of modern Post Cycle Therapy, compared head-to-head so you can make an informed decision.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Property | Enclomiphene | Nolvadex (Tamoxifen) | Clomid (Clomiphene) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drug Class | SERM (Pure Antagonist) | SERM (Mixed) | SERM (Mixed Isomers) |
| Half-Life | ~10 hours | ~5-7 days | ~5 days |
| 2026 Dosage | 6.25-12.5mg/day | 10-20mg/day | 25-50mg/day |
| Typical Duration | 4-6 weeks | 4 weeks | 4 weeks |
| HPTA Restart Potency | High | Moderate | High |
| Gyno Protection | Moderate | Excellent | Moderate |
| Sperm Count Impact | Preserves / Increases | Neutral | Increases |
| Side Effect Profile | Minimal | Low-Moderate | Moderate-High |
| Emotional Side Effects | Rare | Uncommon | Common ("Clomid Crazies") |
| Visual Disturbances | Very Rare | Rare | Possible |
| 2026 Popularity | Gold Standard | Reliable Classic | Declining Use |
Which One Should You Choose?
There's no single "best" SERM - it depends on your situation. Here's a quick decision framework:
Choose Enclomiphene If...
- You want the cleanest side-effect profile
- You're concerned about maintaining fertility/sperm count
- You ran a moderate cycle (standard test cycle or SARMs)
- You don't need strong gyno protection specifically
Choose Nolvadex If...
- You're prone to gyno or ran compounds that aromatize heavily
- You want a battle-tested compound with decades of clinical data
- You're looking for a conservative, lower-risk protocol
- You prefer a longer half-life (fewer timing concerns)
Consider Clomid If...
- You ran a very heavy or long cycle and need aggressive restart
- Enclomiphene isn't available to you
- Your doctor specifically recommends it
- You've tolerated it well in previous cycles
What About hCG?
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) isn't a SERM, but it plays an important supporting role. It mimics LH and directly stimulates the Leydig cells in your testes to produce testosterone. The 2026 approach is to use it during the cycle (250-500 IU two to three times per week) rather than loading it all at the end.
Think of it as "keeping the factory warm" so that when you do start your SERM, the testes are primed and ready to respond. Using hCG only at the end of a cycle, after the testes have already atrophied, is less effective and takes longer.
A Note on Aromatase Inhibitors
Arimidex (Anastrozole) and Aromasin (Exemestane) are sometimes included in PCT protocols, but the 2026 consensus is clear: don't use AIs unless bloodwork tells you to. Crashing your estrogen during recovery is just as bad - sometimes worse - than having it run high. Low estrogen during PCT leads to joint pain, destroyed libido, tanked mood, and impaired recovery.
If your Estradiol (E2) comes back elevated on bloodwork, then a very low dose of an AI may be warranted. But the "just in case" approach that was popular years ago has largely been abandoned.