Enclomiphene vs Nolvadex vs Clomid: PCT Showdown for Enhanced Lifters (2025 Guide)
Whether you’re running SARMs, peptides, or full-blown AAS, post-cycle therapy (PCT) isn’t optional—it’s mandatory. But not all SERMs (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators) are created equal. In 2025, three options dominate the conversation:
Enclomiphene, Nolvadex (Tamoxifen), and Clomid (Clomiphene).
This guide breaks down the science, real-world use, and recovery metrics behind each so you can make the most informed choice possible.
🧪 Why PCT Still Matters in 2025
Coming off any suppressive compound drops your natural testosterone levels. LH (Luteinizing Hormone) and FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) flatline, and estrogen can rebound hard.
A good SERM bridges the hormonal gap—kickstarting your HPTA (hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis) while managing estrogenic rebound.
🔬 Meet the Players
| Compound |
Primary Action |
Estrogen Blockade |
LH/FSH Boost |
Mood Side Effects |
Notable Traits |
| Enclomiphene |
ER antagonist (isomer-specific) |
Moderate |
Strong |
Minimal |
Cleanest recovery; fast onset |
| Nolvadex |
ER modulator |
Strong |
Moderate |
Mild |
Standard for decades |
| Clomid |
ER modulator (dual isomer) |
Strong |
Strong |
Moderate to High |
Causes mood swings in many |
Pro Tip: Clomid = 50% enclomiphene + 50% zuclomiphene (long-acting estrogenic isomer that causes side effects).
🏋️ Enclomiphene Citrate
Why it works: Isolated from Clomid, enclomiphene stimulates LH/FSH without estrogenic interference.
- Dose: 12.5mg–25mg/day (taper as needed)
- Cycle Length: 3–4 weeks
- Strengths: Clean HPTA rebound, minimal mood issues, no visual sides
- Stack Notes: Ideal after SARMs, mild cycles, or TRT exits
“Enclo feels clean. Like my test bounces back without the mental fog.”
🕵️️ Nolvadex (Tamoxifen)
Why it works: Competes with estrogen at receptor sites; boosts LH indirectly.
- Dose: 20–40mg/day
- Cycle Length: 4–6 weeks
- Strengths: Widely studied, reduces gyno risk, well-tolerated
- Stack Notes: Great for moderate cycles, AAS users, or when AI wasn’t used
“Nolva saved me from rebound gyno. No complaints.”
🪩 Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate)
Why it works: Triggers LH/FSH hard but includes both estrogenic and anti-estrogenic isomers
- Dose: 25–50mg/day
- Cycle Length: 4 weeks
- Strengths: Potent stimulation, long track record
- Side Effects: Mood swings, vision blurriness, estrogenic symptoms from zuclomiphene
- Stack Notes: Only recommended when LH is totally flatlined
“Clomid gets numbers up. But it wrecked my mood. Wouldn’t use it again unless I had to.”
📊 Recovery Timeline Comparison (Days 1–21)
| Day |
Enclomiphene Dose |
Nolvadex Dose |
Clomid Dose |
Expected Effects |
| 1–7 |
25mg/day |
40mg/day |
50mg/day |
LH/FSH spike, libido begins rebound |
| 8–14 |
12.5mg/day |
20mg/day |
25mg/day |
Test levels begin stabilizing |
| 15–21 |
12.5mg EOD |
20mg EOD |
Stop or 25mg EOD |
Mood normalization, estrogen balance |
Note: Always adjust based on bloodwork. These are general frameworks, not medical advice.
⚖️ Summary: Best Uses by Compound
| Scenario |
Best Option |
| PCT after SARMs |
Enclomiphene |
| PCT after anabolic steroids |
Nolvadex + Enclo combo |
| Severe suppression (TRT shutdown) |
Clomid (short-term only) |
| Estrogen rebound or gyno flare |
Nolvadex |
| Mood-sensitive users |
Enclomiphene |
🔗 Related Tools & Guides
🔄 Final Thoughts
Enclomiphene is the most targeted and side-effect-free SERM in 2025. It works fast, doesn’t wreck your head, and gets you back online without the emotional seesaw of Clomid.
Nolvadex remains a solid choice when estrogen is your enemy. Clomid? Reserve it for the big recoveries when you’re coming off heavy suppression and can handle the rollercoaster.
Train hard, recover smarter.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a qualified health professional before using any pharmaceutical compound.
