Cycle Support

Cycle Support and PCT — Why Every Compound Matters

Cycle support compounds are not optional additions — they are essential components of responsible AAS use. An aromatase inhibitor controls estrogen on cycle. A SERM restarts the HPG axis post-cycle. HCG prevents testicular atrophy during long cycles. Cabergoline manages prolactin on 19-nor compounds. Each compound serves a specific pharmacological role that cannot be substituted. See the full framework: PCT — Post Cycle Therapy: The Complete Guide.

SERMs — Post Cycle Therapy Compounds

Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators block estrogen receptors at the hypothalamus and pituitary — the brain interprets this as low estrogen and increases GnRH, LH and FSH output, restarting natural testosterone production. Every AAS cycle requires SERM-based PCT:

• Nolvadex (Tamoxifen) — the standard PCT SERM. Protocol: 40/40/20/20 mg/day for 4 weeks starting 14 days after last long-ester injection. Most widely used and best-evidenced PCT compound
• Clomid (Clomiphene) — stronger LH stimulation than Nolvadex. Used in extended PCT after more suppressive cycles — Trenbolone, Deca or long blast and cruise. Common side effects: mood instability and visual disturbances
• Enclomiphene — the trans-isomer of Clomiphene. Equivalent LH/FSH stimulation to Clomid with significantly cleaner side effect profile. No mood or vision issues. Increasingly preferred over Clomid in 2025–2026 PCT protocols at 25 mg/day for 4–6 weeks
• Raloxifene — SERM with more direct mammary tissue action than Nolvadex. Most effective pharmacological option for early gynecomastia reversal

Aromatase Inhibitors — On-Cycle Estrogen Management

AIs block the aromatase enzyme that converts testosterone to estradiol. Used on cycle to prevent or manage high-estrogen side effects — gynecomastia, water retention, blood pressure elevation. Have an AI available but use reactively — prophylactic AI use risks crashing E2 and causing its own side effect profile:

• Arimidex (Anastrozole) — most widely used AI. Non-steroidal, reversible aromatase inhibitor. Starting dose if needed: 0.5 mg every other day
• Aromasin (Exemestane) — steroidal AI, suicidal aromatase inhibitor. Preferred by some for PCT compatibility — does not rebound estrogen when stopped. 12.5–25 mg every other day
• Femara (Letrozole) — most potent AI available. Used for gynecomastia reversal or on very high aromatising cycles. Aggressive E2 suppression — use with caution

HCG — Testicular Function Preservation

HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) mimics LH and directly stimulates the testes — maintaining testicular volume and Leydig cell sensitivity during long cycles when LH is suppressed to near zero. Used two ways: on-cycle at 250–500 IU every 3–4 days to prevent atrophy, or as a pre-PCT blast (500 IU EOD for 10 days) to restimulate the testes before SERM therapy. Stop HCG 3–4 days before starting SERMs.

Cabergoline — Prolactin Control

Cabergoline is a dopamine agonist that directly suppresses prolactin secretion. Required on 19-nor compound cycles (Nandrolone, Trenbolone) which elevate prolactin through progestin receptor activity. Elevated prolactin causes sexual dysfunction and low libido that does not respond to SERMs alone. Standard dose: 0.25–0.5 mg twice weekly.

Other Support Compounds

• Finasteride — 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. Reduces DHT conversion — used for hair loss prevention on testosterone-based cycles. Not effective for DHT-derivative compounds (Masteron, Winstrol)
• Accutane (Isotretinoin) — the only reliably effective treatment for severe AAS-related acne. Requires medical supervision
• Liv52 — hepatoprotective support during oral AAS cycles

Frequently Asked Questions