Guide to Prohormone Cycle Support

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What is On-Cycle Support & Why Do You Need It?

On-Cycle Support, often called liver support, is a must-have for bodybuilders during a prohormone cycle. These products are designed to shield your body from potential side effects while optimizing your performance and maximizing muscle gains.

When taking prohormones, cycle support is a critical component of your regimen. Prohormones are powerful compounds that help boost muscle growth, strength, and performance, but they can also place significant stress on your body, particularly your liver, cardiovascular system, and hormone balance. This is where cycle support comes in—it helps protect your body from potential side effects and ensures you can achieve maximum results while maintaining your health.

Key Benefits of Cycle Support:

  1. Liver Protection
    Many prohormones are methylated, which can strain the liver. Cycle support supplements typically contain ingredients like milk thistle (silymarin) or N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), which help detoxify and protect liver function during your cycle.

  2. Cardiovascular Health
    Prohormones can sometimes impact cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Cycle support often includes compounds like CoQ10, hawthorn berry, or omega-3 fatty acids to support heart health and maintain optimal blood pressure.

  3. Hormonal Balance
    Some prohormones can elevate estrogen levels due to aromatization. Cycle support may include anti-estrogenic ingredients like DIM (diindolylmethane) to help manage estrogen levels and prevent side effects like gynecomastia (gyno).

  4. Kidney and Prostate Health
    Certain prohormones can stress the kidneys or enlarge the prostate. Ingredients like saw palmetto and cranberry extract are common in cycle support formulas to address these concerns.

  5. Overall Wellness
    Prohormones can deplete essential nutrients or cause oxidative stress. Many cycle support products include vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to keep your body functioning at its best.

What are the Most Common Ingredients in Cycle Support Supplements?

  • Milk Thistle (Silymarin): Supports liver detox and function.
  • NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine): Boosts glutathione levels, a key antioxidant for liver health.
  • Hawthorn Berry: Promotes cardiovascular health and stable blood pressure.
  • Saw Palmetto: Supports prostate health.
  • CoQ10: Aids heart health and energy production.
  • Policosanol: Helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
  • DIM (Diindolylmethane): Assists in estrogen regulation.

Choosing the Right Cycle Support Supplement

When selecting a cycle support product, look for a comprehensive formula that addresses liver health, cardiovascular support, hormonal balance, and overall wellness. Opt for a trusted brand with clinically dosed ingredients to ensure maximum effectiveness.

By pairing prohormones with a robust cycle support supplement, you’ll be safeguarding your body and laying the groundwork for optimal gains without unnecessary risks.

We Recommend the Following:

What Side Effects Can Cycle Support Products Protect Against?

Liver, prostate, cholesterol, and blood pressure issues are common during prohormone cycles. Your body is placed under tremendous stress during a cycle, so proper supplementation is essential to optimizing your on-cycle results. Cycle Support products can help prevent or limit the side effects experienced during a cycle, while optimizing gains in size and strength.

Ensures you can maximize your gains safely during the prohormone cycle without damaging your liver, cardiovascular system, or other vital functions.

1. Liver Damage

Many prohormones are methylated to enhance their bioavailability, but this can place a heavy burden on the liver. Over time, this can lead to elevated liver enzyme levels, impaired detoxification, or even long-term liver damage.
Cycle support ingredients like milk thistle, NAC (N-acetyl cysteine), and TUDCA work to detoxify and protect liver cells, reduce oxidative stress, and promote healthy liver function.

2. High Blood Pressure

Prohormones can cause water retention and alter cholesterol levels, both of which can increase blood pressure. Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to headaches, fatigue, and long-term cardiovascular risks.
Ingredients like hawthorn berry, celery seed extract, and CoQ10 help maintain healthy blood pressure levels by improving circulation and supporting vascular health.

3. Cholesterol Imbalances

Prohormones may reduce HDL ("good") cholesterol and increase LDL ("bad") cholesterol, putting additional stress on your cardiovascular system. Left unchecked, this can raise the risk of heart disease.
Cycle support formulas often include omega-3 fatty acids, policosanol, and red yeast rice to support healthy cholesterol levels and overall heart health.

4. Hormonal Imbalances (High Estrogen Levels)

Certain prohormones can aromatize, converting excess testosterone into estrogen. This can lead to gynecomastia (gyno), water retention, mood swings, or fat gain in undesirable areas.
Cycle support products often include aromatase inhibitors or estrogen-regulating compounds like DIM (diindolylmethane) to help control estrogen levels and prevent these effects.

5. Prostate Enlargement

Some prohormones can increase DHT (dihydrotestosterone) levels, which may cause prostate inflammation or enlargement, resulting in discomfort, frequent urination, or other prostate-related issues.
Saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol are common cycle support ingredients that promote prostate health by regulating DHT levels.

6. Kidney Stress

Prohormones, especially when paired with inadequate hydration or high-protein diets, can strain the kidneys. This may result in dehydration, kidney discomfort, or in extreme cases, damage to kidney function.
Cycle support often includes cranberry extract, dandelion root, or potassium to help maintain kidney health and improve fluid balance.

7. Oxidative Stress

Prohormones can cause an increase in free radical production, which may lead to oxidative damage in cells throughout the body. Over time, this can impair recovery and overall performance.
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and alpha-lipoic acid are often included in cycle support products to combat oxidative stress and promote cellular recovery.

8. Joint Discomfort

Some prohormones can reduce joint lubrication or increase inflammation, leading to joint stiffness or pain—especially during heavy lifting sessions.
Cycle support may contain ingredients like MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), glucosamine, or chondroitin to support joint health and mobility during cycles.

9. Fatigue and Lethargy

The stress placed on your body during a prohormone cycle can lead to fatigue or a lack of energy. Additionally, low natural testosterone levels caused by suppression can worsen this effect.
Cycle support products often include B-complex vitamins, zinc, and magnesium to maintain energy levels and metabolic function throughout the cycle.

10. Suppressed Immune Function

Prohormones can sometimes weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to illness or delayed recovery from intense workouts.
Cycle support may include immune-boosting ingredients like echinacea, astragalus, or probiotics to keep your immune system strong.

11. Acne and Skin Issues

Prohormones can increase oil production in the skin, leading to acne or breakouts. This is often due to elevated androgen levels.
Cycle support ingredients like zinc and selenium can help regulate oil production and reduce skin inflammation.

12. Mood Swings and Mental Stress

Hormonal fluctuations during a cycle can affect your mood, causing irritability, aggression, or even mild depression in some cases.
Adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha or Rhodiola rosea are often included in cycle support to promote emotional balance and reduce cortisol levels.

Do I need Cycle Support For Non-Methylated Prohormones?

Yes. Although non-methylated prohormones have limited liver toxicity and contain fewer side effects, a cycle support product will still help counteract issues pertaining to cholesterol levels, blood pressure, prostate health, and inflammation.

Can I Skip Cycle Support If I'm Going To Take A PCT?

Absolutely not. You need both cycle support and post-cycle therapy (PCT) to ensure a safe, effective, and sustainable approach to using prohormones. Bodybuilders often focus solely on the immediate gains prohormones provide, but the long-term health and hormonal recovery are equally critical to maintaining those results and protecting your body.

Key Functions of Cycle Support for Bodybuilders:

  • Protecting the Liver: Many prohormones are methylated, which can stress the liver. Ingredients like milk thistle and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) are vital for detoxifying the liver and supporting its function.
  • Heart and Cardiovascular Health: Prohormones can affect cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Cycle support with hawthorn berry, CoQ10, or omega-3 fatty acids ensures your cardiovascular system stays healthy during intense cycles.
  • Hormonal Stability: Prohormones can elevate estrogen levels, leading to side effects like water retention or gynecomastia. Cycle support often includes aromatase inhibitors or estrogen-balancing ingredients like DIM (diindolylmethane) to keep estrogen in check.
  • Preventing Other Complications: Prohormones can strain the kidneys or enlarge the prostate. Ingredients like cranberry extract and saw palmetto provide targeted support for these areas.
  • Nutritional Replenishment: The intense demands of a prohormone cycle can deplete key vitamins and minerals. Many cycle support products include antioxidants and nutrients to maintain overall health.

Key Functions of PCT for Bodybuilders:

  • Restoring Natural Testosterone Levels: Prohormones suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which regulates testosterone production. PCT products with ingredients like tribulus terrestris, DAA (D-aspartic acid), or clomiphene alternatives stimulate natural testosterone production.
  • Controlling Estrogen Levels: After a prohormone cycle, estrogen levels may spike. PCT products often include anti-estrogen compounds or aromatase inhibitors to prevent unwanted side effects like gynecomastia or water retention.
  • Maintaining Muscle Mass: Low testosterone levels can lead to muscle loss after a cycle. By restoring hormonal balance quickly, PCT helps preserve your gains.
  • Supporting Overall Recovery: PCT aids in normalizing your energy levels, mood, and libido, ensuring a smooth transition back to your natural hormonal state.

Is On-Cycle Support Legal?

Yes. These products contain a blend of herbal extracts, amino acids, and other legal ingredients. Always run the ingredient profiles of supplements you take by a physician, trainer, and/or regulating body (sports) if you have any concerns. Although on-cycle support products are legal, you should be at least 18 years old to take prohormones.

What Else Can I Do To Improve Cycle Results?

Read about the importance of using SARMS and Estrogen Blockers in regulating hormones in our Estrogen Blockers Guide. There is no magic formula or shortcut to success. Pay special attention to sleep, nutrition, water consumption, and curtail alcohol and recreational drug use for best results.

How Long Do I Take On-Cycle Support?

A general rule is 4-8 weeks. You should take your cycle support supplement for the entirety of your prohormone cycle. The length of cycle varies depending on your experience, sensitivity, and the strength of the prohormone(s) you are taking.

What's the difference between On-Cycle and Liver Support?

While the terms On-Cycle Support and Liver Support are often used interchangeably, they are not the same. Both are crucial during a prohormone cycle, but they differ in scope and purpose. Here's a breakdown:

Liver Support

Liver support supplements are specifically designed to protect and detoxify the liver, which is one of the most affected organs during a prohormone cycle, especially when methylated compounds are involved. These supplements focus on:

  • Reducing liver stress and damage caused by toxic buildup.
  • Supporting liver regeneration and optimal function.
  • Enhancing the liver’s ability to process and eliminate toxins.

Key Ingredients in Liver Support:

  • Milk Thistle (Silymarin): Helps detoxify and regenerate liver cells.
  • N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC): Boosts glutathione production, a key antioxidant for liver health.
  • TUDCA: Reduces liver inflammation and promotes bile flow.

On-Cycle Support

On-cycle support, on the other hand, is a comprehensive approach to protecting your entire body during a prohormone cycle. While it includes liver support, it goes beyond that by addressing other areas that may be affected, such as cardiovascular health, hormonal balance, and organ function.

On-Cycle Support Provides:

  • Liver Protection: Includes liver-specific ingredients to mitigate liver stress.
  • Cardiovascular Support: Regulates blood pressure, supports healthy cholesterol levels, and protects the heart.
  • Prostate Health: Addresses potential prostate enlargement caused by elevated DHT levels.
  • Estrogen Management: Helps control estrogen levels to prevent side effects like gynecomastia and water retention.
  • Kidney and Immune Support: Protects kidney function and bolsters immune resilience.
  • Oxidative Stress Reduction: Includes antioxidants to counteract free radical damage caused by prohormone use.

Key Ingredients in On-Cycle Support:

  • Milk Thistle, NAC, and TUDCA for liver protection.
  • Hawthorn Berry, CoQ10, and Omega-3s for heart and blood pressure health.
  • Saw Palmetto for prostate support.
  • DIM (Diindolylmethane) to manage estrogen levels.
  • Cranberry Extract for kidney health.
  • Antioxidants to combat cellular damage.

The Key Difference

The main difference lies in the scope of protection:

  • Liver Support is focused solely on detoxifying and safeguarding the liver.
  • On-Cycle Support takes a broader approach, protecting not just the liver but also the cardiovascular system, prostate, kidneys, and hormonal balance.

What Other Supplements Can I take During A Cycle?

There are a variety of products that can be taken during a cycle to improve results and help you maintain optimal health including joint support, taurine, fish oil, and multivitamins. A brief description and recommendation are included below.

Top 4 Supplements During A Cycle:

  • Joint Support

Compounds like Epistane, Halodrol, and Methylsten are known to dry out joints, introducing aches and pains that can prove detrimental to your progress in the gym and even hinder your lifestyle. Taking a joint support product during your cycle can keep joints lubricated and working at optimal levels. We recommend Joint-RX.

  • Taurine

Taurine is an amino acid that is taken for back pumps. Many people experience lower back pain during a cycle. Taurine helps balance electrolytes in the kidney and eliminate any discomfort. We recommend Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals Taurine.

  • Fish Oil

Fish oil supplements help reduce inflammation and regulate cholesterol levels. We recommend Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals Fish Oil.

  • Multivitamin

Helps promote healthy immune function while dealing with the stresses placed on the body during strenuous exercise. We recommend Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals MuscleVite.

Final Recommendations

Consult our Post Cycle Therapy Guide and Prohormone Guide for detailed information on individual prohormone compounds, stacks, cycle length, and every other topic you can imagine.