Complete Ancillaries Guide: AIs, SERMs, HCG, Liver Support & Blood Monitoring (2026)

Ancillaries are the compounds used alongside anabolic steroids to manage side effects, maintain health markers, and support recovery. Running steroids without appropriate ancillaries is the primary source of avoidable harm in performance enhancement — not the steroids themselves. This guide covers every major ancillary category, when and how to use each, and the minimum blood monitoring protocol that makes informed ancillary use possible.

Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs)

Used to control oestrogen conversion from aromatising steroids (testosterone, Dianabol, Deca-Durabolin). The two primary options:

• Anastrozole (Arimidex): 0.5 mg EOD for standard testosterone cycles; reversible inhibitor; allows dose titration based on bloodwork. Do not use during PCT (oestrogen rebound helps HPG recovery).
• Exemestane (Aromasin): 12.5–25 mg EOD; irreversible (suicide) inhibitor; no oestrogen rebound on cessation; slightly favourable lipid profile; can be used into early PCT.

Target oestradiol on-cycle: 20–40 pg/mL. See our comprehensive Arimidex vs Aromasin guide. Browse AI products.

SERMs (Selective Oestrogen Receptor Modulators)

Block oestrogen receptors rather than reducing oestrogen production. Two primary uses:

• PCT (post-cycle therapy): Blocking hypothalamic/pituitary oestrogen receptors to restore LH/FSH signalling and testosterone production. See our complete PCT guide.
• Gynecomastia management: Blocking breast tissue oestrogen receptors on-cycle. Nolvadex is more effective than Clomid for this purpose.

Key SERMs: Nolvadex (tamoxifen) — gentler, better tolerated, preferred for most PCT. Full guide: Nolvadex complete guide. Clomid (clomiphene) — more potent HPG stimulation, higher side effect profile, better for severe suppression. Full guide: Clomid complete guide. Browse Nolvadex and Clomid products.

HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

Mimics LH at the testicular level — maintaining testicular function, testosterone production capacity, and fertility during cycles. The most important on-cycle ancillary for users running cycles longer than 8 weeks.

• On-cycle maintenance: 250–500 IU twice weekly throughout the cycle
• Pre-PCT blast: 500–1000 IU EOD for 2–3 weeks before PCT initiation (for cycles run without on-cycle HCG)

See our HCG complete guide and browse HCG products.

Liver Support

Mandatory for any cycle containing C-17 alpha-alkylated oral steroids (Anadrol, Dianabol, Winstrol, Turinabol, Anavar, oral Primobolan at high doses). Also beneficial during long injectable cycles:

• TUDCA (tauroursodeoxycholic acid): 500 mg/day minimum during oral steroid use; 1000 mg/day during Anadrol cycles. The most effective hepatoprotective agent for 17aa steroid-induced liver stress. Begin before starting the oral compound; continue 4 weeks post-cycle.
• NAC (N-acetyl cysteine): 1200 mg/day in divided doses. Glutathione precursor; supports hepatic detoxification.
• Milk Thistle (silymarin): Available OTC; modest hepatoprotective evidence; appropriate as a baseline supplement but insufficient as sole liver protection during Anadrol or heavy Dianabol use.
• Alcohol: Absolute contraindication during any oral steroid cycle — combined hepatotoxic load is significantly worse than either alone.

See our complete oral steroids liver protection guide.

Blood Pressure Management

Blood pressure elevation is common during anabolic steroid cycles, driven by water retention (from oestrogen and aldosterone effects), increased RBC mass, and direct vascular effects. Target: below 135/85 mmHg at home monitoring.

• Daily BP monitoring: Home BP monitor is an essential piece of equipment for any steroid user. Track morning readings.
• Primary management: Sodium restriction; cardiovascular exercise; adequate AI management to reduce water retention from oestrogen.
• Pharmaceutical management (if dietary/lifestyle insufficient): Telmisartan 20–40 mg/day (ARB with PPAR-delta agonist properties that may also improve lipid profile) or Amlodipine 5 mg/day (calcium channel blocker). Discuss with a GP.

Cardiovascular and Lipid Support

• Omega-3 fatty acids: 3–4 g/day EPA+DHA. Consistently shown to reduce triglycerides and modestly improve HDL. A meaningful cardiovascular support supplement during cycles.
• Red yeast rice: Contains monacolin K (identical to lovastatin); can meaningfully reduce LDL. Note: drug interaction potential with some compounds; discuss with a GP if on pharmaceutical medications.
• Lipid monitoring: Full fasting lipid panel before each cycle and 4–6 weeks post-PCT. Target: LDL <3.0 mmol/L; HDL >1.0 mmol/L.

Cabergoline (Prolactin Management)

Required when running 19-nor compounds (Deca-Durabolin, NPP, Trenbolone) that elevate prolactin. Elevated prolactin causes progesterone-driven gynecomastia, sexual dysfunction (“Deca Dick”), and mood effects that AIs cannot address.

• Protocol: Cabergoline 0.25 mg twice weekly throughout the 19-nor cycle
• Adjust based on: Prolactin blood test — target mid-normal range

See our Deca-Durabolin cycle guide for full prolactin management context.

The Minimum Blood Monitoring Panel

Effective ancillary use is impossible without bloodwork. The minimum recommended panel:

Timepoint	Tests Required
Pre-cycle (baseline)	Total T, LH, FSH, oestradiol, SHBG, LFTs, full lipid panel, FBC, haematocrit, PSA (if >40)
Week 4–6 (on-cycle)	Oestradiol, LFTs (if oral steroid), haematocrit, BP
Week 8–10 (on-cycle)	Full panel including lipids, haematocrit, prolactin (if 19-nor)
6–8 weeks post-PCT	Total T, LH, FSH, LFTs, lipid panel (confirms recovery)

See our complete harm reduction and bloodwork guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which ancillaries are absolutely mandatory on every cycle?

For any cycle containing aromatising injectable steroids: an AI (Aromasin or Arimidex). For any cycle containing oral 17aa steroids: liver support (TUDCA + NAC). For any cycle longer than 8 weeks: HCG on-cycle. For all cycles: blood pressure monitoring. For cycles of any kind: PCT planning and access to SERMs before the cycle begins.

Can I buy ancillaries in the UK?

Anastrozole, tamoxifen, and clomiphene are prescription-only medicines (POMs) in the UK. HCG is also a POM. TUDCA and NAC are available as supplements without prescription. Some ancillaries are available through private prescription services. See our UK law guide for legal context.