Nolvadex info
Nolvadex, a
trade name for the drug tamoxifen citrate, is a non-steroidal
agent that demonstrates potent anti-estrogenic properties.
The drug is technically an estrogen agonist/antagonist,
which competitively binds to estrogen receptors in various
target tissues. With the tamoxifen molecule bound to this
receptor, estrogen is blocked from exerting any action,
and an anti-estrogenic effect is achieved. Since many forms
of breast cancer are responsive to estrogen, the ability
of tamoxifen citrate to block its action in such cells has
proven to be a very effective treatment. It is also utilized
successfully as a preventative measure, taken by people
with an extremely high familial tendency for breast cancer.
While Nolvadex is effective against estrogen, it is not
our strongest available remedy. We now have the drugs Arimidex®,
Femara, and Aromasin available to us, which notably prevents
estrogen from being manufactured in the first place. Altering
the effect of estrogen in the female body can cause a level
of discomfort, so antiestrogens are most bearable when used
after the point of menopause. Since Nolvadex is milder in
comparison, it is more widely applicable and usually the
first treatment option.
As discussed
earlier, an enzyme in the male body (aromatase) is capable
of altering testosterone to form estradiol. The structure
of estrogen is actually quite similar to testosterone, so
its presence in the male body is not all that remarkable.
Since this same enzyme can also aromatize many anabolic/androgenic
steroids, the buildup of estrogens can be an important concern
during intake. High levels can cause a number of unwanted
side effects, a primary worry being gynecomastia or the
development of female breast tissue in men. This can be
first noticed by the appearance of swelling or a small lump
under the nipple. If left to progress it can turn into a
very unsightly development of tissue, often an irreversible
occurrence without surgery. Estrogen can also lead to an
increase in the level of water retained in the body. The
result here can be a notable loss of definition, the muscles
beginning to look smooth and bloated due to the retention
of subcutaneous fluid. Fat storage may also be increased
as estrogen levels rise. This hormone is in fact the primary
reason women have a higher body fat percentage, and different
fat distribution (hips/thighs) than men. Individuals sensitive
to the effects of estrogen will usually be sure to have
an antiestrogen on hand when taking problematic steroids,
so as to minimize the impact of related side effects. It
is also of note that when estrogen and body fat levels are
normal, administering Nolvadex (both Men and Women) can
increase the look of hardness and definition the muscles.
This drug also
shows the ability to increase production of FSH (follicle
stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) in the
male body. This is accomplished by blocking negative feedback
inhibition caused by estrogen at the hypothalamus and pituitary,
which fosters the release of the mentioned pituitary hormones.
This of course is also the function of Clomid® and cyclofenil.
Since a higher release of LH can stimulate the Leydig's
cells in the testes to produce more testosterone, Nolvadex
can have a positive impact on one's serum testosterone level.
This "testosterone stimulating" effect is an added
benefit when preparing to conclude a steroid cycle. Since
most anabolic/androgenic steroids will suppress endogenous
testosterone production, Nolvadex can help restore a balance
in hormone levels. Nolvadex should be preferred over Clomid
for this purpose in fact, as side by side it is clearly
the stronger agent. It has also been shown to increase LH
responsiveness to Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone after time,
while Clomid® slightly lowers this sensitivity as the
drug is used for several weeks85.
In some instances
the use of only an estrogen antagonists such as Nolvadex
or Clomid® may be sufficient for testosterone stimulating
purposes, particularly when halting the use of a milder
or shorter steroid program (which should have a less pronounced
impact on the hormonal system). With stronger cycles most
option to enhance the stimulating effect of these drugs
with HCG, a hormone that mimics the action of LH. HCG use
provides an excessive level of stimulation to the testes,
which in essence may shock them out of a prolonged state
of inactivity. In such a condition the Leydig's cells may
not be producing a normal amount of testosterone, even though
the normal release of gonadotropins has been achieved. Nolvadex
can be tricky at this point. Remember it only blocks the
effect of estrogen that is present in the body. If it is
removed at a time when estrogen levels are still unusually
high, related side effects can quickly become a pronounced
problem. Since HCG not only increases the production of
testosterone but also enhances the rate of aromatization
in the testes, anti-estrogens should not be discontinued
until at least a couple of weeks after HCG is discontinued.
The result otherwise of course could be many unwanted side
effects that were previously under control. When using Nolvadex
to ward off the effects of estrogen during the cycle, it
should similarly not be removed until the user is confident
that hormone levels are well under control. With a drug
such as Sustanon, this may mean continuing it for several
weeks after the last shot.
A typical daily
dosage for men is in the range of 10 to 30mg, the chosen
amount obviously dependent on the level of effect desired.
It is advisable to begin with a low dosage and work up,
so as to avoid taking an unnecessary amount. The time in
which Nolvadex is started also relies on individual needs
of the user. If an athlete with a known sensitivity to estrogen
is starting a strong steroid cycle, Nolvadex should probably
be added soon after the cycle had been initiated. If estrogen
is probably not going to be a major problem during the cycle
(but will likely be after), Nolvadex is administered around
the time exogenous steroid levels will drop. It will be
continued for some weeks after, until the point when natural
testosterone is thought to be at an acceptable level. As
mentioned HCG is often used at this point as well (see related
profile for more detail). Women have also utilized Nolvadex
in an effort to reduce the effect of their own endogenous
estrogens. This can lower body fat concentrations, especially
in stubborn areas like the hips and thighs. This is of course
risky, as manipulating the effect of estrogen can become
uncomfortable in women. Side effects like hot flashes, menstrual
irregularities and a variety of complications with the reproductive
system are all possible.
When looking
for a stronger antiestrogenic effect, Proviron® can
make a good adjunct to Nolvadex. Although this compound
is technically an androgen, it may have a pronounced effect
on the production of estrogen in the body. Its mode of action
is therefore very different than that of Nolvadex. While
Nolvadex only blocks the binding ability of free-floating
estrogen, Proviron® can minimize the creation of it.
With each drug attacking estrogen via a different mechanism,
we have a very synergistic combination. A daily intake of
20-30mg Nolvadex and 25-50mg Proviron® can be extremely
effective when dealing with a strong estrogenic cycle. Women
often avoid adding Proviron® to Nolvadex treatment (thought
often it is still used to enhance fat loss), for fear of
developing virilization symptoms (Proviron® is an oral
DHT). Virilizing effects can occur very quickly once there
has been a dramatic rise in the activity of androgens (intensified
by a decrease in estrogen activity), so at a minimum women
should be careful with such a combination.
Of great interest
also is that Nolvadex is an estrogen agonist in the liver,
capable of activating the estrogen receptor and mimicking
the actions of this sex hormone in this region of the body.
As such it can have a markedly positive impact on HDL (good)
cholesterol valuesas, as does estrogen. Many similarly use
this drug to counter some of the negative consequences of
steroid use in regards to cholesterol values and cardiac
risk, as steroids often suppress HDL and raise LDL levels
considerably. in some instances I have heard an athlete
being able to maintain a very favorable HDL/LDL cholesterol
ratio, to spite the use of a moderate dosage (400mg weekly)
of an injectable like testosterone or nandrolone. It would
probably be foolish to think however that Nolvadex would
be a sufficient remedy with the heavy use of c-l7alpha alkylated
orals or extremely high dosed cycles in general.
It has been
reported by many however that Nolvadex seems to slightly
reduce to gains made during a steroid cycle. It appears
that many androgenic/anabolic steroids will exhibit their
most powerful anabolic effect when accompanied by a sufficient
level of estrogen (See: Estrogen Aromatization). This may
be one reason why gains made with a strong androgen like
testosterone are usually much more pronounced than when
using an anabolic that aromatizes to a lower degree. It
therefore seems like good advice to be aware of how much
Nolvadex is actually needed before committing to it during
a cycle. Many people in fact find it unnecessary, even when
utilizing problematic compounds such as testosterone or
Dianabol. Others however find they are troubled by water
retention and gynecomastia, even with milder anabolics like
Deca-Durabolin® and Equipoise. The estrogenic response
to steroid use is very individual, and may be influenced
by factors such as age and body fat percentage (adipose
tissue is a primary site of aromatization).
Nolvadex is
certainly the most popular anti-estrogen used by athletes
today, no doubt because it is simply an effective product.
It is also widely manufactured, and easy to obtain on the
black market. Since there never seems to be a lack of supply,
there is little incentive to manufacture a counterfeit product.
All of the various generics forms of this drug located are
no doubt trustworthy. Nolvadex tablets generally sell for
approximately $1-2 each, depending on the dosage and source
of the drug. Women should remember to be very cautious when
considering the use of Nolvadex, as they are usually very
sensitive to changes in the activity of estrogen. Men looking
for a stronger antiestrogenic effect may consider using
Arimidex, Femara, or Aromasin , three powerful new antiaromatase
compounds. They are much more effective for estrogen control. |
