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Nolvadex, a trade name for
the drug tamoxifen citrate, is a non-steroidal agent that demonstrates
potent antiestrogenic properties. Nolvadex 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
antiestrogenic 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 drug Arimidex 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.
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.
Nolvadex 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. 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 weeks.
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 Nolvadex only blocks the
effect of 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 30 mg, 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 20-30 mg Nolvadex and 25-50 mg 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 values86, 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 HDULDL cholesterol ratio, to spite the use of a moderate dosage
(400 mg 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-17alpha 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. 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. 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).
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Buy Nolvadex :: |
