TamoxiplexActive ingredient: Tamoxifen CitrateAlso known as: Tamoxifene, Nolvadex, Tamox, Tamoximed, SoltamoxActive half-life 5-7 days
Tamoxifen Citrate is commonly known as an anti-estrogen, but it functions as both an antagonist and agonist. This means it can block estrogen in certain parts of the body while acting as estrogen in others.
Although widely used by anabolic steroid users, it is not a steroid itself. Users may take it during steroid cycles to mitigate estrogenic side effects related to specific steroids. However, it is predominantly relied upon during Post Cycle Therapy (PCT).
Effects of Tamoxifen
The beneficial effects of Tamoxifen Citrate for anabolic steroid users can be observed both during and after their steroid cycles, particularly in the post cycle phase. While it doesn’t decrease serum estrogen levels, it attaches to the receptors in the breast, inhibiting estrogen from binding. It may not adequately address water retention issues, and its effectiveness as gynecomastia protection may vary among individuals, influenced by estrogen levels and genetics. For those needing additional protection, Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs) are advisable.
An important aspect of Tamoxifen Citrate for anabolic steroid users is its ability to stimulate testosterone. This is crucial since anabolic steroids can suppress natural testosterone production, a consequence of all steroid use. This is why most steroid cycles include supplementary exogenous testosterone to avoid low testosterone levels. After discontinuing steroid use, there is a need for a method to stimulate testosterone production; Tamoxifen can expedite and enhance this process.
For breast cancer patients, the action of Tamoxifen Citrate is often more straightforward. Estrogen promotes the growth of cancer cells, and Tamoxifen prevents estrogen from binding and thus starves the cancer cells. This approach is simple yet effective. Sometimes treatment will commence with an AI before transitioning to a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) such as Tamoxifen Citrate, and it may also serve as a preventive option for individuals with a strong family history of breast cancer.
Side effects:Headaches, nausea, hot flashes, vaginal itching, bleeding or discharge, rash, reduced white blood cell count, changes in the endometrium, increased triglycerides, risk of pulmonary embolism.Usage instructions:
For breast cancer treatment, there are six dosing protocols for Tamoxifen Citrate that apply to both men and women. In all of these plans, typical doses are usually between 10-20mg taken twice daily. A common initial dosing regimen is 40mg per day (20mg twice daily) during the early treatment stages. Many patients will often continue with a maintenance dose of 10-20mg daily indefinitely after remission to prevent cancer recurrence.With regards to anabolic steroid users, a standard prevention dose for gynecomastia during cycles is between 10-20mg per day. If this dosage is ineffective, higher doses may not be beneficial, and AIs should be considered.
For Post Cycle Therapy, most plans begin with doses of 40mg of Tamoxifen Citrate per day for 2-3 weeks, followed by a reduction to 20mg per day for an additional 2-3 weeks. A comprehensive PCT often involves another SERM, Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid). For detailed guidance on PCT, refer to guidelines on how to properly discontinue steroid use.