- Active substance: Letrozole
- Manufacturer: Beligas
- Unit: 50tabs (2.50mg/tab) Mono-FemaraActive ingredient:LetrozoleAlso known as:Femara, LetrozolHalf-life:2 days
Letrozole belongs to the Aromatase Inhibitor (AI) category of anti-estrogens and is one of the most effective AIs available. Its potency may be overwhelming for some when used off-label. While primarily designed for breast cancer treatment, it has gained popularity among users of anabolic steroids. Letrozole is frequently employed by these individuals to reduce the potential estrogen-related side effects from steroid use.
Effects of Letrozole:As an anti-estrogen, Letrozole offers significant benefits to breast cancer patients, particularly since many breast cancers rely on the estrogen hormone for growth. By inhibiting estrogen production, Letrozole effectively lowers circulating estrogen levels, potentially starving cancer cells.
For anabolic steroid users, Letrozole provides a similar anti-estrogenic effect, which is particularly advantageous since many steroids elevate estrogen levels through aromatization of testosterone. Increased estrogen can lead to issues such as gynecomastia and excessive water retention, which, if severe, may contribute to high blood pressure.
Incorporating Letrozole into cycles involving aromatizing steroids can prevent these estrogen-related issues, safeguarding users from gynecomastia and water retention. Moreover, while steroids can lead to hypertension even without aromatization, using an AI can improve the user’s chances of mitigating water retention-related blood pressure increases, as excessive water retention is a primary cause of high blood pressure in steroid users.
Undoubtedly, AIs like Letrozole are effective in addressing estrogen-related side effects. However, they can negatively impact cholesterol levels. When used alone, AIs do not appear to cause significant cholesterol issues, but when combined with aromatizing steroids like testosterone, the effect on cholesterol worsens. Therefore, many prefer Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) such as Tamoxifen Citrate (Nolvadex) as their first line of estrogen protection.
Letrozole's ability to encourage natural testosterone production makes it an attractive option for Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) strategies, though it may not suffice alone for low testosterone treatment. While effective in stimulating testosterone production, it is generally not the recommended choice for PCT, as the primary goal is to normalize hormone levels. Severely lowered estrogen levels can hinder this normalization process; estrogen plays a crucial role in supporting immune function and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. For anabolic steroid users, SERMs are typically better suited for their natural testosterone production needs during PCT.
Side effects:Possible side effects include headaches, weakness, fatigue, hot flashes, high blood pressure, joint pain, depression, decreased bone mineral density, and negative effects on cholesterol levels.Dosage guidelines:For anabolic steroid users, Letrozole doses are usually much lower. Even with steroid use, a typical dose of 2.5mg may be excessively high and can deplete energy levels. The only scenario for such a dosage might be to counteract early signs of gynecomastia. If symptoms arise, taking 2.5mg daily for 7-14 days can reverse the onset. Once symptoms begin to diminish, the individual can taper to a more manageable dose for the rest of the cycle. If this approach fails, the issue may require surgical intervention for gynecomastia. For general estrogen protection, most men find a dose of 0.5 to 1mg every other day to be sufficient. In low testosterone treatment, even smaller doses may be recommended. For competitive bodybuilders, taking 1mg daily in the last week or two before a competition can significantly enhance muscle definition. However, this is not a dosage advisable for long-term use due to its harsh effects.
For breast cancer treatment, the standard Letrozole dose is typically 2.5mg per day, considered a potent regimen that continues until the cancer shows improvement. Often, patients switch to Nolvadex for preventative treatment after achieving remission.