Anastrozole is a highly effective anti-estrogen and is classified as an Aromatase Inhibitor (AI). It has been shown to be more effective than the traditional Nolvadex (Tamoxifen Citrate) in treating breast cancer, making it a preferred choice among anabolic steroid users for estrogen-related protection during cycles.
Effects of Anastrozole
As an anti-estrogen, Arimidex is crucial for breast cancer patients since many breast cancers thrive on estrogen. While a simplified view, administering Arimidex effectively starves the cancer. In recent years, it has become the primary anti-estrogen for treating hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, particularly in post-menopausal women.
For anabolic steroid users, Arimidex is valued for its ability to mitigate estrogen-related side effects. Certain anabolic steroids can lead to estrogenic side effects due to testosterone’s interaction with the aromatase enzyme, resulting in increased estrogen levels that may cause gynecomastia and water retention, which can further lead to elevated blood pressure. However, not all anabolic steroids aromatize and consequently not all will result in estrogenic side effects.
By incorporating Arimidex into a cycle with aromatizing steroids, users can guard against gynecomastia and water retention, thereby helping control blood pressure. There is no doubt that AIs like Arimidex are the most effective solutions for combating estrogen-related side effects. While SERMs like Nolvadex can also be helpful and preferable when applicable, Arimidex can negatively impact cholesterol levels, which we'll discuss in the side effects section. However, strategies to mitigate these cholesterol issues are also available.
In testosterone enhancement treatments, Arimidex can be beneficial for low testosterone management and Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) for anabolic steroid users. Although it may not suffice on its own for low testosterone treatment, it can effectively help prevent estrogenic side effects alongside exogenous testosterone therapy. For PCT, some may use it with positive outcomes, but it’s typically not recommended. The primary goal of PCT is to stimulate natural testosterone production to preserve lean muscle, keep body fat in check, and promote overall health. The objective is normalization, which cannot be achieved with Arimidex post-cycle due to significant estrogen reduction. While high estrogen levels can pose risks, some estrogen is essential for proper bodily functions, especially for immune and cardiovascular health. Thus, anabolic steroid users should reserve AIs for active cycles, opting for SERMs during PCT instead.
Side effects:Headaches, nausea, hot flashes, high blood pressure, joint pain, depression, decreased bone mineral density, negatively affects cholesterol levels,Dosage:
For breast cancer treatment, Arimidex is typically prescribed at a dosage of 1mg daily until the cancer is managed. Treatment may continue for a time at this dosage and often transitions to Nolvadex as a precautionary measure once remission is achieved.
For anabolic steroid users, recommended doses generally range from 0.5-1mg every other day. Most users will find that 1mg every other day is more than sufficient, and many may be effective with merely half that amount. In therapeutic scenarios, like low testosterone treatment, an even lower dose may suffice. However, competitive bodybuilders might find a daily dose of 1mg beneficial during the last 10-14 days leading up to a competition, as it significantly aids in achieving a more defined physique, though it can be taxing physically, especially given the low energy levels typical during that phase of a competition diet.