- Active substance: Letrozole
- Manufacturer: Hilma Biocare
- Unit: 30tabs (2.50mg/tab) LetrozoleActive ingredientLetrozoleAlternate names: Femara, LetrozolActive half-life 2 days
Letrozole is classified as an anti-estrogen in the Aromatase Inhibitor (AI) category and is among the most potent and effective of all AIs. Its strength can sometimes be overwhelming when used off-label. Originally designed for treating breast cancer, like many AIs, it has gained popularity among anabolic steroid users. Letrozole is frequently utilized by steroid users to mitigate potential estrogen-related side effects.
Benefits ofLetrozole
Letrozole is highly beneficial for breast cancer patients, as many types of breast cancer thrive on estrogen. By inhibiting estrogen production and thereby reducing circulating estrogen levels, it can effectively starve the cancer.
For anabolic steroid users, Letrozole's anti-estrogenic properties are extremely helpful. Many anabolic steroids can increase estrogen levels due to testosterone's interaction with the aromatase enzyme. Elevated estrogen levels may result in gynecomastia and excessive water retention, which can subsequently lead to high blood pressure.
Incorporating Letrozole into a cycle that includes aromatizing anabolic steroids can help prevent estrogen-related side effects, protecting the user from gynecomastia and water retention. Additionally, while several steroids can trigger high blood pressure regardless of aromatization, using an AI can improve the situation when water retention is the issue, as it is often the primary cause of elevated blood pressure among steroid users.
Undoubtedly, AIs like Letrozole are the most effective means for combating estrogen-related side effects. However, they can also negatively impact cholesterol levels. While AIs alone do not significantly affect cholesterol, when used alongside aromatizing steroids like testosterone, the negative effect on cholesterol can be worsened. Consequently, many individuals might opt for Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) such as Tamoxifen Citrate (Nolvadex) as a primary choice for estrogen protection.
Due to its capacity to promote natural testosterone production, Letrozole is often appealing for Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) plans. This also makes it attractive for treating low testosterone, but it’s usually insufficient on its own. While Letrozole can effectively stimulate natural testosterone production, the primary goal of PCT is also to normalize hormonal levels, which may be challenging with severely suppressed estrogen levels. Estrogen is crucial for maintaining a robust immune system and healthy cholesterol levels. Therefore, anabolic steroid users are likely to benefit more from relying on SERMs for their natural testosterone production needs during PCT.
Adverse effects:Headaches, fatigue, weakness, hot flashes, elevated blood pressure, joint pain, depression, decreased bone mineral density, negative impact on cholesterol levels.Administration:
For anabolic steroid users, the doses of Letrozole are typically much lower. Even with anabolic steroid use, a 2.5mg dose is generally excessive and may deplete energy levels; this outcome is nearly certain. The only exception for such a dosage would be to address early signs of gynecomastia. Should symptoms manifest within 7-14 days, a 2.5mg daily dosage can reverse them. After symptoms begin to diminish, the individual should be able to taper down to a more manageable dose for the remainder of the cycle. If this approach fails, there’s a strong likelihood that the symptoms have progressed beyond remedy, necessitating surgical intervention to eliminate gynecomastia. For standard estrogen protection, most men find that 0.5-1mg every other day is adequate. In low testosterone treatment plans, an even smaller dose may be sufficient. For competitive bodybuilders, taking a full 1mg daily during the final 7-14 days before a competition can greatly enhance dryness and provide a more toned appearance. However, this is not a dosage most would want to maintain over a long period due to its harsh effects.
In breast cancer treatment, a standard Letrozole dosage is typically 2.5mg daily. This potent dosage is usually maintained until the cancer is under control. Often, once remission is achieved, patients will transition from Letrozole to Nolvadex as part of a preventive treatment plan.