TamoxifenActive Ingredient:Tamoxifen CitrateOther Names:Tamoxifene, Nolvadex, Tamox, Tamoximed, SoltamoxActive Half-Life:5-7 days
Tamoxifen Citrate is commonly identified as an anti-estrogen, though it functions as both an antagonist and agonist. This means it can inhibit estrogen activity in some parts of the body while mimicking estrogen in others.
This medication is frequently used by individuals who take anabolic steroids, but it is not classified as a steroid. Steroid users often resort to it to mitigate estrogen-related side effects caused by certain anabolic steroids. Its most prevalent application, however, is during Post Cycle Therapy (PCT).
Effects of Tamoxifen:
For users of anabolic steroids, Tamoxifen Citrate offers beneficial effects both during and after steroid use, with a particular emphasis on the post-use phase. While Tamoxifen Citrate does not reduce serum estrogen levels, it binds to receptors in the breast, blocking estrogen from attaching. It may not effectively address issues related to water retention, and not all men find it sufficient for preventing gynecomastia, as this largely depends on individual estrogen levels and genetic predispositions. For more robust protection, Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs) are advised.
Additionally, Tamoxifen Citrate serves testosterone-stimulating functions, which is crucial for anabolic steroid users. The use of anabolic steroids suppresses natural testosterone production, a common occurrence irrespective of the specific steroid used. Consequently, most steroid cycles include external testosterone to counteract low testosterone levels caused by negative feedback. After concluding steroid use, assistance is needed to kickstart testosterone production. Although this process can occur naturally, it is slow, and Tamoxifen can expedite and enhance its efficiency.
For individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment, the effects of Tamoxifen Citrate are even clearer than for anabolic steroid users. Estrogen fuels cancer growth, and Tamoxifen Citrate blocks estrogen from binding, effectively starving the cancer. This straightforward but effective approach is commonly supplemented with initial treatment using AIs before transitioning to a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) like Tamoxifen Citrate. It can also be utilized as a preventative strategy for those with a strong family history of breast cancer.
Side Effects:
Possible side effects include headaches, nausea, hot flashes, vaginal itching, bleeding, or discomfort, rashes, reduced white blood cell count, changes in the endometrium, elevated triglyceride levels, and risk of pulmonary embolism.
Usage Guidelines:
In the treatment of breast cancer, there are six treatment protocols for Tamoxifen Citrate applicable to both men and women. Dosing typically ranges from 10-20mg taken twice daily. It is common to start with a total of 40mg per day (20mg twice daily) during the initial stage of treatment. Many breast cancer patients may continue with a daily dose of 10-20mg indefinitely once in remission to prevent recurrence.For anabolic steroid users, the standard dosage for preventing gynecomastia during cycles is 10-20mg per day. If this dosage proves ineffective, consideration should be given to AIs.
For PCT, most plans commence with a Tamoxifen Citrate dosage of 40mg per day for a period of 2-3 weeks, followed by a reduction to 20mg per day for another 2-3 weeks. A thorough PCT may also include another SERM, Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid). For a comprehensive PCT protocol, refer to guidelines on how to taper off steroids.
