Commonly known as an anti-estrogen, Tamoxifen Citrate functions as both an antagonist and an agonist. This dual role means it operates as an anti-estrogen in specific areas of the body while acting as an estrogen in others.
Though many anabolic steroid users take it, Tamoxifen Citrate is not a steroid. This medication is often utilized during steroid cycles to manage estrogen-related side effects that certain steroids can provoke. However, its primary application is during Post Cycle Therapy (PCT).
Effects of Tamoxifen
For users of anabolic steroids, the beneficial effects of Tamoxifen Citrate can be observed during and after steroid use, with the latter being more prominent. While Tamoxifen Citrate does not reduce serum estrogen levels, it binds to receptors in the breast, blocking estrogen from attaching. It may not significantly alleviate water retention issues and might not provide sufficient gynecomastia protection for all men, depending on individual estrogen levels and genetics. For enhanced protection, Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs) are advised.
Tamoxifen Citrate also has testosterone-boosting effects, which are particularly crucial for anabolic steroid users. The use of anabolic steroids suppresses natural testosterone production, regardless of the steroids involved. This is why nearly all steroid cycles incorporate exogenous testosterone to avoid low testosterone levels resulting from negative feedback. Once steroid use concludes, a stimulant is required to restart testosterone production. While this occurs naturally, it’s a slow process, and Tamoxifen can expedite and enhance this recovery.
For patients dealing with breast cancer, the effects of Tamoxifen Citrate are often more straightforward than for anabolic steroid users. Estrogen fuels the cancer’s growth, and Tamoxifen Citrate prevents estrogen from binding, effectively starving the cancer. This method of treatment is both simple and effective. Often, treatment begins with an AI and transitions to a SERM such as Tamoxifen Citrate, which is also occasionally employed as a preventive measure in individuals with a significant family history of breast cancer.
Side effects:Possible side effects include headaches, nausea, hot flashes, vaginal itching, bleeding, discharge or discomfort, rashes, reduced white blood cell count, changes in the endometrial lining, elevated triglyceride levels, and risk of pulmonary embolism.Dosage instructions:
For breast cancer treatment, six dosing protocols for Tamoxifen Citrate exist for both males and females, typically involving doses of 10-20mg taken twice daily. A common initial dose is 40mg per day (20mg twice daily). Once in remission, many breast cancer patients may continue with a daily dose of 10-20mg indefinitely to help prevent recurrence.For anabolic steroid users seeking to prevent gynecomastia during steroid cycles, a daily dosage of 10-20mg is standard. If this range proves ineffective, considering AIs is advised.
For PCT, most regimens start with Tamoxifen Citrate at 40mg daily for 2-3 weeks, followed by a reduction to 20mg daily for an additional 2-3 weeks. A comprehensive PCT protocol often includes another SERM, Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid). For a detailed PCT guide, please refer to "How to Come off Steroids."