|
Price: 30 tabs - $20
Nolvadex, a
trade name for the drug tamoxifen citrate, is a non-steroidal
agent that demonstrates potent antiestrogenic properties.
Nolvadex is technically an estrogen agonist/antagonist, which
competitively binds to estrogen receptors in various target
tissues. With the tamoxifen molecule bound to this receptor,
estrogen is blocked from exerting any action, and an
antiestrogenic effect is achieved. Since many forms of breast
cancer are responsive to estrogen, the ability of tamoxifen
citrate to block its action in such cells has proven to be a
very effective treatment. It is also utilized successfully as a
preventative measure, taken by people with an extremely high
familial tendency for breast cancer. While Nolvadex is
effective against estrogen, it is not our strongest available
remedy. We now have the drug Arimidex available to us, which notably prevents estrogen from being
manufactured in the first place. Altering the effect of estrogen
in the female body can cause a level of discomfort, so
antiestrogens are most bearable when used after the point of
menopause. Since Nolvadex is milder in comparison, it is more
widely applicable and usually the first treatment option.
As discussed
earlier in this book, an enzyme in the male body (aromatase) is
capable of altering testosterone to form estradiol. The
structure of estrogen is actually quite similar to testosterone,
so its presence in the male body is not all that remarkable.
Since this same enzyme can also aromatize many
anabolic/androgenic steroids, the buildup of estrogens can be an
important concern during intake. High levels can cause a number
of unwanted side effects, a primary worry being gynecomastia or
the development of female breast tissue in men. This can be
first noticed by the appearance of swelling or a small lump
under the nipple. If left to progress it can turn into a very
unsightly development of tissue, often an irreversible
occurrence without surgery. Estrogen can also lead to an
increase in the level of water retained in the body. The result
here can be a notable loss of definition, the muscles beginning
to look smooth and bloated due to the retention of subcutaneous
fluid. Fat storage may also be increased as estrogen levels
rise. This hormone is in fact the primary reason women have a
higher body fat percentage, and different fat distribution
(hips/thighs) than men. Individuals sensitive to the effects of
estrogen will usually be sure to have an antiestrogen on hand
when taking problematic steroids, so as to minimize the impact
of related side effects. It is also of note that when estrogen
and body fat levels are normal, administering Nolvadex® (both
Men and Women) can increase the look of hardness and definition
the muscles.
Nolvadex also
shows the ability to increase production of FSH (follicle
stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) in the male
body. This is accomplished by blocking negative feedback
inhibition caused by estrogen at the hypothalamus and pituitary,
which fosters the release of the mentioned pituitary hormones.
This of course is also the function of Clomid and cyclofenil.
Since a higher release of LH can stimulate the Leydig's cells in
the testes to produce more testosterone, Nolvadex can have a
positive impact on one's serum testosterone level. This
"testosterone stimulating" effect is an added benefit when
preparing to conclude a steroid cycle. Since most
anabolic - androgenic steroids will suppress endogenous
testosterone production, Nolvadex can help restore a balance in
hormone levels. Nolvadex should be preferred over Clomid for
this purpose in fact, as side by side it is clearly the stronger
agent. It has also been shown to increase LH responsiveness to
Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone after time, while Clomid
slightly lowers this sensitivity as the drug is used for several
weeks85.
In some
instances the use of only an estrogen antagonists such as
Nolvadex® or Clomid may be sufficient for testosterone
stimulating purposes, particularly when halting the use of a
milder or shorter steroid program (which should have a less
pronounced impact on the hormonal system). With stronger cycles
most option to enhance the stimulating effect of these drugs
with HCG, a hormone that mimics the action of LH. HCG use
provides an excessive level of stimulation to the testes, which
in essence may shock them out of a prolonged state of
inactivity. In such a condition the Leydig's cells may not be
producing a normal amount of testosterone, even though the
normal release of gonadotropins has been achieved. Nolvadex® can
be tricky at this point. Remember it only blocks the effect of
estrogen that is present in the body. If it is removed at a time
when estrogen levels are still unusually high, related side
effects can quickly become a pronounced problem. Since HCG not
only increases the production of testosterone but also enhances
the rate of aromatization in the testes, anti-estrogens should
not be discontinued until at least a couple of weeks after HCG
is discontinued. The result otherwise of course could be many
unwanted side effects that were previously under control. When
using Nolvadex to ward off the effects of estrogen during the
cycle, it should similarly not be removed until the user is
confident that hormone levels are well under control. With a
drug such as Sustanon, this may mean continuing it for several
weeks after the last shot.
A typical daily
dosage for men is in the range of 10 to 30mg, the chosen amount
obviously dependent on the level of effect desired. It is
advisable to begin with a low dosage and work up, so as to avoid
taking an unnecessary amount. The time in which Nolvadex is
started also relies on individual needs of the user. If an
athlete with a known sensitivity to estrogen is starting a
strong steroid cycle, Nolvadex should probably be added soon
after the cycle had been initiated. If estrogen is probably not
going to be a major problem during the cycle (but will likely be
after), Nolvadex is administered around the time exogenous
steroid levels will drop. It will be continued for some weeks
after, until the point when natural testosterone is thought to
be at an acceptable level. As mentioned HCG is often used at
this point as well (see related profile for more detail). Women
have also utilized Nolvadex in an effort to reduce the effect
of their own endogenous estrogens. This can lower body fat
concentrations, especially in stubborn areas like the hips and
thighs. This is of course risky, as manipulating the effect of
estrogen can become uncomfortable in women. Side effects like
hot flashes, menstrual irregularities and a variety of
complications with the reproductive system are all possible.
When looking
for a stronger antiestrogenic effect, Proviron can make a good
adjunct to Nolvadex. Although Nolvadex is technically an
androgen, it may have a pronounced effect on the production of
estrogen in the body. Its mode of action is therefore very
different than that of Nolvadex. While Nolvadex only blocks
the binding ability of free-floating estrogen, Proviron can
minimize the creation of it. With each drug attacking estrogen
via a different mechanism, we have a very synergistic
combination. A daily intake of 20-30mg Nolvadex and 25-50mg
Proviron can be extremely effective when dealing with a strong
estrogenic cycle. Women often avoid adding Proviron to
Nolvadex treatment (thought often it is still used to enhance
fat loss), for fear of developing virilization symptoms
(Proviron is an oral DHT). Virilizing effects can occur very
quickly once there has been a dramatic rise in the activity of
androgens (intensified by a decrease in estrogen activity), so
at a minimum women should be careful with such a combination.
Of great
interest also is that Nolvadex is an estrogen agonist in the
liver, capable of activating the estrogen receptor and mimicking
the actions of this sex hormone in this region of the body. As
such it can have a markedly positive impact on HDL (good)
cholesterol valuesas, as does estrogen. Many similarly use
Nolvadex to counter some of the negative consequences of steroid use
in regards to cholesterol values and cardiac risk, as steroids
often suppress HDL and raise LDL levels considerably. in some
instances I have heard an athlete being able to maintain a very
favorable HDULDL cholesterol ratio, to spite the use of a
moderate dosage (400mg weekly) of an injectable like
testosterone or nandrolone. It would probably be foolish to
think however that Nolvadex would be a sufficient remedy with
the heavy use of c-l7alpha alkylated orals or extremely high
dosed cycles in general.
It has been
reported by many however that Nolvadex seems to slightly reduce
to gains made during a steroid cycle. It appears that many
androgenic/anabolic steroids will exhibit their most powerful
anabolic effect when accompanied by a sufficient level of
estrogen (See: Estrogen Aromatization). This may be one reason
why gains made with a strong androgen like testosterone are
usually much more pronounced than when using an anabolic that
aromatizes to a lower degree. It therefore seems like good
advice to be aware of how much Nolvadex is actually needed
before committing to it during a cycle. Many people in fact find
it unnecessary, even when utilizing problematic compounds such
as testosterone or Dianabol. Others however find they are
troubled by water retention and gynecomastia, even with milder
anabolics like deca durabolin and Equipoise. The estrogenic
response to steroid use is very individual, and may be
influenced by factors such as age and body fat percentage
(adipose tissue is a primary site of aromatization).
Nolvadex is
certainly the most popular antiestrogen used by athletes today,
no doubt because it is simply an effective product. It is also
widely manufactured, and easy to obtain on the black market.
Since there never seems to be a lack of supply, there is little
incentive to manufacture a counterfeit product. All of the
various generics forms of Nolvadex located are no doubt
trustworthy. Nolvadex® tablets generally sell for approximately
$1-2 each, depending on the dosage and source of the drug. Women
should remember to be very cautious when considering the use of
Nolvadex, as they are usually very sensitive to changes in the
activity of estrogen. Men looking for a stronger antiestrogenic
effect may consider using Arimidex (introduced earlier), a
powerful new antiaromatase compound. It is much more effective
for estrogen control, although it is also more costly than our
other ancillary drugs. A single tablet of Arimidex will
generally cost close to $10, obviously some expense as the days
drag on. |