Anastrozole is an aromatase inhibitor (AI). In simple terms, it delays the body’s natural production of an enzyme called aromatase, which is responsible for converting testosterone to estradiol.
The drug is used on a course with aromatizing anabolic steroids to reduce the negative effects of estrogen on the body. Initially, it is worth considering the positive and negative effects of estrogen on the male body.
Estrogens play an important role in various functions of the male and female body. The general health of the athlete and its results depend on these very functions.
With the help of aromatase inhibitors, the level of estrogens is controlled, the growth of which must be restrained in case of excess production. Anastrozole UK Best Price. The competent use of anastrozole allows not only to counteract aromatization, but also to simultaneously enhance the growth of free testosterone.
If you follow the dosage regimen, the agent will be perfectly tolerated by the body, without any negative consequences. For example, consider Anastrozole. The drug was invented at the end of the last century, its original purpose – the treatment of breast cancer in an operable form. The effectiveness of the drug in this area has been proven, this contributed to its popularity in sports when using anabolic steroids by athletes.
The effect of anastrozole Anastrozole in bodybuilding is used when the athlete begins to use anabolic steroids, which tend to aromatize, such as testosterone and danabol. In addition to helping with muscle growth, they can have side effects. Often men have to deal with such a problem as gynecomastia.
In simple terms, this is the growth of the mammary gland. This is due to the fact that the adrenal glands begin to produce aromatase, which converts testosterone to estrogen. That is why many athletes take anastrozole on the course of anabolic steroids. It suppresses the action of the enzyme, interfering with the destruction of testosterone and the production of estrogen.
Bodybuilders who take anabolic steroids to try to increase muscle mass and improve athletic performance can experience a range of symptoms. In some cases, males might start to grow breasts due to an increase in estrogen levels.
Arimidex lowers estrogen levels and can prevent breast growth in males. However, the drug also has side effects of its own.
In this article, we discuss what Arimidex does, why bodybuilders might use it, and the possible side effects.
How it may work for bodybuilding
Share on PintestArimidex may cause side effects such as joint pain, nausea, and hot flashes.
Arimidex is the brand name for anastrozole. Doctors may prescribe Trusted Sourcethe drug to postmenopausal women with certain types of breast cancer.
Arimidex stops aromatase from working in the body. Aromatase is an enzyme that makes estrogen from steroid hormones, including testosterone. By doing this, it lowers the amount of estrogen in the body.
People who use anabolic steroids for bodybuilding can experience a range of side effectsTrusted Source.
These drugs disrupt hormone production in the body and may increase estrogen. Higher levels of estrogen can cause males to develop gynecomastia, which is the enlargement of the breast glands.
By reducing estrogen levels, Arimidex could prevent gynecomastia in males taking anabolic steroids.
Side effects
Arimidex can cause several side effects by disrupting hormone production in the body. For example, lower estrogen levels can lead to the thinning and weakening of bones.
Some other common side effects includeTrusted Source:
- joint pain
- nausea and vomiting
- hot flashes
- weakness
- tiredness
It is possible to have an allergic reactionTrusted Source to Arimidex, which can cause:
- swelling around the body
- chest pain
- blurred vision
- rapid heart rate
- rashes
- breast pain
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How should you take Arimidex?
Arimidex comes as a small tablet for oral use only. The tablets are usually 1 milligram in size.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have only approved Arimidex for use in cancer treatment. There are no formal guidelines for its use in bodybuilding.
The FDA guidelines for breast cancer suggest a typical dosage of one tablet per day, but a doctor may prescribe a different dosage, depending on the case.
Taking Arimidex for bodybuilding is not recommended. Many of the side effects of anabolic steroids usually go away after a person stops using them. Estrogen levels should return to normal, and gynecomastia should reduce.
Other uses
The primary use of Arimidex is to treat breast cancer. It may be part of treatment for postmenopausal women with:
- Early hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer. Arimidex can lower the risk of cancer returning or spreading following surgery.
- Advanced or metastatic HR+ or HR-unknown breast cancer. It is not usually possible to treat these cancers using surgery, so doctors may prescribe Arimidex as a first-line treatment.
- Advanced or metastatic breast cancer that returns following initial treatment with tamoxifen (Nolvadex). Arimidex is a second-line treatment in these cases.
Sometimes, treatments for other types of cancer, such as ovarian cancer, might include Arimidex. However, the FDA only recommend its use for breast cancer.
Alternatives
Several other drugs — typically, those for the treatment of breast cancer — lower estrogen levels in the body.
For example, other aromatase inhibitors, such as exemestane (Aromasin), and a class of drugs called selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) that act on estrogen receptors. Doctors may use SERMs to treat breast cancer, female infertility, and dyspareunia.
Although these drugs may lower estrogen levels, the FDA do not recommend that people take them for bodybuilding purposes.
Several natural products may also play a role in lowering estrogen levels, although there is limited scientific evidence to confirm their effectiveness. These include:
- wild nettle root
- grape seed extract
- chrysin
- maca
Male vs. female
Arimidex is primarily for breast cancer treatment, and most of the research relates to postmenopausal women.
Estrogen plays a more significant role in the bodily function of females than males. Lowering estrogen levels can, therefore, have a more serious effect on females.
For this reason, female bodybuilders should avoid taking Arimidex or any other drug that lowers estrogen levels.