Some things outgrow their original purpose. Researchers worked on nuclear energy in the 1940s and 50s hoping that it could one day produce electricity for commercial use. Sure, we now have many electric plants running on nuclear energy. But what we also have is the nuclear bomb.
Similar is the case with Arimidex. The FDA approved this drug in 1995 as a treatment for breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Arimidex fights breast cancer by decreasing the production of estrogen, the female hormone whose growth stimulates cancer tumors in females.
Many bodybuilders skip the last part in favor of the former. The moment they hear that there is an FDA-approved, estrogen-blocking drug, they pounce onto it. Want to know why? To treat the swelling of breast tissues (gynecomastia) among anabolic steroid users.
Anabolic steroids help increase muscle mass. That’s where the good news ends. Research has shown that our body converts anabolic steroids into estrogen. The elevated estrogen levels, in turn, lead to gynecomastia. That’s where Arimidex comes in.
What Is Arimidex?
Arimidex, known by its chemical name Anastrozole is an aromatase inhibitor. Why should that concern bodybuilders? The aromatase enzyme is responsible for the production of estrogens in the body. By inhibiting it, Arimidex lowers estrogen levels in the body [R]
Here’s why that is important. Many bodybuilders use anabolic steroids to build muscle, lose fat and improve athletic performance. What most anabolic steroid users may not know is that they increase estrogen levels in the body, exposing your body to serious side effects.
That is where Arimidex enters the picture. By inhibiting the aromatase enzyme and slowing the production of estrogen, this drug helps prevent gynecomastia. That’s because estrogen is to the breast tissue as gasoline is to your car. The latter needs the former to function.
Keep in mind that the benefits of Arimidex aren’t limited to preventing gynecomastia. This drug may also prevent infertility, erectile dysfunction, and depression in the male population. All of these are the side effects of the anabolic steroid cycles. [R]
Overview of Benefits and Side Effects
If you’re in a hurry and want to have a quick overview of the benefits and side effects of Arimidex PCT, this section has you sorted.
Benefits
- Prevents Gynecomastia
- Might Treat Erectile Dysfunction
- Might Treat Male Infertility
Side Effects
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Hot Flashes
- Allergic Reaction (In Rare Cases)
Remember that most of these side effects tend to be mild, as long as you stick to the recommended dosage (more on this below).
Also, if you’re looking for an alternative to anabolic steroids, one that could boost your body’s natural testosterone production, check out our guide on selective androgen receptor modulators.
Why Do Bodybuilders Use Arimidex?
Bodybuilders use Arimidex as a Post Cycle Therapy because it inhibits the production of estrogen. This hormone has many vital functions in the body, both male and female. But its elevated levels in men’s system lead to gynecomastia, or breast growth. That’s what Arimidex helps prevent.
Arimidex does that by reducing estrogen production in the body. This, in turn, lowers the supply of the female hormone to the breast tissue. With the incoming supply of fuel (estrogen) that it needs to grow depleted, the ability of the breast tissue to expand nosedives.
Arimidex Benefits for Men
One of the major benefits of Arimidex is that it might help or treat gynecomastia. However, its utility doesn’t end there. This aromatase inhibitor has also shown promise in treating erectile dysfunction, infertility and depression among the male population.
Here are the major benefits you may expect from Arimidex:
Prevents Gynecomastia
According to an estimate, gynecomastia is one of the most common male breast disorders. Up to 70% of boys and men develop ‘man boobs’ in early to mid-puberty. Most of them develop gynecomastia due to regular hormone changes. Some, however, get it due to anabolic steroids use. [R]
Regardless of the cause, Arimidex helps prevent this condition. It does that by slowing down the production of the fuel (estrogen) that breast tissues need to grow. In doing so, this drug helps treat a ‘problem’ that has been nagging bodybuilders for ages.
For more information you can read our article on how to fix gynecomastia here.
Might Treat Infertility
Peer reviewed studies have shown that high estrogen levels might cause infertility in males. When your estrogen levels are high, they may cause sperm levels to drop. The resulting reduction in sperm count might lead to infertility. Estrogen control is thus necessary [R]
The good news is that Arimidex, originally developed as breast cancer treatment, has shown promise in getting male fertility back on track. It does that by a) inhibiting aromatase and b) by slowing the conversion of testosterone into estrogen. This helps Arimidex improve sperm production in males. [R]
Might Treat Erectile Dysfunction
For bodybuilders who are suffering from erectile dysfunction, they aren’t facing this problem because they’re lifting weights. Instead, it’s their usage of anabolic steroids and similar unsafe drugs that might have hurt their ability to achieve and retain an erection firm enough for sex.
One study has shown that Arimidex Anastrozole might improve sexual dysfunction in men. Carried out on male subjects facing sexual issues with hypogonadism and epilepsy, the study found that 3-month treatment with Arimidex normalized sexual function in 72 per cent of the participants. [R]
If you were to combine Arimidex PCT treatment with penis pumps like the Bathmate, you could drastically improve your erectile dysfunction within just a month (or even shorter, depending on the severity of your condition).
Arimidex Side Effects
As is the case with other drugs out there, there are side effects associated with Arimidex use. Keep in mind, though, that unlike research chemicals, Arimidex is FDA approved. This means you can count on it to be much safer than most other aromatase inhibitors out there.
Most of the side effects associated with Arimidex use are on the mild side. These adverse effects include headaches, fatigue, joint pain, hot flashes, weakness and nausea. Again, most of these side effects will be mild in nature and will go away on their own if you stick to the recommended dosage.
Having said that, it’s possible for you to develop an allergic reaction to Arimidex. That is not unusual as people out there have allergic reactions to drugs as benign as aspirin. Still, the fact that drug allergic reactions are common doesn’t mean their effects won’t be dangerous. [R]
If you develop an allergic reaction to Arimidex, the symptoms you might experience include breast pain, chest pain, rapid heart rate, blurred vision, and rashes. If you experience these symptoms or they start to worsen, we recommend you immediately consult with your physician.
Arimidex Dosage & Cycles
Having looked at what Arimidex is, why bodybuilders use this aromatase inhibitor and the benefits it could offer to the general male population, it’s time we turn our attention to the most crucial question: how much Arimidex should you be taking on a daily basis?
Users indicate that you should aim for 0.5 to 1mg Arimidex or Arimistane per day. That is extremely easy given that this drug is mostly available in 1 mg tablets. If you feel that the recommended dosage is too much for you, you can take Arimidex every other day.
Since you’d be using it to prevent gynecomastia, make sure you continue your Arimidex cycle in tandem with your anabolic steroid cycle. That isn’t to say that you should start both cycles at the same time. In fact, users suggest starting your Arimidex cycle when you’re already two weeks into the steroid cycle.
Doing this will provide you with two benefits. The fact that you’re already on the steroid/supplement cycle by the time you start taking Arimidex will help you avoid this drug’s symptoms. At the same time, it will allow Arimidex to deliver the intended results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Arimidex lower estrogen?
According to the FDA, taking 1 mg Arimidex tablet lowers estrogen by 70 per cent over the first 24 hours. After a fortnight of daily dosing, this drug can reduce estrogen by 80%. The suppressed levels won’t go back up for up to 6 days after you’ve completed the Arimidex cycle.
How fast does Arimidex lower estrogen?
Health experts tell us that Arimidex starts lowering estrogen within 24 hours of the first dose. Still, it might take the drug as much as seven days to attain peak levels in the blood plasma.
What is the recommended Arimidex dosage with testosterone?
Users on testosterone replacement therapy suggest taking 0.05mg to 1mg Arimidex once every three days. Keep in mind that this isn’t doctor advice. If you’re on testosterone replacement therapy, consult with your therapist before you start taking Arimidex.
Summary
Arimidex was initially developed to treat breast cancer in post menopausal women. Over the years, though, its aromatase inhibiting properties have caught the attention of bodybuilders, eager for a safe drug that could naturally lower their estrogen levels.
Multiple pieces of evidence suggest that it does precisely that. Keep in mind that there are yet to be any human studies to verify the effects of Arimidex on the male breast tissue. That’s why we suggest you consult with your healthcare professional before starting Arimidex post cycle therapy.
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