Arimidex
anastrozole
The compound anastrozole is indeed a revolution in the treatment of
breast cancers. It's a new generation of aromatase blocker. Up until
recently the main product for this purpose was the androgenic steroid
Mesterolone (Proviron). But the problem here was that Proviron was not
particularly strong and in the required doses of 50 to 100 mg per day,
androgenic side-effects were not uncommon.
Anastrozole operates by blocking the aromatase enzyme, the primary enzyme
for the conversion of testosterone to estrogen. A steroid that is altered
by this enzyme is referred to as an aromatizing steroid, and such steroids
can cause estrogen build-up. This has several potential side-effects such
as water retention, fat gain and lets not forget gynocomastia (the growth
of breast tissue in men). To prevent such effects anti-aromatase products
can be used. Often times during a cycle most will want to allow for some
estrogen, since it heavily promotes strength and gains as well (increases
GH, upgrades the androgen receptor, improves glucose utilization). These
people will generally opt for an estrogen receptor antagonist such as Nolvadex
(tamoxifen) or Clomid (Clomiphene). These products do not stop the formation
of estrogen, but stop the estrogen from exerting its effects by competitively
taking up the receptors for this hormone. This allows them to stop any
problems dead in their tracks, acting very fast, but upon discontinuation
allowing for immediate influx of estrogen again as well. This has the benefit
that they can be used as soon as problems arise, and discontinued when
they subside, thereby only reducing estrogen-mediated gains for the time-span
of the occurring problem (mostly gynocomastia).
- Because it takes some time for an aromatase
blocker to take effect (even when aromatase is blocked, there is
still a level of circulating estrogen) and again some time to bring
estrogen back upon discontinuation (new estrogen needs to be made
again), acute problems are best solved with Nolvadex or clomid.
- When
an aromatase blocker is used, Arimidex is the best choice by far.
- Proviron
may be more apt when using with testosterone, due to its other
characteristics and positive benefits on testosterone, but for all
other intents and purpose arimidex should be preferred in these instances.
There are some concerns with using an aromatase inhibitor such as this during prolonged steroid treatment however. While it will effectively reduce estrogenic side effects, it will also block the beneficial properties of estrogen from becoming apparent (namely its effect on cholesterol values). Studies have clearly shown that when an aromatase inhibitor is used in conjunction with a steroid such as testosterone, suppression of HDL (good) cholesterol becomes much more pronounced. Apparently estrogen plays a role in minimizing the negative impact of steroid use. Since the estrogen receptor antagonist Nolvadex is shown not to display an anti-estrogenic effect on cholesterol values, it is certainly the preferred from of estrogen maintenance for those concerned with cardiovascular health.
Side effects:
In high dosages it might prove liver toxic.
Effective dosage:
0.25 - 1.0 mg/day.
