Why is there a need for Tamoxifen Citrate_x000D__x000D_
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During a steroid cycle, Tamoxifen Citrate is used by bodybuilders who are sensitive to estrogen buildup. Estrogen buildup can lead to many concerns, foremost of these is the occurrence of gynecomastia (growth of breast tissues in men) and subcutaneous fat and water retention._x000D__x000D_
During PCT, Tamoxifen Citrate is effective in averting the dreaded effect when coming off a steroid cycle – the post-cycle crash. This is basically losing what you have gained when you’re on a cycle. Bodybuilders, in general, use Tamoxifen Citrate to block this from taking place._x000D__x000D_
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Here’s the scenario. When a bodybuilder is taking anabolic steroids, the body ceases its production of androgens. When he stops taking them, the body does not immediately resume its normal production of these hormones, resulting to depressed androgen level. When this happens the body compensates by overproducing estrogen. The excess estrogen, in turn, results to can increase the production of SHBG and blocks testosterone-receptor sites. SHBG or sex hormone-binding globulin is a glycoprotein that binds to sex hormones, including testosterone. And so, if there’s an increase in the amount of SHBG in the system it translates to lesser amount of free or unbound testosterone. This means there are two mechanisms by which excess estrogen interferes with the normalization of androgen level in the body._x000D__x000D_
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Furthermore, a depressed androgen level can lead to catabolism. There are many signals that induce catabolism and this includes cortisol, which is considered to be one of the ‘classic’ catabolic hormones. Cortisol plays a great role in protein catabolism, which is the breakdown of macromolecules. Macromolecules include proteins and lipids (fat). When protein catabolism takes place, there is a subsequent loss in muscle gains and strength. Your muscles get leaner because fat, water, and protein substrates break down. However, this is not to say that this is a completely negative effect as some bodybuilders prefer leaner muscles. But for those who are after bulk or mass this poses a problem. This is why Tamoxifen Citrate is not advised for those whose aim is to gain mass._x000D__x000D_
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Tamoxifen Citrate vs aromatase inhibitors_x000D__x000D_
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Tamoxifen Citrate is usually compared to aromatase inhibitors like Arimidex; however, there is a distinct difference between these two classes of drugs. Estrogen agonists or anti-estrogens (also classified as triphenylethylenes) do not halt the production of estrogens whereas aromatase inhibitors do quite effectively._x000D__x000D_
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Aromatase blockers or inhibitors halt the natural production of estrogen and therefore tend to completely suppress estrogenic activity, including its beneficial roles in body (metabolism, lipid profile, protein synthesis). This is why many still opt for Tamoxifen Citrate as an ancillary and recovery drug._x000D__x000D_
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Further, Tamoxifen Citrate exerts its effects faster vis-à-vis an aromatase inhibitor. Thus, when bodybuilders experience the symptoms of gynecomastia while they are on steroid cycle, they rely on Tamoxifen Citrate to immediately counter the problem. However, a drawback of this drug is that it exhibits only short-term effects, which means that once Tamoxifen Citrate intake is discontinued, the same problems can possibly rebound sooner than later. To prevent this rebound, Tamoxifen Citrate is generally use in conjunction with aromatase inhibitor. Tamoxifen Citrate can deal with the problem right away while an aromatase inhibitor like Arimidex can work for the long-term results as it reduces the production of estrogen._x000D__x000D_
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Tamoxifen Citrate Dosage_x000D__x000D_
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Dosage ranges from 10mg – 60mg daily._x000D__x000D_
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Tamoxifen Citrate is recommended to be stacked with highly aromatizable steroids like Dianabol and testosterone._x000D__x000D_
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It is important to start a PCT once you finished a steroid cycle to avoid a dramatic loss of the mass gained. The question on how soon to initiate a PCT depends on the kind of steroids you used. If your cycle is comprised of orals, which have relatively the shortest effect on the body, it is advised to start immediately. Some say PCT can begin as early as the last day of the steroid cycle. If short-acting esters or water-based injectables, PCT is recommended 4-7 days after the last injection. In the case of long-acting esters, it should be around 10-14 days after the last injection._x000D__x000D_
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Side effects are reportedly few and mild with this drug. Nausea, vomiting and hot flashes can be experienced by users of Tamoxifen Citrate._x000D__x000D_
High dosage can prevent natural testosterone production by the testes. Further, high dosage can be counter-productive; that instead of lowering estrogenic levels, it increases the levels. This is a consequence when the adrenal glands are overly stimulated to produce the prohormone dehydroepiandrosterone or DHEA. DHEA converts to estrogen._x000D__x000D_
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This drug is a potent nonsteroidal anti-estrogen. It is indicated for use in estrogen dependent tumors, i.e. breast cancer. Steroid users take Nolvadex to prevent the effects of estrogen in the body. This estrogen is most often the result of aromatizing steroids. Nolvadex can aid in preventing edema, gynecomastia, and female pattern fat distribution, all of which might occur when a man’s estrogen levels are too high. Also, these effects can occur when androgen levels are too low, making estrogen the predominant hormone. This can occur when endogenous androgens have been suppressed by the prolonged use of exogenous steroids. Nolvadex works by competitively binding to target estrogen sites like those at the breast._x000D__x000D_
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This drug is not toxic nor have any side effects been seen in athletes who used the drug’ as an anti-estrogen. This drug is the most popular anti- estrogen amongst steroid users._x000D__x000D_
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Although it does not turn out to be 100% effective for everyone, it does seem to exhibit some level of effectiveness for the majority. It works so well for some bodybuilders they can take drugs like Anadrol right up to a contest as long as they stack it with Nolvadex. It would seem wise to take this drug in conjunction with any steroid cycle. Most reported a dosage of 10 mg to 20 mg daily got the job done. Availability of Nolvadex has been fair on the black market.