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Arimidex
is a very new drug developed for the treatment of advanced breast
cancer in women. Arimidex is the first in a new
class of third-generation selective oral aromatase inhibitors. Arimidex
acts by blocking the enzyme aromatase, subsequently blocking the
production of estrogen. Since many forms of breast cancer cells
are stimulated by estrogen, it is hoped that by reducing amounts
of estrogen in the body the progression of such a disease can be
halted. This is the basic premise behind
Nolvadex,
except this drug blocks the action and not production of estrogen.
The effects of Arimidex can be quite dramatic to say the least. A
daily dose of one tablet (1 mg) can produce estrogen suppression
greater than 80 % in treated patients. With the powerful effect
this drug has on hormone levels, it is only to be used
(clinically) by post-menopausal women whose disease has progressed
following treatment with
Nolvadex (tamoxifen
citrate). Side effects like hot flushes and hair thinning can be
present, and would no doubt be much more severe in pre-menopausal
patients.
For
the steroid using male athlete, Arimidex shows great potential. Up
to this point, drugs like
Nolvadex and
Proviron
have been our weapons against excess estrogen. These drugs,
especially in combination, do prove quite effective. But Arimidex
appears able to do the job much more efficiently, and with less
hassle. Its use is only now catching on, but early reports have
been excellent. A single tablet daily, the same dose use
clinically, seems to be all one needs for an exceptional effect
(some even report excellent results with only 1/2 tablet
daily). When used with strong, readily aromatizing androgens such
as
Dianabol
(D-bol) or testosterone,
gynecomastia and water retention can be effectively blocked. In
combination with
Proscar (finasteride),
we have a great advance. With the one drug halting estrogen
conversion and the other blocking 5-alpha reduction, related side effects can
be effectively minimized. Here the strong androgen testosterone
could theoretically provide incredible muscular growth, while at
the same time being as tolerable as nandrolone. Additionally the
quality of the muscle should be greater, the athlete appearing
harder and much more defined without holding excess water.
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 antiestrogenic effect on cholesterol values, it
is certainly the preferred from of estrogen maintenance for those
concerned with cardiovascular health.
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