Find out which aromatase inhibitors should be used to avoid side effects on and after the steroid cycle. Aromatase inhibitors, also called blockers, are medications used in traditional medicine to lower estrogen levels while increasing testosterone and gonadotropin hormones. Inhibitors are also used to treat gynecomastia in men.
Bodybuilders use drugs mainly during the course of anabolic drugs for the following purposes:
- Prevention of gynecomastia;
- Increased anabolic background;
- Giving the muscles a relief;
- Elimination of hypertension;
- Reducing the effect of estrogens on the hypothalamus-pituitary-testes axis.
When composing a course of steroids, it should be remembered that not every anabolic has the ability to convert into estrogens. Aromatase inhibitors must be used when testosterone esters, methandrostenolone, methyltestosterone are included in the course.
Using aromatase inhibitors on the course
Most athletes start using blockers only after symptoms of gynecomastia appear. But this approach to business is completely ineffective. It is much easier to be tested for the presence of estradiol in the body 10 days after the start of the course, when short steroids are used, or after 4 weeks, if the cycle includes long drugs.
After receiving the results, anastrozole dosage should be prescribed, an average of 0.5 grams once every two days. Alternatively, you can take a lower dose of the drug based on your own feelings. In case of decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, depression, the dosage should be reduced.
Blocker research
After the Letrozole (Letroza) brand entered the market, it instantly became the leader in popularity among athletes. A large number of studies have been carried out that have proven the high effectiveness of the drug. The effective dose is already about 0.02 milligrams, which is almost 100 times less than the therapeutic dose. After using the medication, the level of gonadotropin content increases significantly, while reducing the content of estrogen by a third.
The effect on the body and anastrozole has been studied no less well at the moment. Because of this, it is very widely used by athletes. In clinical trials, it was found that even with an amount of 0.5 to 1 milligram, the level of female hormones is reduced by half. In online stores, this tool can cost several times less than in a pharmacy. Also in large cities you can find a cheaper version of the drug - anastrozole cabi.
Side effects of aromatase inhibitors
It has been established that in small quantities, female hormones are always present in the body of a man and are even useful. They are able to increase the sensitivity of the androgen-type receptors and thereby increase the effectiveness of the steroid cycle. All the side effects that aromatase inhibitors can cause are associated with their overdose and, as a result, a strong reduction in estradiol in the body. Among the main side effects after an overdose of blockers are:
- Slowing down the growth of muscle mass;
- Joint pain
- Decreased bone strength;
- Increased cholesterol levels;
- Deterioration of general well-being and a drop in libido;
- The appearance of a state of depression.
Pharmacological data of blockers
For the first time, aromatase blockers appeared on the medication market in parallel with tamoxifen. In the mid-1980s, it was announced that clinical trials of a new generation of blockers were completed. It was in the late 80s that almost all modern aromatase inhibitors appeared.
At first, the drugs were used in the treatment of malignant breast tumors. This was due to the results of studies showing that more than a third of breast cancers are associated with the hormonal system.
When blockers are used, the genotoxic effect is reduced, as well as the intensity of cell division, which has a positive effect in the initial stages of the formation of malignant tumors. Currently existing aromatase inhibitors can be divided into two categories: non-steroidal and steroidal. The first non-steroidal drug, aminoglutethimide, was created back in the 70s. However, it was quite toxic to the adrenal glands, and its use in medicine is very limited.
Anastrozole
It is one of the most potent third-generation non-steroidal inhibitors. When using the drug in an amount of 1 mgk during the day, it leads to a decrease in the level of estrogen by 80%. When using anastrozole in a dosage not exceeding 10 milligrams throughout the day, it has a strong progestogenic and androgenic effect on the body. In addition, it does not suppress the synthesis of cortisol and aldosterone, thereby not requiring additional use of corticosteroids. In terms of the strength of its effect, the drug is 250 times or more superior to aminoglutethimide and, due to a longer disintegration period, is capable of preventing feminization symptoms in small doses.
In bodybuilding, the drug is very widely used to prevent the development of gynecomastia, as well as excess fluid accumulation in the body. In case of an overdose, the same side effects are possible that are characteristic of all drugs of the aromatase blocker group.
Letrozole
The mechanism of work of this drug is to bind aromatase to the cytochrome gene. With its help, it is possible to prevent the effect of aromatization in adipose tissues, liver, skeletal muscles, without affecting the synthesis of cortisol. In comparison with anastrozole, the agent is more effective in blocking aromatase cytochromes, which significantly reduces the level of female hormones.
The permissible dosage of the drug is 1 tablet daily during the day. The drug is well absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract, regardless of food intake. The drug should not be taken in case of liver dysfunction. All side effects were recorded only with uncontrolled use of letrozole.
Vorozol
The drug is a representative of the third generation of drugs in the aromatase inhibitors group. Its mechanism of action on the body of the drug is very similar to letrozole. The drug is quite new and research on its safety and efficacy is ongoing. It is rarely used by athletes.
Exemestane
This drug belongs to the third generation steroid blockers. It is widely used by traditional medicine in the United States. As well as vorozol, it is rarely used in sports.
Latest aromatase inhibitors
Work on the creation of new, more effective drugs of the aromatase inhibitors group continues at the present time. At the stage of clinical trials, there are currently steroid-type preparations - Ergo-pharm 6-OXO and T-Bomb II. Their effect on the human body has not yet been fully studied and it is still premature to talk about their use in sports. Also, not very long ago, the drug chrysin appeared on the sports pharmacology market. Despite the fact that the drug is already on sale, the mechanism of its effect on the body is still being studied. The creators of the drug are silent about the side effects when using chrysine, but so far no information has been received from the athletes on this score. However, chrysine is rarely used by athletes. After all, there are products on the market, the effectiveness and safety of which has been confirmed by time.
Learn more about Anastrozole (an aromatase inhibitor) in this video:
