Some bodybuilders take Arimidex to reduce the side effects of anabolic steroids. The drug is a breast cancer treatment that lowers estrogen levels, so a person should avoid using it for other means.
Bodybuilders who take anabolic steroids to try to increase muscle mass and improve athletic performance can experience a range of symptoms. In some cases, males might start to grow breasts due to an increase in estrogen levels.
Arimidex lowers estrogen levels and can prevent breast growth in males. However, the drug also has side effects of its own.
In this article, we discuss what Arimidex does, why bodybuilders might use it, and the possible side effects.
Arimidex is the brand name for anastrozole. Doctors may prescribe the drug to postmenopausal females with certain types of breast cancer.
Arimidex stops aromatase from working in the body. Aromatase is an enzyme that makes estrogen from steroid hormones, including testosterone. By doing this, it lowers the amount of estrogen in the body.
People who use anabolic steroids for bodybuilding can experience a range of side effects.
These drugs disrupt hormone production in the body and may increase estrogen. Higher levels of estrogen can cause males to develop gynecomastia, which is the enlargement of the breast glands.
By reducing estrogen levels, Arimidex could prevent gynecomastia in males taking anabolic steroids.
Arimidex can cause several side effects by disrupting hormone production in the body. For example, lower estrogen levels can lead to the thinning and weakening of bones.
Some other common side effects include:
It is possible to have an allergic reaction to Arimidex, which can cause:
Using anabolic steroids without a doctor’s prescription is not only illegal but also poses serious health risks. These risks include liver damage, cardiovascular problems, hormonal imbalances, and psychological effects such as aggression or shifts in mood. Therefore, health experts strongly advise only using steroids under the supervision and prescription of a qualified healthcare professional.
Arimidex comes as a small tablet for oral use only. The tablets are usually 1 milligram in size.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved Arimidex for use in cancer treatment. There are no formal guidelines for its use in bodybuilding.
The FDA guidelines for breast cancer suggest a typical dosage of one tablet daily, but a doctor may prescribe a different dosage, depending on the case.
Taking Arimidex for bodybuilding is not recommended. Many of the side effects of anabolic steroids usually go away after a person stops using them. Estrogen levels should return to typical levels, and gynecomastia should be reduced.
The primary use of Arimidex is to treat breast cancer. It may be part of treatment for postmenopausal females with:
- Early hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer: Arimidex can lower the risk of this cancer returning or spreading following surgery.
- Advanced or metastatic HR+ or HR-unknown breast cancer: It is not usually possible to treat these cancers using surgery, so doctors may prescribe Arimidex as a first-line treatment.
- Advanced or metastatic breast cancer that returns following initial treatment with tamoxifen (Nolvadex): In these cases, Arimidex is a second-line treatment for advanced or metastatic breast cancer.
Sometimes, doctors
Several other drugs — typically those for the treatment of breast cancer — lower estrogen levels in the body.
For example, other aromatase inhibitors, such as exemestane (Aromasin), and a class of drugs called selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) that act on estrogen receptors. Doctors
Although these drugs may lower estrogen levels, the FDA does not recommend that people take them for bodybuilding purposes.
Several natural products may also play a role in lowering estrogen levels, although limited scientific evidence confirms their effectiveness. These include:
- wild nettle root
- grape seed extract
- chrysin, a naturally occurring flavonoid in various plants, honey, propolis, and some mushrooms
- maca
Arimidex is primarily for breast cancer treatment, and most of the research relates to postmenopausal females.
Estrogen plays a more significant role in the bodily function of females than males. Therefore, lowering estrogen levels can have a more serious effect on females.
For this reason, female bodybuilders need to avoid taking Arimidex or any other drug that lowers estrogen levels.
It is best to consult a doctor before taking any drug that disrupts normal hormone production.
Some people may be taking other medications or have medical conditions that affect hormone levels. Taking Arimidex could cause more serious issues in these cases.
It is essential to stop taking the drug and speak with a doctor right away if there are signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling or rashes.
Below are some commonly asked questions about Arimidex.
Should a person take Arimidex on cycle?
In bodybuilding, on cycle refers to the period during which an individual uses anabolic steroids to enhance muscle mass, strength, and athletic performance.
Typically, a person will take these substances for a set duration, followed by a period of discontinuation to allow the body to recover.
Individuals often use Arimidex on anabolic steroid cycles to manage estrogen-related side effects.
However, the FDA does not recommend that people take this drug for bodybuilding purposes. Currently, Arimidex has only been approved for use in cancer treatment.
What should a person avoid while taking Arimidex?
If a person is taking Arimidex, they need to avoid taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or herbal remedies and supplements for menopause symptoms. These medicines could stop anastrozole from working as well as it should.
Arimidex can also make some people feel extremely tired, in which case they should be cautious about driving.
Also, while it is safe to have alcohol with Arimidex, it may worsen hot flushes or skin discoloration in some people.
If a person is taking Arimidex for a medical purpose, they should not stop taking the drug without consulting their doctor first.
Can a person take Arimidex while on testosterone?
Yes, people can take Arimidex while on testosterone.
In fact, taking Arimidex while on testosterone is a common practice
Arimidex blocks the enzyme aromatase, which reduces the conversion of testosterone to estrogen and helps prevent side effects such as gynecomastia.
It’s important to use Arimidex under a doctor’s supervision and regularly check hormone levels to make sure it is working safely.
Some bodybuilders use Arimidex to control gynecomastia, which is a side effect of taking anabolic steroids. It causes males to grow breasts.
Arimidex can have several side effects and is usually a treatment for breast cancer. It is not advisable for people to take Arimidex for bodybuilding.
It is best to speak with a doctor before taking any drugs that may affect hormone levels.