|
This remedy is somewhat different from others since it is
not an anabolic /androgenic steroid. For male and female
bodybuilders, however, it is a very useful and recommended
compound which is confirmed by its widespread use and mostly
positive results. Nolvadex belongs to the group of sex
hormones and is a so-called antiestrogen. The normal
application of Nolvadex is in the treatment of certain forms
of breast cancer in female patients. With Nolvadex it is
possible to reverse an existing growth process of deceased
tissue and prevent further growth. The growth of certain
tissues is stimulated by the body's own estrogen hormone.
This is especially true for the breast glands in men and
women since the body has a large number of estrogen
receptors at these glands which can bond with the estrogens
present in the blood. If the body's own estrogen level is
unusually high an undesired growth of breast glands occurs.
However, in healthy women and particularly in men this is
not the case. Despite this, it is mostly male bodybuilders
who use Nolvadex, and fewer women. At first sight this seems
somewhat inconceivable but when taking a closer look, the
reasons are clear. Bodybuilders who take Nolvadex also use
anabolic steroids at the same time. Since most steroids
aromatize more or less strongly, i.e. part of the substance
is converted into estrogens, male bodybuilders can
experience a significant elevation in the normally very low
estrogen level. This can lead to feminization symptoms such
as gynecomastia (growth of breast glands), increased fat
deposits and higher water retention.
The antiestrogen
Nolvadex works against this by blocking the
estrogen receptors of the effected body tissue, thereby
inhibiting a bonding of estrogens and receptor. It is,
however, important to understand that Nolvadex does not
prevent the aromatization but only acts as an estrogen
antagonist. This means that it does not prevent testosterone
and its synthetic derivatives (steroids) from converting
into estrogens but only fights with them in a sort of
"competition''for the estrogen receptors. This
characteristic has the disadvantage that after the
discontinuance of
Nolvadex a "rebound effect" can
occur which means that the suddendly freed estrogen
receptors are now able to absorb the estrogen present in the
blood. For this reason the combined intake of Proviron is
suggested. Nolvadex is also useful during a diet since it
helps in the burning of fat. Although Nolvadex has no direct
fatburning effect its antiestrogenic effect contributes to
keeping the estrogen level as low as possible. Nolvadex
should especially be taken together with the strong
androgenic steroids Dianabol (D-bol) and Anadrol, and the
various testosterone compounds. Athletes who have a tendency
to retain water and who have a mammary dysfunction should
take Nolvadex as a prevention during every steroid intake.
Since Nolvadex is very effective in most cases it is no
wonder that several athletes can take Anadrol and Dianabol
(D-bol) until the day of a competition, and in combination
with a diruretic still appear totally ripped in the
limelight. Those who already have a low body fat content
will achieve a visibly improved muscle hardness with
Nolvadex.
Several bodybuilders like to use Nolvadex at the end of a
steroid cycle since it increases the body s own testosterone
production which will be discussed in more detail in the
following-to counteract the side effects caused by the
estrogens. These can occur after the discontinuance of
steroids when the androgen level in relationship to the
estrogen concentration is too low and estrogen becomes the
dominant hormone. A very rare but all the more serious
problem of Nolvadex is that, in some cases it does not lower
the estrogen level but can increase it.
Another disadvantage is that it can weaken the anabolic
effect of, some steroids. The reason is that Nolvadex, as we
know, reduces the estrogen level. The fact is, however, that
certain steroids especially the various testosterone
compounds-can only achieve their full effect if the estrogen
level is sufficiently high. Those who are used to the intake
of larger amounts of various steroids do not have to worry
about this. Athletes however, who predominantly use mild
steroids such as Primobolan Depot, Winstrol, Anavar, and
Deca Durabolin should carefully consider whether or not they
should take Nolvadex since, due to the compound's already
moderate anabolic cffect, an additional loss af effect could
take place, leading to unsatisfying results.
A rarely observed but welcome characteristic of Nolvadex is
that it has a direct influence on the hypothalamus and thus,
by an increased release of gonadotropine, it stimulates the
testosterone production in the testes. This does not result
in a tremendous but still a measurable increase of the
body's own testosterone. This effect, however, is not
sufficient to significantly increase the testosterone
production reduced by anabolic /androgenic steroids.
The side effects of Nolvadex are usually low in dosages of
up to 30 mg/day. In rare cases nausea, vomiting, hot
flashes, numbness, and blurred vision can occur. In women
irregular menstrual cycles can occur which manifest
themselves in weaker menstrual bleeding or even complete
missing of a period. Women should also be careful not to get
pregnant while taking Nolvadex. It is important for female
athletes that Nolvadex and the "pill" not be taken
together since the antiestrogen Nolvadex and the
estrogen-containing pill negatively countereffect each
other.The normal daily dosage taken by athletes corresponds
more or less to the dosage indications of the manufacturer
and is 10-30 mg/day. To prevent estrogenic side effects
normally 10 mg/day are sufficient, a dosage which also Keeps
low the risk of reducing the effect of simultaneously-taken
steroids. Often it is sufficient if the athlete begins this
preventive intake of Nolvadex only three to four weeks after
the intake of anabolics. Athletes who have tendencies toward
gynecomastia, strong water retention, and increased fat
deposits with steroids such as Dianabol (D-bol), Testoviron
Depot, Anadrol, and Deca Durabolin usually take 20-30
mg/day. The combined application of Nolvadex 20-30 mg/day
and Proviron 25-50 mg/day in these cases leads to excellent
results. The same is true for athletes who are in
competition, and for women. Women, however should do without
the intake of Proviron or at least reduce the dose to one 25
mg tablet per day. Unfortunately, in most cases, a very
pronounced gynecomastia ("bitch tits") cannot be
reduced by taking Nolvadex so that often surgery is
required, surgery which is not paid for by health insurance.
First signs of a possible gynecomastia are light pain when
touching the nipples. The tablets are usuall taken 1-2x
daily, swallowed whole without chewing, with some liquid
during meals.
Nolvadex unfortunately is a very expensive compound. Some
examples: In Germany one hundred 20 mg tablets cost $ l92
(Red List 1995). Since the generic compounds (see list of
various trade names) usually at a lower price- are of the
same quality than the trade name Nolvadex, athletes often
prefer generics. The less expensive tamoxifen-citrate
compound in Germany is Tamoxasta by Astamedica Company. One
hundred 20 mg tablets, in comparison, cost $ 107 (Red List
1995). In Spain the prices are fixed by the government and
it makes no difference whether it is an original Nolvadex or
a generic compound. One hundred 20 mg tablets cost approx.
$60 in Spain. In Greece the same quantity costs about $85.
The athlete should look for the 20 mg version since, from
its price, it is the most economical. On the black market
mostly the foreign Nolvadex can be found costing about $2 -
3 per 20 mg tablet. Original Nolvadex tablets can be easily
identified since, on the front, ICI (name of the
manufacturer) is stamped and, on the back, the name
"Nolvadex". Most of the time the tablet strength
is also imprinted. Ten tablets are included in an unusually
large push-through strip. The American Nolvadex can rarely
be found on the black market. In the U.S. original Nolvadex
is packaged by the manufacturer, ICI Pharma, in small, white
plastic boxes with a child-proof screw cap. So far there are
no fakes of Nolvadex and its generic products.
|
