Arimidex is the brand name for anastrozole. Doctors may prescribe Trusted Sourcethe drug to postmenopausal women 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 effectsTrusted Source.
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.
Overview of Benefits and Side Effects
If you’re in a hurry and want to have a quick overview of the benefits and side effects of Arimidex PCT, this section has you sorted.
Benefits
- Prevents Gynecomastia
- Might Treat Erectile Dysfunction
- Might Treat Male Infertility
Side Effects
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Hot Flashes
- Allergic Reaction (In Rare Cases)
Remember that most of these side effects tend to be mild, as long as you stick to the recommended dosage (more on this below).
Also, if you’re looking for an alternative to anabolic steroids, one that could boost your body’s natural testosterone production, check out our guide on selective androgen receptor modulators.
Why Do Bodybuilders Use Arimidex?
Bodybuilders use Arimidex as a Post Cycle Therapy because it inhibits the production of estrogen. This hormone has many vital functions in the body, both male and female. But its elevated levels in men’s system lead to gynecomastia, or breast growth. That’s what Arimidex helps prevent.
Arimidex does that by reducing estrogen production in the body. This, in turn, lowers the supply of the female hormone to the breast tissue. With the incoming supply of fuel (estrogen) that it needs to grow depleted, the ability of the breast tissue to expand nosedives.
Arimidex Benefits for Men
One of the major benefits of Arimidex is that it might help or treat gynecomastia. However, its utility doesn’t end there. This aromatase inhibitor has also shown promise in treating erectile dysfunction, infertility and depression among the male population.
Might Treat Infertility
Peer reviewed studies have shown that high estrogen levels might cause infertility in males. When your estrogen levels are high, they may cause sperm levels to drop. The resulting reduction in sperm count might lead to infertility. Estrogen control is thus necessary
The good news is that Arimidex, originally developed as breast cancer treatment, has shown promise in getting male fertility back on track. It does that by a) inhibiting aromatase and b) by slowing the conversion of testosterone into estrogen. This helps Arimidex improve sperm production in males.
See also Arimidex tablets info page
Might Treat Erectile Dysfunction
For bodybuilders who are suffering from erectile dysfunction, they aren’t facing this problem because they’re lifting weights. Instead, it’s their usage of anabolic steroids and similar unsafe drugs that might have hurt their ability to achieve and retain an erection firm enough for sex.
One study has shown that Arimidex Anastrozole might improve sexual dysfunction in men. Carried out on male subjects facing sexual issues with hypogonadism and epilepsy, the study found that 3-month treatment with Arimidex normalized sexual function in 72 per cent of the participants.
If you were to combine Arimidex PCT treatment with penis pumps like the Bathmate, you could drastically improve your erectile dysfunction within just a month (or even shorter, depending on the severity of your condition).
Arimidex Side Effects
As is the case with other drugs out there, there are side effects associated with Arimidex use. Keep in mind, though, that unlike research chemicals, Arimidex is FDA approved. This means you can count on it to be much safer than most other aromatase inhibitors out there.
Most of the side effects associated with Arimidex use are on the mild side. These adverse effects include headaches, fatigue, joint pain, hot flashes, weakness and nausea. Again, most of these side effects will be mild in nature and will go away on their own if you stick to the recommended dosage.
Having said that, it’s possible for you to develop an allergic reaction to Arimidex. That is not unusual as people out there have allergic reactions to drugs as benign as aspirin. Still, the fact that drug allergic reactions are common doesn’t mean their effects won’t be dangerous.
If you develop an allergic reaction to Arimidex, the symptoms you might experience include breast pain, chest pain, rapid heart rate, blurred vision, and rashes. If you experience these symptoms or they start to worsen, we recommend you immediately consult with your physician.
What is the recommended Arimidex dosage with testosterone?
Users on testosterone replacement therapy suggest taking 0.05mg to 1mg Arimidex once every three days. Keep in mind that this isn’t doctor advice. If you’re on testosterone replacement therapy, consult with your therapist before you start taking Arimidex.