Description
Arimidex was the very first aromatase inhibitor for many bodybuilders to have taken notice of, it is the most popular aromatase inhibitor used among anabolic steroid users for the purpose of Estrogen control. The use among anabolic steroid using athletes is for the control of almost all Estrogen-related side effects: the manifestation of gynecomastia, water retention and bloating, rising blood pressure (as a result of water retention increases from Estrogen). This is in contrast with SERMs such as Nolvadex, which only serve to block gynecomastia. Studies have in fact demonstrated that Arimidex use in males has been effective enough to reduce circulating blood plasma levels of Estrogen by 50% at only a dose of 0.5 – 1mg daily. This is a very considerable decrease in men, but can be seen as quite different from the 80% reduction in female breast cancer patients, but it must be remembered that Estrogen and how it relates to the female physiology is different from males.
By including Arimidex in an anabolic steroid cycle that contains aromatizing steroids, the individual can protect against gynecomastia and water retention. This will also protect against high blood pressure. Some steroids can still cause high blood pressure without water retention, but heavy excess water retention is the number one culprit of high blood pressure among anabolic steroid users. Without question, AI’s like Arimidex are the most effective anti-estrogens for combating estrogenic related side effects. SERM’s like Nolvadex can also be useful and while not as effective should be the first choice when possible. Arimidex has the ability to negatively affect cholesterol as we will see in the side effects section. However, we will also find cholesterol issues can be avoided.
As a testosterone stimulating compound, Arimidex can be appealing for low testosterone treatment plans and for Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) for anabolic steroid users. In the case of low testosterone treatment, it’s often not enough. However, it can still be beneficial in conjunction with exogenous testosterone therapy in protecting against estrogenic side effects. As for PCT use, some will attempt it and it can have a positive effect, but it is generally not recommended. The main purpose of a PCT plan is to stimulate natural testosterone production in order to protect lean muscle tissue, keep body fat under control and promote a better state of health. However, the overall purpose is normalization, which cannot be reached when using Arimidex post cycle due to the tremendous estrogen reduction. Although high levels of estrogen can be problematic, some is necessary to proper bodily function, especially regarding the immune system and cardiovascular health. For the anabolic steroid user, AI’s should be saved for on cycle use with SERM’s being used for PCT.
For the anabolic steroid user, Arimidex doses can vary with 0.5-1mg every other day being the most common. Very few should ever need more than 1mg every other day and many will be more than fine with half that amount. In therapeutic plans such as low testosterone treatment even less may be needed. We can, however, make an exception in Arimidex doses for competitive bodybuilders. Competitive bodybuilders may find a full 1mg every day the last 10-14 days leading up to competition to be useful. This will greatly aid in hardening, but it will be draining to say the least. Of course, at this stage of a competition diet most have very little energy to begin with anyway.
For the purpose of Gynecomastia control and general on-cycle Estrogen control, Arimidex is to be used at a general range of 0.5 – 1mg per day, and can be adjusted depending on the user’s tolerance and reaction to the compound. Everyone should adjust their Arimidex dosage according to their individual response. It is not uncommon for 0.5mg/day to even be too much (or too little) for some. It should also always be remembered that the purpose here is Estrogen control during a cycle, not total elimination of Estrogen levels.