Tamoxifen is a prescription drug used to manage and prevent breast cancer in men and women. It has been in existence for over 30 years. Interestingly, the drug has gained popularity in the bodybuilding community. The drug is used in anabolic steroid cycle as an ancillary drug and also in post anabolic steroid cycle therapy. An ancillary drug is a substance consumed to offset the undesired effects of anabolic steroids. But what is an anabolic steroid cycle?
Tamoxifen & Bodybuilding
Anabolic steroid cycle is the period a bodybuilder uses an anabolic steroid. As a bodybuilder, your main goal is to build lean muscles and at the same time lose weight; this is where Tamoxifen comes in. You may use Tamoxifen as part of your steroid cycle to help you achieve the following:
- Improve muscle mass and strength
- Promote harder and leaner physique
- Improve athletic performance
Tamoxifen Citrate is a safe drug to use since it binds to estrogen receptors. Bear in mind it is not an anabolic steroid. Anabolic steroid has aromatization characteristics which may result in breast enlargement (gynecomastia) and an increase in fat deposits. So, you can take this medication together with anabolic steroids. Normally, the dose of the drug is 10 to 40 mg per day. If you are new to bodybuilding, don’t take this medication in bodybuilding. Train for a couple of years before using the drug. Later, you can visit your doctor and inform him of your intentions and undergo a body check up. The results will determine if you have underlying conditions which can be made worse by using this drug; if that’s the case, it’s better to do away with it. Taking the medication with health conditions can aggravate side effects and the health conditions.
Well, if not convinced that the medication isn’t good for your consumption, as it has helped your fellow bodybuilders. Take note that they are different from you and may not have the medical conditions like you; however, you can have a discussion with your doctor to help you make an informed decision and stand by it. If he gives you a good ahead to use the drug well and good, but if he advises you to stay away from it, please do. The medication is good and has benefited many athletes and bodybuilders, although health conditions are a determinant if the drug is safe for you.
As you use these tablets in combination with anabolic steroids, stay away from strong anabolic steroids until you undergo a few cycles using milder steroids. You can use these tablets alone and you will attain your bodybuilding goals. In some countries, using steroids to improve physique is illegal; you can opt to use this medication alone under the guidance of a medical practitioner. Once done with the steroid cycle, it’s crucial to commence a PCT (post cycle therapy) immediately to prevent loss of the muscles you have worked tirelessly for. In PCT the drug works by stimulating natural testosterone production as it had been suppressed during anabolic steroid use. For men, daily therapy is 40 mg per day, though the dose is dropped gradually until you stop using it. PCT runs for four to six weeks depending on the length of the steroid cycle.
Benefits
Tamoxifen is a SERM (selective estrogen receptor modulator); it is not an AI (aromatase inhibitor). It works by preventing estrogen from binding to the receptors in your body and not by lowering estrogen levels, thus you can use it with aromatizing compounds without any problems. Estrogen is required to build muscles; this medication is useful in the cycle to attain the muscles without decreasing the levels of estrogens.
- Tamoxifen aids in burning fat, it is evidently more so if you have extremely low body fat. The drug increases the hardness and lowers water retention in your body, resulting in a dry and attractive body figure. You will get admiration from fellow bodybuilders and athletes.
- Steroids cycles strain your health and interfere with blood lipids. Estrogen is important for your immune system to function properly as well as lipid profile. Using these pills in the cycle is beneficial to your immune system and the lipid profile.
- If you encounter gynecomastia while on a steroid cycle, the drug counters gyno with immediate effect. Though, you will experience the effects for a short period if you discontinue taking the drug; you will be faced with the same signs of gynecomastia sooner than you expect. To deal with the rebound of gyno, it is advisable to use Tamoxifen with an aromatase inhibitor because an AI has long-term results because it decreases estrogen production.
- The medication is much safer when compared to other ancillaries used in PCT. It’s lower in toxic and suitable for long-term use with a wide range of benefits, but you will come across mild side effects.
Side Effects
Along with its desired effects, you will experience side effects, although they are minimal, you will face them as your body gets used to the drug. If you take a dosage of 30 mg per day or less, the negative effects will be quite low. Below are unwanted effects of the medicine:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Hot flashes
- Numbness
- Blurred vision
- Irregular period or missing a period (this affects female bodybuilders)
In Conclusion
Training and nutrition are crucial in the cycle. Taking the medication without proper exercise and a planned diet will only disappoint you. To gain muscle, you have to train and eat a healthy balanced diet. Training must be a combination of muscle building exercises as well as strength training, consult your gym instructor for more insight on the two. Incorporate in your diet bodybuilding foods like meat, eggs, cheese, milk and yogurt. Limit consumption of foods rich in cholesterol to hinder fat deposits in your blood vessels. Consume fruits and vegetables rich in fiber to aid in digestion. Foods rich in potassium mustn’t be left behind to ensure potassium levels in your blood are not depleted, especially if you are using steroids together with Tamoxifen ( steroids depletes potassium levels) Well, you need to have a nutritionist to advise you on the best diet for bodybuilding. Enough said, if thinking of starting a steroid cycle and need protection against gyno and fluid retention, this medication is an anti-estrogen that you can depend on and you will leave to tell of its benefits.
Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and must not be considered as medical advice. YouDrugstore does not endorse or approve the opinions or views expressed by any contributing author in our community articles. Always consult your doctor for medical advice.