Nolvadex

(Tamoxifen Citrate)

Nolvadex is a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) comprised of the active drug Tamoxifen first created by Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI.) Originally developed to provide a “Morning After” effect this soon proved to be useless. However, soon after it was discovered the medication had a much more valuable purpose in treating breast cancer; however, as is common among many medications, especially those of a testosterone or estrogenic nature other uses have been found and they have found a welcomed home in the performance enhancing world. While Nolvadex is not a steroid in any shape form or fashion its use in conjunction with anabolic steroids has proven to be invaluable.

Nolvadex 101:

Nolvadex is a member of the SERM class of drugs with very similar properties to Clomiphene Citrate. An antagonist of the estrogen receptors by-which it binds itself preventing active estrogen from binding in its place. A common mistake is to classify Nolvadex as an anti-estrogen medication in the same light as other SERM’s such as Arimidex or Letrozole; this is however incorrect. Anti-Estrogen SERM’s such as aromatase inhibitors, which are the from family of SERM’s Arimidex and Letrozole belong to actually reduce the flow of estrogen in the body; Nolvadex does not possess this trait, it merely blocks the hormone from action. Estrogen is a very important hormone for a properly functioning endocrine system as it greatly aids in immune efficiency, however, it can be often times the enemy when levels become too high and very problematic in anabolic androgenic steroid users.

While aiding in blocking estrogen Nolvadex also possess other important traits. Nolva, as it is commonly referred has been shown to greatly aid in increasing both Luteinizing Hormones (LH) as well as total testosterone production. This is important because without LH there is no testosterone production and when we use anabolic steroids our natural testosterone production is more often than not non-existent. As you can see Nolvadex carries with it two distinct functions and purposes as it pertains to the anabolic steroid user, both during cycle and after cycle during what is known as the post cycle therapy (PCT) period.

The Benefits of Nolvadex:

As there are two distinct periods in-which a steroid user may use Nolvadex the purpose will determine the benefits in-which one wishes to obtain. While its mode of action by its very nature is the same regardless of the time in-which it is used the effects of use surround distinct purposes one from the other.

The most common use of Nolvadex for an anabolic steroid user is during PCT. When we use anabolic androgenic steroids our natural testosterone production comes to a halt, regardless if our cycle was comprised of exogenous testosterone or not and remedy must necessarily be applied. It is for this reason it is imperative most base their cycles around testosterone but once the cycle is complete we must do all we can to bring natural production back to its natural state if we are to maintain any of the gains made while on cycle as well as maintain proper and adequate overall health. As Nolvadex has been shown to greatly increase natural testosterone production it only makes sense to supplement with it after a steroid cycle is complete. While a PCT plan will generally last 3-4 weeks this is not enough to bring your levels back to normal; however, it will greatly speed the process up.

Another benefit to Nolvadex use as it pertains to the anabolic steroid user is while on cycle, while using anabolic androgenic steroids. Many anabolic steroids bring about strong estrogenic related side-effects, most notably Gynecomastia (male breast enlargement) or “Gyno” as it is commonly known. As many steroids convert to estrogen, thereby increasing estrogen in the body, once this occurs Gyno may be a problem. However, as Nolvadex can block estrogen from binding we can greatly improve our chances and often stave of Gyno. It is important to note, such side-effects like Gynecomastia can occur even with Nolva use in those who are more sensitive and if this is the case only an aromatase inhibitor such as Letrozole or Arimidex will be your saving grace.

The Side-Effects of Nolvadex:

Like all medications across the board Nolvadex does carry with it the potential for negative side-effects; however, the probability of such adverse effects remains very low. As discussed, some estrogen action is necessary in the body and it could be possible to limit this action when too much Nolvadex is being used; however, this is still very unlikely. There have also been some reports of negative actions regarding metabolic function but these appear to be extremely rare with little evidence to support a strong claim.

As it pertains more directly to anabolic steroid users, as some estrogenic action is imperative to health, when it comes to growth some estrogen can be beneficial. Some steroid users report less growth when Nolvadex is used during a cycle as compared to Nolvadex free cycles; however, again, the evidence is inconclusive.

Nolvadex and Clomid:

For all intense purpose Nolvadex and Clomid are identical in almost every way; if you cannot obtain Nolva, Clomid is fine in its place or vice-versa. However, on a milligram for milligram basis Nolvadex is far more powerful; to reap the benefits of 10mg of Nolva you would need to supplement with approximately 75-100mg of Clomid. However, both medications are commonly found and cheaply and highly available as well as rarely counterfeited in any way.

Nolvadex Cycles & Doses:

Most anabolic steroid users will find a 10mg dose of Nolvadex every day while on cycle to greatly aid in the prevention of estrogenic related side-effects. While some may indeed need 20mg every day, in most cases if 10mg won’t get the job done stronger aromatase inhibitors are going to be your best bet. However, regardless of the total dose, as you can see from the side-effects discussed they are generally of very little concern and the SERM can be safely used the entire duration of the cycle.

As it pertains to Nolva’s most optimal time of use, PCT the dosing will be much higher than if used during the actual cycle itself. Those who use Nolvadex for PCT will generally be best served with a dosing of 40mg every day for approximately 2 weeks followed by 2 weeks of Nolva at a 20mg per day dose. Those who wish to get the most out of their PCT will supplement with hCG before Nolvadex use begins; hCG use will begin after the steroid cycle and continue for 10 days to be followed by Nolva therapy.

When you start your Nolvadex use for PCT will depend on the anabolic steroids you used at the end of your cycle. If your cycle ends with all short ester based steroids PCT can start almost immediately; generally 2-3 days after your last steroid administration, beginning with hCG first followed by Nolva or if no hCG is used Nolvadex may start approximately 5-7 days after the cycles end. For those who end their cycles with long ester based anabolic steroids, a waiting period will necessarily follow of at least 2-3 weeks after the final injection of anabolic steroids. hCG use may begin approximately 10 days after the final injection but Nolva will necessarily wait until the appropriate time.