Arimidex

Arimidex belongs to the class of medications known as aromatase inhibitors (AI) and contrary to general belief by some it is not an anabolic steroid. While many veteran anabolic steroid users know this it is worth mentioning because the vast majority of people do not. Even though Arimidex is not a steroid it is commonly used during an anabolic steroid cycle as a means to stave off and prevent unwanted side-effects that may occur from anabolic steroid use. Although this was not the drugs original intent, originally Arimidex was brought to the market by AstraZeneca as a medication to be used in breast cancer patients or those suffering from metastases. However, as by its design in-terms of its function by-which it blocks estrogen and actively reduces it, Arimidex has found a very useful place in the performance enhancing world; in-fact, it may be the largest portion of society that now uses the medication.

To understand Arimidex use as it pertains to anabolic steroid use is fairly simple; many anabolic steroids convert to estrogen after they are administered. The process of conversion is due to the aromatase enzyme; Arimidex actively inhibits the enzyme therefor the estrogen conversion doesn’t take place and therefore does not bind leading to unwanted side-effects. As you can see this is pretty simple to understand and while very simple it is very effective. Nevertheless as is with anabolic steroids there is a vast amount of misinformation regarding the compound and simply a strong lack of any understanding at all in many performance enhancing circles; while there is always more to learn hopefully we can begin to clear some of it up for you.

We have taken some of the most common misconceptions off of some of the most popular message boards that deal in the discussion of anabolic steroids and Arimidex and left you with the truth. While you’ll find there will still be much more to learn hopefully here you’ll find a good starting point and erase some of the incorrect information you have in your mind.

Myth: Arimidex is a good post cycle therapy (PCT) medication.
Truth: Arimidex will stimulate natural testosterone production which is the idea and reason you perform a PCT plan and it will do so to a very large degree. However, as is its nature it will also severely reduce the amount of estrogen in the body and during the PCT period our goal is not only restarting natural testosterone production but enabling our bodies to return to their normal levels of hormone production. Estrogen is often viewed as the enemy but in truth it is a very important hormone to the body, especially when we consider its importance in maintaining a properly functioning immune system. For this reason, SERM’s are a much better choice to serve the purpose of stimulating natural testosterone production during a PCT plan; SERM’s such as Nolvadex and Clomid are always a good choice.

Myth: Arimidex and Letrozole is the same thing.
Truth: Both Arimidex and Letrozole are aromatase inhibitors and by their design they for the most part perform the same actions within the body. However, on a milligram for milligram basis Letrozole is much stronger and will actively reduce estrogen in the body to a far greater degree than Arimidex. Those who are on cycle and begin showing signs of Gynecomastia will often find Letrozole to be their saving grace; assuming they catch it early enough. However, as it is so strong it can have stronger adverse effects; Letrozole can severely diminish sex drive when taken for extended periods of time. Further, due to its strength lipid profiles may find themselves in a non-optimal state. So are they the same thing? Yes and no would be the more accurate answer.

Myth: If you use Arimidex during a bulking cycle you won’t be able to grow.
Truth: It is true, some estrogen is needed for growth but not massive amounts and assuming you keep your Arimidex dose low and at a responsible level there is no reason on earth you won’t be able to grow. Ask yourself this question; even if it inhibits growth a little bit what’s worse; a little less growth or giant bitch tits resting under your shirt? Those who experience stagnated growth from Arimidex use are almost always those who simply take too much. For the majority of individuals 0.5g every other day is more than enough to combat negative side-effects and still allow room for solid growth.