For on cycle Gynecomastia prevention and post cycle therapy (PCT) needs Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) often fills the role of both for many performance enhancers across the board. For decades Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) has been a staple in many cycles in both men and women and for good reason; it works, it works well and is in most cases very well-tolerated.
By its mode of action Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) functions of the basis of two hormones; estrogen and testosterone; discouraging one while promoting the other. Belonging to a class of medications known as Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERM’s) Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) is not an anabolic steroid in any shape form or fashion; it does not perform in the traditional anabolic nature; although it can provide a secondary anabolic effect by its method of testosterone stimulation.
For its testosterone stimulating properties this will be and is the main reason any anabolic steroid user will supplement with Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) and this will occur during the PCT period for men. When we supplement with anabolic steroids our natural testosterone production is suppressed and once the cycle is complete it is imperative that we once again stimulate natural testosterone production. This is very important to our overall health, as a well-functioning endocrine system is more than necessary; however, it is also imperative to maintaining the gains made while on a cycle of anabolic steroids. While Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)therapy will not return natural testosterone production to its normal state during PCT use it will send you well on your way. A common misconception is that with a good PCT program our natural testosterone levels are normalized by this simple 3-4 week process; unfortunately this simply isn’t true. Assuming no more anabolic steroids are applied it can take several months for normal levels to be obtained even withTamoxifen (Nolvadex) therapy; however, without therapy such normalization can take up to as much as a year or more depending on the individual at hand.
Beyond PCT needs Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) is often used as a means of Gynecomastia prevention while on a cycle of anabolic steroids. Many anabolic steroids of an androgenic nature, such as testosterone will convert into estrogen after administration. Estrogen is an essential hormone for proper bodily function in-terms of sexual function, immune system and muscle growth, we do need some; however, as these levels increase it can become quite problematic. Many of the most commonly associated side-effects of anabolic steroid use are due to this conversion process brought on by the aromatase enzyme and as levels increase side-effects rear their head. A very common misconception is that Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) decreases estrogen in the body in the same fashion as many aromatase inhibitors; this is not true. While it will not reduce estrogen Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) will block it from binding to the receptors thereby preventing side-effects such as Gynecomastia. Generally 10mg every day of the medication will prove to be useful for this end; however, for many no amount will be enough and only an aromatase inhibitor will prove to be effective.
While Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) was not created with performance enhancing in mind it is just that for which it is used most commonly and without question it has proven to be one of the most useful tools in the arsenal of any performance enhancer. Available in both tablet and liquid forms you simply drink there really aren’t too many downsides to this medication; in-fact, most well-planned cycles, be it for on cycle or PCT use will include Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) in them at some point and time as it is a highly necessary medication for most any athlete.
