This remedy is somewhat different from others since it is not an
anabolic /androgenic steroid. For male and female bodybuilders,
however, it is a very useful and recommended compound which is
confirmed by its widespread use and mostly positive results.
Nolvadex belongs to the group of sex hormones and is a so-called
anti-estrogen. The normal application of Nolvadex is in the
treatment of certain forms of breast cancer in female patients. With
Nolvadex it is possible to reverse an existing growth process of
deceased tissue and prevent further growth. The growth of certain
tissues is stimulated by the body own estrogen hormone. This is
especially true for the breast glands in men and women since the
body has a large number of estrogen receptors at these glands which
can bond with the estrogens present in the blood. If the body own
estrogen level is unusually high an undesired growth of breast
glands occurs. However, in healthy women and particularly in men
this is not the case. Despite this, it is mostly male bodybuilders
who use Nolvadex, and fewer women. At first sight this seems
somewhat inconceivable but when taking a closer look, the reasons
are clear. Bodybuilders who take Nolvadex also use anabolic steroids
at the same time. Since most steroids aromatize more or less
strongly, i.e. part of the substance is converted into estrogens,
male bodybuilders can experience a significant elevation in the
normally very low estrogen level. This can lead to feminization
symptoms such as gynecomastia (growth of breast glands), increased
fat deposits and higher water retention.
The anti-estrogen Nolvadex works against this by blocking the
estrogen receptors of the effected body tissue, thereby inhibiting a
bonding of estrogens and receptor. It is, however, important to
understand that Nolvadex does not prevent the aromatization but only
acts as an estrogen antagonist. This means that it does not prevent
testosterone and its synthetic derivatives (steroids) from
converting into estrogens but only fights with them in a sort of
competition for the estrogen receptors. This characteristic has
the disadvantage that after the discontinuance of Nolvadex a
"rebound effect" can occur which means that the suddenly freed
estrogen receptors are now able to absorb the estrogen present in
the blood. For this reason the combined intake of Proviron is
suggested. Nolvadex is also useful during a diet since it helps in
the burning of fat. Although Nolvadex has no direct fatburning
effect its anti-estrogenic effect contributes to keeping the
estrogen level as low as possible. Nolvadex should especially be
taken together with the strong androgenic steroids Dianabol (D-bol)
and Anadrol, and the various testosterone compounds. Athletes who
have a tendency to retain water and who have a mammary dysfunction
should take Nolvadex as a prevention during every steroid intake.
Since Nolvadex is very effective in most cases it is no wonder that
several athletes can take Anadrol and Dianabol (D-bol) until the day
of a competition, and in combination with a diruretic still appear
totally ripped in the limelight. Those who already have a low body
fat content will achieve a visibly improved muscle hardness with
Nolvadex.
Several bodybuilders like to use Nolvadex at the end of a steroid
cycle since it increases the bodys own testosterone production which
will be discussed in more detail in the following to counteract the
side effects caused by the estrogens. These can occur after the
discontinuance of steroids when the androgen level in relationship
to the estrogen concentration is too low and estrogen becomes the
dominant hormone. A very rare but all the more serious problem of
Nolvadex is that, in some cases it does not lower the estrogen level
but can increase it.
Another disadvantage is that it can weaken the anabolic effect of,
some steroids. The reason is that Nolvadex, as we know, reduces the
estrogen level. The fact is, however, that certain steroids
especially the various testosterone compounds can only achieve their
full effect if the estrogen level is sufficiently high. Those who
are used to the intake of larger amounts of various steroids do not
have to worry about this. Athletes however, who predominantly use
mild steroids such as Primobolan Depot, Winstrol, Anavar, and Deca
Durabolin should carefully consider whether or not they should take
Nolvadex since, due to the compound already moderate anabolic
effect, an additional loss of effect could take place, leading to
unsatisfying results.
A rarely observed but welcome characteristic of Nolvadex is that it
has a direct influence on the hypothalamus and thus, by an increased
release of gonadotropine, it stimulates the testosterone production
in the testes. This does not result in a tremendous but still a
measurable increase of the bodys own testosterone. This effect,
however, is not sufficient to significantly increase the
testosterone production reduced by anabolic /androgenic steroids.
The side effects of Nolvadex are usually low in dosages of up to 30
mg/day. In rare cases nausea, vomiting, hot flashes, numbness, and
blurred vision can occur. In women irregular menstrual cycles can
occur which manifest themselves in weaker menstrual bleeding or even
complete missing of a period. Women should also be careful not to
get pregnant while taking Nolvadex. It is important for female
athletes that Nolvadex and the "pill" not be taken together since
the anti-estrogen Nolvadex and the estrogen-containing pill
negatively counter effect each other. The normal daily dosage taken
by athletes corresponds more or less to the dosage indications of
the manufacturer and is 10-30 mg/day. To prevent estrogenic side
effects normally 10 mg/day are sufficient, a dosage which also Keeps
low the risk of reducing the effect of simultaneously-taken
steroids. Often it is sufficient if the athlete begins this
preventive intake of Nolvadex only three to four weeks after the
intake of anabolics. Athletes who have tendencies toward
gynecomastia, strong water retention, and increased fat deposits
with steroids such as Dianabol (D-bol), Testoviron Depot, Anadrol,
and Deca Durabolin usually take 20-30 mg/day. The combined
application of Nolvadex 20-30 mg/day and Proviron 25-50 mg/day in
these cases leads to excellent results. The same is true for
athletes who are in competition, and for women. Women, however
should do without the intake of Proviron or at least reduce the dose
to one 25 mg tablet per day. Unfortunately, in most cases, a very
pronounced gynecomastia ("bitch tits") cannot be reduced by taking
Nolvadex so that often surgery is required, surgery which is not
paid for by health insurance. First signs of a possible gynecomastia
are light pain when touching the nipples. The tablets are usually
taken 1-2x daily, swallowed whole without chewing, with some liquid
during meals.
Nolvadex unfortunately is a very expensive compound. Some examples:
In Germany one hundred 20 mg tablets cost $ l92 (Red List 1995).
Since the generic compounds (see list of various trade names)
usually at a lower price are of the same quality than the trade name
Nolvadex, athletes often prefer generics. The less expensive
tamoxifen-citrate compound in Germany is Tamoxasta by Astamedica
Company. One hundred 20 mg tablets, in comparison, cost $ 107 (Red
List 1995). In Spain the prices are fixed by the government and it
makes no difference whether it is an original Nolvadex or a generic
compound. One hundred 20 mg tablets cost approx. $60 in Spain. In
Greece the same quantity costs about $85. The athlete should look
for the 20 mg version since, from its price, it is the most
economical. On the black market mostly the foreign Nolvadex can be
found costing about $2 - 3 per 20 mg tablet. Original Nolvadex
tablets can be easily identified since, on the front, ICI (name of
the manufacturer) is stamped and, on the back, the name "Nolvadex".
Most of the time the tablet strength is also imprinted. Ten tablets
are included in an unusually large push-through strip. The American
Nolvadex can rarely be found on the black market. In the U.S.
original Nolvadex is packaged by the manufacturer, ICI Pharma, in
small, white plastic boxes with a child-proof screw cap. So far
there are no fakes of Nolvadex and its generic products.
