Anastrozole, commonly known as Arimidex is an aromatase inhibitor that blocks the aromatase enzyme which is responsible for producing estrogen. It actively allows the reduction of estrogen in the body by as much as 80%. Along with its estrogen reducing effects Arimidex also greatly increases free testosterone in the body by as much as 50% by increasing total testosterone, Luteinizing Hormone (LH) as well as Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH).

Performance enhancing doses of anabolic steroids are almost always larger than therapeutic doses; after all, with therapeutic dosages the idea is to return hormonal levels to homeostasis but in performance enhancement the idea is to increase serum testosterone levels far exceeding normal levels. With such doses the rate of aromatase greatly increases. It isn’t all anabolic androgenic steroids which convert into estrogen but most of them do and at different rates depending on the drug of choice. During this conversion process excess levels of the estrogen hormone buildup in the body some of the most common anabolic steroid side-effects may occur. Blood pressure and cholesterol, estrogen buildup can play a major role. Gynecomastia and water retention are the two most common side-effects but Arimidex often serves as a remedy. Arimidex blocks or as indicated “Inhibits” estrogen buildup which prevents the common side-effects associated with anabolic steroid use.

Some performance enhancers, especially those who are looking to really add size to their frame often shy away from Arimidex out of a fear of losing gains. It is true, estrogen aids in the promotion of building muscle tissue and more importantly it is a hormone essential to our overall health, particularly our immune system. However, we are not removing all estrogen from our body through Arimidex use, we are simply greatly reducing it. Decreased estrogen can have a negative effect on cholesterol, a very side-effect problem you are trying to prevent through use; as you may have guessed when it comes to cholesterol there is a very fine line as it pertains to the estrogen hormone. Arimidex doesn’t affect this greatly in a negative way and therefore remains a very good choice in this regard.

It is not a good idea to keep estrogen levels greatly suppressed for far extended periods of time. Most will find such AI’s should only be used whilst on cycle and discontinued once the cycle is complete in order to let the body return to homeostasis. If side-effects do not pose a problem for you then perhaps it will be required; however, for competitive athletes, whom rarely suffer from side-effects Arimidex can still be very useful tool to reduced estrogen and ultimately will provide a leaner and more defined physique.

SERM’s such as Tamoxifen Citrate (Nolvadex) and Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid) do not inhibit the aromatase process in the body and they do not decrease level of estrogen in the body. SERM’s such as Nolvadex or Clomid block estrogen from binding to certain receptors in the body; however it has no estrogen reducing capability. Both SERM’s and AI’s can be used during PCT. The main purpose of PCT being to return natural testosterone production back to normal after it has been reduced through the use of anabolic steroids. We do not recommend AI’s for PCT therapy as even though they will increase testosterone greatly, SERM’s are more effective for this purpose. During PCT one is simply not trying to increase testosterone but to normalize our hormonal production.