Dear Friend and Fellow Athlete,

Arimidex (anastrozole) is one of several  drugs used to combat estrogen related problems in both men and women.  Estrogen reduction can be accomplished in several ways – by blocking it,  by destroying it, by occupying existing estrogen receptors,  by lowering sex hormone binding globulin which in turn prevents estrogen from forming, or, as is the case with Anastrozole, by preventing excess testosterone from aromatizing into estrogen in the first place.

Which method of estrogen reduction is preferable is dependant on several factors but for most bodybuilders,  an anti aromatase is often the best choice and in this regard, Anastrozole works very well.  It also has the additional, unique advantage of increasing “Free” testosterone.

Arimidex also works well as an adjunct to Hormone Replacement Therapy. It  keeps estrogen low thus preventing possible prostate enlargement while it helps to maintain some natural testosterone production even while taking an exogenous source of testosterone as well.  Overall, not a bad deal.

There are several benefits to keeping estrogen in check, exclusive to the bodybuilder, most notably avoiding gynecomastia as well as the reduction of water retention and fat storage.  For this reason anti e’s are often overused to compensate for poor diet, faulty training and improper stacking of anabolics.  Lowering estrogen too much can result in lowered libido, depression, bone loss, increased LDL, decreased HDL , impaired  IGF-1 and even lessened muscle growth.   So any anti-e drug should be used with discretion and caution, including Arimidex, even though the side effects tend to be mild in most cases.

Since Testosterone is usually a base drug for most any cycle, some estrogen management is advised and considering Anastrozole is quite potent, it doesn’t take much to keep estrogen at the optimum level.   Results vary but ¼ of a tab  (1/4 mg) either every other day or even every 3 days  is usually sufficient for most cycles where testosterone is less than 750 mgs a week – more Arimidex is needed if using additional aromatizing compounds like Dianabol  -- less if using non aromatizing compounds like Anavar or Primobolan.

When checking estrogen levels with a blood test, the optimum level for both health and appearance should be between 10-20 ngs.

Arimidex is pretty mild on blood lipids and does not seem to impact libido the way other anti aromatases can.  In fact,  many men report a libido boost while using it.

Over the last few years, Arimidex has gained popularity as a Post Cycle Therapy drug.  In the past SERMS, such as Clomid were the preferred choice, but Anastrozole is proving itself to be a worthy contender in aiding recovery through the inhibition of excess estrogen which may occur in the suppressed stages following a cycle.  The use of HCG is recommended following a cycle and since it too can increase estrogen,  Arimidex  should be used in conjunction with that as well.

Anastrozole is relatively easy to find.  Even many “life–extension” websites sell it - though they tend to charge far more than overseas on-line pharmacy’s. 

The brand name Arimidex is on the pricey side – about $200 for 30 tablets but considering one tablet lasts for two weeks, you’ll be covered for some time.

There are several generic and UG versions available at about half the cost of the prescription brand.

And here is some more technical data on Arimidex:

Arimidex (anastrozole) is an anti estrogenic drug developed for the treatment of advanced breast cancer in women. Specifically, this agent is the first in a newer class of third generation selective oral aromatase inhibitors. It acts by blocking the enzyme aromatase, subsequently blocking the production of estrogen in the body. Since many forms of breast cancer cells are stimulated by estrogen, reducing levels of this hormone in the body may retard the progression of the disease. This is also the fundamental use of tamoxifen citrate (Nolvadex), except Nolvadex blocks the action of estrogen at the receptor, not its actual endogenous production.

The effects of anastrozole can be substantial, with a daily dosage of 1mg capable of production estrogen suppression greater than 80% in treated patients. With the powerful effect this drug has on hormone levels, it is usually only prescribed to post menopausal women. Anastrozole was developed by Zeneca Pharmaceuticals, and approved for use in the United States at the end of 1995. The drug was developed as a new adjunct treatment for operable breast cancer in postmenopausal female patients, an area of medicine that had a long history of nolvadex use. Substantial data was needed to shift prescribing trends away from such an established medication treatment.

Most commonly called Anastrozole, this substance is a true aromatase inhibitor which works by blocking the aromatase enzyme in the body, thus limiting the amount of male hormones that are changed into estrogen by the aromatase enzyme, a process called aromatization. This compound has obvious benefits to bodybuilders who use aromatizing steroids such as testosterone. These individuals might face estrogen related side effects such as water bloat and "gyno", but by taking Anastrozole while on cycle, the chance of any of these sides are greatly reduced.

In studies that have been done, Arimidex has been shown to reduce estrogen in the body by roughly 50%. This is a good balance for bodybuilders , because some estrogen is needed in order for the full anabolic benefits of the steroids being taken to be achieved. These results are typically the same with a dosage of .5 mg a day as they are with a dosage of 1 mg a day, meaning that in most cases, a half tablet a day will be sufficient for estrogen control throughout a cycle. Typically, bodybuilders using Anastrozole will begin taking it the day they start their cycle, and will run it throughout the duration of steroid administration. It is also important to point out Arimidex’s ability to increase testosterone in the body. Some studies have shown that natural testosterone levels have increases as much as 60% after the use of this substance for 7 days. Because of this, bodybuilders find this drug extremely effective during PCT where as they are trying to elevate natural levels as much as possible in order to avoid a post cycle "crash." Additionally, the use of anastrozole may decrease fat mass, which can also be tied to estrogen levels. The result can be a harder and much more defined look to the muscles and physique, which makes this agent of interest for dieting and cutting purposes as well.

Here's a few links to other articles on anti-estrogens:

Arimidex: How Bodybuilders Prevent Estrogen Side-Effects with Anastrozole

Post Cycle Therapy with Anti Estrogen and Aromatase Inhibitor Femara (Letrozole)

Letrozole: Bodybuilders Lowering Estrogen Levels With Femara

Nolvadex in Bodybuilding Using Tamoxifen on an Anabolic Steroid Cycle

Gynecomastia: A Dude Grows Breasts - Estrogen Side Effects of Male Anabolic Steroid Use

And here's a few links to discuss Arimidex on the EliteFitness.com Forums.

Arimidex dose for Test, Adrol, Dbol, Fina, Eq, primo cycle 11 posts - 6 authors - Last post: Nov 2, 2002
Hey guys, I am running this cycle starting in two weeks and and wondering how much Arimidex you would estimate I would need to keep estrogen ...

Arimidex for PCT? 10 posts - 6 authors - Last post: Dec 8, 2007
I have a cycle of testosterone Enathate and an accessible supply of Arimidex , but no way to get Nolvadex and was wondering if i could use ...

enough arimidex? 4 posts - 3 authors - Last post: Nov 2
my doc started me on 150 test. cypionate once a week and one 1mg capsule of Arimidex 2 times a week. is that nearly enough?

OTC Anti-estrogen/blocker over ARIMIDEX...??? 5 posts - 2 authors - Last post: 13 hours ago
just a quick question.... when on cycle could u subtitute a good OTC ant-estrogen/etrogen blocker for Arimidex ? cant get my hands on any??? and wen.

Femara or Arimidex to reduce E2? 3 posts - 2 authors - Last post: Nov 9
Why arimidex instead of femara? kethnaab, Anabolic Steroids ... Arimidex or Femara? greg21, PCT Post Steroid Cycle Therapy

Arimidex dose timing..... 6 posts - 3 authors - Last post: May 25
What is the consensus among my fellow hrt users as to when the best time of the week is to take your Arimidex , dose in relation to two ...

Liquid Letro and/or Liquid Arimidex Dose for Gyno 11 posts - 6 authors - Last post: Jul 22
Hey bros, Think I may havesome gynecomastia issues, just came on in the past week or so. Current cycle: Week 1 - 12 test e @ 500/week Week 1 ...

Arimidex or liquidex? 4 posts - 2 authors - Last post: Aug 16
Hi guys, come across a few cases where people are using Arimidex to cure gynecomastia. Other than cost, what is the difference between real ...

Yours in sport,

George Spellwin

Here is a list of the premium drugs used for Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT):

Nolvadex
This drugs is capable of blocking Estrogen from ever attaching to the female-hormone receptors in the male breast tissue.  Nolvadex will block the receptor sites on the breast tissue so that Estrogen can never attach there and cause gynecomastia.  This is a very important drugs for those who do not wish to suffer from puffy nipples.

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Clomid

This drug helps in recovering testosterone after a cycle.  When using Anabolic Steroids, your testicles will diminish their own testosterone production. using Clomid will help your testicles regain their testosterone production to the same levels as before you went on cycle.  A Bodybuilder only needs 100mg of Clomid per day for a week in order to regain testosterone production.  Clomid is the drugs every bodybuilder must have in their cabinet before even starting their first cycle.

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Arimidex

Arimidex is an aromatase inhibitor. It works by lowering blood Estrogen concentrations, which may decrease the size and growth of breast tissue in men.  Men who use Steroids are prone to growth of the tissue around the breast area, a condition known as "Bitch-Tits" of Gynecomastia.  Arimidex is a very potent medication capable of  preventing and even reversing the growth of tissue in the male chest area.  Arimidex is a drug used by almost every bodybuilder who uses steroids.

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HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)
HCG is an injectable preparation used by Bodybuilders for the purpose of preventing and treating testicular shrinkage.  When a Bodybuilder uses Steroids for a long period of time, the testicles of the user will lose size and shrink due to the testicles producing less testosterone during a Steroid cycle.  Using HCG during this time will both help the testicles regain size and also bring the testicles back to normal size.  HCG can be used during and after a cycle.