Description
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Trade Name: Nolvadex
Substance: Tamoxifen citrate
Country of Production: Hungary
Form: 20 mg / tab
Recommended dosage: 1 - 2 tabs per day
About
Tamoxifen citrate is a non-steroidal anti-estrogenic drug, used widely in clinical medicine. It is
specifically a Selective Estrogen-Receptor Modulator (SERM) of the triphenylethylene family, and
possesses both estrogen agonist and antagonist properties. As such, it may act as an estrogen in
some tissues while blocking the action of estrogen in others. In breast tissue tamoxifen citrate is a
strong anti-estrogen, and as a result it is commonly used in the treatment of hormone-responsive
breast cancer in women. In some cases it is even utilized as a preventative measure, taken by
women with an extremely high familial tendency for breast cancer. In male bodybuilders and
athletes, tamoxifen citrate is commonly used (off-label) to counter the side effects caused by
elevated estrogens subsequent to the use of certain anabolic/androgenic steroids.
The primary worry among the athletic/bodybuilding population is gynecomastia, or the very
unsightly development of female breast tissue in men. This can be first noticed by the appearance
of swelling or a small lump under the nipple. If left to progress, this can develop into a large hardtissue
gynecomastia that may be an irreversible occurrence without surgery. The estrogen can
also lead to an increase in the level of water retained in the body, resulting in a notable loss of
definition as the muscles begin to look smooth (even bloated) due to the retention of
subcutaneous fluid. Fat storage may also be increased as estrogen levels rise in men. In fact,
differences in the estrogen/androgen ratio are one of the reasons women have a higher body fat
percentage, and different fat distribution (hips/thighs), than men.
Tamoxifen citrate also possesses the ability to increase production of FSH (follicle stimulating
hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone). This is accomplished by blocking negative feedback
inhibition caused by estrogen at the hypothalamus, which (via the actions of GnRH) fosters the
release of the mentioned pituitary hormones. This is very similar to the function ofClomid and
cyclofenil, tamoxifen citrate can have a positive impact on one’s serum testosterone level. This
“testosterone stimulating” effect is an added benefit when preparing to conclude a steroid cycle.
Since anabolic/androgenic steroids tend to suppress endogenous testosterone production,
tamoxifen citrate can help restore a balance in hormone levels. It is most commonly used as part
of a comprehensive post cycle recovery program (see Post-Cycle Recovery).
Note that like some other triphenylethylene compounds, tamoxifen citrate can act as an estrogen
in the liver . Estrogenic action in the liver is important in the regulation of serum cholesterol, and
tends to support HDL (good) cholesterol synthesis and LDL (bad) cholesterol reductions. Since
steroid-using bodybuilders are already dealing with the negative cardiovascular effects of these
drugs, compounding the issue with aromatase inhibitors (which will lower total serum estrogen
levels) may not always be the best option. Using a drug that blocks gynecomastia, for example,
while at the same time supporting improved cholesterol values, might be much more ideal. It is
important to note that tamoxifen citrate is not sufficient to stabilize serum cholesterol at healthy
levels with the use of c-17alpha alkylated orals or high doses of steroids in general. The effect it
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would have on cholesterol values would likely be one of degrees, and cannot be relied upon to
eliminate cardiovascular disease risk from anabolic/androgenic steroid use.
interrupted.
Side effects
Common side effects associated with the administration of tamoxifen citrate include hot flashes,
vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, vaginal itching, upset stomach, headache, lightheadedness,
edema, and hair loss. Other listed adverse reactions include skin rash, reduced platelet or white
blood cell count, visual disturbances, uterine fibroids, endometriosis and other endometrial
changes, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, changes in liver enzyme levels, and
increased triglyceride levels. An increased incidence of endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma
has been reported in association with tamoxifen citrate. Tamoxifen citrate may cause birth defects
and should not be taken during pregnancy.
Administration
Tamoxifen citrate is indicated for:
• the treatment of metastatic breast cancer in women and men
• adjuvant treatment of node-negative breast cancer following breast surgery and radiation
• adjuvant treatment of node-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women following breast
• surgery and radiation
• reduction in incidence of contralateral breast cancer (in the other breast) in the adjuvant setting
• reduction in incidence of invasive breast cancer in women with DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma in Situ)
• following breast surgery and radiation
• reduction in incidence of breast cancer in women at high risk for breast cancer
In women and men with metastatic breast cancer, a dose of 10-20 mg is administered twice a day
(morning and evening). When used by men (off-label) to mitigate the estrogenic effects of
anabolic/androgenic steroid use, a daily dosage of 10-30 mg (1-3 tablets) is usually administered
while any offending steroids are taken, or as part of a comprehensive post-cycle hormone
recovery program.
It is important to note that anti-estrogen use may slightly reduce gains made during a steroid
cycle, as many androgenic/anabolic steroids seem to exhibit their most powerful anabolic effects
when accompanied by a sufficient level of estrogen (See Estrogen Aromatization). This may be
one reason why gains made with a strong aromatizable androgen like testosterone are usually
more pronounced than those achieved with anabolic steroids that aromatizes to a lower (or no)
degree. Therefore, it is usually advised to identify a specific need for tamoxifen citrate before
committing to its use during a cycle. Many people, in fact, find the use of an anti-estrogen
unnecessary, even when utilizing problematic compounds such as testosterone or
methandrostenolone. Others, however, find they are troubled by water retention and
gynecomastia even with milder (less estrogenic) drugs like Deca-Durabolin and Equipoise. The
estrogenic response to steroid use is very individual, and may be influenced by factors such as
age and body fat percentage (adipose tissue is a primary site of aromatization).
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