Tamoxifen in bodybuilding

Tamoxifen – a drug that blocks the estrogen receptors in the body. It has a trade name Nolvadex. Athletes use this drug mainly during post cycle therapy after the use of anabolic steroids to restore the level of testosterone. In medicine Nolvadex is used to treat breast cancer.

Tamoxifen during the PCT

In sports, it is one of the most popular antiestrogens, as it is available in most pharmacies and it is inexpensive. It should be noted that the practice of Tamoxifen use lasts for decades. Please note that Tamoxifen blocks estrogen receptors in the whole body (Clomid, on the other hand, has an effect only on the receptors in the pituitary gland and testicles).

Do not forget that Nolvadex can not be used on the PCT after drugs that have progestogenic activity (Nandrolone, Trenbolone), because it will only strengthen this activity.

Tamoxifen cycle

Some athletes recommend using Tamoxifen throughout the cycle of anabolic steroids, starting with the second week of the cycle in small, prophylactic doses (10-20 mg per day). Such a scheme of application involves the initial prevention of side effects that are associated with estrogen (gynecomastia, fluid retention). However, do not forget that for this purpose it is more rational during the cycle to use aromatase inhibitors, including Proviron. Tamoxifen is used if the athlete is not able to buy aromatase inhibitors.

However, such a scheme of taking pills has a lot of opponents who claim that the taking Tamoxifen (as well as aromatase inhibitors) during the cycle slows down progress: the growth of mass and strength indicators.

The reason for this slowdown may be due to the fact that the use of Nolvadex (as well as aromatase inhibitors) prevents fluid retention. The lack of effect of water retention in the body is perceived by many athletes as “slowing progress.” However, you must understand that muscle growth happens, it’s just less noticeable because unlike fluid retention, muscle increase gradually during the whole cycle. It should also be noted that due to the fact that the water is not delayed, the phenomenon of rollback after the cycle will be expressed much less.

Tamoxifen side effects

Due to the fact that tamoxifen is toxic enough, it has a relatively wide range of side effects. It is worth noting that all drugs of this class have similar side effects, the difference is in the frequency of their manifestation. Nolvadex can cause side effects such as nausea and loss of appetite. With long-term use increases the likelihood of heart disease and cancer cell growth, causes visual impairment.