While Anastrozole, otherwise known as Arimidex was originally synthesized for the treatment of postmenopausal hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, fitness enthusiasts have for a long time now been using Arimidex for bodybuilding purposes particularly in regulating their estrogen level during an anabolic steroid cycle.
In this article, we will explore the history, mechanism of action, administration and dosage, side effects and much more.
But first, we begin with a brief look at the origins of Anastrozole.
The Origins of Anastrozole in Fitness
No one knows for sure when bodybuilders started managing estrogen with Arimidex. However, what we know for certain is that AstraZeneca was the pharmaceutical company behind the development of Arimidex back in the early 1990s.
We also know that the FDA approved the use of Arimidex in the treatment of breast cancer in postmenopausal women as Arimidex inhibits aromatase, which in turn prevents the conversion of androgen to estrogen hormone in women.
It is therefore safe to assume that the bodybuilding community in the U.S most likely started using Arimidex as an estrogen blocker during anabolic steroid cycles as early as the late 1990s.
However, Arimidex became widely accessible on a global scale following the expiration of its patent in 2010 which led to other pharmaceutical companies and laboratories from different countries around the world synthesizing different versions of the estrogen inhibiting drug.
The Mechanism of Action for Managing Estrogen with Arimidex
Technically, Arimidex is classed as an aromatase inhibitor which means that Arimidex works by inhibiting the conversion of androgens like exogenous testosterone hormone into the predominantly female hormone called estrogen.
It works by inhibiting the aromatase enzyme from doing what it does best, which is to convert androgens to estrogen.
By doing so, Arimidex will lower the estrogen levels in users and protect them from the potentially harsh side effects arising from elevated estrogen levels.
Elevated estrogen levels in bodybuilders are responsible for estrogenic side effects like increased fluid or water retention and the development of gynecomastia or male breasts.
Why Is Arimidex Popular Amongst Bodybuilders?
As mentioned already, using Arimidex for bodybuilding is a no-brainer for anyone running an androgenic-anabolic steroid (AAS) cycle with androgens that go through the aromatization process and convert to estrogen hormone in the body.
As explained earlier, elevated estrogen levels can dramatically affect bodybuilding gains by increasing a person’s risk of experiencing harsh estrogenic side effects like water retention, which gives you a full, bloated appearance rather than a hard, lean and vascular look or gynecomastia, where male bodybuilders have enlarged breast tissues.
In addition to this, bodybuilders use Arimidex during their anabolic steroid cycle in order to maintain their lean, hard, vascular skeletal muscle gains by reducing their estrogen levels which then helps them in achieving impressive muscle definition.
But Arimidex will not only reduce estrogen levels, this aromatase inhibitor will also help in boosting your body’s natural production of endogenous testosterone. When your natural testosterone levels rise, you will certainly reap both muscle building and performance gains which is ultimately every bodybuilder’s dream.
Arimidex Dosage for Athletes
It is worth noting that Arimidex is available for oral administration. The recommended Arimidex dosage for athletes can vary from as low as 0.25 to as high as 1 mg taken every other day (EOD) depending on your specific needs and monitoring while you are running your anabolic cycle.
However, it is also important to understand that your Arimidex dosage plan would be dependent on your peculiar bodybuilding needs as well as your anabolic steroid cycle.
You should therefore seek professional assistance before using Arimidex, to ensure that you use this estrogen blocker properly. You can get free coaching from an expert right here.
Arimidex Side Effects in Bodybuilding
You should know that while there are several benefits that can be derived from Arimidex for bodybuilding, there are also a few drawbacks that are often associated with the abuse or misuse of the drug. The most widely mentioned side effects from Arimidex misuse are :
Increased Stiffness and Joint Pain
The thing is, you want your estrogen levels to drop when you use Arimidex, but the trick is not to have an extreme dropoff in your estrogen levels as this could lead to stiffness and pain in your joints.
High Risk of Osteoporosis
Bone loss or osteoporosis is also a possible risk that you could be exposed to if you misuse or abuse your Arimidex dosage plan. This is due to a fall in the production of collagen needed to increase bone mass.
Greater Cardiovascular Concerns
Your heart health could be adversely affected if you experience a drastic fall in your estrogen levels.
Increased Hormone Imbalance and Consequent Health Issues
Using Arimidex for much longer than needed can lead to your estrogen levels dropping lower than normal. This hormonal imbalance can lead to a myriad of health concerns including immune dysfunction, reduced libido, physical and mental fatigue.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a few things that you should know about Arimidex. For starters, while Arimidex can minimally promote increased endogenous testosterone production, it is by no means a drug designed to enhance your overall athletic performance, as this is not its primary function.
So therefore in addition to using anabolic steroids, you should also maintain a structured training and nutrition plan if you want to enhance your performance and promote muscle hypertrophy.
Secondly, it is not enough for you to just start using Arimidex, even at low doses without monitoring your estrogen levels. If you do not want to experience hormone Imbalance and the myriad of health issues that come with it, you should make it a point of duty to properly monitor your estrogen levels while using Arimidex.
Also, the recommended dosage indicated in this article may be different to what your physician may prescribe to you, as there are several factors that need to be considered while working out an Arimidex dosage plan that works for you, such as : your genetics, your hormone levels before you start using Arimidex, and your preferred anabolic steroid cycle.