Evolutionary.org Evolutionary Spanish Evolutionary Russian
Join Evolutionary Forums

Arimidex (Anastrozole)

MENU


 

History

Arimidex is the trade name used by the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, for a drug called Anastrozole. Many bodybuilders like to refer to it as just 'adex' for short. Approved in the US for use in 1995, it is a non-steroidal aromatase inhibiting drug (acronym AI) and is approved for treatment of breast cancer after surgery and for metastasis in women. Since breast cancer can be heightened by the increase in estrogen, arimidex is used to inhibit the synthesis of estrogen.


Science

Almost 10,000 women with localized breast cancer from all over the world ran a trial of Arimidex, Tamoxifen (which also reduces estrogen but as a SERM, not an AI), alone or in combination. A Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM), like Tamoxifen (Nolvadex), binds with estrogen receptors, blocking some estrogen actions while at the same time allowing others. According to the study, they found that, after 5 years, the group who had received the arimidex had significantly better clinical results than any of the tamoxifen groups. Another study showed that when patients who were on tamoxifen two years after breast cancer and switched to arimidex they decreased their risk of breast cancer returning by 40%. A third study published by the BBC, showed that arimidex reduced the incidence of breast cancer in post-menopausal women verse a placebo group.


Use in Bodybuilding

When a man uses anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), certain compounds will aromatize into estrogen. The main culprits that will do this are all testosterone esters, such as: cypionate, enanthate, dianabol, deca durabolin, and less so Boldenone (EQ). If estrogen isn't inhibited by using an AI (aromatase inhibitor), then high-estrogen side effects can occur. The most well-known side effect is gynecomastia or what is known commonly as 'gyno', 'bitch tits' or 'man breasts'. A man may notice a lump forming within his breast(s) – or under the nipple area; if not treated quickly, this can require serious surgery to remove. The lesser known but very serious side effects are caused by water retention, which can give a bloated or 'full' look. Extra water weight to your body or face (commonly called “moon face for its round or full look) can ruin a nice physique by making a person look fat. Internally, carrying around extra water weight will strain the body’s lipids across the board. A person can expect a rise in blood pressure, heart strain, and loss in energy. Also, high estrogen can affect libido.

On the other hand, if you are too aggressive in inhibiting estrogen, by using compounds that are harsher than Arimidex, this can cause your estrogen to drop too low. As a result, you can expect erectile disfunction (ED), loss of energy, depression and low libido.


Arimidex vs Nolvadex

The main advantage in using arimidex over a SERM, like tamoxifen (nolvadex), is that arimidex blocks the aromatase enzyme; thereby, it prevents the production of estrogen in the first place. As a comparison, Tamoxifen will hinder the estrogen receptors from receiving the estrogen, rather than stopping production at the source. Therefore, you'll still have estrogen floating around in your body when you use a SERM.


Arimidex vs Letrozole

Arimidex side effects are not as harsh when compared to AI like letrozole, which has a host of side effects; the most common being erectile dysfunction. Although estrogen is known as a female hormone, men still need it in their bodies. For men, estrogen balances them hormonally and helps them gain muscle and strength. That's why letrozole, a harsh AI that kills almost all estrogen, isn't always the best to achieve hormonal balance on your cycle. On the other hand, this is where arimidex shines, as it is a gentle AI that won't crush your estrogen levels, so you can be more balanced.


Arimidex Alternatives

Letrozone is about the only realistic alternative OTC aromatase inhibitor on the market, it contains formestane, which is a powerful AI. While arimidex is prescription only, you can buy letrozone OTC without a script.


Arimidex Side Effects

Side effects of arimidex virtually do not exist. In breast cancer studies, there was some bone weakness associated with arimidex use, but keep in mind it was used for years on a daily basis. For a bodybuilder, who uses a proper dose during a cycle, this is not an issue.


Arimidex Dosages

Dosages of arimidex will vary from person to person. This is why blood work is essential to finding the perfect balance. One should start out at half a mg every other day and adjust as needed for the cycle. Some AAS users will not use an AI at first but they will have it on hand just in case. This isn't always a good idea, as once you start noticing gyno or excessive water weight it could be too late to reverse. Since AAS will continue building in the body and aromatize (steroids turning into estrogen), taking arimidex at this point would be like trying to stop a car already in motion.

General dosages for men: 0.5mgs per day or every other day. Remember, it's steroid dose dependent.


Arimidex Half-Life

The half-life of arimidex is around 46 hours, so it tends to build up in your system when used daily.


Trade Names

  • Arimidex
  • Anastrozole
  • Anastrozolo
  • Armotraz
  • Altraz
  • Anastrol
  • Anazole
  • Egistrozol
  • Anastrozole

Where to buy arimidex?

Although a prescription is needed for arimidex, the good news is ag-guys has the drug in liquid research form, it’s legal, and very affordable.


Conclusion

Bottom line is, if you are a user of anabolic steroids and like to use wet compounds, as I mentioned above, then it’s imperative you use an AI. One of my favorite AIs to use is arimidex because of the low side effects and ease of use.


 

Pictures

anastrol globalanabolics arimidex-astrazeneca

arimidex greek

armotraz cipla

geneza anastrozole

arimidex anastrozole

References

Get more information about News, Doping, SARMS, Steroids, HGH and PDS...

Subscribe to our Underground Evo mailing list and get interesting news and updates directly to your inbox.

Have your say!

15 7
Avatar photo
Written by
Steve Smi (Also known as Steve Smith), has over 12 years of experience in the bodybuilding and fitness industry. He's the co-Host of the popular Evolutionary Radio Podcast - over 500,000 listens! He has been a personal trainer and writer for the last 10 years with over 1000 articles written. He's been a moderator on forums for over 10 years. Steve holds the following certifications and records: NASM Personal Trainer NASM Fitness Nutrition Specialist Florida Local Powerlifting champion Top writer for 2019 Fitness rated

Leave a Reply

Lost Password

Please enter your username or email address. You will receive a link to create a new password via email.