Arimidex PCT (Anastrozole PCT Guide) – Steroid Cycles

Arimidex is an aromatase inhibitor that has long been used by bodybuilders while running a steroid cycle containing steroids that aromatize – that is, they bring about the conversion of testosterone into estrogen. The generic name of Arimidex is Anastrozole, and while several other brand names are used worldwide, Arimidex is by far the most common, widely used, and known.

Arimidex (Anastrozole) PCT
Arimidex (Anastrozole) PCT

It’s the Arimidex brand that is very popular among steroid users to address the estrogenic side effects we experience with the use of many anabolic steroids. For this purpose, Arimidex is almost always recommended for use in a steroid cycle. But what makes this aromatase inhibitor so good and valuable for anyone on an AAS? Are there any downsides to using Arimidex? Are there better options for you? I’ll reveal the answers to these questions and many more in my guide to Arimidex. Let’s get into it!

Table of Contents
  • What is Arimidex?
    • History and Overview
    • Mechanism of Action
    • Effects of Arimidex (Benefits) for Men
  • Aromatase Inhibitors vs. SERMs: What’s the Difference?
  • Arimidex On-Cycle
    • Gyno
    • Water retention
  • Arimidex for PCT
    • Doses
    • Dosing schedule, half-life, and PCT length
    • Proper administration and timing
  • Arimidex vs. Other PCT Options
    • Arimidex vs. Enclomiphene
    • Arimidex vs. Aromasin
    • Arimidex vs. Letrozole
    • Arimidex vs. Nolvadex
  • Arimidex Side Effects in Men
    • Increased cholesterol
    • Low or crashed estrogen
    • Reduction in bone mineral content
  • Where to Buy Arimidex?
    • Availability of Arimidex
    • Is Arimidex legal?
    • Typical pricing
  • Arimidex FAQs
    • What is the purpose of Arimidex?
    • Is Arimidex an estrogen blocker?
    • Can Arimidex cause weight gain?
    • Can Arimidex cause hair loss?
    • Does Anastrozole lower testosterone?
    • Does Arimidex raise testosterone?
    • How quickly does Arimidex lower estrogen?
    • Can Anastrozole cause liver damage?
  • Final Thoughts

Medical disclaimer: The following guide is based on personal experience and does NOT promote the illegal use of steroids (PEDs). Consult a healthcare professional before using PEDs.

What is Arimidex?

Arimidex could be the most popular ancillary taken by anabolic steroid users. It lowers estrogen by blocking the aromatase enzyme that converts testosterone to estrogen. As a steroid user, you would know that estrogen is vital for your health and your results. But I bet you also fear it!

Arimidex (Anastrozole) Aromatase Inhibitor
Arimidex (Anastrozole) Aromatase Inhibitor

Arimidex is here to act as your estrogen controller, and by using it wisely, you can move your estrogen levels up or down as needed. This makes Adex a truly powerful ancillary that many of us find essential for reducing the estrogenic side effects of steroid use like gyno, water retention, and reduced testosterone production.

Arimidex can also stimulate natural testosterone production in men, and this can make it useful during post-cycle therapy, where the goal is to build up natural testosterone levels again after they’ve been strongly suppressed during a cycle. Keep in mind that for most guys, Arimidex will not be strong enough as a testosterone stimulator to use alone in post-cycle therapy, and some choose not to use it at all.

A Quick Look at Arimidex

  • Other Names: Anastrozole (generic), Aremed, Adex, others.
  • Primary Use: Estrogen control during cycles (not traditional PCT). Used to prevent estrogenic side effects (e.g., gynecomastia, water retention) caused by aromatizing steroids like testosterone.
  • Administration: Oral form (tablets). Typical on-cycle dosage: 0.25-1 mg every other day (adjusted via bloodwork). Half-life: ~48 hours.
  • Cycle Length: During cycles with aromatizing steroids (e.g., testosterone, Dianabol). Not a PCT drug – primarily for estrogen management while on cycle.
  • Benefits: Prevents estrogenic side effects (bloating, gyno), maintains leaner physique by reducing water retention, does not suppress natural testosterone production (unlike SERMs).
  • Side Effects: Increased cholesterol, low or crashed estrogen, reduction in bone mineral content, fatigue, headache, nausea, hot flashes, reduced HDL (“good” cholesterol), increased LDL (“bad” cholesterol).

Note: Arimidex is critical for estrogen control during cycles but should not replace SERMs in PCT. Always prioritize bloodwork to monitor estrogen levels and consult a healthcare professional. Misuse can lead to long-term health issues.

History and Overview

Arimidex was initially formulated as a medication for breast cancer in post-menopausal women and is still used for that purpose today. The only approved use by the FDA for Arimidex is for hormone-receptor-positive early breast cancer in postmenopausal women or as an advanced breast cancer treatment for women who haven’t responded to Nolvadex. Arimidex initially got its FDA approval in 1995. But it was back in 1987 that a British company developed this AI called Imperial Chemical Industries – the same company that developed Nolvadex.

Like many drugs, Arimidex is sometimes prescribed off-label (which means the FDA does not approve its use) to men who are on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to lower estrogen levels. While most studies on Arimidex have focused on its breast cancer treatment effectiveness, off-label treatment for male hypogonadism has received some scientific attention – and this is what is of the most significant interest to us. One study that I’ll mention below makes it clear that Arimidex is valid for a lot more than solely as a breast cancer treatment.

Mechanism of Action

Arimidex is an aromatase inhibitor, so its core function is to block androgens (testosterone) from converting to the estrogen hormone. It does this by binding to the aromatase enzyme. Studies show that 1mg of Arimidex per day suppresses aromatase to over 96% (far more than we would want on-cycle).

A study on men using Arimidex off-label alongside TRT found that this AI is effective at sustaining testosterone levels[1]. It’s also been shown that AIs can increase levels of LH, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone in men with low testosterone[2].

By blocking the aromatase enzyme, Arimidex directly lowers the levels of estrogen circulating in the body. This is critical for steroid users, as estrogen is the enemy of steroid use and is responsible for many of the severe side effects we all want to avoid. As one of the best aromatase inhibitors, Arimidex is considered the most effective choice for combating the estrogenic side effects of aromatizing steroid use like gynecomastia, water retention, and the associated high blood pressure that can come with excess water retention.

While not all steroids aromatize, the most common anabolic steroids that you’re likely to be using, like all forms of Testosterone, Nandrolone, Dianabol, and others, come with strong estrogenic effects as a result of aromatization. Therefore, the use of Arimidex is going to be a high priority for the majority of steroid users, whether you’re a beginner, an advanced user, or somewhere in between.

Effects of Arimidex (Benefits) for Men

The number one benefit of Arimidex for men is that it gives you protection against estrogenic side effects of aromatizing hormones like testosterone, which can convert into estrogen. Some guys have naturally higher levels of aromatizing hormones than others. You might convert more testosterone into estrogen than I do, resulting in:

  • Water retention/bloating
  • Gynecomastia
  • High blood pressure

Getting tuned in to how YOU respond to aromatizing steroids can take a little while, and that means you might be experimenting with your Arimidex dosage until you get the effects you’re looking for.

What does this mean for you?

Well, it means all of the effects and benefits of Arimidex will relate to the above symptoms, and this is centered on one function: Reducing your estrogen levels. This is the core benefit of Arimidex for us. The associated control of gynecomastia and water retention directly results from estrogen reduction.

Aromatase Inhibitors vs. SERMs: What’s the Difference?

Besides both being used to control estrogen in some way, aromatase inhibitors (AIs) and SERMs are two very different types of drugs. There are some similarities:

  • Both AIs and SERMs are used to treat breast cancer as their primary medical purpose.
  • Both have been used off-label to support testosterone function in men.

Here are the most important ways they differ:

  • AIs block the aromatase enzyme to stop the conversion of testosterone into estrogen.
  • SERMs target specific estrogen receptors that block or promote estrogenic activity in specific tissues.
  • Some SERMs can have a beneficial effect on your cholesterol, while AIs can increase cholesterol levels. We need to consider when we use any AAS that negatively affects cholesterol.
  • AIs are more likely to cause muscle and joint pain as well as bone loss due to a drastic reduction in estrogen levels.
  • SERMs come with a small risk of blood clots.
  • Many SERMs are excellent for both on-cycle and PCT use.
  • AIs are considered best for on-cycle estrogen control only and are rarely used for PCT.

Arimidex On-Cycle

Using Arimidex during a cycle is almost universal among steroid users as an estrogenic-related side effects protection strategy. The main estrogenic side effects of aromatizing steroids are water retention (and possibly high blood pressure) and gynecomastia. Arimidex is considered highly effective at inhibiting the aromatase enzyme, which brings about these side effects in steroid users.

Because Arimidex stops the rise of estrogen levels at the most basic level, rather than selectively blocking some receptors like SERMs (Clomid, Nolvadex) do, most bodybuilders prefer Arimidex for its more powerful estrogen-controlling ability. Many no longer use SERMs, while some steroid users will use a combination of both SERMs and AIs (Arimidex and Letrozole).

As a bodybuilder using steroids, the two side effects you always want to avoid are water retention and gynecomastia (gyno). These are both caused by rising levels of estrogen, as your natural testosterone is suppressed while taking steroids.

Gyno

The more powerfully aromatizing the steroid or steroids you’re taking, the more severe your estrogen-related side effects will be when it comes to gyno and water retention. The initial symptoms of gyno include tenderness and swelling of the breast tissue, and this is an initial sign that gyno is taking hold as a result of your steroid cycle.

While advanced steroid users will know how to prevent this from occurring through the proper use of Arimidex and other drugs, new steroid users can take some time to balance the right dosage of steroids with that of Arimidex.

It’s critically important that the symptoms of gyno are not left to progress to a stage where they are not reversible through any means besides invasive surgery. Arimidex, as an aromatase inhibitor, makes it possible to avoid getting yourself into that situation and, therefore, should be considered just as an essential part of your steroid cycle as the steroids themselves are.

Water retention

Water retention is the other area where we need to be focused on estrogen control during a steroid cycle. Bloating caused by water retention is unsightly for your physique and can give you a false sense of achievement with your gains. This quickly turns to disappointment once you realize the weight gained was mostly water rather than muscle.

But even more severe is the issue of high blood pressure that can result from excess water retention – increasing the risk of stroke or heart attack. Controlling water retention as much as possible is vital for your results and health. Arimidex, with its anti-estrogen functionality, provides an essential tool for steroid-using bodybuilders to prevent or at least greatly minimize water retention during a steroid cycle.

Arimidex for PCT

New steroid users will often assume that Arimidex is the best drug to use for PCT. But in fact, it’s best not to use Arimidex or any AI during PCT (instead, SERMs and HCG should be taken to stimulate testosterone). The main reason for not including Arimidex in post-cycle therapy is because of its potent estrogen-lowering effect, which in some cases can cause levels of the hormone to drop too low to support proper body functioning.

While estrogen is not a prime hormone for males, some is still required, and the use of Arimidex during post-cycle therapy can inhibit this necessary function and, therefore, not provide the beneficial effects you need during post-cycle therapy. This can come as some surprise to new steroid users who assume AIs, with their compelling estrogen reduction ability, must be the best option for post-cycle therapy as well. Still, most users will choose SERMs like Nolvadex or Clomid.

Once you’re comfortable using Arimidex and know how you respond, it’s an excellent way of managing or even micro-managing your estrogen on-cycle. Making minor adjustments to your dosage up or down as needed can make all the difference to how you feel on-cycle and how well you can manage (and prevent) estrogenic side effects.

Doses

Medical doses of Arimidex for the treatment of breast cancer are usually much higher than we would want to take. The standard recommended medical dose is 1mg daily[3]. If male steroid users were to take such a high dose, we can expect our estrogen levels to crash very quickly and severely.

At the other end of the spectrum, some doctors will prescribe Arimidex for men who are on testosterone replacement therapy, and this can be at doses as low as 1mg per week. Here are the dosages of Arimidex you should be considering:

Arimidex dosage on-cycle

I can’t state strongly enough how important it is that your on-cycle Arimidex dose is dialed in according to:

  • The compounds being used, their ability to aromatize, and their dosages
  • Your response to Arimidex

Starting with 0.25mg every three days is a good starting point, but it won’t suit everyone or every cycle. From there, you can (and should) adjust the dosage as needed. Is there too much water retention or gyno worrying you? Boost the dose to 0.5 or, in more extreme cases, to 1mg every three days and monitor both positive and negative effects. If gyno signs start developing, even a 1mg dose can clear it up quickly, and you can discontinue using the AI.

Taking too much Arimidex will have you feeling horrible pretty fast, and it’s a sign not to ignore: Drop that dosage back to 0.5mg or 0.25mg if you start getting symptoms of low estrogen.

Arimidex dosage for PCT

Arimidex is not recommended for PCT use despite the fact it has been shown to increase testosterone – however, these studies concerned primarily older men with permanently low testosterone levels. Arimidex is perfect for estrogen control on-cycle, but if we use it during PCT, its estrogen-crushing effects will destroy your hormone recovery. I’ve heard about some guys using this AI for PCT, though (perhaps they had no access to SERMs, which we should be using for PCT). A daily dosage of 0.25 to 0.5mg is a good starting point for evaluating the effects.

Suppose you’re going to continue on TRT after stopping your steroid cycle. In that case, Arimidex can be beneficial, and it’s here we can consider similar doses to those used for medical TRT purposes – 1mg per week is often enough to take care of all your needs.

Female Arimidex dosage

Because it has such strong estrogen suppressive effects, Arimidex is mostly only given to post-menopausal women as a breast cancer treatment to slow the growth of some types of tumors and where the cancer is still progressing after the use of SERM drugs. The most common dosage is 1mg daily.

Many women will be required to take Arimidex for up to five years to help control the growth of cancerous tumors. This long-term administration of Arimidex comes with an increased risk of side effects that we rarely or never see with the short-term use that steroid users undertake with this drug.

As Arimidex is not prescribed medically for the majority of women with breast cancer who have not yet reached menopause, female steroid users also should not use this drug for any purpose.

Dosing schedule, half-life, and PCT length

Arimidex has an approximate half-life of 2 days. Most bodybuilders will take it every three days, and you can expect it to start working quickly. On cycles where aromatization is extreme, some will take Arimidex every two days or even every day – but do not try that strategy unless you know what you’re doing – estrogen crushing is a real risk with daily Arimidex dosing.

Since we will rarely want to use Arimidex as part of PCT, your use of it will typically stop at the end of your steroid cycle. If you run Arimidex during PCT, a standard cycle length still applies for 4-6 weeks.

Proper administration and timing

Arimidex comes in a simple pill form, which is easy to take. Many guys’ big question is whether you should take Arimidex for your entire cycle or only when needed. There are MANY variables to consider, the first being what AAS you’re using and how they impact your estrogen levels.

In most cases, I only want to use Arimidex WHEN NEEDED. This means starting Arimidex if I get some nipple puffiness or tingling to stop that gyno in its tracks. I might only need two or three doses, and then I’ll stop taking Arimidex. This also helps with reducing any negative impacts on your cholesterol.

Your timing will also depend on how long your AAS takes to kick in and start causing estrogenic issues – long-ester testosterone, for example, can mean waiting around three weeks until you need to start thinking about taking Arimidex.

Arimidex vs. Other PCT Options

Some of our other best PCT options are also excellent on-cycle ancillaries. This will include primarily SERMs for PCT, while there are other AIs you can choose for on-cycle use, and it’s worth comparing these to Arimidex.

Arimidex vs. Enclomiphene

Enclomiphene has become a favored SERM for PCT because it’s fantastic at kickstarting testosterone production after a suppressive cycle.

Enclomiphene (Androxal) SERM
Enclomiphene (Androxal) SERM

When it comes to on-cycle use, Enclomiphene doesn’t hold a candle to Arimidex. We don’t want to use Enclomiphene on-cycle at all.

  • Arimidex will stop water retention and gynecomastia by lowering your total estrogen levels.
  • Enclo, on the other hand, only targets specific estrogen receptors and has zero effect on your total estrogen level.

What does this mean for you? You don’t have to choose between Enclomiphene and Arimidex because they can be incredibly beneficial for different purposes: Arimidex is for on-cycle estrogen control, and Enclomiphene is for PCT testosterone recovery.

Arimidex vs. Aromasin

There are a lot of opinions out there between guys who love or hate either Arimidex or Aromasin. There’s nothing wrong with preferring one over the other, but there’s a ton of misinformation as well.

Aromasin (Exemestane) Aromatase Inhibitor
Aromasin (Exemestane) Aromatase Inhibitor

Both are very effective AIs and very popular. Most of the opinions are based on how we respond to each AI. Many guys find the risk of estrogen crashing is less with Arimidex compared to Aromasin. Arimidex works fast, letting you make changes that will take effect rapidly and allow small adjustments.

Because Aromasin is what’s known as a suicidal AI (irreversibly binds to the aromatase enzyme, unlike Arimidex, which binds reversibly), we tend not to get any estrogen rebound when stopping Aromasin at the end of a cycle. Some guys find it easier to come off Aromasin without any side effects. Arimidex can require more care in coming off so you don’t get rebound symptoms – this can require tapering your dose slowly.

Aromasin has a shorter half-life (1 day), so it is typically dosed daily instead of once every three days with Arimidex. And a big one: Aromasin has been shown to have a “neutral effect” on total cholesterol, while Arimidex can raise your LDL and total cholesterol levels[4].

Arimidex vs. Letrozole

Letrozole is chemically similar to Arimidex but mainly excels at reversing gyno rather than being useful for water retention.

Letrozole (Femara) Aromatase Inhibitor
Letrozole (Femara) Aromatase Inhibitor

Letrozole could be the best AI for gyno, which is its primary purpose. But Letrozole is very strong compared to Arimidex, and it’s mainly used by guys who are what we’d call “heavy aromatizers,” where other AIs aren’t strong enough to combat gyno.

There have even been studies comparing the effects of Arimidex and Letrozole (on women with breast cancer). One study found that Letrozole suppresses estrogen in the breast and circulating estrogen levels more so than Arimidex[5]. It’s going to be easier to crush your estrogen with Letrozole, and I’d use it with caution and only for a very good reason or if you can’t get hold of Arimidex or another AI.

Arimidex vs. Nolvadex

More and more bodybuilders are turning to AIs like Arimidex to meet their needs for a powerful and effective anti-estrogen while using steroids because AIs block the function of estrogen. At the same time, SERMs like Nolvadex are very selective in how and where they can stop the functioning of estrogen. Many of us still use Nolvadex and other SERMs, often in conjunction with AIs.

Nolvadex (Tamoxifen) SERM
Nolvadex (Tamoxifen) SERM

How does Nolvadex compare with Arimidex, and should you still be using a SERM? It’s not so black and white, and ultimately, it comes down to how your body reacts to the drugs, the strength of your steroid cycle, and the associated side effects.

A significant advantage that Nolvadex and other SERMs have over Arimidex and AIs is that while Arimidex is likely to hurt your cholesterol by lowering HDL cholesterol – the good cholesterol type and this is amplified further when it’s used with most anabolic steroids, Nolvadex does not come with this concern.

Nolvadex can potentially be good for cholesterol, but it is quite the opposite of Arimidex. This is a big reason, especially for those concerned with cholesterol health, that people will choose to use SERMs over an AI like Arimidex, particularly for more mild steroid cycles where an AI might not be needed anyway.

There’s another massive benefit to Nolvadex, though: It is very effective during post-cycle therapy to stimulate the natural production of testosterone following suppression during a steroid cycle. Arimidex and SERMs, in general, don’t excel at this function because although it has some testosterone-stimulating effects, the way Arimidex suppresses estrogen levels so much that there is not enough for normal functioning makes testosterone stimulation relatively weak and not often enough to provide the much-needed benefits during post cycle therapy.

Therefore, Arimidex is rarely recommended for use during post-cycle therapy and instead is considered to be a drug that is mainly used during a steroid cycle, which is where its performance and results do outshine that of Nolvadex. That’s not to say that bodybuilders don’t use Arimidex during post-cycle therapy: Many do, but only in conjunction with other drugs so that every possible angle is covered to aid in total recovery from a powerful steroid cycle.

For people preceding Arimidex altogether during post-cycle therapy, a combination of Clomid, Nolvadex, and hCG is often used instead. The ultimate goal of post-cycle therapy is to stimulate testosterone not only for normal functioning as a male but also to retain your muscle gains and control body fat – both of which will suffer when testosterone levels are lower than normal.

Arimidex Side Effects in Men

Most men will tolerate Arimidex well, and you can use it without any notable side effects – as long as you’ve got your dosage dialed in and, ideally, you’re monitoring estradiol levels through bloodwork (including before you start taking this AI). A long list of side effects is recognized for this AI when used for medical purposes.

But here’s the thing: When Arimidex is prescribed for female breast cancer patients, we have to keep in mind that this is usually a long-term treatment – a 5-year Arimidex treatment is standard.

The role of estrogen in males and females is different. What this means is that male users of Arimidex are unlikely to be at risk of many or even any of the medically listed side effects of Arimidex. Here, I will focus on the sides that are known to affect some men who use Arimidex on-cycle:

Increased cholesterol

Arimidex can raise your cholesterol, which includes increasing LDL and total cholesterol. Studies on the long-term use of Arimidex showed this to be a problem[6]. However, at the same time, the patients recorded increased HDL (good) cholesterol levels. This was, however, much longer (after one year) than most of us will use Arimidex continuously. Combined with AAS, which can also increase your cholesterol, you will want to do regular bloodwork to monitor your lipids on-cycle.

While a reduction in HDL is almost always reversible after stopping steroids, following a diet low in saturated fat and higher in cholesterol-friendly foods like those rich in omega-3 fatty acids is still critical. Cardio work is also advised so you can keep cholesterol levels as optimal as possible during this time. If you are prone to high cholesterol, then choosing a SERM for on-cycle estrogen level control rather than an AI like Arimidex can eliminate this problem for you.

Low or crashed estrogen

The risk with taking any AI is causing too much of a reduction in your estrogen levels, and it’s here that we have the main side effect risks of Arimidex. Us males need some estrogen to function properly. You do not want to crush your estrogen levels through the misuse of an AI.

Thankfully, low estrogen-related side effects are easily avoided with the proper use of Arimidex. With its fast-acting effects, you can quickly adjust your dosage and see a recovery from these side effects within a matter of days. Some of the noticeable problems that could indicate your estrogen has got too low on Arimidex are:

  • Joint pain
  • Loss of sex drive
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Low energy/fatigue
  • Depression or low mood
  • Bad memory and poor concentration
  • Lack of motivation
  • Anxiety

Yes, many of the signs of low estrogen are similar to those of low testosterone! But if you’re using Arimidex and experience the above, lower your dose slightly and evaluate your response.

Reduction in bone mineral content

One of the main concerns surrounds a possible reduction in bone mineral content (BMC), which can lead to a higher risk of fractures and bone weakness, especially among people who lift heavy weights.

While most steroid users are unlikely to see a noticeable issue with bone mineral content reduction with Arimidex, some bone or joint pain can occur but usually subsides once you stop the drug. Since many steroids improve BMC, this side effect is even less of a concern for steroid users.

Other uncommon possible side effects of Arimidex include fatigue, headache, nausea, and hot flashes. Still, once again, these are almost always only seen in women who use Arimidex for long periods.

Where to Buy Arimidex?

Buying Arimidex should not be complicated, although it won’t be the cheapest ancillary you ever buy. Most of our favorite steroid or SARMs suppliers will carry one form of Arimidex or another. Many will sell it under the name Anastrozole – whether generic pharmaceutical grade, underground labs, or liquid from a research chemical supplier.

Availability of Arimidex

Arimidex is one of the easier ancillaries to buy, and you should find it widely available. Of course, having a prescription is very unlikely, considering the only approved medical use for this AI is for older women. So obtaining the ultimate pharmaceutical grade Arimidex will depend on what sort of contacts and sources you have.

Underground lab and chemical research suppliers will all have a good supply of Arimidex, but quality can always be hit and miss. I would only stick with the most reputable sellers who have been around a long time and/or those with a solid reputation among the bodybuilding community.

Is Arimidex legal?

Arimidex is a prescription-only drug in most major countries, including the US, UK, and Australia. This means you can’t legally buy it over the counter at a pharmacy or anywhere else. Still, it’s not classed as a controlled or prohibited substance in the same category as anabolic steroids. So if you’ve got Arimidex in your possession, you’re not going to come under the same scrutiny as if you were carrying steroids. Arimidex isn’t a banned substance by WADA or other organizations as it hasn’t been recognized as having any performance-enhancing benefits.

Typical pricing

We can get used to the most common ancillary drugs being very cheap to buy. But Arimidex is quite expensive, and on a per-tablet basis, you’ll pay a lot more for this AI than we do for most SERMs.

1mg tablets are the standard product, and if you can get a pharmaceutical grade (either branded or generic), you can expect to pay $80 or more for a box of 30 tablets. Underground labs can vary substantially in pricing – anywhere from almost $1 per tablet to more than $7. You CAN get excellent UGL Arimidex at high purity, but I would avoid the cheapest suppliers to minimize the risk of a bunk product.

Finally, if research chemical grade is your preferred (or only) option, a 30ml bottle of 1mg/ml concentration costs $40 and up. Some companies will offer discounts on bulk vial purchases.

Arimidex FAQs

What is the purpose of Arimidex?

The original purpose of Arimidex is to treat breast cancer in post-menopausal women where the cancer is being promoted by estrogen, where Arimidex can minimize the amount of estrogen in the body and slow or stop the growth of breast cancers. This estrogen-lowering function of Arimidex is highly desirable to anabolic steroid users as well, with excess estrogen levels being a side effect of steroids that have aromatization properties – causing unwanted side effects like breast growth (gyno) and water retention.

The purpose of Arimidex for steroid users is to reduce estrogen levels while on steroids so these side effects don’t occur or are minimized as much as possible.

Is Arimidex an estrogen blocker?

Arimidex blocks the aromatase enzyme, which is a critical part of the estrogen biosynthesis process – without this enzyme, the production of estrogen can be stopped. Compare this to SERMs, which block estrogen receptors selectively. Both can be considered estrogen blocks in some regards. Still, Arimidex and other aromatase inhibitors do so on a much more systemic level compared with SERM drugs, which only affect particular parts of the body that they are targeted to.

Can Arimidex cause weight gain?

Weight gain is not known to be a side effect of Arimidex either for women using it for breast cancer or men using it for estrogen control when using steroids. Any weight gain during cancer treatment under Arimidex is not thought to be directly caused by the drug itself.

Can Arimidex cause hair loss?

The estrogen-lowering effects of Arimidex and other hormone treatments taken during breast cancer treatment can potentially cause hair thinning in women. However, this is not a known side effect for male steroid users who use Arimidex. A much more significant concern is the side effects of many anabolic steroids of hair loss or male pattern baldness.

Does Anastrozole lower testosterone?

Arimidex does not lower testosterone but instead is known to increase testosterone levels while decreasing estrogen levels potentially. This is why the drug is sometimes used to treat low testosterone in men in place of hormone replacement therapy, usually where lowered testosterone is caused by aging.

Studies have shown that rather than decreasing testosterone, Anastrozole effectively increases the available serum testosterone in older men with mild hypogonadism, with results showing that testosterone levels can return to the normal range while at the same time slightly reducing and staying within the normal range for males.

Does Arimidex raise testosterone?

Arimidex is sometimes used as an alternative remedy to testosterone replacement therapy in men with low testosterone. Studies have shown, though, that it’s still not certain whether aromatase inhibitors are effective at stimulating testosterone to a high enough level in low-testosterone men. When using anabolic steroids, your body will be in a low testosterone state.

So, while Arimidex does have some testosterone-stimulating ability, it is not considered to be strong enough to combat very low testosterone, which is why it’s not often included in PCT cycles.

How quickly does Arimidex lower estrogen?

Arimidex starts working quickly and has a half-life of between 30 and 60 hours. Despite this, it can take some time for the concentration of the drug to build up in the blood plasma to reach the peak level, which can take about a week. Despite this, impressive amounts of estrogen level reduction have been noted in studies on the use of Arimidex in women at the medical dosage of 1mg daily, with a 70% reduction within just 24 hours. After 14 days, estrogen levels had lowered by 80%. Circulating estrogen levels remained this low for up to 6 days after the last dosage of Arimidex.

Can Anastrozole cause liver damage?

People with existing liver problems might see a worsening of the condition when using Anastrozole due to inflammation. This is primarily a concern when women are using the drug long-term for cancer treatment, often for years.

Medical information about Anastrozole indicates that the drug can cause liver damage, and this can be considered the case with almost any type of oral medication. Anyone using Arimidex who is concerned about its impact on the liver can have liver function tests done by their doctor and watch for signs of jaundice or darkened urine, which can indicate liver toxicity.

Final Thoughts

When something is as popular as Arimidex has been for so long, you know we’re on to something good. Plain and simple: Arimidex is a helpful tool, and I won’t go without it. Just don’t make the error of thinking you always need to be on it the entire time on cycle.

Unless I’ve done a specific cycle a few times and know exactly what to expect and when in terms of sides, I always prefer to wait until those first signs of estrogenic side effects show up before taking an Arimidex dose. And this strategy works well thanks to Arimidex taking effect so quickly. So, don’t crush your estrogen, monitor your cholesterol, and stick with the dosages experts recommend; you will find Arimidex an invaluable tool in your arsenal.

— Furious Joe

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