Clomid, Nolva, Arimidex, and Letrozole are medications used as a part of post-cycle therapy (PCT) to overcome specific side effects of anabolic steroid use.

Androgenic anabolic steroids (AAS) use is a faster way to build muscles and boost sports performance. Using these synthesized drugs that are quite similar to naturally occurring male steroidal hormone testosterone may help gain results in much faster times. Also, AAS may even help make gains that are naturally impossible. That is why, whether one likes it or not, a significant number of people in the sports and fitness industry are using AAS.

AAS are drugs that significantly resemble testosterone. However, they are a modified form of testosterone. This is done to increase their anabolic effect and reduce their androgenic effect (effect that causes hair growth, changes in voice, and other changes characteristic of male gender). This means that these synthetic AAS are quite safe. Some of them are even relatively safe for women.

These hormonal agents help achieve supra-physiological levels of androgens in blood. This logically means a much greater anabolic effect. However, this also amplifies certain side effects. Fortunately, there is a way of tackling these side effects through PCT.

Why is PCT needed After AAS Use?

There are two main issues that occur with prolonged AAS use. The first issue is a decline in natural testosterone production due to negative feedback. This is because the body senses that there are too many steroidal hormones or hormone-like substances in the blood. There are many ways to prevent this, like using steroids in cycles – thus, taking breaks and giving the body time to recover. Another way to overcome this problem is by using certain hormonal injections that help recover natural testosterone production.

The second most common issue that sportspeople using AAS face is the increased “estrogen“ production. Yes, that is worrisome, as higher estrogen levels are counterproductive. Higher estrogen levels cause many issues like water retention, gynecomastia (increased breast size), fat accumulation, mood swings, and other issues.

So, why does it occur? Well, that is simple to understand. In men, estrogens are mainly produced through testosterone conversion in various tissues. Yes, men also need small amounts of estrogen, and the body has its way of producing it. Many body tissues, like fat cells and various organs, have an enzyme called aromatase that converts testosterone to estrogens (female sex hormone). Higher AAS means higher estrogen production. This conversion of AAS to estrogens in tissues is called “aromatization.”

It means that drugs like Clomid, Nolva, Arimidex, and Letrozole are mainly used to prevent aromatization and thus reduce estrogen production in the body. Consequently, using these drugs reduces the side effects of the AAS cycle, making their use more effective.

Not all AAS gets converted to estrogens. However, some of them, like testosterone and its esters (cypionate, enanthate), Dianabol, Deca-Durabolin, and Trenbolone, are known to be converted to estrogens in significant amounts.

Clomid, Nolva, Arimidex, and Letrozole for PCT

So, now we understand why we need PCT and what is the importance of using these drugs when on steroids. Clomid (clomiphene), Nolva (tamoxifen), Arimidex (anastrozole), and Letrozole (Letrozole) are medications commonly used in bodybuilding to manage estrogen levels during and after AAS cycle.

However, it is vital to understand that all three of these drugs are different with different use-case scenarios. They have different mechanisms of action. Thus, some are good even when taking steroids to prevent their conversion to estrogens, while others are taken strictly post-cycle.

Below is the summary of these drugs:

It is vital to understand that these dosages might vary, and one should consult specialists before starting these medications. These drugs should only be used when medically necessary and as part of a comprehensive post-cycle therapy (PCT) plan for bodybuilders/sportspeople using anabolic steroids.

So, as one sees, all these medications are a bit different. Clomid contains clomiphene citrate as an active ingredient. Clomid is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that stimulates the release of gonadotropins, such as luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). It is often used to stimulate natural testosterone production after a steroid cycle.

Nolva contains tamoxifen citrate as an active ingredient. Nolva is also a SERM, and its main role is to block estrogen receptors in breast tissue. In bodybuilding, it is used to prevent and treat gynecomastia (enlargement of male breast tissue) caused by elevated estrogen levels.

Arimidex contains anastrozole as active ingredient. Arimidex is an aromatase inhibitor, which reduces estrogen production by inhibiting the enzyme aromatase. In bodybuilding, it controls estrogen levels and prevents estrogen-related side effects like water retention and gynecomastia.

Letrozole contains letrozole as active ingredient. Letrozole is also an aromatase inhibitor and is used similarly to Arimidex for controlling estrogen levels during and after a steroid cycle. It helps reduce the conversion of androgens into estrogen.

Since the above medications work differently, one may use multiple drugs during PCT. Sometimes, one may even benefit by combining multiple drugs. However, it is vital to understand that PCT drugs like Clomid, Nolva, Arimidex, and Letrozole are highly toxic drugs, and thus one should not abuse them.

The Bottom Line

Anabolic steroids can considerably boost physical performance and muscle mass. However, AAS also causes many side effects, including an increase in estrogen production. Hence, people with AAS cycles need PCT for recovery. However, those looking to use these drugs as a part of PCT must understand that these medications might also cause side effects. Understanding the risks associated with any drug therapy is essential for their safe usage.

Tags Clomid, Nolva, Arimidex, Letro, letrozole, femara, clomiphene, nolvadex, tamoxifen, citrate, pct