Letrozole is an extremely popular Aromatase Inhibitor (AI) used in the treatment of breast cancer and by numerous anabolic steroid users in an effort to combat possible estrogenic side effects. Overall, this is a generally well-tolerated AI, but side effects of Letrozole most certainly exist. The side effects of Letrozole will predominantly revolve around response. We all respond to varying medications differently; however, the severe reductions in estrogen, which is the precise point of use, can also bring about other possible concerns. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the possible side effects of Letrozole.
The side effects of Letrozole revolving around weakness and fatigue are perhaps the most common side effects of all. For the anabolic steroid user, in a standard cycle this shouldn’t be much of an issue if it’s an issue at all. The exception would be during a contest bodybuilding diet, especially at the backend of the plan. In such cases, calories are often very low, training is brutal and the individual is already at a very drained state. In such cases, the individual will simply need to do his best to push through. While not all that common, there are physicians who will prescribe Letrozole for the purpose of treating a low testosterone condition as the AI can stimulate natural testosterone production. AI’s can be useful in a testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) plan for estrogen control, but should not be used for direct TRT purposes. Such an individual will almost always become very drained, and the odds are strong such therapy will not fully remedy his condition. As for the breast cancer patient, such side effects of Letrozole may simply have to be dealt with for a time; however, a well-planned diet and b12 supplementation will help.
While fatigue and weakness are common side effects of Letrozole, beyond these issues there are five primary side effects of Letrozole we must address. Such effects are highly dependent on response; most should not have an issue but those who do will find the five effects to be the most common. The common side effects of Letrozole include:
Of the five most common side effects of Letrozole, headaches and hot flashes will be the most common. However, although listed in the common category, depression is somewhat rare and should never occur with the anabolic steroid user.
The side effects of Letrozole can include a weakened skeletal structure. This is due to the AI having the ability to significantly reduce bone mineral content. This could, in some cases, increase the individual’s risk to osteoporosis. However, it will normally take long-term use for this to be an issue. It should also not be a concern for the anabolic steroid user. Most anabolic steroids have the ability to promote bone mineral content. Some steroids may only carry this trait at a low level, but some compounds can increase bone mineral content dramatically.
The side effects of Letrozole can include those surrounding cholesterol, and this is an issue some steroid users tend to have a hard time with. The overwhelming data shows AI’s like Letrozole have very little affect on cholesterol, and if they do have any affect it’s normally insignificant. However, such data and studies rarely take into account the inclusion of anabolic steroids, specifically aromatizing anabolic steroids, and this changes the game. When examining the side effects of Letrozole, it’s important to understand the inclusion of anabolic steroids can change things. Many anabolic steroids have the ability to negatively affect cholesterol; the steroid in question will determine the total potential affect. Oral steroids are normally the harshest as they often significantly increase LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and suppress HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol). Then we have injectable steroids, the their affects on cholesterol can also vary greatly. Trenbolone can have a strong, negative impact on both HDL and LDL. Testosterone can also have an impact on HDL, but normally not very strong. Hormones like Nandrolone will typically fall somewhere in the middle. With the above information in play, although it cannot significantly affect cholesterol on its own, what happens when Letrozole is used with anabolic steroids, specifically aromatizing steroids? Data shows when testosterone is used in therapeutic doses the relative affect on cholesterol is statistically insignificant. When doses are increased to supraphysiological levels, HDL suppression may occur but should not be at a true level of concern. The same data shows things, however, change greatly when the same testosterone is used with an AI like Letrozole. Data shows that a 20-25% reduction in HDL cholesterol is very possible with therapeutic or supraphysiological doses of testosterone. For this reason, a cholesterol friendly diet is important, one that’s rich in omega fatty acids, low in simple sugars and saturated fats and a lifestyle that promotes regular cardiovascular activity.
