Tamoxifen Citrate is a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) best known by its most popular trade name Nolvadex. An extremely powerful and effective SERM, Nolvadex was developed to fight estrogen in breast cancer patients; estrogen being one of the primary enemies to such a condition. The problem with estrogen is it binds to the receptors in the chest region and causes the cancer to thrive; Nolvadex by its natural mode of action prevents the estrogen from binding by binding in its place. Of course, while this was the SERMs original intent, it is found in performance enhancing circles far more often than anywhere else; were referring to those who supplement with anabolic steroids. Nolvadex really isnt used to promote performance directly; however, its used as a means of protection or recovery.
When it comes to performance, this SERM is sometimes used while the individual is supplementing with aromatizing steroids in an effort to stave off gynecomastia, or whats often referred to as male-breast enlargement. When the aromatase process occurs, this causes testosterone to convert into estrogen, and as estrogen levels increase and attach to the receptors it can lead to gynecomastia. Once again, this SERM will bind to the receptors itself, thereby preventing the estrogen from binding and preventing the condition. Then we have the recovery aspect of Nolvadex; in this case, it is used after anabolic steroid supplementation has come to an end in an effort to stimulate natural testosterone production which has been suppressed due to the use of anabolic steroids. In this case, the SERM will stimulate the pituitary to release Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), which in-turn stimulates the testicles to make testosterone. Without LH and FSH, there is no natural testosterone production; LH playing the primary role.
While this is a truly effective SERM for all the purposes mentioned above, there are possible Nolvadex side effects; this cannot be denied. Even so, as we will soon see, Nolvadex side effects are for the most part extremely mild and often very rare with proper use; in-fact, serious problems are almost unheard of. Where problems most commonly occur is with extremely long-term use, such as for a breast cancer patient. For the performance enhancer, this wont be an issue as no performance enhancer will be using this SERM for extremely long periods of time. Further, while Nolvadex side effects of a long-term nature are possible, they are still better than dealing with breast cancer. Moreover, there are also supposed Nolvadex side effects of a reported performance nature that are impossible; assumptions and myths that have existed for years, and it is here we will lay those to rest; in-fact, thats where we want to start.
When it comes to the impossible Nolvadex side effects, for decades many performance enhancers have assumed on-cycle use will inhibit growth to a degree; this assumption would be incorrect. The assumption is simple; Tamoxifen Citrate is an anti-estrogen, and as some estrogen is needed to promote tissue growth its reduction of this hormone will stagnate growth to a degree. This is incorrect simply on the basis that Nolvadex does not reduce estrogen levels. Of course, what can occur is a suppression of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) production, and this is extremely important in-regards to growth; however, its not so cut and dry. While Nolvadex side effects due include an IGF-1 reduction, the use of most anabolic steroids will dramatically increase it far beyond what this SERM might suppress. There is also an issue that is sometimes brought up revolving around a suppressed metabolism or metabolic function; however, while the issue has been brought up there is no evidence to support it.
While the above are of no true concern, there are a few actual yet only possible Nolvadex side effects, and the first worthy of mention is a reduction in cognitive abilities, but this is something that is almost strictly a breast cancer patient concern due to the necessary long-term use of the SERM. Some have even shown to have a reduction in libido with long-term use; this is somewhat ironic since the SERM increases testosterone levels via LH and FSH stimulation; however, were once again referring to extremely long-term use. The final concern with long-term use is endometrial cancer; some studies have shown breast cancer patients who have used the SERM for five or more years may open the door to endometrial cancer; however, theres no evidence in-regard to short-term use, and as this is a uterus issue it is not a concern for men.
Then we have performance enhancement, and as this will be where well find this SERM most commonly, Nolvadex side effects of this nature will be what most want to know about. Unfortunately, if youre looking for a horror story, youre looking at the wrong SERM or estrogenic combatant medication; if youre looking for horror stories, try looking at the Aromatase Inhibitor Cytadren. Tamoxifen Citrate is normally very well-tolerated by most performance enhancing athletes, and this includes men and women. The most common Nolvadex side effect is without question acne, but its not that common to begin with; its not that common but its the most probable. With the testosterone increasing nature of this SERM, the quick increase in testosterone levels can cause some breakouts; if it occurs, it will normally occur on the back, shoulders or chest, and normally fades away once you adjust; if not it will after discontinuation. There is also the possibility of nausea, abdominal cramping and hot flashes; however, such side effects are extremely rare and will not affect most people. Such effects are so rare, only about 5% of women will experience nausea, only about 2% of men, and only 1% of women will experience abdominal cramping with even less men falling prey. As for hot flashes, this is one of the few Nolvadex side effects that can be a problem for numerous women, as more than 50% often fall prey; however, its virtually unheard of with men.
If youre to avoid Nolvadex side effects, if youre a breast cancer patient simply use the SERM as directed by your physician; thats fairly simple. Then we have performance enhancement, and in this case, youll be using the SERM without such guidance and as with all performance based items at your own risk. Of course, keeping the dosing proper will always serve you best, and proper dosing will vary depending on the point of use. For on-cycle gynecomastia protection, most men will find 10mg per day to be effective if its going to be effective; if this doesnt work, youll probably need an Aromatase Inhibitor. As for post cycle use, you will need a larger dosing that tapers down over the course of four to six weeks. In most cases, a total dosing of 40mg per day for a couple weeks, followed by half that amount for a couple weeks and then a 10mg dosing per day for a week or two is perfect.
