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A Guide to Steroids…
Nolvadex is the trade name for drug tamoxifen citrate which is an antagonist for estrogen that is used as a first line of clinical defense against carcinomas of breast. Nolvadex is somewhat different from other products since it is not an anabolic/androgenic steroid.
Mode of Action:
The drug is technically an
estrogen agonist/antagonist, which competitively binds to estrogen
receptors in various target tissues. With the tamoxifen molecule
bound to this receptor, the estrogen molecules are effectively blocked
from receptor binding and exerting any action and thus, an anti-estrogenic
effect is achieved. It is, however, important to understand that Nolvadex
does not prevent testosterone and its synthetic derivatives, so called
anabolic steroids, from converting into estrogens but only fights with
them in a sort of "competition" for the estrogen receptors and prevents
the downstream signaling pathways initiated by estrogen.
Therapeutic uses of Nolvadex:
Being an estrogen
antagonist, Nolvadex has a range of documented therapeutic uses:
- Gynecomastia
prevention : Nolvadex prevents gynecomastia (excessive
development of the breasts in males) by competitively binding to the
estrogen receptors the breast tissue and preventing estrogen associated
breast development.
- Breast
Carcinoma: Nolvadex has been utilized successfully as a
preventive medicine by people with an extremely high susceptibility for
breast cancer, for instance, people with family history of breast
cancers. However, it is important to realize that breast cancers may or
may not be estrogen associated and as they are multi-factorial, such
preventive measures may or may not be successful and should only be
taken after appropriate diagnosis and due prognosis by a registered
physician.
Burning Fat, is it?
It's a common misconception that Nolvadex helps in the burning of fat
which has lead to its gross misuse by some wanna-be-beauty-peagents
. Nolvadex has no direct fat-burning effect; however, its anti-estrogenic
effect contributes to keeping the estrogen to the minimal possible levels.
As the saying goes, little knowledge is a darn dangerous thing!
Use in Athletics:
Nolvadex is one of the most
popular anti-estrogen drugs used by athletes today. It is also widely
manufactured, and easy to obtain.
Side Effects of Nolvadex:
- The side effects of
Nolvadex are usually low in the recommended dosage regimen of up to 30
mg/day. However, in rare cases nausea, vomiting, hot flashes, numbness,
and blurred vision can occur. It may also lead to blurred vision, easy
bruising/bleeding, mood fluctuations, swollen foot, unusual tiredness,
and some signs of infection may also occur.
- A loss of sexual
ability/interest may occur in men while in women, irregular menstrual
cycles can occur which may manifest themselves in weaker menstrual
bleedings or even complete missing of a period. Women should also be
careful not to get pregnant while taking Nolvadex.
A Word of Caution:
This drug should not be
used with anastrozole and/or letrozole because of the
chances of potentially fatal drug-drug interactions.
**This article is NEITHER meant to be an alternative to professional
healthcare consultation NOR as a guide to self medication.
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