Aromasin Dosage

 

Although Arimidex tends to be the more popular aromatase inhibitor among anabolic steroid users, Aromasin tends to be the more superior aromatase inhibitor due to its properties and effects. Unfortunately it seems as though Aromasin is not very well known, and at a glance, approximately 1 out of every 6 anabolic steroid users tend to first select Arimidex over Aromasin as their aromatase inhibitor of choice. This is due to two reasons: the first being that, as mentioned already, it is not as well known by virtue of the fact that Arimidex happened to be the aromatase inhibitor that hit the anabolic steroid using community first (and unfortunately Aromasin (Exemestane) was consequently overlooked), and secondly, Aromasin tends to be more expensive than Arimidex.

With that being said, Aromasin dosages for the purpose of Estrogen control on-cycle have proven to be far more effective than Arimidex both in terms of its ability to act as a suicidal inhibitor of the aromatase enzyme, as well as the fact that Aromasin is far more compatible for the purpose of endogenous Testosterone and HPTA (Hypothalamic Pituitary Testicular Axis) recovery during PCT, which will be discussed in further detail in this section of the profile very shortly.

It must first be understood that Aromasin is an extremely effective and very potent aromatase inhibitor, with a wide variety of application in terms of Estrogen control. As an aromatase inhibitor, it holds the ability to exert control over literally all of the potential Estrogenic side effects that anabolic steroid users attempt to avoid or eliminate. The standard protocol (or general rule) for the use of all aromatase inhibitors should be the following:

Attempt to avoid the use of aromatase inhibitors at all costs unless absolutely necessary. If the use of an aromatase inhibitor is necessary, utilize it only when required, and attempt the lowest possible dose for the purpose of Estrogen control rather than Estrogen elimination.

This is extremely important and must be remembered by all readers investigating the use of aromatase inhibitors. The fact of the matter is that the use of aromatase inhibitors, whether it be the three primary AIs (Arimdiex, Aromasin, and Letro) or any others, will exert negative effects on the body if utilized when they are either unneeded, or when they are utilized too much at Aromasin doses that are too high.

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The purpose of an aromatase inhibitor should be that of Estrogen control rather than complete Estrogen elimination. The definition of Estrogen control is that of maintaining normal physiological levels of Estrogen as opposed to the complete reduction of it. The complete reduction of Estrogen can and does result in deleterious effects on the human body. This will be further explained in the side effects portion of this profile, but a general description is that these compounds (aromatase inhibitors) deprive the body of a very important hormone (Estrogen) that is important for various essential bodily functions at normal physiological levels.

Medical Aromasin Dosage

Within medicine, Aromasin (Exemestane) is approved by the FDA for the treatment of post-menopausal female breast cancer patients as an adjunctive treatment when first-line treatments (such as Nolvadex) have failed to work. The standard protocol among the medical establishment is that of commencing Aromasin administration approximately 2 – 3 years following the failure of Nolvadex in a patient. This is where Nolvadex administration is to be halted, and the use of Aromasin begins for a determined 5 year period in which Nolvadex is utilized alongside Aromasin (Exemestane).

Prescription Aromasin dosages under the aforementioned breast cancer treatment are that of a single 25mg dose daily (prescription guidelines also suggest that Aromasin doses be administered following a meal).

Aromasin Dosage During Anabolic Steroid Use

As with most/all ancillary compounds, Aromasin cannot be categorized into the three tiers of users (beginner, intermediate, and advanced) as normally outlined and listed in common profiles of the different compounds and drugs. This is due to the fact that Aromasin is an ancillary drug not particularly used for the purpose of performance enhancement, but instead is utilized to combat or mitigate various Estrogen-related side effects when aromatizable anabolic steroids are utilized.

Aromasin holds several different capabilities of use aside from its Estrogen blocking capabilities, and not only is its Estrogen blocking capabilities a step above the other major aromatase inhibitors, but its ability to increase Testosterone levels is as well. This will be covered in greater detail very shortly, under Aromasin’s use during PCT (Post Cycle Therapy).

For the purpose of Estrogen control during a cycle: It is well established that Aromasin is very effective at reducing total Estrogen levels via the inhibition of the aromatase enzyme. But how much Aromasin is required and how often are factors that are largely dependent on the doses of aromatizable anabolic steroids used, the individual’s sensitivity to aromatase inhibitors, and the rate of aromatization of the anabolic steroids used. With this being said, the general range of Aromasin doses are 12.5 – 1mg daily. As with all aromatase inhibitors, there is always room for adjustment in relation to the user’s experiences at a particular Aromasin dose and dose frequency. Often times, adjustment is necessary with a powerful and very potent aromatase inhibitor such as Aromasin. Aromasin dosages of 12.5mg every other day is enough for Estrogen control, which is commonly utilized among the anabolic steroid using community. Once again, adjustments are a normal part of aromatase inhibitor use.

It is very important for the reader to be reminded to always keep in mind that the use of an aromatase inhibitor is for the purpose of Estrogen control in order to restore circulating Estrogen levels back to normal physiological levels following an increase due to aromatization. Complete reduction and/or elimination of Estrogen levels often result in negative effects on the body.

Female Aromasin Dosage

Female anabolic steroid users seldom need to worry about rising Estrogen levels, but for those that are competitive bodybuilders that must eliminate the water retention associated with Estrogen that causes the unwanted bloating, the use of an aromatase inhibitor such as Aromasin (Exemestane) might be necessary. It is important to remember that medically, Aromasin is approved for use in post-menopausal females only, who possess a very different shift in hormone levels compared to pre-menopausal females. Because medical data has suggested that aromatase inhibitors are far more effective in females than males (depending on the aromatase inhibitor in question used), Aromasin doses of 12.5mg every other day or once every two days should suffice and in fact often times become too much, in which case the individual might feel the need to adjust to either a lower dose or a lesser frequency of administration.

Aromasin Dosage for Increased Endogenous Testosterone Secretion and PCT (Post Cycle Therapy)

It is very clear that Aromasin can increase Testosterone levels in males as demonstrated by studies. One particular study selected 12 healthy young male test subjects, and were administered random Aromasin doses of 25mg and 50mg for a 10 day period, and not only was Estrogen suppressed by a significant amount (38%), but Testosterone levels in the test subjects were observed to increase by an incredible 60%[1]. Boosting the endogenous Testosterone production in men by an impressive 60% is not the only major benefit that Aromasin possesses. Aromasin also holds additional benefits that essentially make it the ‘king’ aromatase inhibitor for the purpose of HPTA and Testosterone recovery during PCT above all other aromatase inhibitors. The stimulation of endogenous Testosterone secretion is a characteristic common of all aromatase inhibitors and is due to the fact that excess Estrogen will cause a negative feedback loop response of the HPTA to initiate Testosterone suppression.

In addition to generating a considerable increase in endogenous Testosterone output, Aromasin also holds several advantages and effects over other aromatase inhibitors that do not exhibit them. For example, a common attribute of all aromatase inhibitors is the unfortunate effect of altering cholesterol levels in a very negative manner (reduction of the ‘good’ HDL cholesterol and increasing the ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol). This is due in large part to the drop in Estrogen levels, as well as the aromatase inhibitor’s actions themselves. Aromasin has demonstrated in several studies that it impacts cholesterol profiles far less than other aromatase inhibitors have, where in one particular study on cancer patients, 24 weeks of Aromasin (Exemestane) administration held no impact on cholesterol profiles[2]. Some of the same studies mentioned have also demonstrated a nil effect on cholesterol profiles from the use of Aromasin[1]. However, some other studies have displayed an alteration in cholesterol values from Aromasin administration, but that it was not as significant or as negatively impacting as other aromatase inhibitors[3].

In addition to the lack of negative effects on cholesterol profiles, Aromasin has also demonstrated in the same study that linked Aromasin to an increase in endogenous Testosterone production to also un-alter serum IGF-1 levels, which is something uncommon among aromatase inhibitors1. At its worst, it may lower IGF-1 levels slightly, which is a significant difference from all other aromatase inhibitors, and Aromasin has also been found to lower concentrations of IGF-1 binding protein-3 (a protein that binds to and inhibits IGF-1)1. This is all very good information to the anabolic steroid using athlete who wishes to recover efficiently and quickly during the PCT weeks following the termination of a cycle, as IGF-1 is very important for muscle gains. But the benefits of Aromasin do not stop there.

There is one issue with the addition of the other two aromatase inhibitors (Arimidex and Letrozole) in a PCT program that includes the use of SERMs such as Nolvadex and Clomid, which are known as absolutely essential components to a PCT program. The problem here is that Arimidex and Nolvadex both directly counteract one another. One study has demonstrated that when Arimidex is utilized with Nolvadex, Nolvadex will decrease blood plasma concentration of Arimidex (as well as Letrozole, another commonly used aromatase inhibitor)[4]. The conclusion here is that the use of Arimidex or Letrozole with Nolvadex together is a very bad idea and may work counterproductively if used together in a PCT protocol.

Aromasin completely circumvents this problem, as it has been demonstrated to have no interactions what so ever with Nolvadex, unlike the other two aforementioned aromatase inhibitors. In one study, Aromasin displayed no reduced effectiveness, nor any reduced blood plasma levels when utilized with Nolvadex[5]. Nolvadex is also very well known for reducing blood plasma levels of IGF-1 during use[6]. This might possibly indicate that Aromasin may assist to maintain stable IGF-1 levels or at the very least do nothing to further worsen Nolvadex’s effects on IGF-1. Therefore, from all of the information gathered, Aromasin and Nolvadex when utilized together for PCT are very complimentary with one another, making Aromasin the absolute best aromatase inhibitor not only for general use but also for HPTA recovery during PCT (or at any other time).

A sufficient Aromasin dosage for HPTA recovery during PCT would be 25mg daily for no longer than a 2 week period while Nolvadex would be utilized for a total of 4 weeks at 20 – 40mg daily.

Proper Administration and Timing of Aromasin Dosages

There are no special considerations with administration of Aromasin doses, and it can be taken at any time of the day (morning, night time, before, during, or after meals). Prescription guidelines and pharmacy information have demonstrated that Aromasin’s absorption and bioavailability might be increased when taken with or after a meal (preferably a high fat content meal).

One important note to make with Aromasin is that a full week (7 days) is required before blood plasma levels of Aromasin have reached its optimal peak level, although its half-life is approximately 27 hours[7].

Expectations and Results from Aromasin Dosages

Aromasin can and will reduce Estrogen levels by a great deal in individuals, and Aromasin (Exemestane) users must be cautious to ensure that these Estrogen levels do not plummet too low to be considered healthy. As Estrogen levels reduce, the physique may take on more of a harder ‘grainier’ and ‘ripped’ look due to the loss of water retention provided by Estrogen. This results in very little to no subcutaneous fluid, which will present the underlying musculature more prominently. The one exception to the issue of complete Estrogen elimination is in competitive bodybuilders that require almost total elimination of water retention on the competition day. In such a situation, an aromatase inhibitor such as Aromasin might be utilized by a competitive athlete at higher doses only days leading up to a competition for the physique altering reasons previously stated. Near-total reduction of Estrogen should not be maintained for more than a 48 hour period for health reasons.

From the clinical evidence seen, individuals looking to restore normal HPTA function following the cessation of a cycle of anabolic steroids will find that Aromasin is very promising in this area. Note that the use of Aromasin alone for this purpose is not ideal, and should be combined with a SERM (such as Nolvadex) and possibly HCG).

 

 
 

Medical References:

 

[1] Pharmacokinetics and dose finding of a potent aromatase inhibitor, aromasin (exemestane), in young males. Mauras N, Lima J, Patel D, Rini A, di Salle E, Kwok A, Lippe B. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2003 Dec;88(12):5951-6.

[2] No adverse impact on serum lipids of the irreversible aromatase inactivator Aromasin [Exemestane (E)] in first-line treatment of metastatic breast cancer (MBC): companion study to a European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer (Breast Group) Trial with Pharmacia Upjohn. Lohrisch C., Paridaens R., Dirix L. Y., Beex M., Nooij M., Cameron D. Proc. Am. Soc. Clin. Oncol., 20: 43a 2001.

[3] Plasma changes in breast cancer patients during endocrine therapy: lipid measurements and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Engan T., Krane J., Johannessen D. C., Kvinnsland S. Breast Cancer Res. Treat., 36: 287-297, 1995.

[4] Comparative clinical pharmacology and pharmacokinetic interactions of aromatase inhibitors. Boeddinghaus IM, Dowsett M. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2001 Dec;79(1-5):85-91.

[5] Inhibitory effect of combined treatment with the aromatase inhibitor exemestane and tamoxifen on DMBA-induced mammary tumors in rats. Zaccheo T, Giudici D, Di Salle E. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 1993 Mar;44(4-6):677-80.

[6] Tamoxifen reduces serum insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). Michael N. Pollak MD, Hung The Huynh PhD, Susan Pratt Lefebvre BSc. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment 1992, Volume 22, Issue 1, pp 91-100.

[7] Pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of the newer generation aromatase inhibitors. Buzdar AU. Clin Cancer Res. 2003 Jan;9(1 Pt 2):468S-72S.