Nolvadex Dosage

 

Nolvadex is perhaps the most popular anti-estrogen available due to the fact that it essentially was the first of its kind developed almost 50 years ago, as well as the fact that it is extremely effective at what it does in terms of blocking Estrogen’s action in target tissues such as breast tissue (and the hypothalamus). Because Nolvadex has been in existence for such a long time, there is literally an almost infinite amount of clinical data (far too many to list here) in the form of studies that can easily be accessed, and it is through this that Nolvadex stands on top as a tried, tested, and true drug. Nolvadex dosages themselves do not need to be excessively high in order for the compound to do its job in the body, as it is quite a potent SERM to begin with.

One study examined 10 adolescents that had developed pubertal gynecomastia that were treated with 20 – 40mg of Nolvadex doses for a time period of 2 – 12 months, in which case the majority of the test subjects experienced a total elimination of their gynecomastia with only two test subjects retaining small amounts of fatty tissue development[1]. The two individuals that held on to small amounts of remaining gynecomastia development were most likely those who developed gynecomastia beyond a reversible stage, which is indeed possible. It is very clear that even in the standard range of Nolvadex doses, Nolvadex is a very powerful Estrogen blocking compound at breast tissue.

Nolvadex would likely be beneficial in anabolic steroid using athletes and bodybuilders that do not wish for a decrease in Estrogen levels, but instead wish to block Estrogen’s effects in select tissues. It is a well-known fact that Estrogen serves an important key role in the maintenance of proper bone strength, immune system function, CNS (central nervous system) function, as well as perhaps one of the most important functions, the positive regulation of cholesterol levels. For athletes and bodybuilders in particular, Estrogen is also very important in the role of proper muscle growth. It is for these reasons that it might be unnecessary to reduce Estrogen levels with an aromatase inhibitor (AI) if it is not completely required. Therefore, a logical choice would be the use of a SERM.

The proper use of Nolvadex doses also presents some very large benefits in terms of the stimulation of the endogenous production of LH (Luteinizing Hormone) and FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) had also increased, which are the two important gonadotropins that signal the testes to begin production of Testosterone. This will be covered in further detail when its use during PCT is explained very shortly.

Prior to delving into any further details, an important note must be made to the reader:

The use of SERMs or any anti-Estrogens should only be utilized when absolutely required, and should be discontinued as soon as the requirements to use them (such as gynecomastia or insufficient androgen production) have desisted.

Medical Nolvadex Dosage

Nolvadex (Tamoxifen), as previously explained in the introduction to this profile, is currently utilized within medicine for the treatment of six varying breast cancer indications:

– The treatment of female breast cancer in which Estrogen is the culprit and accelerant
– The treatment of female breast cancer during periods following surgery and/or radiation therapy
– The treatment of female breast cancer in which the cancer has persisted in only one (contralateral) breast in spite of surgery and/or radiation therapy
– The treatment of female breast cancer in which the cancer has spread or developed into the milk ducts of the breast (known as Ductal Carcinoma In Situ – DCIS)
– In females that do not possess breast cancer, but are known as being in a high risk category (due to hereditary genetics or otherwise) as a preventative measure.

The typical administered prescription Nolvadex doses for such conditions are a standard dose of 10 – 20mg administered twice daily (advised to be administered in the morning and in the evening).

Nolvadex Dosage During Anabolic Steroid Use

Nolvadex in particular 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 Nolvadex 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.

In many instances, Nolvadex doses might possibly also be utilized to increase the endogenous secretion of Testosterone in men, which allows this compound to be utilized as an ancillary medication during PCT (Post Cycle Therapy) phases following the end of an anabolic steroid cycle, but its use on its own for this purpose is not very common and is unlikely to produce noticeable performance enhancing effects.

For the purpose of gynecomastia prevention/reduction during a cycle: Nolvadex doses are normally utilized for either the prevention of the development of gynecomastia during an anabolic steroid cycle that includes the use of aromatizable anabolic steroids, or as an interceptive medication shortly after the development of gynecomastia has begun. For both conditions, the Nolvadex doses are the same, in which 10 – 30mg daily is utilized during an anabolic steroid cycle, though the standard is most usually 20mg daily. It is important to note that the use of higher doses than 20 – 40mg daily of Nolvadex will result in no greater or faster mitigation of gynecomastia as commonly believed. Nolvadex doses rising to the aforementioned level or above will simply result in excess Nolvadex being wasted.

It is very important to make clear to the reader that the use of Nolvadex can possibly impact performance, muscle, and strength gains during an anabolic steroid cycle negatively. This is because Nolvadex has been demonstrated to reduce serum levels of IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1) in the body, which is known to be a very important mediator of muscle growth that is responsible for increased nitrogen retention, protein synthesis, and new muscle cell growth (hyperplasia).

Breast cancer patients in one particular study who were administered Nolvadex dosages of 20 – 30mg per day experienced decreases in plasma IGF-1 levels by 31% (14.8 nanomolar at the beginning, and 10.2 nanomolar after Nolvadex administration)[2]. Furthermore, a future study also demonstrated significant IGF-1 decreases resultant from Nolvadex use, where this time around Testosterone had been administered alone without Nolvadex on the test subjects, and IGF-1 levels were observed. Following this, the same procedure was completed with the difference being the inclusion of Nolvadex. Such a study is much more applicable to anabolic steroid users than studies involving breast cancer patients. In this study, Testosterone administration alone of only 250mg monthly resulted in a blood plasma IGF-1 increase of 22%, but when Nolvadex doses of 20mg daily were administered alongside Testosterone, the subjects’ blood plasma IGF-1 levels exhibited a reduction of 30%[3].

The conclusion here is that Nolvadex does exhibit a detrimental effect on muscle growth through the reduction of blood plasma levels of important hormones required for muscle growth (such as IGF-1 and Human Growth Hormone). It is therefore advised that the administration of Nolvadex for whatever reasons (either for PCT or gynecomastia control/reduction) should be only as long as necessary. Short term administration of Nolvades doses should not mark a dramatic impact, but long term administration would indeed exhibit negative effects on muscle growth and performance.

Female Nolvadex Dosage

Female anabolic steroid users should not have any requirement for the use of Nolvadex, as breast tissue growth (gynecomastia) is not normally a concern among female athletes. The only major use of Nolvadex by females is that of female breast cancer patients, as covered above.

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

The effects of Nolvadex doses on the endogenous production of Testosterone in men is well documented and very profound. This occurs via Nolvadex’s Estrogen antagonistic effects on the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which results in the significant release of FSH and LH (the two hormones responsible for signaling the testes to begin and/or increase the production and secretion of Testosterone. It is for this reason that Nolvadex, and its close relative compound Clomid, are known as absolutely essential components to a PCT program for the purpose of hormonal recovery following the termination of an anabolic steroid cycle.

Nolvadex has in fact demonstrated to be the far more effective compound at doing this job than the more commonly utilized Clomid, and many anabolic steroid using bodybuilders and athletes are growing increasingly aware of this fact. Although nearly all studies on males demonstrated increases in Testosterone secretion following Nolvadex, there exists one notable study that stands out among all others. This particular study demonstrated that the administration of Nolvadex doses at 20mg daily for 10 days on normal healthy males generated a 150% increase in Testosterone levels, which is the equivalent effect of 150mg of Clomid, as noted by the study[4]. This same study also noted that Clomid actually generated a decreased LH secretion to LH-Releasing Hormone (LHRH) – something that Nolvadex did not do and in fact served to increase the body’s sensitivity to LHRH in the aforementioned study. Between the choice of Nolvadex and Clomid for the purpose of Testosterone stimulation, Nolvadex should be the preferred agent of the two.

Therefore, Nolvadex is the superior choice not only for the purpose of stimulating endogenous Testosterone secretion, but also for mitigating gynecomastia. The standard dose for PCT and for stimulating the release of GnRH (Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone), LH, FSH, and ultimately Testosterone is that of a simple Nolvadex dose of 20 – 40mg daily. In all studies involving Nolvadex doses that stimulated endogenous Testosterone production, only 20 – 40mg daily of Nolvadex was utilized, and it has in fact been shown that doubling the dose to 40mg or any higher will not produce any significant difference in endogenous Testosterone secretion. The only reason why many elect to utilize 40mg daily of Nolvadex for the first 2 weeks of a PCT program is for the purpose of achieving optimal peak blood plasma levels quicker so as to ensure HPTA recovery quicker.

One last note in regards to Nolvadex use during PCT – the aromatase inhibitors Letrozole and Arimidex in combination with Nolvadex will result in a negative drug interaction in which both directly counteract one another. This can occur in the use of Arimidex and Nolvadex together, or Letrozole and Nolvadex together. One study has demonstrated that when Letrozole or Arimidex are utilized with Nolvadex, Nolvadex will decrease blood plasma concentration of Letrozole as well as Arimidex[5]. This problem is not evident in Aromasin (Exemestane). Therefore, if an individual wishes to include the use of an aromatase inhibitor in a PCT protocol, the only ideal AI of choice with Nolvadex should be Aromasin (Exemestane).

Proper Administration and Timing of Nolvadex Dosage

There are no special considerations in regards to the administration of Nolvadex. It can be taken before, during, or after meals. It can also be consumed in the morning or at night time. It is recommended to ingest the full dose all at once as opposed to splitting the Nolvadex doses up throughout the day, which is largely unnecessary due to its long half-life of 5 – 7 days (there are even some reports of its half-life extending to 14 days).

Expectations and Results from Nolvadex Dosages

Nolvadex is an excellent solution to the issue of gynecomastia, either as a preventative or as an on-hand treatment during early development of gynecomastia. It also serves as an impressive stimulator of endogenous Testosterone production, ideal for proper hormonal recovery following the end of an anabolic steroid cycle.

 

 
 

Medical References:

 

[1] Treatment of marked gynecomastia in puberty with tamoxifen. König R, Schönberger W, Neumann P, Benes P, Grimm W. Klin Padiatr. 1987 Nov-Dec;199(6):389-91.

[2] Influence of tamoxifen, aminoglutethimide and goserelin on human plasma IGF-I levels in breast cancer patients. Lien EA, Johannessen DC, Aakvaag A, Lønning PE. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 1992 Mar;41(3-8):541-3.

[3] Activation of the somatotropic axis by testosterone in adult males: evidence for the role of aromatization. Weissberger AJ, Ho KK. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1993 Jun;76(6):1407-12.

[4] Hormonal effects of an antiestrogen, tamoxifen, in normal and oligospermic men. Vermeulen A, Comhaire F. Fertil Steril. 1978 Mar;29(3):320-7.

[5] 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.