Tamoxifen is a drug used to treat and prevent cancer of the breast and endometrium of the uterus. The medication is widely used in bodybuilding, as it acts as an antagonist of the female sex hormone - estrogen.
The drug allows you to increase the concentration of testosterone in the blood, accelerate the set of muscle mass and increase endurance during the course of active physical activity.
Indications for use
Tamoxifen belongs to the category of potent non-steroidal drugs that suppress estrogen synthesis. The antihormonal effect of the drug is achieved by suppressing the sensitivity of the receptors responsible for the perception of estradiol.
In bodybuilding, the drug is indicated for use in the following cases:
| Indications for use | Intended use of the drug |
| Fluid retention in the body | During an intensive training course aimed at gaining muscle mass, as well as the concomitant intake of steroid hormones, leads to a retention of excess fluid in the muscle fibers and soft tissues of the body. Regular intake of Tamoxifen allows you to remove excess water, dry the muscles and give them a relief effect. This property of the drug is especially in demand by athletes who are preparing for competitive programs, where the aesthetic appearance of muscle mass is assessed. |
| Long-term use of androgens and anabolic steroids | During prolonged use of anabolic steroids, a critical increase in male sex hormones is possible. To bring their concentration within the normal range, prophylactic doses of Tamoxifen are prescribed. The drug can be used during a training course in combination with steroid drugs, or it can be used during the recovery period after consuming anabolic products. |
| Breast growth by female type | Prolonged intake of hormonal drugs that contribute to gaining muscle mass, increase the endurance of the cardiovascular system, and can cause an imbalance in male and female sex hormones. In the case of an increase in the level of estrogen in the male body, radical changes in the hormonal background occur. In this regard, a man may show signs of gynecomastia, when the mammary gland enlarges with its growth according to the female type. The active components of Tamoxifen block the sensitivity of the receptors responsible for estrogen recognition. Due to this, the pathological growth of the mammary glands stops. |
| Obesity | Athletes who are professionally engaged in bodybuilding periodically face the problem of gaining excess body weight. After completing the course of taking drugs that increase muscle mass, a gradual decrease in testosterone levels in the blood is possible. At the same time, the concentration of estrogen proportionally increases.The consequence of this process is a set of excess weight with localization of adipose tissue in the waist, anterior abdominal wall, in the circumference of the pectoral and gluteal muscles. Taking Tamoxifen after completing an intense training course prevents obesity. |
| Decreased testosterone concentration | Men and women who are professionally involved in bodybuilding periodically face the problem of too low testosterone levels in the blood. Deficiency of this male sex hormone leads to the lack of a positive result from the training, the growth of muscle mass stops, and the body's endurance decreases. Regular intake of Tamoxifen maintains stable testosterone levels and prevents the growth of estrogen. |
| Prevention of testicular atrophy | Taking anabolic steroids, which saturate the body with additional testosterone, can lead to testicular dysfunction and cause atrophic processes. Tamoxifen ensures the balance of sex hormones, which stimulates the work of the male reproductive system, preventing atrophic processes. |
| Improving endurance and muscle density | Removing excess fluid from the body, as well as increasing the concentration of testosterone in the blood, increases the density of muscle fibers, as well as their endurance during exercise. Especially if the athlete's training program is aimed at working with heavy weights and a lot of repetitions. |
| Maintaining muscle mass | To preserve the muscle mass that has been gained during the course of intense training and taking anabolic steroids, you need to take Tamoxifen. The drug is prescribed to maintain physical fitness and prevent muscle tissue obesity. Taking the drug is indicated for athletes who have completed their careers, or are taking a break from intense physical activity and do not want to lose shape. |
| Restoring the balance of female and male sex hormones | The imbalance of male and female sex hormones is a consequence of prolonged bodybuilding and taking anabolic steroids. To restore a stable hormonal background, a prophylactic Tamoxifen is prescribed. |
Tamoxifen in bodybuilding is also found under the name Nolvadex.
Taking the drug is indicated only after a preliminary examination by an endocrinologist, as well as with his immediate permission.
Unauthorized therapy with Tamoxifen, aimed at restoring the body after a training course, gaining muscle mass, preventing obesity, may not bring the expected result, as well as worsen the balance of male and female sex hormones.
Composition
The drug Tamoxifen contains an active substance - tamoxifen citrate. This is the main component that has an antiestrogenic effect, inhibits the growth of oncological tumors, the receptors of which have a physiological sensitivity to the female sex hormones of the estradiol group.
In what form is it produced
The drug Tamoxifen is produced in the form of tablets, coated with a protective shell, with a total weight of the active substance of 10 and 20 mg.
The tablets are placed in plastic bottles, which are packed in cardboard boxes. The drug is dispensed exclusively on the prescription of the attending physician. The average cost of 1 package of Tamoxifen is 1200 rubles.
Act
A distinctive feature of the antiestrogen drug Tamoxifen is that it has a gradual effect on the work of the endocrine glands and is not able to cause a sharp imbalance in sex hormones. When taken orally, the active substance of the medication is well absorbed in the organs of the gastrointestinal tract.
The maximum concentration of Tamoxifen in the blood serum is observed 7 hours after the start of therapy. Optimal accumulation of the chemical in muscle fibers and connective tissue is achieved after 6 weeks of taking the drug.
The antiestrogenic effect of tamoxifen is achieved after the active substance of the drug reaches the receptors responsible for the identification of the hormones of the estradiol group.
There is a blockage of the action of female sex hormones - estrogens. The drug is equally effective regardless of whether it is taken on an empty stomach or after a meal. In this case, the pharmacokinetics of the drug does not change.
Tamoxifen metabolism occurs in the liver tissues, and the chemicals formed during the breakdown of the drug are excreted in the bile. About 3% of the active components of the drug are found in the urine. During the metabolism of tamoxifen, citrate breaks down into desmethyltamoxifen, which is converted into the desmethyl metabolite during demethylation.
In the process of decomposition of tamoxifen citrate into its constituent components, an additional load is created on the liver tissue. In this regard, the drug can disrupt the work of this organ, provoking its systemic dysfunction.
Application
Tamoxifen in bodybuilding can be used during a course of intense physical activity, in combination with the use of anabolic steroids, or as an independent drug during the recovery period of the body.
Steroid Free
Tamoxifen therapy without the use of anabolic steroids is aimed at suppressing the receptors responsible for the identification of sex hormones of the estradiol series. To reduce estrogen levels, increase testosterone concentration and accelerate the process of gaining lean muscle mass, an optimal dosage of the drug in the amount of 20 mg per day is recommended.
The average duration of taking the medication is 4 to 10 weeks. In the absence of the expected effect, the dosage of the drug can be increased by another 10 mg.
Separately
Professional bodybuilders who do not take chemical supplements and hormonal substances that stimulate muscle growth should take 30 mg of Tamoxifen. This is the dosage of the drug that exceeds the average.
The maximum dose of the drug for an adult who is engaged in bodybuilding is 40 mg per day.
Excess of these doses is not recommended, as the risk of overdose and side effects increases. The average duration of taking the drug is from 1.5 to 2.5 months. depending on what results the athlete wants to achieve in bodybuilding.
As part of the course
In combination with anabolic steroids, as well as other drugs that accelerate muscle gain, increase endurance, burn adipose tissue, Tamoxifen is taken at 10-20 mg per day.
These are the optimal doses, the adherence to which allows you to reduce the level of estrogen in the blood, increase the concentration of testosterone and prevent the development of side effects associated with an imbalance of sex hormones. While taking anabolic steroids, you should avoid the simultaneous use of Tamoxifen tablets.
The time interval between the use of these funds should be at least 1 hour.
After the course
After completing the course of active physical activity and taking anabolic steroids, the process of rehabilitation therapy begins. If the task is to restore the disturbed balance of female and male sex hormones, then 20 mg of tamoxifen citrate should be consumed daily.
In the event that the drug is prescribed for prophylactic purposes, then it is enough to take 10 mg of the drug per day.
Getting rid of signs of gynecomastia, female obesity, a critical increase in the level of hormonal substances of the estradiol group, requires a daily intake of 30 mg of tamoxifen citrate.
In case of urgent need, the daily dose can be increased to 40 mg. Prolonged use of maximum dosages, which lasts over 14 days, requires prior consultation with an endocrinologist.
It is also recommended to undergo a biochemical blood test for the balance of female and male sex hormones. The average duration after a course recovery with Tamoxifen is from 1 to 2 months. The daily dosage of the drug can be divided into 2-3 doses.
The tablets must be consumed while maintaining the integrity of the protective shell, drinking plenty of water at room temperature. It is forbidden to grind the drug to a powder state or chew. In this case, the pharmacological properties of tamoxifen citrate may be markedly reduced.
Contraindications
Tamoxifen in bodybuilding is a drug that is not recommended for athletes with a number of chronic diseases and pathological conditions of the body.
The drug is contraindicated in the following cases:
- individual intolerance to the active ingredient - tamoxifen citrate, which is expressed in allergic reactions of any kind;
- leukopenia, accompanied by a further decrease in the level of leukocytes in the blood (this restriction to taking the drug is associated with a greater risk of malignant diseases of the blood and lymphatic system);
- a severe form of thrombocytopenia, which is associated with increased fragility of blood vessels, impaired blood circulation, periodic occurrence of internal bleeding (taking Tamoxifen can provoke an exacerbation of the disease, as well as aggravate the symptoms of cellular blood balance);
- hypercalcemia, the development of which is associated with metabolic disorders and diseases of internal organs;
- acute or chronic renal failure;
- severe diseases of liver tissue, which are associated with their gradual decay and death of hepatocytes (cirrhosis, malignant neoplasms, viral or intoxication hepatitis).
Tamoxifen is contraindicated in women who are pregnant and continue to engage in bodybuilding. Also, the drug is not recommended for use by athletes who suffer from thrombophlebitis, have signs of varicose veins, or have pathologies of the great vessels.
Failure to comply with the above contraindications can lead to a deterioration in overall health.
Side effects
Regular intake of Tamoxifen during the period of active bodybuilding and physical activity, or during the recovery period of the body, can cause side effects. These are negative reactions of the body associated with non-perception of the active component of the drug.
They appear in the form of the following symptoms:
- complete or partial loss of appetite;
- allergic reactions of the body, which are expressed in the appearance of a red rash, hives, itching, edema of the skin surface (much less often Tamoxifen causes severe angioedema associated with bronchial spasm and edema of the upper respiratory tract);
- nausea and vomiting, which increases after eating;
- the appearance of a feeling of loss of strength, rapid physical fatigue after performing actions that do not require large energy costs;
- decreased sex drive, as well as erectile dysfunction (changes in sensations during intercourse, prolonged absence of ejaculation or premature ejaculation are not excluded);
- partial loss of scalp and body hair;
- an increase in body temperature, which can remain within subfebrile values (37.2 degrees Celsius), as well as reach higher rates;
- sudden mood swings, accompanied by irritability, nervousness;
- itching of the skin in the genital area, as well as in the entire intimate area;
- impaired renal function and fluid retention in the body, which may be accompanied by the formation of edema;
- hot flashes, which are felt simultaneously with darkening in the eyes, impaired coordination of movements;
- development of pulmonary embolism;
- fatty infiltration of liver tissue;
- violation of the lipid spectrum of blood serum;
- the development of acute pancreatitis caused by the negative effects of tamoxifen citrate;
- bowel disorder accompanied by diarrhea or prolonged constipation;
- dizziness and severe headache, which can only be relieved after taking analgesics.
The appearance of at least one of the above side effects of the drug requires the termination of its intake. In this case, you need to seek help from an endocrinologist and sign up for a consultation.
Drug interactions
Tamoxifen in bodybuilding is taken in compliance with the rules of drug interaction with other drugs and anabolic steroids.
While taking the drug, the following pharmacological properties of tamoxifen citrate should be considered:
- Tamoxifen reduces the effect of other drugs, which contain sex hormones of the estradiol group;
- the medication enhances the pharmacological effect of drugs that are among the coumarin anticoagulants;
- simultaneous therapy with Tamoxifen and drugs that are inhibitors of platelet aggregation, the risk of internal bleeding increases;
- taking Tegafur together can cause progressive hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver;
- therapy with Allopurinol increases the risk of developing hepatotoxic reactions;
- active components of cytotoxic drugs are able to enter into chemical reactions with tamoxifen citrate and cause thromboembolic complications;
- simultaneous administration of Bromocriptine enhances the antiestrogenic effect of Tamoxifen, and also increases the concentration of its metabolites in the blood serum.
Foods included in the daily diet of a bodybuilder do not affect the absorption of tamoxifen citrate and do not alter the pharmacokinetic properties of the drug.
Storage conditions and periods
Tamoxifen should be stored in a dry room out of direct sunlight at a temperature not exceeding +25 degrees Celsius. Violation of these conditions can cause the breakdown of the chemical components of Tamoxifen and lead to premature deterioration of the drug.
The shelf life of the drug is 3 years, after which the drug is contraindicated for use.
Tamoxifen is a non-steroidal drug, the pharmacological properties of which are aimed at the treatment and prevention of breast cancer, as well as the endometrium of the uterus. In bodybuilding, the medication is used as an effective agent that suppresses the activity of female sex hormones - estrogens.
The drug allows you to stabilize testosterone levels, maintain the accumulated muscle mass, increase endurance and give the effect of relief to muscle fibers.
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