Tamoxifen is a drug that is intended for the treatment and prevention of breast cancer and uterine endometrium. The medication has been 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, speed up muscle gain and increase endurance during a course of active physical activity.
- Indications for use
- Structure
- In what form is produced
- Act
- Application
- Steroid free
- Separately
- As part of the course
- After the course
- Contraindications
- Side effects
- Drug interaction
- Terms and conditions of storage
- Video on the topic: tamoxifen – what kind of drug, mechanism of action, features of use
Indications for use
Tamoxifen belongs to the category of potent non-steroidal drugs that inhibit the synthesis of estrogen. The anti-hormonal 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 concurrent intake of steroid hormones, it leads to a delay in the excess amount of fluid in the muscle fibers and soft tissues of the body. Regular intake of Tamoxifen allows you to remove excess water, dry muscles and give them a bump effect. This property of the drug is especially in demand by athletes who are preparing for competitive programs, where an aesthetic appearance of muscle mass is evaluated. |
| 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 to normal, preventive doses of Tamoxifen are prescribed. The drug can be used during the training course in combination with steroid drugs, or used during the recovery period after using anabolic products. |
| Female type breast growth | Long-term use of hormonal drugs that contribute to a set of muscle mass, increase endurance of the cardiovascular system, can cause an imbalance in the male and female sex hormones. In the case of an increase in estrogen levels in the male body, radical changes in the hormonal background occur. In this regard, a man may have signs of gynecomastia, when there is an increase in the mammary gland with its growth in the female type. The active ingredients of Tamoxifen block the sensitivity of estrogen receptors. Due to this, the abnormal growth of the mammary glands is stopped. |
| 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 the level of testosterone in the blood is possible. At the same time, the concentration of estrogen increases proportionally. The consequence of this process is gaining excess weight with localization of adipose tissue in the waist, anterior abdominal wall, and around the pectoral and gluteal muscles. Taking Tamoxifen after completing an intensive training course prevents obesity. |
| Decreased Testosterone Concentration | Men and women who are professionally engaged in bodybuilding, periodically face the problem of too low testosterone in the blood. Deficiency of this male sex hormone leads to the absence of a positive result from the training, the growth of muscle mass stops, and the endurance of the body decreases. Regular intake of tamoxifen maintains a stable level of testosterone and prevents the growth of estrogen. |
| Testicular Atrophy Prevention | Taking anabolic steroids, which saturate the body with additional testosterone, can lead to testicular dysfunction and cause atrophic processes. Tamoxifen provides a balance of sex hormones, which stimulates the work of the organs of the male reproductive system, preventing atrophic processes. |
| Increased Stamina 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 large number of repetitions. |
| Muscle preservation | To preserve the muscle mass that was gained during the course of intensive training and taking anabolic steroids, Tamoxifen is needed. The drug is prescribed to maintain physical fitness and prevent obesity of muscle tissue. Taking the medicine is indicated for athletes who have completed a career, or are taking a break from intense physical exertion and do not want to lose shape. |
| Restoring the balance of female and male sex hormones | Imbalance of male and female sex hormones is the result of prolonged bodybuilding and taking anabolic steroids. To restore stable hormonal levels, Tamoxifen is given a prophylactic dose. |
Tamoxifen in bodybuilding is still found under the name Nolvadex.
The medication is indicated only after a preliminary examination by an endocrinologist, as well as with his direct permission.
Unauthorized therapy with Tamoxifen, aimed at restoring the body after a training course, gaining muscle mass, and preventing obesity, may not bring the expected result, as well as worsen the balance of male and female sex hormones.
Structure
The drug Tamoxifen contains the active substance – tamoxifen citrate. This is the main component that has an antiestrogen effect, inhibits the growth of oncological tumors, the receptors of which have physiological sensitivity to the female sex hormones of the estradiol group.
In what form is produced
The drug Tamoxifen is available in the form of tablets, coated with a protective coating, with a total weight of the active substance of 10 and 20 mg.
Tablets are placed in plastic bottles, which are packed in cardboard boxes. The drug is released exclusively according to the prescription of the attending physician. The average cost of 1 pack of Tamoxifen is $ 16.
Act
A distinctive feature of the antiestrogen drug Tamoxifen is that it has a gradual effect on the functioning of the endocrine glands and is not able to cause a sharp imbalance of sex hormones. When taken orally, the active substance of the drug is well absorbed in the organs of the gastrointestinal tract.
The maximum concentration of Tamoxifen in serum is observed 7 hours after the start of therapy. Optimal accumulation of a 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 hormones of the estradiol group.
Blocking the action of female sex hormones – estrogen. The drug is equally effective regardless of whether it is t
aken on an empty stomach or after eating. In this case, the pharmacokinetics of the drug does not change.
Tamoxifen metabolism occurs in the tissues of the liver, and 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 urine. In the process of tamoxifen metabolism, citrate breaks down into desmethyltamoxifen, which is converted into a desmethyl metabolite during demethylation.
In the process of the breakdown 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 body, 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.
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 speed up the process of gaining lean muscle mass, it is recommended that the optimal dosage of the drug be 20 mg per day.
The average duration of medication is from 4 to 10 weeks. In the absence of the expected effect, the dosage of the drug may be increased by another 10 mg.
Separately
Athletes who are professionally engaged in bodybuilding, who at the same time do not take chemical additives and hormones that stimulate muscle growth, should take 30 mg of Tamoxifen. This is the dosage of the drug, which exceeds the average.
The maximum dose of a drug for an adult who is engaged in bodybuilding is 40 mg per day.
Exceeding these doses is not recommended, as the risk of overdosing and the development of side effects increases. The average duration of 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 fatty tissue, Tamoxifen is taken at 10-20 mg per day.
These are optimal doses, the observance of 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, the simultaneous use of Tamoxifen tablets should be avoided.
The time interval between the use of these funds should be at least 1 hour.
After the course
After completing a 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 that case, if the drug is prescribed for preventive purposes, then it is enough to take 10 mg of the drug per day.
Getting rid of signs of gynecomastia, female-type obesity, and a critical increase in the level of hormones in 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 a balance of female and male sex hormones. The average duration after a course of recovery with Tamoxifen is from 1 to 2 months. The daily dosage of the drug can be divided into 2-3 doses.
Tablets must be consumed while maintaining the integrity of the protective shell, washed down with a sufficient amount of water at room temperature. It is forbidden to grind the preparation to the state of powder or to chew. In this case, the pharmacological properties of tamoxifen citrate can be significantly 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 component – 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, circulatory disorders, 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 the internal organs;
- acute or chronic renal failure;
- severe liver tissue diseases 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 main 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 the 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 o
f the body, which are expressed in the appearance of a red rash, urticaria, itching, edema of the skin surface (much less often, Tamoxifen causes severe angioedema symptoms associated with bronchial spasm and edema of the upper respiratory tract); - nausea and vomiting, which intensifies 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 sexual desire, as well as erectile dysfunction (sensory changes during sexual intercourse, a prolonged absence of ejaculation, or premature ejaculation are not excluded);
- partial loss of scalp and body hair;
- an increase in body temperature, which can persist within subfebrile values (37.2 degrees Celsius), as well as achieve higher rates;
- sharp mood swings, accompanied by irritability, nervousness;
- itching of the skin in the area of the genital organs, as well as in the entire intimate zone;
- 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 tissue infiltration of the liver;
- violation of the lipid spectrum of blood serum;
- the development of acute pancreatitis caused by the negative effects of tamoxifen citrate;
- an intestinal disorder accompanied by diarrhea or prolonged constipation;
- dizziness and severe headache, which can be relieved only 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 the help of an endocrinologist and make an appointment for a consultation.
Drug interaction
Tamoxifen in bodybuilding is taken in compliance with the rules of drug interaction with other drugs and anabolic steroids.
When taking the drug, the following pharmacological properties of tamoxifen citrate must be considered:
- Tamoxifen reduces the effect of other drugs that contain sex hormones of the estradiol group;
- the medication enhances the pharmacological effect of drugs that are among the coumarin anticoagulants;
- simultaneous therapy with Tamoxifenum and drugs that are platelet aggregation inhibitors, the risk of developing internal bleeding increases;
- co-administration of Tegafur may cause progressive hepatitis or cirrhosis;
- therapy with Allopurinol increases the risk of hepatotoxic reactions;
- the 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 antiestrogen effect of Tamoxifen, and also increases the concentration of its metabolites in the blood serum.
The foods included in the daily bodybuilder diet do not affect the absorption of tamoxifen citrate and do not alter the pharmacokinetic properties of the drug.
Terms and conditions of storage
Tamoxifen should be stored in a dry room without direct sunlight, subject to a temperature of no higher than +25 degrees Celsius. Violation of these conditions can cause the breakdown of the chemical components of Tamoxifen and lead to premature spoilage 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 whose pharmacological properties are aimed at the treatment and prevention of breast cancer, as well as uterine endometrium. In bodybuilding, the medication is used as an effective tool that suppresses the activity of female sex hormones – estrogen.
The drug allows you to stabilize the level of testosterone, preserve the gained muscle mass, increase endurance and gives the effect of relief to muscle fibers.
Video on the topic: tamoxifen – what kind of drug, mechanism of action, features of use
What is this drug – tamoxifen:
