Tamoxifen Citrate is a SERM with both estrogen agonist and antagonist properties. As an anti-estrogen, Nolvadex functions by binding to the estrogen receptors in the place of estrogen. This binding prevents the estrogen hormone from performing its action in certain parts of the body, which is precisely why it’s beneficial to breast cancer patients. Many forms of breast cancer actually feed off estrogen when it attaches to the receptors in the chest. By preventing the attachment in such receptors, this also protects anabolic steroid users fromgynecomastia, which can be caused by anabolic steroids that aromatize such astestosterone, dianabol, nandrolone and boldenone to a degree.

While primarily viewed as an anti-estrogen, Nolvadex also has the ability to act as estrogen, specifically in the liver. This presents a benefit as estrogenic activity in the liver has been linked to healthier cholesterol levels. For the steroid user, this can be extremely beneficial as many anabolic steroids tend to have an adverse effect on cholesterol. More on this when we look at the direct effects of Nolvadex later on.

Although primarily an anti-estrogen, Nolvadex also possess strong testosterone stimulating characteristics. Nolvadex has the ability to block the negative feedback that is brought on by estrogen at the hypothalamus and pituitary. As a result, this stimulates an enhanced release by the pituitary of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH). Both LH and FSH are essential to natural testosterone production. Without LH and FSH, with an even stronger emphasis on LH, there is no natural testosterone production.

For the purpose of estrogenic side effect protection during anabolic steroid use, 10-20mg per day is common. If 20mg per day does not protect you from gynecomastia you will need an AI. If you cannot control water retention with this dose you may also need to consider an AI, but with a sound diet that is not overabundant in calories, especially carbohydrates, water retention should be controlled. Many performance athletes often inaccurately blame the steroids for their tremendous water retention, when in truth a lot of the time they’re eating more than they need. Overeating will cause you to hold water, add in aromatizing steroids and this will be worse. Control your diet and control estrogen through SERM’s and most should be fine. If an AI is needed and in heavy cycles and contest cycles they normally are, controlling cholesterol will become even more important.

For the purpose of PCT, standard Nolvadex doses will normally begin at 40mg per day. The dose will normally hold at 40mg per day for a couple weeks, reduce to 20mg per day for a couple weeks and then finish with an optional week or two at 10mg per day. How your cycle ends will determine when you begin your Nolvadex therapy. If HCG is included, this will also affect the timing.

• If your cycle ends with any large ester base anabolic steroids, you will begin Nolvadex 2 weeks after your last injection.
• If your cycle ends with all small ester base anabolic steroids, you will begin your Nolvadex 3 days after your last injection.
• If your cycle ends with any large ester base anabolic steroids, you will begin HCG ten days after your last injection and begin Nolvadex after HCG therapy is complete.
• If your cycle ends with all small ester base anabolic steroids, you will begin HCG 3 days after your last injection and begin Nolvadex after HCG therapy is complete.