Nolvadex (Tamoxifen) PCT – Uses, Side Effects, and More

Tamoxifen Citrate (brand name Nolvadex) is another Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) that is often used as an anti-estrogen and post-cycle therapy drug by anabolic steroid users. The Selective aspect of the name of this class of drug is just that: They act on certain parts of the body only, and as we will see, Nolvadex is very selective in its targeting of the breast tissue, making it valuable both medically and for steroids users concerned about certain side effects.

Nolvadex is a name every steroid user will be familiar with; there would hardly be a modern-day bodybuilder who hasn’t used the Nolvadex SERM at some point. For most of us, this is a must-have staple in the bag, ready to go during and after a steroid cycle. But what makes Nolvadex so essential and so valuable for any male who uses anabolic steroids? And how does it compare to other SERMs and alternative options for on-cycle and PCT support? Check out all this and more in my guide on Nolvadex. Let’s get into it!

Medical disclaimer: The following guide is based on personal experience and does NOT promote the illegal use of steroids (PEDs). Consult a healthcare professional before using PEDs.

What is Nolvadex?

The chemical compound and generic name of Nolvadex is Tamoxifen Citrate. Nolvadex is one of the most well-known and widely used ancillary drugs in bodybuilding. Its benefits cover both on-cycle and PCT use, and for most of us, this SERM will be of the most value when it’s utilized for PCT purposes. This is a prescription-only medication that can not be bought over the counter.

While you might be wondering whether every SERM is the same and whether it matters if you use Nolvadex or a different one, the fact is that each SERM does work slightly differently and will give you a different experience. Nolvadex is one SERM you will want to seriously consider if you’re still unsure which one to use.

Since Nolvadex was created as a breast cancer treatment drug, as we would expect, it plays a powerful role in reducing the estrogen levels that allow cancer to progress in the breast area. It does this by binding to estrogen receptors in that particular part of the body so that the estrogen is unable to bind, thereby reducing or eliminating the effect of estrogen on breast tissue – and it just so happens that this exact effect is what men using steroids are looking for to prevent the growth of breast tissue as a result of increased estrogen activity when using anabolic steroids.

Nolvadex doesn’t directly reduce estrogen levels in the body. Instead, it binds to specific estrogen receptors so that the estrogen itself can not bind, and therefore, the estrogen can’t act as it otherwise would. While this works very well in the breast area, Nolvadex can be an estrogen agonist in other body parts, which means it can act as estrogen, primarily affecting the liver.

But before you become concerned about estrogen activity, this particular form is considered positive because there’s a benefit for cholesterol when some estrogenic activity in the liver occurs. With some steroids hurting cholesterol, this bonus effect of Nolvadex is welcomed by steroid users.

A Quick Look at Nolvadex

• Other Names: Tamoxifen Citrate (generic), Genox, Tamifen, others.
• Primary Use: Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) to restore natural testosterone production and prevent estrogenic side effects (e.g., gynecomastia). Also used to treat breast cancer and infertility.
• Administration: Oral form (tablets). Typical PCT dosage: week 1-2: 20-40 mg per day, week 3-4: 10-20 mg per day. Half-life: ~5-7 days.
• Cycle Length: Typically run for 4-6 weeks during PCT. Often stacked with Clomid (Clomiphene) for synergistic recovery.
• Benefits: Restores natural testosterone production post-cycle, prevents/treats gynecomastia by blocking estrogen in breast tissue, improves lipid profile (raises HDL cholesterol), less risk of visual side effects compared to Clomid.
• Side Effects: Acne, nausea or cramping of the abdomen, brain fog, decreased IGF-1, blurred vision, minor liver toxicity, deep vein thrombosis

Note: Nolvadex is a cornerstone of PCT for steroid users due to its dual role in restoring testosterone and blocking estrogenic effects. Always pair with bloodwork to monitor hormone recovery and consult a healthcare professional.

History and Overview

Nolvadex’s development goes right back to the 1960s for medical use, initially for the treatment of breast cancer and later for the prevention of that cancer. Other medical uses were later discovered where Nolvadex proved to be effective:

• Infertility in females with certain medical conditions
• Infertility in males

The use of Nolvadex for male infertility is directly related to why and how we use Nolvadex in a PCT setting. And here’s something you might not have known: Nolvadex is so effective that it has a place on the “Model List of Essential Medicines” by the World Health Organization.

Mechanism of Action

Like all SERMs, Nolvadex is selective in its targeting of estrogen receptors, and therefore, it will NOT lower your total estrogen levels (as an AI drug does). Specifically in breast tissue, Nolvadex will target and block the estrogen receptors there so that the estrogen cannot bind to the receptors (inhibiting the growth of cancers and preventing gynecomastia).

Think about it:

Nolvadex effectively takes the place of estrogen in breast tissue – precisely where we need it to be to stop dreaded gyno on cycle. Separate to this is Nolvadex’s mechanisms of action in stimulating testosterone production through its ability to stimulate the essential precursors to testosterone: Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH).

These two mechanisms of activity are conveniently beneficial to steroid-using bodybuilders, resulting in Nolvadex’s long-term popularity for PCT and gynecomastia prevention.

Effects of Nolvadex (Benefits) for Men

Nolvadex has very specific and limited benefits for men, but don’t let the small number of benefits fool you: Nolvadex is VERY effective at providing some of the critical support we need as steroid users.

Gynecomastia prevention

The only reason we will use Nolvadex during a steroid cycle is to either completely prevent gyno from developing or as a measure to reverse the first signs of gyno if they begin to show at any point in the cycle.

As you will know, the quicker we address the onset of gyno development (usually a tingling feeling or puffiness of the nipples), the less chance there is of it continuing to develop. Nolvadex works well at protecting against gyno but will not help prevent another unwanted estrogenic side effect: Water retention.

Testosterone stimulation

Nolvadex is valued for PCT purposes thanks to its ability to speed up the recovery of your natural testosterone production after it has been suppressed or shut down by anabolic steroids. Waiting for a natural testosterone recovery can take many months; in the meantime, you’ll suffer severe symptoms of low testosterone.

Nolvadex’s core function as a PCT drug is to stimulate the release of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH). LH is what stimulates the testicles to produce testosterone, while FSH stimulates the production of sperm.

Cholesterol support

Nolvadex can provide some bonus support to your cholesterol, which might be taking a hit from steroids. Tamoxifen can reduce LDL and total cholesterol, although you shouldn’t rely solely on this SERM for your on-cycle cholesterol support.

What are Estrogen Blockers?

The primary function of SERMs and their original reason for being developed is to block the estrogen hormone from binding to receptors in the cells of breast cancer so that the cancer is unable to multiply and spread. Unlike aromatase inhibitors, which work to lower overall estrogen levels, SERMs are selective. So, a SERM like Nolvadex causes different effects on different types of cells.

As steroid-using bodybuilders, our greatest interest in using Nolvadex on cycle is to take advantage of its targeting of breast cells to prevent and reverse the symptoms of gynecomastia. The great thing about Nolvadex is that it can do this WITHOUT crashing your estrogen levels.

SERMs will also activate estrogen in the cells of other areas – bone, for example. Despite some earlier studies showing the opposite effect, later data revealed that Nolvadex was found to prevent bone loss and decrease osteoporosis risk significantly^[1].

We’re not through yet:

The other reason we’re interested in SERMs like Nolvadex is their ability to stimulate testosterone production after a suppressive steroid cycle, as they promote the release of the luteinizing hormone and the follicle-stimulating hormone.

SERMs vs. Aromatase Inhibitors

The two classes of drugs that you will see bodybuilders and performance athletes who use anabolic steroids (AAS) continually talk about are SERMs and Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs). Both are valued and used for their beneficial effects in reducing or preventing estrogen-related side effects of steroids and to assist with restoring testosterone function as part of post-cycle therapy.

But what is the difference between these two types of drugs, and which one is the best to use to cover all your bases while you’re using steroids? The big difference between SERMs and AIs is how they act on the body and affect estrogen. AIs can reduce estrogen levels in the body. SERMs, on the other hand, are targeted to certain parts of the body and only bind to estrogen receptors rather than actively lowering serum estrogen levels.

This means that SERMs are effective in controlling a wider range of steroid-induced estrogenic side effects. In contrast, SERMs like Nolvadex, Clomid, and Toremifene are only effective at controlling gyno because these drugs were developed to target breast tissue estrogen receptors.

AIs are useful for helping with water retention, while SERMs will not benefit you for that side effect. For these reasons, most bodybuilders often prefer AIs such as Arimidex, Arimistane, and Aromasin. However, SERMs certainly still have their place and are still used for specific purposes by steroid users. For steroid users who are only concerned about gyno, then a SERM like Nolvadex can be all you need.

Suppose you find that Nolvadex isn’t giving you the results you need. In that case, this is when guys will turn to AIs to target a lowering of overall estrogen with the bonus that you’ll be able to control better all other estrogen side effects in addition to gyno.

As the name suggests, Aromatase Inhibitors inhibit aromatizing activity. So those steroids that do aromatize need to have these effects addressed; otherwise, you get out-of-control estrogen conversion, rising estrogen levels, and lower testosterone levels. When AIs work to inhibit aromatase, effects like gyno are reduced, and testosterone levels rise.

While AIs might sound like a magic pill, there are downsides to them that you need to be aware of, particularly that they can negatively impact cholesterol levels when they are used alongside aromatizing steroids. This makes AIs not so appealing for on-cycle use as Nolvadex or other SERMs, and as I mentioned earlier, Nolvadex can potentially positively impact cholesterol.

Nolvadex for Gynecomastia

In its function as an anti-estrogen breast cancer treatment drug, Nolvadex targets the breast tissue, and this means it’s highly useful for the prevention of dreaded gynecomastia in male anabolic steroid users. Because estrogen can cause cancer to progress in the breast area, when Nolvadex binds to estrogen receptors in this part of the body, it effectively halts the action of estrogen there.

This is exactly what we need to be happening to stop gynecomastia from occurring as estrogen-related negative effects of many AAS. Nolvadex has proven effective at this task, which is why it is so popularly used alongside steroids and after a steroid cycle.

On-cycle use of Nolvadex to protect against male breast enlargement is an established anabolic steroid user protocol. This drug works well for many people using it for this purpose, but not everyone will have the same positive results.

Using steroids that are powerfully aromatizing or being particularly sensitive to gyno can mean that Nolvadex won’t be enough to stop you from experiencing gyno as a steroid side effect; in these cases, you might need to turn to aromatase inhibitor drugs instead.

While Nolvadex used on cycle is essential for controlling gyno, it will not have a positive effect on testosterone when it’s up against the powerful testosterone-suppressing effects of most steroids, and it’s only during post-cycle therapy that Nolvadex is utilized to boost testosterone function.

Best for Gyno: Gynectrol

Gynectrol is laser-targeted to your chest area to reduce fat and prevent or reverse the signs of gynecomastia so your pecs and chest can be defined and prominent. Gyno is typically caused by increased estrogen, and the goal of Gynectrol is to restore the balance of your hormones so that testosterone takes its rightful place at optimal levels. In contrast, your estrogen levels are taken back to the low natural levels men require, where it can no longer act on the breast tissue and cause unsightly man boobs.

Why I Like It: Gynectrol is a safer alternative to using aromatase inhibitors or SERMs to reverse or prevent gynecomastia. It can eliminate the need for expensive surgery or hormone replacement therapy.

It’s Worth Noting: Starting Gynectrol as soon as you notice gynecomastia or excess chest fat will give you the best chance of eliminating it quickly.

Increased chest fat is still distressing, even if you’re not a hardcore bodybuilder. The great thing about Gynectrol is that it’s effective for BOTH gynecomastia (breast tissue growth) and general chest fat reduction. To effectively lose fat, keep it off, and see increased tone in your chest area, you’ll want to build muscle while Gynectrol reduces fat stores. Thankfully, Gynectrol promotes muscle gain through naturally increasing testosterone (you should also notice a nice increase in your libido and energy levels).

Traditional aromatase inhibitor drugs often used for gynecomastia in male bodybuilders come with significant risks to your cholesterol and in crushing your estrogen levels. Gynectrol is essentially the opposite: It has no risky side effects and works to balance your estrogen and testosterone hormones to normal levels. If you decide to try Gynectrol, buy it here.

Nolvadex for PCT

Nolvadex has been a staple in PCT protocols for as long as I can remember – and even longer! Few bodybuilders who regularly use steroids could claim never to have used Nolvadex. It’s not the only useful PCT drug, but it sure is one that you’ll want to keep a steady supply of because Nolvadex has its place in just about any PCT cycle. It can be used on its own for mild to moderate suppression but is often utilized alongside hCG and even Clomid for dual SERM benefits.

Nolvadex is known for its excellent ability to stimulate testosterone levels while blocking the effect of estrogen, enabling greater amounts of luteinizing hormone (LH) released by the pituitary gland. This hormone is critical for testosterone production. Nolvadex is so powerful in kickstarting your normal testosterone function again so you can avoid the symptoms of low T and enable the maintenance of your gains made on the cycle.

Most users will require four weeks of Nolvadex for PCT. Still, longer or more powerful steroid cycles can often need to be followed up with eight weeks of post-cycle therapy combining Nolvadex with other drugs, including aromatase inhibitors.

While it can be tempting for new users to make the mistake of increasing the dose of Nolvadex during post-cycle therapy above the maximum recommended of 20mg daily, it’s well proven that there’s no benefit at all for your testosterone levels in doing this. That’s why an aromatase inhibitor and HCG are usually combined with Nolvadex during post-cycle therapy to cover all bases.

Doses

Nolvadex does its job very well at low to moderate doses. If you’ve ever used the other popular SERM Clomid, you’ll quickly notice that we only require a comparatively lower dose of Nolvadex to achieve similar benefits. As a female breast cancer treatment and preventative, Nolvadex would usually be prescribed at no more than 20mg per day. This is a powerful SERM, and simply put, we will use a similar dosage for both on-cycle and PCT use of Nolvadex:

Nolvadex dosage on-cycle

20mg daily of Nolvadex is all we should need to protect against the onset of gyno. Although it can be tempting to raise your dose if gyno symptoms do start developing, what you should know is this: Increasing your Nolvadex dosage is not going to result in better outcomes in protecting you from gyno or water retention, but it will raise your risk of side effects.

So, if you’re not getting the effects you expected at 20mg/day, it’s time to look at using an AI for your anti-estrogenic on-cycle needs. Regardless of your dosage, it would be best if you always kept in mind that Nolvadex (or any SERM) won’t address the issue of water retention, and for that, you WILL need an aromatase inhibitor.

Nolvadex dosage for PCT

The standard way of using Nolvadex for PCT is to start at a higher dose, which you maintain for between 50% and 75% of the PCT cycle, then halve the dose for the remaining time.

The highest recommended dose is 40mg per day. This can be run for 2-3 weeks, then a reduction to 20mg for the final 1-2 weeks. Some PCT cycles will use Nolvadex at a lower dose: 20mg for three weeks, followed by 10mg in the final week.

There is no known benefit to taking any more than 40mg of Nolvadex to stimulate testosterone production. I have heard of some guys taking 60mg daily, although I wouldn’t recommend it.

Female Nolvadex dosage

When females use Nolvadex for performance enhancement, it is often used for just that: To enhance performance as a result of increased testosterone levels. This can make Nolvadex a viable alternative for women who do not want the more powerful effects of steroids that bring a high risk of masculinization side effects.

Aside from performance enhancement, women can make use of Nolvadex to improve their physique, bringing about a leaner and tighter physique without the associated risks of steroids. Females require a very low dosage of Nolvadex for all these effects, with just 10mg per day sufficient.

Dosing schedule, half-life, and PCT length

The elimination half-life of Nolvadex can be anywhere from 5 to 7 days^[2]. As it is not classed as a performance-enhancing drug, the half-life will not likely be of concern regarding drug testing. Where it does matter is how often we administer Nolvadex.

But here’s the thing: Nolvadex is still taken daily despite its long half-life. Depending on how suppressive your steroid cycle was, a standard PCT cycle length will be 4 to 6 weeks to allow a full HPTA recovery.

Proper administration and timing

If you’re taking Nolvadex on cycle, you’ll be taking it daily starting on day 1 of your steroid use. The timing of starting your PCT is going to depend wholly on the steroids you’ve used and THEIR half-life.

Your first Nolvadex PCT dose will typically start about two weeks after the last injection of a long-acting steroid like Testosterone Enanthate. If you’ve used a fast-acting oral steroid as the final AAS in your cycle, you’ll want to begin your Nolvadex PCT one to two days after your final dose.

I’ve heard of guys splitting the dose into morning and evening administration. However, I believe once daily is fine, and it makes little difference whether you take Nolva in the morning or afternoon or on a full or empty stomach.

Nolvadex vs. Other PCT Options

Nolvadex is one of the best SERM options we have for PCT. Many people will argue that SERM is the best for this purpose. But it’s not the only option, and we’re very fortunate these days to have several different SERMs and other types of drugs for PCT use. Let’s see how Nolvadex compares to Clomid, Arimidex, and Toremifene:

Nolvadex vs. Clomid

These two most popular SERMs can provide a very different user experience. Without a doubt, Clomid induces more side effects and more severe side effects in most users. However, in terms of usefulness, we will find Nolvadex far more effective for on-cycle anti-gyno use than Clomid.

Both SERMs are excellent PCT compounds, although some will find Clomid a stronger testosterone stimulator. This is an individual preference, and ultimately, many guys will combine Clomid and Nolvadex in PCT to cover all bases. If mental and visual-related side effects are of great concern to you, then Nolvadex will be the better option.

Nolvadex vs. Toremifene

Toremifene is a lesser-known SERM that has a chemical structure that is very similar to Nolvadex. Some steroid users will interchange these two SERMs, indicating their similarity. Studies have shown the two are very similar in their safety and effectiveness for medical purposes^[3].

Toremifene effectively reduces gyno flare-ups, and I’ve heard of guys who were satisfied with using it instead of Nolvadex. The main issue with Toremifene is that it’s almost always a lot more expensive than Nolvadex, is nowhere near as widely available, and is known to be faked.

Around ten years ago, Toremifene saw a spike in popularity among steroid users, but this seems to have decreased significantly recently. However, this is merely due to the reduced availability of Toremifene compared to Nolvadex and not due to its lack of effectiveness. Some guys will go so far as to say Toremifene is the best PCT SERM – if you can get your hands on it.

Nolvadex vs. Arimidex

Arimidex works very differently from Nolvadex because it prevents the conversion of testosterone into estrogen, lowering total circulating estrogen levels. While this is very useful for preventing estrogenic side effects, it does come with downsides for male users.

As an AI, Arimidex is much more effective than Nolvadex at providing you with on-cycle support to combat estrogenic side effects (gynecomastia and water retention).

Why is Arimidex better on-cycle than Nolvadex? Because Nolvadex does not inhibit estrogen conversion or lower your total estrogen levels like Arimidex, it will not impact water retention as Tamoxifen directly targets breast cells. Arimidex can crash estrogen levels and negatively impact cholesterol levels, so it must be used cautiously.

SERMs like Nolvadex are preferable for PCT and should be your first choice over Arimidex for testosterone recovery. Nolvadex is drastically better at stimulating testosterone, and you will rarely come across a bodybuilder who believes an AI should be used instead of a SERM for PCT.

Nolvadex Side Effects in Men

Every drug on earth will cause side effects in some users, and Nolvadex is no exception. However, most men will find that Nolvadex causes fewer negative effects than Clomid, and countless guys use Tamoxifen with no noticeable side effects at the recommended doses.

Some of the side effects that bodybuilders have reported anecdotally when using Nolvadex are not listed in the medical literature. Again, individual response and any interactions with other drugs being used can influence your personal experience with Nolvadex.

As a breast cancer-treating SERM for women, most of the side effects recorded for Nolvadex apply to its use in this area and in females. But, as it’s a long-standing drug used by male anabolic steroid users, enough anecdotal evidence and personal experience exist to pinpoint some of the side effects that tend to be more common amongst males when the drug is used for this purpose. At the same time, in other cases, we can eliminate many of the side effects that are listed for Nolvadex for women using it to treat breast cancer.

Not only is the female body reacting differently to the drug, but when it’s used as cancer medication, it is a much longer-term use compared with guys using it to reduce estrogen side effects while on steroids or during post-cycle therapy to restore testosterone function. Therefore, these long-term side effects can also be virtually eliminated as they relate to your use of Nolvadex.

So, what are some of the main possible long-term side effects in men you should be on the lookout for when using Nolvadex, either on-cycle or post-cycle therapy?

• Acne – While not particularly common in terms of how many people get it, out of all the potential side effects from Nolvadex, acne is considered the most likely. This is because your testosterone will start increasing, and acne is just a natural effect of rising testosterone levels in some men; not all guys are predisposed to acne, and if you’re not, then you’re unlikely to experience this side effect. Those who do experience acne find that it is usually mild and goes away once the drug is stopped.
• Nausea or cramping of the abdomen – This is considered a rare side effect that most men will never experience with Nolvadex, but there is a small possibility.
• Brain fog – An annoying side effect is brain fog or mental exhaustion. Forgetting things, having trouble getting your thoughts together, or struggling to focus are issues that some Nolvadex users seem to develop. It’s difficult to tell how common this side effect is because not all users will report it, and some will put it down to other reasons like the effects of the steroids, hormonal issues, or other potential causes without being able to pinpoint it being caused by Nolvadex.
• Decreased IGF-1 – Nolvadex has been shown to decrease this essential anabolic hormone in some medical patients. Few people will find this noticeable, particularly as we mainly use Nolvadex for short periods^[4].
• Blurred vision – Visual sides are much more likely with Clomid, but I have heard a few users of Nolvadex complain of this side effect. However, it is short-lived and disappears after the use of Nolvadex.
• Liver toxicity – Nolvadex is an oral drug that comes with a small amount of stress to the liver (although this won’t be comparable to the type of liver toxicity caused by most oral steroids). You can consider extending your liver support plan throughout PCT if any toxicity from Nolvadex is of concern.
• Deep vein thrombosis – Some studies found an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis and blood clots in women using Nolvadex. Although not considered common, you might reconsider using Tamoxifen if this condition runs in your family.

The best way to reduce or eliminate your risk of long-term side effects when using Nolvadex is to keep the dosage at sensible levels. Since there is no benefit in consuming higher than established dosages when using Nolvadex for bodybuilding purposes, maintaining the correct dose is of the utmost benefit for your results and health.

Where to Buy Nolvadex?

Nolvadex is not a difficult drug to buy; just about all of us will have no trouble finding it for sale online anywhere in the world. The good news is that it’s also a very affordable product, and it will add only a tiny amount to the overall cost of your steroid cycle.

Availability of Nolvadex

Nolvadex is one of the easiest compounds you’ll ever have to buy. Because suppliers know it’s possibly the most commonly used ancillary drug, virtually all of them will stock it. Both pharmaceutical-grade and underground lab versions are available. Pharma grade is always preferable if you can get hold of it. Black market Nolvadex will typically be pharma grade or generic versions obtained from countries where it is easily purchased over the counter. Counterfeit Nolvadex is not known to be much of an issue due to this drug’s low cost and wide availability.

Is Nolvadex legal?

Nolvadex is a prescription drug in countries with medical approval, including the United States. This means Nolvadex is legal to buy and use – with a valid doctor’s prescription. It is not a prohibited or controlled substance, so it doesn’t attract the same legal enforcement as anabolic steroids. In other words, if you’re found to possess Nolvadex, it’s highly unlikely you’ll be asked to reveal your prescription.

In terms of the legalities that steroid users face, Nolvadex is unlikely to cause you any stress or issues with authorities. In some countries throughout Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, you’ll find that Nolvadex is not a prescription drug and can be bought easily over the counter.

Typical pricing

Nolvadex is not expensive, whether you’re buying it from an underground lab or pharmaceutical grade. Expect to pay a little more for genuine pharma-grade products, but it’s still going to be a low-cost drug in comparison to most other purchases you make as a steroid user.

• Most pharmaceutical-grade Nolvadex products are sold in tablets of 20mg strength.
• On a per-tablet basis, you can expect to pay anywhere from $0.70 at the low end to $2 per tablet.
• Underground lab tablets will cost slightly less, but a budget of around $1 per day per 20mg tablet is a reasonable expectation.

Although most of us won’t be looking at liquid forms of Nolvadex from research chemical labs, they are another option if you cannot find Nolvadex tablets, and a 30ml bottle or RCL Tamoxifen can be bought for $35 or so.

Nolvadex FAQs

Does Nolvadex increase testosterone?

Nolvadex is capable of stimulating testosterone levels by stimulating the release of luteinizing hormone from the pituitary, which is a hormone that’s required for testosterone production.

So, indirectly, Nolvadex can play a role in testosterone production. Still, when it is being used in conjunction with powerful anabolic-androgenic steroids that have very strong testosterone-suppressing characteristics, the mild effect of Nolvadex is not going to override the way steroids suppress your testosterone. Therefore, this is not the intended use of Nolvadex during a cycle. Still, this luteinizing hormone-stimulating function is certainly beneficial during your use of Nolvadex for post-cycle therapy.

Is Nolvadex an estrogen blocker?

As a SERM, Nolvadex blocks estrogen selectively at specific body sites. It is not a blocker of circulating estrogen throughout the entire body. Instead, it only targets the breast tissue (where it was specifically formulated to do so to fight breast cancer). Here, it targets receptors and physically blocks those receptors so estrogen can not bind to them – and this is when the estrogen can’t act out its normal function in the case of either feeding breast cancer cells or for men using steroids, it stops the growth or enlargement of breast tissue so you don’t develop gynecomastia while on cycle.

Does Tamoxifen cause weight gain?

Because weight gain is such a common effect of most cancer treatments, women using tamoxifen might suspect that the drug is contributing to weight gain, but there is no specific evidence that this can happen. In any case, this drug’s use as a cancer treatment can last for five or even ten years, compared to anabolic steroid users who only take Nolvadex for several weeks at a time when any serious side effects are mostly unheard of.

What about muscle gain? Another question users of Nolvadex might have is whether it can be attributed to muscular gain. Still, this assumption can come about because of the testosterone-stimulating ability of this drug, the way it stimulates luteinizing hormone release, and the fact that testosterone contributes to muscle growth.

Will Nolvadex get rid of gyno?

I’d go with 0.5mg/eod Arimidex or 10mg per day Nolvadex. If any gyno symptoms appear, discontinue the cycle and use 1mg/day of Arimidex (or 2.5mg/day of Letrozole) until symptoms subside. Use this rule with any cycle if you get symptoms of gyno. Early gyno symptoms include sensitive or itchy nipples or a small lump under the nipple.

Using Nolvadex throughout your anabolic steroid is usually enough to prevent the formation of gyno unless you are using potent steroids for long periods. Prevention is better than treatment when it comes to gyno, so taking a proactive approach rather than waiting for any symptoms of breast growth to happen is critical. Most men can eliminate mild cases of gyno with proper exercise and diet.

Nolvadex is effective during a cycle because of the raised estrogen levels caused by steroids and decreased testosterone levels as a result of aromatization, but taking Nolvadex when your T levels are back to normal and when you don’t have increased estrogen activity is unlikely to do anything for existing gyno; instead, the focus should be on serious working out and waiting for the gyno to decrease on its own. But if you’ve let the growth progress so far that it won’t recede on its well after you’ve finished a steroid cycle, surgery might be your only option because Nolvadex or any other SERM will not get rid of gyno in these cases.

Does Tamoxifen affect sleep?

Another listed side effect of Tamoxifen Citrate (brand name Nolvadex) amongst women using it for breast cancer treatment is impairment of sleep and, more specifically, night sweats, which can bring about difficulty in sleeping well. Again, this is a reaction that is not known to affect men taking Nolvadex as a steroid user, mainly because the period that the drug is being taken is close to the length of time that it’s used to treat breast cancer.

Does Tamoxifen cause brain fog?

One of the noted side effects of Nolvadex for women using it for breast cancer is changes to some mental processes like memory and concentration. However, this has been shown only to affect females taking the drug over long periods for medical purposes, so brain fog and other brain-related side effects are not known to affect anabolic steroid users who take Nolvadex.

What does Nolvadex do for bodybuilders?

There are two things that Nolvadex does for bodybuilders that make it so valued: It helps to reduce or prevent male breast enlargement while you’re using steroids that cause this condition, and it works during post-cycle therapy to get your normal testosterone function back on track so you can avoid the distressing symptoms of low testosterone. These are the two core areas in which bodybuilders use Nolvadex.

Does Tamoxifen cause water retention?

Edema or fluid retention is a commonly listed side effect of the drug when it’s used for medical purposes, but there is no evidence that this happens with steroid users who make use of this drug.

Will Nolvadex help prevent testicular atrophy while cruising on Testosterone (at TRT levels)?

Nolvadex will help normalize your endogenous testosterone production, so yes, it will help. However, if you are worried about your balls shrinking during the cycle, you could use HCG to reverse those adverse effects.

Final Thoughts

Nolvadex has a place in the bag of every steroid user. Very few of us could claim never to have used this SERM. I much prefer it over Clomid. You can use it effectively at a lower dose, and it gives me fewer side effects troubles than Clomid. Plus, it works much better for gyno prevention than Clomid does if you want to avoid using AIs.

In a nutshell:

Nolvadex is so affordable and useful that it’s an ancillary that I always keep a supply of, and so does just about every other bodybuilder I know. It’s excellent for PCT use alongside other ancillaries (especially hCG), and I’m confident that it will give you the PCT recovery we all need with minimal side effects.

— Furious Joe