The problem of gynecomastia is acute for representatives of power sports. Find out which medications can help prevent this side effect. Gynecomastia has become a kind of "visiting card" of strength sports. All athletes know that this is one of the main side effects of using AAS. All responsibility for this lies with estrogens - female sex hormones. This is a group of hormones synthesized by the ovaries and regulating the sexual functions of the female body. Today we will talk about estrogens and estrogen antagonists.
Two main estrogens should be distinguished - estradiol and estrone. Both are present in both female and male organisms, but their levels are significantly different. Estradiol is the most powerful estrogen. In the male body, it is produced in the testes as a result of the conversion of testosterone by an enzyme called aromatase.
For the male body, the presence of estrogens in small quantities is necessary, since they perform quite important tasks, for example, they affect libido, and also regulate the level of good cholesterol. For athletes, the synergistic effect obtained from testosterone and estrogen is important.
In bodybuilding, it is necessary to maintain such a balance of these hormones, in which gynecomastia will not develop, and estrogens will perform other functions properly. When using anabolic drugs, this can be done in two ways:
- Do not use aromatizable steroids.
- Take antiestrogens.
It should be noted that even athletes who do not want to use steroids can increase the level of the male hormone with the help of antiestrogen drugs.
These drugs are widely used in traditional medicine, and there is a fairly large selection of these drugs. There are 4 groups of antiestrogenic medications:
- Non-steroidal antiestrogens;
- Steroid anti-aromatase drugs;
- Synthetic anti-aromatase drugs;
- Natural aromatase inhibitors.
Non-steroidal antiestrogens
The first drugs of this group appeared in 1980, and immediately found widespread use in traditional medicine. Bodybuilders paid attention to them and began to use them to combat the symptoms of gynecomastia.
Nolvadex (Tamoxifen)
The most famous and popular drug in bodybuilding. As an estrogen antagonist, its structure resembles estrogens and does not allow hormones to interact with receptors of their type. In theory, these drugs should not have any negative effects, but in practice, things are a little different. Tamoxifen can have different effects, acting on some cells as an antagonist, and on others as estrogen.
Work is now underway on a new generation of Tamoxifen, which will be devoid of estrogenic properties. According to available information, the drug is able to reduce the size of an enlarged breast in men, but only in cases where a benign tumor has not formed. Otherwise, surgical intervention is indispensable.
Clomid
The drug was developed as an antagonist of female hormones. In practice, however, it can have a double effect. In other words, the drug is able to block the effects of estrogen on its receptors, as well as affect luteinizing hormone, thereby increasing the production of estrogen in the testes.
It should be noted that Clomid can be very useful for the male body. First, it is capable of blocking the effects of estrogen as well as increasing testosterone synthesis. Apparently, for men, the drug does not pose a danger even with prolonged use.
Steroid anti-aromatase drugs
Proviron
This drug is a steroid with anti-aromatase properties. Almost all of these drugs are androgens and prevent estrogens from interacting with receptors.
It is with the androgenic properties of the drug that all its disadvantages are associated. Since it interacts with androgen receptors, all the side effects of this type are inherent in it. Both men and women use the remedy, but for the female body it is a very strong androgen. For this reason, girls should take it with caution.
Teslak
This agent is obtained by bacterial fermentation of progesterone and is similar in structure to androgens. At the same time, the drug does not produce androgenic effects on the body, but is able to accelerate the synthesis of testosterone. The drug works for a fairly short period of time, and for this reason, the daily dosage is 1000 milligrams, divided into four equal doses.
Teslac is very effective and has virtually no side effects. In rare cases, a decrease in libido and an imbalance in cholesterol balance have been observed.
Citadren
This drug bears the unofficial title of the king of antiestrogens. However, you should be very careful with its dosages. When the amount of drug taken is more than 1 or 2 grams, it can cause disturbances in the work of some enzyme systems. Also, when using it, the content of aldosterone, cortisol, and testosterone in the body may decrease.
Anastrozole (Arimidex)
It is also a very popular drug among bodybuilders and has powerful anti-estrogenic effects. For this reason, it should be used in small doses. This is a new drug and a very promising one. Once the optimal dosage is established for use by athletes, it becomes almost ideal for combating aromatase.
That's all I wanted to tell you about estrogens and estrogen antagonists. All major drugs used by athletes have been covered.
You will learn about estrogens, their effect on the body and the features of their use in this video:
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