When using anabolic steroids to add bulk, to improve your performance, or even to maintain muscle mass while you melt away unwanted fat, it is vital to understand how that steroid works and whether it converts to estrogen in your body. The vast majority of steroids do require treatment with an aromatase inhibitor like Aromasin or Arimidex. Here, we will look at Aromasin vs. Arimidex and which is the better choice during a steroid cycle.
First Things First – What Is an Aromatase Inhibitor?
When looking at Aromasin vs. Arimidex, it’s important to remember that both compounds are aromatase inhibitors. In the bodybuilding and athletic circles, they’re often called anti-estrogens. Both products work by blocking an enzyme known as aromatase that converts excess free testosterone (and testosterone-derived steroids) into estrogen. When using steroids, some of them will aromatize thanks to the presence of that enzyme. While some estrogen is healthy and even required, even in men, too much can cause unwanted side effects like bloating, mood swings, and even gynecomastia. Aromasin and Arimidex are vital parts of your steroid cycles because they stop aromatization.
Things to Consider when Buying Aromatase Inhibitors
When looking at Aromasin vs. Arimidex on-cycle, there are a few factors to keep in mind. Of these, one of the most important for bodybuilders and athletes is availability. In some cases, it is much simpler to find one product over the other, making it more convenient. What’s more, you will also need to consider things like the overall price and what kinds of side effects the compound can produce. Some drugs can worsen your lipid profile or cause unwanted effects, and others may not be cost-effective.
Of course, while all of the above are important considerations, you should also be concerned with the action of the anti-estrogen you choose. In short, how well does it work, and will it prevent the buildup of estrogen and irreversible side effects like gynecomastia? Fortunately, this is where the Aromasin vs. Arimidex debate ends – both are equally capable of preventing estrogenic side effects. With that in mind, your decision will come down to research and what you have available.
All About Aromasin
Aromasin is the brand name given to a drug called exemestane, and it was first developed to treat breast cancer in women. Some certain types of cancers grow more quickly when exposed to a healthy supply of estrogen, so by blocking the creation of estrogen in the first place, it is possible to slow the growth of cancerous breast cancer tumors, making treatments like chemotherapy and radiation more successful in the long run.
Aromasin Benefits
- Aromasin is a better choice among men who may be concerned about their lipid profiles. Many anabolic steroids come with high cholesterol warnings, so many men are very particular about the supplements they use alongside those steroids. Aromasin is a better option when it comes to managing cholesterol and keeping lipid profiles in check.
- Aromasin is a suicidal inhibitor. This means that once it bonds to the molecules of the aromatase enzyme, it doesn’t break free. It remains attached for the entire lifecycle of the enzyme. This means there’s less estrogen rebound. Remember, though, that you need some estrogen in your body, and just as steroids can shut down your body’s natural testosterone production, Aromasin can shut down your body’s estrogen production through that suicidal inhibition.
Aromasin Downfalls
- When examining Arimidex vs. Aromasin, most people agree that Aromasin is the better choice. However, this makes it the costlier choice, especially on the street. Aromasin may cost anywhere from two to three times as much as Arimidex, even though both accomplish the same goals.
- Some men have reported that Aromasin has caused “shedding”. This term refers to unwanted hair loss, including hair on the head and hair on the body.
- Aromasin can cause side effects that mimic those experienced by menopausal women, even in men. This may include things like hot flashes, mood swings, and more.
- It takes up to a week for Aromasin to truly start blocking aromatase.
All About Arimidex
Arimidex, on the other hand, is the brand name given to an anti-estrogen compound called anastrozole. Like Aromasin, it was originally developed to help in the fight against breast cancer by reducing estrogen, thereby slowing or even reversing the growth of cancerous tumors. Over time, it also became popular among bodybuilders and athletes interested in protecting themselves against the unwanted side effects associated with anabolic steroids.
Arimidex Benefits
- Arimidex is much more affordable than Aromasin, and in some places, it costs half to a third the price of its more expensive counterpart.
- Arimidex is widely available online and on the street, making it far more attainable than Aromasin.
- Unlike Aromasin, reports of hair loss while using Arimidex to prevent or counteract estrogenic side effects are very rare.
- The side effects associated with Arimidex vs. Aromasin are roughly the same, but most men agree that Arimidex is far more tolerable.
- Arimidex goes to work in the first couple of days rather than taking a week or more to fully protect against estrogenic side effects.
Arimidex Downfalls
- Though it is easier to find, Arimidex may further worsen lipid profiles. When considering Aromasin vs. Arimidex, be sure to consider your personal health. If you have high cholesterol, or if you are using a steroid known to cause high cholesterol, then consider taking Aromasin, instead.
- While Arimidex does go to work more quickly, it is less forgiving. Men must be diligent about their dosing, taking it at least every other day, in order to fully protect themselves. Missing even one dose could lead to unwanted sides.
In the great debate over Aromasin vs. Arimidex, the truth is that either one will get the job done. Each one of these compounds has its own unique set of benefits and downfalls, and it is up to the individual user to decide what’s right for his or her needs. Remember, too, that genetics can play a role in your body’s response, so what works for most people may not work for you.
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