Aromasin
(Exemestane)
Aromasin is an Aromatase Inhibitor (AI) manufactured by Upjohn. This is one of the newest AI’s on the market as it wasn’t available until 1999. This AI is a little unique compared to the well-known AI’s Anastrozole (Arimidex) and Letrozole (Femara). Specifically, Aromasin is a steroidal aromatase inhibitor sharing a somewhat structural similarity with androstenedione.
Aromasin first hit the market in an effort to treat female breast cancer patients, especially those who are post-menopausal. Such treatment is normally followed up by Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) therapy in the form of Tamoxifen Citrate (Nolvadex). Many performance enhancing athletes have also found uses for the AI, particularly when it comes to combating estrogenic related side effects. It can also be used for the purpose of post cycle therapy (PCT) recovery, but SERM’s are normally recommended for this purpose.
Aromasin Basics:
Aromasin is actually the trade name given to this AI by Upjohn. The actual drug name is Exemestane. It has the ability to inhibit the aromatase enzyme, and this can be very useful to breast cancer patients as well as steroid users. Aromatization refers to the conversion of testosterone to estrogen, and as estrogen levels rise this can prove to be problematic. Estrogen is the enemy of breast cancer patients, and excess amounts of the hormone can also promote common anabolic steroid related side effects. With many anabolic steroids, particularly testosterone and testosterone derivatives, it is the aromatization that leads to problems, not the actual steroidal hormone.
The most common aromatase based side effects due to the use of specific anabolic steroids include gynecomastia and excess water retention. Excess water retention can also promote high blood pressure. An AI like Aromasin will actually inhibit the aromatase process from occurring, but it will also take it a step further. AI’s like Aromasin not only inhibit aromatase but they also reduce the body’s total estrogen levels. Once again, this will prove valuable to the steroid user and breast cancer patient.
Aromasin also has the ability to promote natural testosterone production. Anabolic steroid users use Aromasin when using steroids to protect against aromatizing effects. But once the cycle is over they may use it to promote testosterone production that has been suppressed due to the use of anabolic steroids. Most will use SERM’s for this PCT period that follows the use of anabolic steroids, but Aromasin is an additional option. Aromasin, as it is a steroidal AI, will actually promote testosterone recovery through its androgenic nature. It has the ability to increase serum levels by approximately 60% and more importantly, reduce Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) by a good 20%. It will also keep estrogen levels semi-suppressed by about 60%, but this isn’t always a good thing. You need some estrogen for proper bodily function, and part of a PCT plan is not only testosterone recovery but also a normalization of your entire body. A 60% reduction should still keep you in a functioning range, but we find this only necessary if you’re having estrogen related issues during your PCT process. Another reason you might consider Aromasin for your PCT is in its ability to promote the production of the powerful anabolic hormone Insulin Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1). This will greatly solidify your gains made on cycle through the PCT process.
Side Effects of Aromasin:
In many ways the side effects of Aromasin are quite mild, but they can rapidly turn somewhat severe. The issue of genetic response is a massive one when it comes to this AI. Some who use this compound may report hot flashes, fatigue, depression, and joint pain. It doesn’t seem to affect too many steroid users in this way. Normally the steroids they’re using will combat these issues, but such issues can be a problem for some women. However, each and every one of those adverse effects is still better than breast cancer.
Aromasin can also have a negative impact on blood pressure in some individuals, and some, although rare may experience nausea or vomiting. Swelling in the arms or legs is also possible, although rare, as are headaches. When it comes to the side effects of Aromasin, the two most concerning will be a decrease in bone mineral density and decreases in HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol). Long-term use of this AI cannot be recommended for these reasons, and long-term use could lead to the promotion of osteoporosis in individuals already susceptible. As for cholesterol, it is extremely important you lead a healthy lifestyle anytime you use this or any AI as they have all been shown to negatively impact cholesterol levels.
Steroid users are encouraged to avoid AI’s when possible and to choose SERM’s to meet their anti-estrogen needs as SERM’s will have no negative impact on cholesterol. Some will not be able to combat estrogenic effects with SERM’s alone and AI’s like Aromasin must be used, but you will need to put in extra effort when it comes to your controlling your cholesterol. Cholesterol can be controlled when using an AI through diet and exercise assuming no underlying issues exist. However, the use of many anabolic steroids will also have an adverse effect on cholesterol making a healthy lifestyle beyond imperative.
