Anastrozole
Tetramethyl-5-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1ylmethyl) 1,3-benzenediacetionitrile
Molecular Formula C17H19N5
Molecular Weight 293.37
CAS Registry Number 120511-73-1
Melting point
81-82 ºC
Although Arimidex does increase testosterone levels slightly in the body, it is more often used in conjunction with other steroids to lower estrogen in the body. Many anabolic steroids will convert, or aromatize, in the body into estrogen, which causes many of the unwanted side effects like bloating and acne. Arimidex is one of the best compounds to lower the aromatizing effect of steroids.
There are some concerns with using an aromatase inhibitor such as this during prolonged steroid treatment however. While it will effectively reduce estrogenic side effects, it will also block the beneficial properties of estrogen from becoming apparent (namely its effect on cholesterol values).
Studies have clearly shown that when an aromatase inhibitor is used in conjunction with a steroid such as testosterone, suppression of HDL (good) cholesterol becomes much more pronounced. Apparently estrogen plays a role in minimizing the negative impact of steroid use.
Since the estrogen receptor antagonist Nolvadex is shown not to display an anti-estrogenic effect on cholesterol values, it is certainly the preferred from of estrogen maintenance for those concerned with cardiovascular health.
Arimidex has another principle drawback, namely the great price of this drug. Tablets can easily sell for $10 each, becoming quite costly with regular use. Clearly the price of an ancillary drug can be much greater than the steroids themselves, a situation destined not to be popular with recreational bodybuilders. Competitors on the other hand are likely to welcome this item. It can ward off the side effects of strong androgen therapy much better than Nolvadex and/or Proviron, making heavy cycles much more comfortable. As the number of countries manufacturing this drug increases, we may be able to look forward to a reduction in price.
Privately compounded versions of “liquid Arimidex” have also been formulated “for research purposes” are also available. Generic tabs are also available and these two forms represent a very cost-effective alternative for buying the brand name drug.
