Let's take a look at..... the Side Effects of Nolvadex

falcon

Musclechemistry Member
Side Effects of Nolvadex

Nolvadex (Tamoxifen Citrate) is a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) used to treat hormone-responsive breast cancer. Off label, the SERM is used by anabolic steroid users to combat estrogenic side effects while on cycle, as well as to meet Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) needs. This is a highly effective SERM, extremely valuable to cancer patients and for the PCT process, but what are the side effects of Nolvadex? Generally, this is a very well-tolerated compound and while possible side effects of Nolvadex do exist most do not have a problem. Men appear to tolerate the SERM best, and while women are more prone to the side effects of Nolvadex only a small minority are generally affected in a pronounced way.

Primary Side Effects of Nolvadex

The primary side effects of Nolvadex represent the most common, and while they are the most common this does not mean they will occur in most people. Again, women appear to be more susceptible to the side effects of Nolvadex, but they are still rare. Even if you are susceptible to the side effects of Nolvadex, for a female it’s still better than breast cancer, which is the primary purpose of female use. The primary possible side effects of Nolvadex include:

  • Headaches
  • Hot Flashes
  • Upset Stomach
  • Vaginal Bleeding, Discharge, Discomfort and/or Itching

Headaches and hot flashes appear to be the most common of the primary side effects of Nolvadex. However, fortunately, none of the listed effects present any true concern to the individual’s long-term health.

Rare Side Effects of Nolvadex

While the above listed side effects of Nolvadex are primary, there are five potential negative effects that while possible are extremely rare. Although rare, the following possible side effects of Nolvadex can be far more problematic than the primary. If such effects occur, often the individual will need to seek out alternative forms of treatment. The possible although rare side effects of Nolvadex include:

  • Decreased White Blood Cell Count: Can be detrimental as white blood cells are responsible for our immune function.
  • Endometrial Changes: Refers to changes in the inner membrane of the uterus.
  • Increased Triglyceride Levels: Triglycerides are specific blood lipids. High triglyceride levels may promote atherosclerosis, a thickening of the artery wall. This could promote the risk of heart attack or stroke.
  • Pulmonary Embolism: A pulmonary embolism refers to the blockage of the main artery of the lung.
  • Rash: May refer to slight or pronounced skin irritations.

Avoiding the Side Effects of Nolvadex

In order to avoid the side effects of Nolvadex, the best step to take is to follow a responsible protocol of use. For the anabolic steroid user, if used on cycle to combat conditions like gynecomastia, low doses are normally all that’s needed. If a low dose does not provide protection, the individual will need to seek out alternative forms of treatment. For PCT use, much higher doses are normally required. On cycle use typically falls in the 10-20mg per day range; however, 10mg is normally enough. For PCT use, the starting dose will commonly be 40mcg per day, but such a dose should not last for more than two weeks, three weeks in some cases. The individual will normally need to continue his therapy for another 2-3 weeks, but at much lower doses in a ramping down fashion. Male steroid users who hold to these protocols will rarely have an issue with the side effects of Nolvadex.

On the breast cancer front, because use is long-term, the side effects of Nolvadex appear to be more common. However, they are rare and generally better than suffering from breast cancer. Most patients will normally begin with 40mg per day. Some may begin as low as 20mg per day, but 40mg per day is far more common and highly effective. Once the cancer is in remission, 10-20mg per day is often applied for long periods of time in order to ensure the cancer stays in remission. Total long-term Nolvadex therapy can, in this case, be indefinite. While long-term high dose use (40mg per day) is often necessary at the beginning, which does present the greatest risk, thankfully the lower doses that are used for far longer periods of time rarely cause any complications.
 
Back
Top