Anastrozole for Men

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Controlling Estrogen levels as a male is not something that is often discussed, but when it is, people often get things wrong.





Men usually don’t need to manage Estrogen, in fact, Estrogen is rather good for men! Running low on Estrogen can lead to some severe adverse effects such as Cholesterol issues, lower lean body mass, and even erectile dysfunction [1].





That said, high Estrogen in men also has some severe side effects, and this is where Anastrozole comes into play.





Let’s look at Arimidex for men, and dancing the delicate dance of managing hormone levels with an Aromatase Inhibitor.





Hint: It’s a really f*cking hard dance.





Key Takeaways



  • Anastrozole is known as an Aromatase Inhibitor


  • Aromatase inhibitors are used to lower Estradiol levels


  • This can be used while a man is undergoing Testosterone replacement therapy


  • Aromatase inhibitors do have side effects, so make sure you follow the prescription from a medical expert



What is Anastrozole?



Anastrozole or Arimidex as it is commonly referred to is actually a drug that was developed to treat breast cancer in women after they reach menopause. Breast cancer can be accelerated by elevated Estrogen levels, and thus this Aromatase Inhibitor can help manage Estrogen [2].






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Figures 1 & 2: Anastrzole can be used to manage estrogen leves



All aromatase inhibitors will work by blocking the conversion of Testosterone into Estrogen in men, and in women, it decreases the amount of Estrogen being produced overall [3].





Elevated Estrogen levels can of course bring upon other effects, such as increased fat mass, decreased muscle strength and mass, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and many others.





That said, lowering Estrogen levels to completely zero also has some serious sides, such as decreased bone density, decreased muscle mass, loss of erectile function, and many others.





Thus, Anastrozole is usually a controlled substance and is not readily found online. To get your hands on it, you would have to work through an HRT or TRT clinic (Hormone and Testosterone Replacement Therapy, respectively).





Anastrozole for Men



When it comes to men using Anastrozole, it will typically be used to control the amount of Estrogen present in the body. This is done by the following steps:





  • Anastrozole will bind to the Aromatase enzyme in the body, leaving it inactive


  • Once it is inactive, there is less Estrogen production via the conversion of Testosterone


  • Less Estrogen will stimulate the Pituitary gland via a negative feedback loop to increase Testosterone production



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Figure 3: When the male body has lowered Estradiol levels, it will produce more Testosterone (so that it may convert into Estradiol). This is how AIs can increase Testosterone


It has been shown in one study that Anastrozole can increase Testosterone production by upwards of 50% [4].





Uses



The uses of Anastrozole in men are pretty simple:





1) The male has a Testosterone deficiency and is undergoing Testosterone replacement therapy or Testosterone Therapy, in which Anastrozole can be used to control serum Estradiol





2) The male is suffering from low Testosterone levels, and Anastrozole can be used along with other Aromatase inhibitors to try and increase serum Testosterone levels





3) Since Estrogen can create an environment where water retention is plentiful, some athletes might abuse Anastrozole for a drier look or raise Testosterone (better body composition)





Side Effects of Aromatase Inhibition



As any male who has suffered from low sex hormone levels will tell you, messing with Estradiol levels can create a bad environment if you are not careful. The side effects of aromatase inhibition in men are:





  • Decreased sexual desire, due to the fact that Estrogen plays a large role in determining male libido


  • Increased cholesterol levels, due to more LDL and less HDL being present


  • Overall poor quality of life, since Estrogen is rather important for overall health


  • Some men complain about mental instability when using an Aromatase inhibitor



This is why it is crucial to only use Anastrozole under the supervision of a medical professional.





Testosterone Replacement Therapy and Anastrozole



Speaking about medical professionals, if you are using TRT you are probably doing so under the supervision of a TRT clinic. These clinics were created to help men who suffer from Testosterone deficiency, and they will use various methods to increase bioavailable Testosterone.





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Figure 4: Men who are suffering from Hypogonadism and are prescribed TRT might also be prescribed an AI


If you are prescribed Testosterone therapy, you might receive Anastrozole as a means to control the Aromatase activity within your body. You will be working in close relation with the medical experts to keep your Estradiol ratio in check (Testosterone to Estradiol).





How to manage Estrogen levels on TRT?



Other than Aromatase inhibitors like Anastrazole and Exemestane, you might also be prescribed Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERM) like Tamoxifen or Enclomiphene.





Both of these are rather effective at managing Estrogen levels in the body, however, the former works on Estrogen production, and the latter works at the binding site of Estrogen itself.





How to increase Natural Testosterone Production?



Both AIs and SERMs can increase your Testosterone levels, however, other natural ways to increase Testosterone are:





  • Living a healthy lifestyle with plenty of exercises, sleep, and healthy food


  • Certain Testosterone supplementation like Boron might raise free Testosterone levels by lowering Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)


  • Having plenty of sexual function or activity


  • Decreasing overall stress levels


  • Elderly men might need to look at hormone replacement if their circulating Estradiol or Testosterone levels are not in the normal range (Normal elderly men lose natural Testosterone past the age of 30)



Conclusion: Anastrozole for Men



Testosterone replacement therapy is a growing medical treatment and has helped millions of men live the life they deserve to live.





Testosterone treatment has very few side effects if done correctly, however, one that does need to be monitored is Estradiol levels. This is where Anastrozole comes into play.





This can help keep Testosterone levels high while lowering the serum Estradiol levels accordingly, enabling a perfect Testosterone to Estradiol ratio.





Data analysis indicates most men won’t need Anastrozole, however, some would need it to avoid the side effects of Testosterone injections.







Why would a man take Anastrozole?


A man would take Anastrozole if he had elevated Estrogen levels or if he needed an increase in Luteinizing hormone or Follicle-stimulating hormone levels. Both of these would lead to an increase in serum Testosterone levels.






Does Anastrozole help with erectile dysfunction?


It could yes, however, it could also cause it. You need a certain amount of Estrogen in the body, and too little could lead to decreased libido. That said, since it can increase your Testosterone levels, it could also cure ED.






How often should a man take Anastrozole?


You should contact your healthcare provider on the subject.






Does Anastrozole increase testicle size?


HCG would probably be better for this endeavor, however, Anastrozole could increase Testicle Size, yes.










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