Letrozole is to combat breast cancer in post-menopausal women.

Effects of Letrozole:
Letrozole as an anti-estrogen is extremely beneficial to breast cancer patients. Many forms of breast cancer actively feed off the estrogen hormone. By inhibiting the production of estrogen, which in turn lowers the amount of circulating estrogen in the body, this has the ability to starve the cancer. For years Nolvadex was the preferred form of treatment for this purpose. Nolvadex actively binds to the estrogen receptor, thereby preventing estrogen from binding. However, it does not inhibit or lower production. Nolvadex is still extremely valuable in breast cancer treatment plans, but many physicians, especially in extreme cases have begun to use AI’s first. Once the cancer is in remission, at this stage a SERM like Nolvadex may replace the AI in an effort to protect against the cancer reappearing.

For the anabolic steroid user, the same anti-estrogenic effect provided by Letrozole is tremendously beneficial. Many anabolic steroids have the ability to increase estrogen levels due to testosterone’s interaction with the aromatase enzyme. As estrogen levels rise, this can lead to gynecomastia and excess water retention. If water retention becomes severe, this can in turn promote high blood pressure. While many anabolic steroids have the ability to aromatize and promote an increase in estrogen, not all anabolic steroids carry this ability. However, many common steroids carry this ability including Methandrostenolone (Dianabol) as well as all forms of testosterone. The Nandrolone (Deca Durabolin, Durabolin, NPP, etc.) and Boldenone (Equipoise) hormone also carry the ability to aromatize to a degree. Nandrolone will aromatize at approximately 20% the rate of testosterone and Boldenone at approximately 50%. While both aromatize significantly less than testosterone, it is enough to promote estrogenic related side effects. The probability is increased with Nandrolone as it carries a strong progestin nature. Progesterone has the ability to stimulate the estrogenic mechanism and can lead to gynecomastia. AI’s like Letrozole can be useful when using all the aforementioned steroids.

By including Letrozole in a cycle that contains aromatizing anabolic steroids, this can prevent the estrogenic related side effects. This will protect the individual from gynecomastia and water retention. Further, while many steroids can promote high blood pressure despite aromatization, an AI will improve the individual’s odds when water retention is the culprit. Heavy excess water retention is normally the number one cause of high blood pressure among steroid users.

Undeniably, AI’s like Letrozole are the most effect means at combating estrogenic related side effects. However, they can also have a negative impact on cholesterol. Alone AI’s do not appear to have a strong, negative effect on cholesterol, but when coupled with an aromatizing steroid like testosterone the adverse cholesterol effect is enhanced. For this reason, many will find SERM’s like Tamoxifen Citrate (Nolvadex) should be their first choice in estrogen protection. SERM’s will not negatively affect cholesterol; in fact, SERM’s, while anti-estrogenic, actively act as estrogens in the liver, and in turn, promote healthier cholesterol levels. We’ll look at this in more detail in the side effect section, and while Letrozole can be used without an adverse cholesterol effect, it will take some effort on your part.

With its ability to promote natural testosterone production, Letrozole is often an appealing choice for Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) plans. This can also make it appealing for low testosterone treatment, but it’s often not enough. However, for PCT purposes, while it can be effective it’s generally not recommended. The primary purpose of PCT is stimulating natural testosterone production, which Letrozole can do very well. However, part of the purpose of PCT is also normalization, which will be difficult with severely suppressed estrogen levels. Estrogen is an important hormone as it promotes a stronger immune system and healthier cholesterol levels. For the anabolic steroid user, his best bet for PCT is sticking with SERM’s for his natural testosterone production needs.