Cytadren

Cytadren is a powerful anti-estrogen medication manufactured by Novartis designed for the treatment of breast cancer and Cushing's syndrome and as we’ll see that is of extreme importance to us here. Like many anabolic steroids and anti-estrogen medications Cytadran, while developed to treat specific problems is also commonly used in the world of performance enhancing; however, not nearly as often as it once was; however, in some competitive bodybuilding circles it is still used to a degree.

Comprised of the active drug Aminoglutethimide, the main reason anyone would ever supplement with Cytadren would be to suppress estrogen in an effort to combat common anabolic steroid related side-effects. It’s no secret, anabolic androgenic steroids do carry with them possible negative and adverse side-effects and many of them are estrogen related. Many of the steroids taken in convert to estrogen via the aromatase enzyme or what’s commonly referred to as the aromatase process. By inhibiting the process or preventing the converted estrogen from binding, depending on the medication used we can more times than not eliminate the concern for such side-effects. For years athletes have used SERM’s such as Nolvadex or aromatase inhibitors like Arimidex to combat these problems but Cytadran unknown to many will suppress estrogen to an even greater degree; almost completely.

While Cytadren is a phenomenal estrogen suppressant, one of the best ever, unfortunately it has some downsides and some lacking attributes many other related medications possess. Cytadren is an androgen suppresser as well; of course if you’re using anabolic androgenic steroids this isn’t that big of a deal. However, it is also very toxic to the liver, highly toxic and for this reason should only be used for very short periods of time. Further, as ancillaries such as Nolvadex and Arimidex will increase testosterone levels Cytadren lacks this effect.

There is one added benefit to Cytadren use though that is lacking in other common ancillaries and it is that of cortisol suppression. As you understand cortisol is a stress induced muscle wasting hormone that not only destroys muscle tissue but promotes the storage of body-fat. Cytadren actively inhibits cholesterol from being converted to pregenolone thereby reducing cortisol in the body; this is a strong welcomed affect for any athlete, especially those in a dieting state. However, the body appears to adapt to this effect very quickly and the benefit will not last for a long period of time.

For the majority of athletes there doesn’t appear to be much of a reason to use this suppressor, as other compounds will be far more beneficial while on cycle. Further, during the PCT process, when such medications are also commonly used, as it will not increase testosterone levels there is no use for Cytadren here. However, for the competitive bodybuilder we do have a use and it will fall in the final weeks of preparation, generally only the last two. As Cytadren will almost completely suppress estrogen, by this effect the bodybuilder will be able to produce a dryer and harder look; the ultimate goal of any contest based diet.