
Originally Posted by
Turkish Juicer
@Metalject:
1. SERMs don't get the job done as well as AIs do, which you seem to be aware of. Most people who run AAS cycles, don't run their compounds at low doses and majority of them use a generous amount of Testosterone, which is an aromatizing compound, hence it is more rational to prefer an AI over a SERM for controlling estrogen.
Yes, AI's are more effective, you're right I agree with that. My point is that they're not always needed. Just because something's more effective doesn't mean it's always needed...you have to take the whole picture into account. Heavy dose cycles with high levels of testosterone will typically need an AI. How much? Depends on the guy, but many could probably get by with less than they think. Cycles with test in the 500mg range, I truly believe a lot more could get by with SERM's if they tried.
2. Strongest part of your argument is rooted in the ''unfavorable health effects of AIs'' rhetoric. However, there are numerous human studies available which confirm that low doses of new generation AIs such as Arimidex and Aromasin neither have an impact on plasma lipid levels nor detrimental effect on cholesterol levels and the atherogenic indices.
You're right, AI's do not typically have a strong, negative effect on cholesterol, but this is when AI's are used alone. When used with testosterone it appears to exasperate the negative effect on cholesterol, particularly HDL suppression. This applies not only to performance level dosing but TRT level doses. In Llewellyn's Anabolics book he notes a study on this very issue. Patients were given 280mg of Test-e for 12wks and it had no statistical negative effect on cholesterol. However, with the same dose of Test-e for the same length of time patients that were given an AI were noted to have a 25% reduction in HDL cholesterol. Obviously the AI conjoined with testosterone is what caused this suppression as it was the only thing that changed.
3. The weakest part of your argument is the part where you didn't consider to look up adverse health effects of SERMs before critically approaching AIs in that regard. Both Nolvadex and Clomid can be terrible for your health on multiple levels. Since I don't have the time to get into the details of what these are, a quick Google research will reveal many recent and non-recent human studies which clearly depict this to be the case. In a nutshell, Nolvadex is toxic, at any dose, has caused liver cancer is a portion of patients in the past. Clomid can cause permanent vision impairment issues at doses as low as 50mg and as quickly as 5 days into its use, and there are other adverse health effects of these two.
SERM's can elevate liver enzymes, to a degree, but we're talking about low dose use when used on cycle. Take for example Nolvadex, if liver toxicity, tumors and liver cancer were a huge concern wouldn't there be a large number of women over the last 50 years who would have experienced these effects? Breast cancer patients are often given 40mg of Nolvadex per day for several years, and in some cases, the therapy continues indefinitely in an effort to keep the cancer from reoccurring. If liver issues carried a high probability we'd see millions of women and men (men are sometimes given it for breast cancer) who had this happen to them due to breast cancer treatment.
Then you have Clomid and vision issues. You're right, it is possible but typically takes high dose use for long periods of time. For most data shows the odds of any visual disturbance being in the 1% range. Most data also shows the symptoms will clear rapidly if use is discontinued at the onset of symptoms. Last thing, for on cycle use if a SERM is used I'd personally go with Nolvadex of Fareston, so Clomid wouldn't even be an issue.
4. If an AI user is so concerned about cholesterol, then why use AAS in the first place? I am assuming that you are well-aware of the fact that Testosterone is synthesized from cholesterol, meaning that you are injecting yourself cholesterol every time you cycle. So, don't you think this is an oxymoron?
You're right, steroids can negatively affect cholesterol. Testosterone is the friendliest, orals are typically the harshest. However, this doesn't mean we cannot use steroids while maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and I see no reason in making it more difficult unless we have to. Can you use an AI with anabolic steroids and maintain healthy cholesterol levels? Of course, but many do not maintain healthy cholesterol levels when they cycle. They don't put in the effort and in the long run this can be hard on the body. Many are petrified of off-season cardio, which is kind of stupid in my opinion. Many really on high amounts of simple sugars in their diet, especially post workout and things of that nature.
5. Here is a millon $ question: What are we supposed to use during PCT if we have already employed SERMs during our cycle? More SERMs? If yes, what about further increased toxicity from these compounds since we are so health conscious now?
Yes, more SERM's. The toxicity should not be that high when using it on cycle as you'll only be using a small amount. If a low dose of a SERM won't work on cycle, more than likely you'll need an AI. Let's also keep in mind not all AI's are 100% liver friendly. Further, AI's come with other possible side effects that could be problematic when we're talking about years of use such as their ability to decrease bone mineral content. Anyway, the point, you'd only be using a low dose of a SERM on cycle and while the dose would be higher during PCT it would only be for a short period of time. If the individual's liver is healthy to begin with, he's strictly limiting alcohol and over the counter medication use he should be fine.