Arimidex for HRT

[oldman1]

Where can I read more about arimidex? I don't understand what it does.

[djsf]

If you use google and search for "arimidex post-cycle therapy" you will find lots of information.

Arimidex is an anti-estrogen that works by blocking the aromatase enzyme, which converts aromatizable steroids (testosterone, etc.) into estrogen.

Estrogen is undesirable because it can cause a man to grow breast tissue (gyno or "***** tits"). If you are lucky and that doesn't happen, you will still experience unpleasant effects such as excess moodiness (think PMS), female-type fatty deposits, bloat, and other female side effects from your cycle.

Arimidex is one option for controlling these side effects. There are other anti-estrogens available, too. Search on PCT (post-cycle therapy) and gynocomastia and you will find lots of information.

[djsf]

I just realized, you are asking about arimidex for HRT. My previous post deals more with steroid cycles (which is much heavier dosing of the steroids than HRT). HRT just aims to replace your testosterone to a normal-to-above normal range, without excessive dosing. With HRT doses, very few people need to worry about gyno. However, as men age, they tend to produce more estrogen, so your HRT doctor may decide it's best for you to use a low-dose anti-estrogen. If that is the case, and assuming you are doing HRT in the range of testosterone at ~125mg/week, your doctor might prescribe very low dose arimidex at 1/4mg ed or eod just to keep estrogen in check, without totally blocking it. Some estrogen is essential for good health, you just don't want too much.