Letrozole PCT: what you need to know

Letrozole, AKA ”Femara”, is a medication bodybuilders and weightlifters using anabolic steroids, often take as part of their post cycle therapy (PCT).

The use of anabolic steroids has the side effect of disrupting the body’s natural production of testosterone. This leads to increased estrogen levels in the body. PCT is the intervention that seeks to control these higher post-cycle estrogenic levels in the body.

Letrozole (Femara) PCT ranks as one of the most powerful (and popular) estrogen synthesis inhibitors. Estrogen synthesis inhibitors are also known as Aromatase Inhibitors (AI’s).

Its common for this AI to be recommended for use with Testosterone, or say Dianabol. Before using Letrozole (Femara), it’s very important you understand what this drug is and what to expect from it.

Continue reading for the comprehensive guide on Letrozole (Femara).

Max’s Note: For a real, NO-BS info-packed guide on cycling steroids, then grab your digital E-Book copy of ”Straight From The Underground” by John Doe Bodybuilding. This is my #1 recommended underground handbook on EVERYTHING related to steroids. Everything in this book is based on real first-hand experience.

What is Letrozole (Femara)?

Letrozole, often sold under the name” Femara”, is an oral medication doctors primarily prescribe for treating early breast cancer. Doctors also prescribe Letrozole as a treatment for ovulation or infertility problems in women.

In the bodybuilding and weightlifting industries, people use Letrozole as a type II Aromatase Inhibitor (AI) during PCT. AI’s work to reduce estrogen production of the body.

Letrozole effectively blocks the aromatase enzyme. Unlike SERMS, which target certain parts of your body, AI’s reduce your estrogen levels all around. This difference is what enables Letrozole to fight a larger scope of estrogen effects, which results from steroids. The main two being water retention, and the dreaded gynecomastia.

As a result, potential high blood pressure is also often eliminated since the water retention issue gets nipped in bud.

This very effect, is why Letrozole is highly sought after for its ability to give bodybuilders that hardened ”cut and dry” look.

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Letrozole pct Effects for Gynecomastia & Estrogen Control:

Gynecomastia affects men when they have low levels of testosterone, and HIGH levels of estrogen.

This hormonal imbalance, causes male bodybuilders, using aromatizing steroids, to develop breast tissues. The last thing a male lifter wants to experience, is the emergence of these “man tits”.

By inhibiting aromatase enzymes, Letrozole not only achieves estrogen control, but also mitigates the onset of this gynecomastia.

Scientific research shows that Letrozole can reverse and eliminate the effects of gynecomastia still in its developmental stages.

Letrozole should not be expected to work against already developing gynecomastia, though several reports of it doing so have surfaced. Its a much wiser play, to use it to prevent this from happening in the first place.

Bodybuilders who use aromatizing steroids can therefore use Letrozole to control estrogen levels during their steroid cycles. When taken at the right dosages, this approach often prevents the onset of gyno.

Letrozole is THE most powerful AI you can find. So powerful in fact, that sometimes it can create the issue of your estrogen levels even dropping too low. This is still a problem, as even men need a small level of estrogen to function properly.

proper Letrozole Dosages:

With Letrozole being the most powerful aromatase inhibitor, it’s important for those taking it to be mindful of the doses they’re taking. Due to how powerful it is, its usually not necessary to dose it at a higher than medically prescribed dose (like most other AI’s and SERMS), to get the desired effects from it.

A lower dose will still pack a heavy punch when it comes to Femara.

Letrozole Dosage for Anabolic Steroid use:

People who are still in their steroid cycles would take Letrozole for two primary reasons: actively controlling estrogen levels (to protect against gynecomastia) and reversing the effects of early gynecomastia.

To control estrogen levels and prevent gynecomastia, its recommend to take between 0.5mg and 1.25mg of Letrozole every two days.

On the other hand, to reverse the effects of early gynecomastia in men, the dosage may be increased up to 2.5mg. max per day. Nonetheless, it will still be important to eventually reduce this dosage, to the recommended estrogen control levels.

Female Letrozole Dosage

Increased estrogen levels are more concerning for men than they are for women. However, female users of aromatizing steroids can still take Letrozole for the purposes of combating the side effect of water retention.

Women should limit their Letrozole use to 0.5mg every two days. Depending on the results, you could lower the dosage further, or increase it up to a maximum of 1.25mg. every two days.

Due to its potency in limiting estrogen production however, Letrozole is not advisable for women who’ve not reached menopause.

Letrozole Dosage for Increased Endogenous Testosterone Secretion & PCT

In some cases, bodybuilders can also use Letrozole to increase the endogenous production of testosterone in the body. Letrozole achieves this by reducing estrogen levels in the body.

The luteinizing hormone, as well as the follicle stimulating hormone, have both been observed to increase from taking Letrozole. These are each important to producing testosterone in the body.

One the main complaints about Letrozole, is that it can lower estrogen low enough that the body cannot generate testosterone as it naturally normally would. So while synthetically it can help with testosterone, at the same time it also makes naturally producing it more difficult. This is often the one reason why its avoided, in favor of a SERM for example.

When using Letrozole for this purpose, its recommended to take between 0.5mg. and 1.25mg. every two days. This dose (or lower) is low enough to where you won’t run into the issue of having no estrogen levels at all, which again would not be good.

Lastly: its not advised to take Letrozole and a SERM like Nolvadex at the same time, as they will offset each other. If you’d like to somehow still take both of these, then the best way to do it is to take Letrozole during the steroid cycle, then take Nolvadex as your post cycle therapy.

Letrozole pct vs. Arimidex pct

Both Letrozole (Femara) and Anastrozole (sold under the brand name Arimidex) function as aromatase inhibitors. Bodybuilders often use either of these as part of their PCT protocols, for minimizing and controlling estrogen levels.

As far as being compounds, they aren’t very different from one another. Each one is a (nonsteroidal) AI, and many steroid users sings their praises as being effective at combating elevated estrogen levels. Even their risks and side effects are similar. Arimidex, more often than not, is first choice between the two among bodybuilders, however there are several reasons one would choose one over the other. These most often include: recommendations from those they know, price, and what’s available to them at the time.

They are both great at increasing natural production of testosterone, when used by themselves they’re aren’t always considered the best choice for PCT. Many lifters instead choose to use a SERM, like Clomid, Nolvadex, or Hcg.

Often the most cited reason for this being that Letrozole and Arimidex can actually be ”too powerful” and thus reducing estrogen production to a level that’s unhealthy for men.

This can create hormonal imbalance issues, which ultimately results in natural testosterone production not recovering like it should. Recovering natural testosterone production, is one the primary aims of a PCT, so putting this process at risk is considered a downside to these AIs.

The downside often mentioned is that neither of these stack well with Nolvadex, which is often the most popular choice for PCT among many bodybuilders. Essentially: they effects of Letrozole and Arimidex counteract the effects of Nolvadex, when they’re taken together.

SERMS, more often than not, are considered essential for use during PCT protocols. This forces many to prioritize the SERMS over Letrozole or Arimidex. Generally speaking, these two AI’s are best used during steroid cycles, as they are excellent at reducing estrogenic effects brought on by many steroids.

Letrozole Side Effects:

All drugs effect individuals differently. One person may have a strong tolerance to Letrozole and experience virtually no side effects, while another might experience several. If your body doesn’t react well to Letrozole, there are a host of other options available to you.

The side effects of both Letrozole and Arimidex are extremely similar. These most often include: constipation, diarrhea , chest pain, muscle aches, and fatigue. Its more common for these to be experience by women using them longer term as cancer treatment.

Men who take Letrozole at the recommended dosages, usually, will not experience adverse side effects. Some men even report they’ve never had side effects from Letrozole. The risk of negative effects of course increases with higher doses of it.

Its wise to be familiar with a closer look at these effects below. If you start to find yourself experiencing these, its generally a sign to lower your dosages.

Here’s a closer look at Letrozole’s side effects:

Feelings of fatigue

When taken in high dosages, Letrozole may reduce the estrogen levels of male bodybuilders to levels that are below what their body requires.

Ordinarily, estrogen is also important for the functioning of men’s central nervous system. Very low estrogen levels can therefore lead to feelings of exhaustion and lethargy. Those who experience fatigue with this, can reduce their dosage of Letrozole until this fatigue diminishes.

Bone or joint pain

Letrozole can also have a negative effect on bone strength in the long run, hence causing bone or joint pain issues. However, short-term use of Femara presents minimal risk of experiencing bone or joint pain. Nonetheless, bodybuilders who start experiencing bone or joint pain can mitigate it by reducing their dosages of Letrozole.

Cholesterol

Taking very high dosages of Letrozole may also have the effect of lowering good cholesterol (HDL), and increasing bad cholesterol (LDL) in your body.

Again, taking Letrozole in lower dosages can help bodybuilders avoid this problem. This is the case with all aromatase inhibitors, by the way.

Estrogen aids your cholesterol to a certain extent, so this is why Letrozole should only be taken up to the minimal effective dose. Doing this will help you avoid any of these cholesterol related problems.

Lastly, several studies have been run that have shown use of Letrozole (on women taking it to treat brest cancer), does not present serious impacts to cholesterol, in the long term. Anabaolic steroids themselves however, have been shown to have a more direct, potent effect on cholesterol levels.

Rebound of Estrogen

Letrozole is not a non-reversable (suicide) aromatase inhibitor, unlike Aromasin, for example.

What this means is that in the event that a Letrozole user stops taking the medication abruptly, they are likely to experience a resurgence in estrogen levels.

To avoid this, it is advisable to gradually reduce one’s dosage of Letrozole, rather than just stopping it abruptly. Taper off of it, in other words. You could also consider adding a SERM (ex. Nolvadex) while you’re gradually lowering off of Letrozole. This is a common practice among many coming off of Letrozole, who are concerned about this possible estrogen spike.

Common FAQ Related to Letrozole:

Does Letrozole cause fatigue?

Yes, when taken Letrozole in higher than needed doses, its likley to cause fatigue and an overall drop in energy. To any bodybuilder (or athelete), this of course is very undesirable. This is one reason, among several, why taking the minimal effective dose of Letrozole is advised. The key is just obtaining the desired benefits, so that you can avoid unwanted side effects which often outweigh the benefits.

So there is a fine line to walk when it comes to dosing Femara.

Which is better Letrozole or clomid?

Unlike Letrozole, which works by inhibiting aromatase enzymes, Clomid reduces estrogen levels by working as a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). More specifically, Clomid attaches itself to estrogen receptors (in place of estrogen) hence stopping the growth and multiplication of estrogen.

Due to their different ways of functioning, it is difficult to accurately compare the effectiveness of the two.

Even then, Letrozole is preferable when treating water retention and gynecomastia. Letrozole is also ideal for estrogen control while on an anabolic steroid cycle.

will Letrozole cause hair loss?

Yes, research suggests a possible link between Letrozole use, and hair loss in women who have taken higher doses of the medication.

Hair loss is not a known issue for men who use Letrozole however. This usually comes as a big relief to men.

Always note however, that hair loss is often a common side effect of several steroids, due to the increase of DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which is an androgenic side effect of many have. Also always note, that a genetic pre-disposition to hair loss is always the largest contributing factor, to onset of male pattern baldness.

What’s the best time of day to take Letrozole?

It is possible to take Letrozole at any time of the day or night. The most important thing is to take it at a regular, consistent time.

You can choose to take it once a day, or every 2 days. Many take Letrozole every two days, due to that being how long the half life lasts.

Taking the drug at a consistent time (whether its every 24 or 48 hours) is the key to keeping consistent level of it in your system. Letrozole is a powerful AI, so many find that the 2 day time interval works better as it helps them avoid the fatigness effect.

will Letrozole increase cholesterol?

Letrozole may increase bad cholesterol levels in the body, and reduce good cholesterol levels. Nevertheless, taking lower dosages of the drug may keep this risk at bay.

Since estrogen helps maintain good cholestrol health, aromatase inhibitors that lower estrogen often contribute to the raising of LDL (bad) cholesterol, and the lowering of HDL (good) cholestrol.

Using Femara (Letrozole) for shorter durations, and at low enough doses, will help prevent these issues.

Clinical studies have shown there to be conflicting evidence on Femara’s impact to cholesterol. One study indicated that women taking it for 6 month stretches (or longer) experienced a rise of bad/LDL cholesterol, but their levels dropped to normal after stopping. A second study conflicts with this however, by indicating even women taking it over a period of years, did not experience any impact whatsoever on their cholesterol.

Can you drink alcohol when taking Letrozole?

It is really not advisable to drink alcohol while taking Letrozole. Mixing the two increases the risk of experiencing headaches and nausea among other problems.

One reason for this being that Letrozole, as well as alchohol, just by themselves contribute to both of these effects, so when combining them, the risk of experiencing these amplifies even more.

Alchohol consumption in general, to serious bodybuilders and athletes, eventually becomes something that falls by the wayside. The sooner this happens the better usually. This is especially true for bodybuilders, since many anabolic steroids are already harsh on the liver, so adding another compound (also harsh to lover) on top of these is really bad.

Saying goodbye to alchohol is often not easy for most people, since its an addictive drug that just so happnes to legal, but acceptance of this reality is something that’s common among the bodybuilding community.

CONCLUSION:

Perhaps the biggest drawback to Letrozole, is that it lacks conclusive clicnical study evidence showing how effective it is at combating gyno. This is not the case with a SERM like Nolvadex, for example, which IS backed by clinical evidence.

Letrozole (Femara) is without a doubt, widely regarded as one of THE most powerful aromatase inhibitors. The drug is especially ideal in the prevention of gynecomastia and mitigating water retention. It’s also suitable for reversing the effects of early gynecomastia. Nonetheless, because of its potency and the risk of over-reducing estrogen levels, it’s important to keep dosages of Letrozole low.

An ounce of prevention, is worth a pound of cure, especially when it comes to something like gynocesmastia. Letrozole can help you prevent the onset of gyno tremendously, due to its potency. Its so potent in fact, that even if gyno HAS started to develop, its beens shown to reverse it. This being said, the more potent something is, the higher the risk it has of other unwanted effects.

Take Letrozole with care, and taper off of it gradually. The doses recommend above, have been proven to be effective, but also low enough so you don’t get unwanted effects either.

Note: Other than actual real Letrozole, the closest possible thing you can buy to it is a product called ”GCUT”.

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If you liked this post, and would like a real, NO-BS info-packed guide on cycling steroids, then grab your digital E-Book copy of ”Straight From The Underground” by John Doe Bodybuilding. This is my #1 recommended underground handbook on EVERYTHING related to steroids. Everything in this book is based on real first-hand experience.

-Mad Max