Enclomiphene vs Arimidex for Bodybuilding

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

About

Constance Tambakis Odom, MD graduated in 1987 with her Doctorate of Medicine from the New York Medical College, and was an Anesthesiologist Resident from 1988 to 1991 at the Brookdale Medical Center PGY II (CA-I)-PGY IV (CA-III). She is Board Certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology since 1998 and American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine since 2002. Constance Odom, MD is affiliated with the American Medical Association, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, American Society of Anesthesiology, Georgia Society of Anesthesiology, Hellenic Medical Society of New York, North Carolina Society of Anesthesiology, and Society of Ambulatory Anesthesia.

Credentials

Medical Director At:

• Nu Image Medical
• MetroMedispa P.A.

Staff Anesthesiologist at:

• Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital in Dunn, NC
• Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, NC
• Duplin General Hospital in Kenansville, NC

Director of Anesthesia Services at:

• Jacksonville Surgery Center in Jacksonville, NC

Written by our editorial team.

Last Edited 1 year ago · 7 min read

Hypogonadism is a problem for many men. To counteract this problem and restore testosterone, many of these men turn to off-label treatments. But did you know that drugs like enclomiphene and Arimidex are being used for bodybuilding?

Yes, enclomiphene and Arimidex have become quite popular among the bodybuilding community. While the keys to successful bodybuilding include eating a healthy diet, remaining active, and regularly training, some people turn to enclomiphene to achieve their weight loss goals and improve endurance.

While enclomiphene is a medication intended to primarily treat hypogonadism, bodybuilders have long used it to restore testosterone levels to those of younger men.

While enclomiphene is so effective at increasing testosterone levels in bodybuilders, it comes with side effects. Because of this, it is important to determine if you are willing to put up with side effects to achieve the results you desire. According to experts, it is important not to lean on one weight loss medication to achieve weight loss and build muscle for bodybuilding. Taking more than one medication is most beneficial.

Some people would rather take dietary supplements than rely on one medication to shed pounds. But what are the side effects of enclomiphene? According to Drugs.com, enclomiphene can cause mood swings, hot flashes, breast tenderness, and abdominal pain. It can also cause nausea.

When a man is on an androgen cycle, enclomiphene is often used to assist in bodybuilding. Enclomiphene is FDA-approved to treat hypogonadism in men. Enclomiphene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator or SERM. This means that it raises testosterone in men, while preventing low testosterone’s effects. 

Enclomiphene does not contain estrogen, so it is not classified as a steroid. Bodybuilders use enclomiphene to increase endurance and muscle mass, while minimizing the side effects of estrogen. This medication should not be taken for more than six cycles and is not intended for long-term use. 

Enclomiphene has been proven effective. However, it is important to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes physical activity and a healthy diet. In addition to weight loss, enclomiphene produces a number of positive effects. According to experts, enclomiphene improves libido, mood, and increases one’s interest in sexual activity. 

Most diet pills take a long time to work, but enclomiphene appears to be the exception to the rule. According to experts, bodybuilders have great success with enclomiphene, primarily because it has been found successful in helping people lose weight quickly. This is one of the reasons why enclomiphene is so popular among bodybuilders.

According to PubMed, enclomiphene is effective in restoring testosterone, especially in men with low testosterone. Enclomiphene also restores a man’s confidence in the bedroom. As an androgen receptor modulator, enclomiphene bonds with an androgen receptor in one’s brain. However, how this happens will depend on a number of factors, including a man’s level of physical activity, diet, and genetics.

It usually takes about two weeks for enclomiphene to produce positive results. One study found that enclomiphene restores serum testosterone levels to normal and increases LH levels to maximum capacity. LH levels have been found to remain high, even after enclomiphene treatment is stopped. 

But what about Arimidex? How does it compare to enclomiphene when it comes to bodybuilding? Many bodybuilders take Arimidex to minimize the side effects of anabolic steroids. Arimidex lowers estrogen levels, so it should not be used for other purposes. According to Medical News Today, Arimidex should not be taken for this reason. 

Steroids in themselves increase a man’s physical endurance and muscle mass. Arimidex keeps aromatase from “working” in one’s body. When this happens, estrogen levels in the body decrease. However, disturbing the body’s hormone production can also cause estrogen levels to increase. 

An excess amount of estrogen can lead some men to develop gynecomastia, a condition in which the breast glands become enlarged. When Arimidex lowers estrogen levels, your odds of experiencing gynecomastia are reduced. This may seem surprising, but everyone’s reaction to this medication is different. 

What are the side effects of Arimidex? Experts assert that Arimidex comes with a number of common side effects. These include nausea and vomiting, joint pain, hot flashes, and tiredness. Some people may develop an allergic reaction to Arimidex. Allergic reactions to this medication can cause symptoms, such as blurred vision, swelling, increased heart rate, and breast pain. 

Arimidex comes in a tablet that should be taken orally. This medication comes in one milligram tablets. Health professionals do not recommend that Arimidex be taken for bodybuilding. Arimidex is often taken illegally by bodybuilders, in an effort to minimize the side effects of high estrogen levels. High estrogen levels are often the result of the aromatization of anabolic steroids. 

Aromatization is an action in which estrogen and testosterone are kept in balance. Although estrogen is thought to be solely a female hormone, estrogen can be found in both males and females. Arimidex is not approved to help bodybuilders build endurance and muscle mass. For the most part, Arimidex is often taken to lower estrogen levels that result from anabolic steroid use.

 As with many other medications, Arimidex comes with the potential for overdose. You should contact your doctor immediately if you think that you have taken too much Arimidex. Taking too much of this medication can lead to problems, such as tissue death, severe bleeding, and gastritis. 

Arimidex is the brand name for the drug, anastrozole. It’s important to note that Arimidex comes with a number of negative side effects. According to experts, Arimidex can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and swelling in the feet or legs. Arimidex has also been found to lower bone density in the hips and lower spine. 

Additionally, Arimidex can harm a developing fetus and should not be taken during pregnancy. If there is the possibility of becoming pregnant, it is important to use an effective birth control method. If you stop taking Arimidex, be sure to continue taking birth control for three weeks after taking your last dose of Arimidex. 

Arimidex can cause cholesterol levels to increase. Having high cholesterol raises your risk of heart disease. When it comes to bodybuilding, experts say that Arimidex may be effective in helping you build muscle. However, experts aren’t entirely sure of its benefits on bodybuilding. Arimidex is often prescribed to raise testosterone levels in men. It works by increasing the amount of estrogen the body produces. In addition, Arimidex comes with another side effect—the growth of breast glands in men. While the use of Arimidex in body building is discouraged, some men may still wish to take it.

The recommended dosage of Arimidex is 0.5 milligrams twice per week. You can begin taking this medication in your second week of an “anabolic steroid cycle.” Arimidex is also a treatment for breast cancer. Because of this, doctors caution bodybuilders about taking it. If you decide to take Arimidex, it helps to be aware of price.

The generic brand of most medications is typically cheaper, so choosing Arimidex’s generic, Anastrozole, may help you save money. Speak with your doctor, if you’d like to learn more about taking generic Anastrozole. If you are having trouble affording Arimidex, there may be low-cost options that your pharmacist can tell you about. You can also visit the Arimidex website to see what options they have.

Because experts do not recommend that you take Arimidex for bodybuilding, enclomiphene is the safer option. This is especially true, if you want to slim down and build muscle. Enclomiphene blocks estrogen receptors all throughout the body. Because enclomiphene antagonizes negative feedback on gonadotropin-releasing hormone, it triggers the body to release follicle stimulating hormone or FSH.

After doing strength training during an anabolic process, enclomiphene reduces excess amounts of estrogen. This keeps testosterone production in check. As a result, anabolic processes are properly maintained. Because enclomiphene does not contain estrogen, it is not technically a steroid. Enclomiphene keeps bodybuilders from experiencing the side effects of estrogen.  

Arimidex, on the other hand, can cause diarrhea and nausea, in addition to other problems. While some men consider Arimidex for bodybuilding, be aware that it comes with some dangerous side effects. According to Healthline, Arimidex can increase liver enzyme levels, which in some cases, is indicative of liver damage. 

If you have issues with your liver, this medication can increase your risk of developing liver problems. If you already have a liver condition, Arimidex can worsen your liver condition. Other serious problems are associated with this medication. These problems include blood clots, difficulty breathing, and depression. 

If you experience any of these side effects, you should contact your doctor immediately. You can experience some side effects after five years of taking Arimidex. Some people may experience permanent conditions, even after several years of not taking the medication. Hair thinning or hair loss may persist long after you discontinue treatment. Bone weakness and bone fractures may also become an ongoing problem.

Of course, it is always important to keep your doctor informed. Speak with your doctor, if you are unsure of which option to choose for bodybuilding. 

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Nu Image Medical has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references.

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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your physician about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Nu Image Medical may not offer the medications or services mentioned in this article.