Letrozole

What is letrozole?

Letrozole is an oral non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor that is used to block the aromatase enzyme responsible for the production of the female hormone estrogen. Besides its use in blocking the production of estrogen, it is used for clinical purposes such as halt the progression of breast cancer in women when the existing therapy with Tamoxifen (Nolvaxyl) or other estrogen receptor modulators have failed to produce results. Letrozole (Letroxyl) may also be used as part of aggressive treatment in post-menopausal women. This is the reason why the majority of studies have been conducted on post-menopausal women. However, we will discuss letrozole’s properties in the adjuvant therapy of reducing estrogen during anabolic steroid cycles. It is a very popular drug among athletes and bodybuilders used as a measure of precaution for avoiding development of estrogen related side effects when using a strong anabolic steroid. Besides its estrogen reducing properties, it is also an efficient drug and has an additional benefit in increasing testosterone levels. Before starting to use letrozole, it is indicated to get well informed about its mechanism of action, effective doses in order to avoid eventual abuse or overdose with it.

Brand names

Letrozole is an active ingredient and it is traded under the Femara brand name. It is produced by Nor company. Avoid counter fakes.

Contraindications and warnings

Letrozole should not be used in people with increased sensitivity to the drug. It may produce anaphylactic reactions and other skin allergic reactions.

It should also be noted that it is contra-indicated for use in people with pre-existent liver and/or renal diseases. It is a toxic drug for the liver and it may contribute to the worsening of existing medical condition.

Interesting facts about letrozole

As already mentioned, letrozole is an efficient drug in reducing estrogen when used by athletes within anabolic steroid cycles.

First of all, it is an aromatase enzyme inhibitor, which means that it blocks the aromatase enzyme from conversion to estrogen. It is used as an ancillary compound in the existing bulking or cutting cycles with a strong anabolic steroid. Letrozole protects the athlete from estrogen related side effects such as acne, water-retention, gynecomastia and others. In fact, it is considered that letrozole helps reducing estrogen levels by 98 per cent and even more.

Letrozole may be combined with harsh androgens. The only thing is that it is necessary to set the doses so that it does not produce drug abuse or even overdose. It produces dry and tight appearance and contributes to the so called: "quality muscle" appearance.

As already mentioned, letrozole also has the property of modestly increasing the testosterone levels. The stronger anabolic steroids suppress the natural production of testosterone; therefore in this case letrozole does not act only in reducing estrogen but also slightly increasing testosterone levels.

Besides all its benefits, letrozole may be very toxic to the liver. All the users with pre-existent liver and/or renal diseases should exercise caution to this drug and even avoid it in order to not experience any complications and side effects.

It should also be noted that letrozole does not enhance athletic performance, it is used strictly for reducing estrogen and for preventing estrogen related side effects.

Effective doses and indications of use

Letrozole is an oral aromatase inhibitor. It comes in form of tablets with an approximate active life of 48 hours. Once administrated, it takes approximately 60 days to get a steady blood plasma level of it. This is the reason it is indicated to start using the drug prior to the beginning of cycle with a specific steroid. Because of the duration of getting a steady blood plasma level of letrozole, it may not respond quickly to counteracting some side effects.

Usually, letrozole becomes effective if taking 0.25mg per day. One may increase the dose to 0.5mg but it increases the possibility of side effects, especially decrease in sexual desire. It is also worth noting that if taken for a long period of time, one may suffer from impaired lipid profile and immune system due to low estrogen levels.

Letrozole may also be used for post-cycle therapy. It is a very potent drug that may reduce and/or reverse existing gynecomastia.

Possible side effects with letrozole

Like any other aromatase inhibitors, letrozole (Letroxyl) may cause side effects. These may differ from user to user, depending on existing medical conditions and tolerance to the drug. Just like other aromatase inhibitors, if taken for a long period of time, letrozole may suppress the natural estrogen levels for a prolonged period of time and may affect the immune system, including cholesterol level. Even so, there is not sufficient consistency in most of the studies regarding the effect of letrozole on cholesterol and lipid profile. Obviously, in order to avoid such side effects it is recommended to monitor the cholesterol levels from time to time to ensure a steady plasma level in the blood. Another possible side effect with letrozole is the decrease in libido. It is mainly due to the fact that estrogen is somehow responsible for the regulation of user’s sex drive. As letrozole is so potent and reduces up to 98 per cent the level of estrogen, it may inhibit the user’s libido.

Other side effects that may develop while starting to use letrozole may be the following: fatigue, stomach upset, nausea or vomiting. These are temporary side effects that disappear once the body gets used to it.

Overall, letrozole is an efficient aromatase inhibitor and prevents estrogen related side effects while on steroid cycle and it is considered to reduce gynecomastia and prevent it.

How to store letrozole?

It is recommended to store the drug at the room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius or 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit.Try to keep the tablets out of the reach of children and pets. Do not store the tablets in the bathroom or next to the sink in order to avoid moisture and deterioration of them. Safely discard unused or no longer needed medicine. If you have any other questions, ask a pharmacist or a physician.