Aromasin (Exemestane), belonging to the group of cancer-fighting medications known as antineoplastics, is a steroidal anti-estrogen aromatase inhibitor used by athletes and bodybuilders to combat estrogen-related side effects. This drug available in different forms (such as pills, capsules, and injections) is second to none for preventing conversion of testosterone into female hormones like estrogens.
Aromasin is a 17-oxo steroid that is androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione in which the hydrogens at position 6 are replaced by a double bond to a methylene group. Aromasin is chemically described as 6-methylenandrosta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione and its molecular formula is C20H24O2. Each Aromasin tablet contains exemestane 25 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: carnauba wax, cetyl esters wax, crospovidone, hypromellose, iron oxides, magnesium carbonate, magnesium stearate, mannitol, methyl-p-hydroxybenzoate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethyleneglycol 6000, polysorbate 80, polyvinyl alcohol, shellac, silicon dioxide, simethicone, sodium starch glycolate, sucrose, talc, and titanium dioxide.
An irreversible and steroidal aromatase inactivator that is structurally related to the natural substrate androstenedione, Aromasin acts as a false substrate for the aromatase enzyme, permanently binds to the enzymes preventing them from converting androgen into estrogen. This third-generation aromatase inhibitor (AI) is metabolized by cytochrome P 450 3A4 (CYP 3A4) and aldoketoreductase. Aromasin has an active life of 24-40 hours and does not inhibit any of the major CYP isoenzymes, including CYP 1A2, 2C9, 2D6, 2E1, and 3A4. Medically, this drug is prescribed to women who are diagnosed with cancer that requires estrogen, the female hormone, to grow or women who had surgery for breast cancer, and possibly during other treatments for breast cancer including radiation or chemotherapy.
One of the biggest advantages associated with Aromasin is that it reaches peak plasma concentrations within two hours after taking a pill of 25mg. A single 25mg dose of Aromasin leads to a relatively long-lasting and dramatic reduction in the levels of plasma and urinary estrogen, with maximum suppression happening about 2-3 days after dosage and persisting for as many as 4-5 days. This drug is best administered roughly once every day and it is always better to use Aromasin in the first or second week of an anabolic steroid cycle, then it may be taken throughout the cycle and thereafter a few weeks afterwards to prevent estrogen rebound once steroid use is discontinued.
Male Bodybuilders often use Aromasin to counter side effects caused by higher estrogen levels like gynecomastia (breast growth), fat buildup, oily skin, acne, and water retention. This potent aromatase inhibitor is also useful to increase the levels of free Testosterone and IGF (Insulin Growth Factor) in the body. It is also admired for its unique ability to restore production of naturally-occurring testosterone to help athletes avoid a post cycle “crash”. In addition to these advantages, Aromasin is capable of stopping gynecomastia completely on its own and demonstrates powerful bloat-reduction effects. Moreover, it has the potential of actually boost libido on and off cycle and increasing free testosterone. It can even make other anabolic steroids more bioavailable that means more gains achieved during a cycle. This drug is also safe and comfortable to run for longer periods of time that means athletes using steroids can stretch their post cycle therapy out to 6 or 8 weeks for suppressive cycles. Aromasin can also be effective in reversing or reducing existing gynecomastia when used in conjunction with a selective estrogen receptor modulator like Tamoxifen.
The recommended dose of Aromasin is 25 mg once every day, preferably after a meal. In case of a mixed dose, this drug should be taken as early as possible and one can then continue with the regular schedule. However, the missed dose should be skipped and the regular dosing schedule should be continued if it is almost time for the next dose.
Aromasin is not advised to lactating women, children, those having existing allergy to Aromasin or any of its ingredients, and those treated for prostate, breast, or testicular cancer. It is also not advised to those suffering from high blood pressure, stroke, and liver damage. Aromasin abuse can result in side effects such as visual disturbances, back pain, osteoarthritis, back pain, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, headache, insomnia, and increased sweating. Abuse of Exemestane may also lead to hypertension, hot flushes, depression, and edema. In some cases, this drug can reduce the level of estrogens in the body to further reduce bone mineral density (BMD) causing health complications like increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
