The presence of estrogens is beneficial for the atherosclerotic profile.
This is the reason why women have lower mortality in heart attacks.
Therefore, the lowest estrogens one has, the worse the ratio of HDL/LDL is.
On the other hand, too much of estrogens, are linked to increased thrombosis and furthermore estrogens are a negative feedback for Hypothalamic Pituitary Testicular Axis (HPTA) and GnRH.
It is well known that women, who use contraceptive pills, have a higher risk for thrombotic episodes and should use salicylic acid, or fish oil.
Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are a class of drugs used in breast cancer.
Inhibiting the action of the enzyme aromatase, which converts androgens into estrogens, AIs suppress estrogen production and are considered potent anti estrogens.
The inactivation of the aromatase enzyme found in high concentration in subcutaneous-adipose tissue is the mechanism of their action.
AIs basically inhibit estrogen production, in contrast to the old generation of antiestrogens the Selective Estrogen Receptors Modulators (SERMs).
SERMs occupy the estrogenic receptors, thus making the circulating estrogens unable to attach to the receptors.
The two types of AIs include irreversible steroidal inhibitors, such as exemestane and non-steroidal inhibitors, such as anastrozole and letrozole.
Exemestane is a suicidal AI, preventing the rise of estradiol (E2), for quite a while, after its being used.
The drug almost suppresses plasma and tissue estrogen level (estradiol-E2) by 85% in vivo of total estrogen.
Aromatase inhibitors have several side effects, when abused on a daily basis (for aesthetic purposes).
- AIs have a significant negative impact on atheromatic index thus increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown an increase in total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and a decrease in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.
- They lower bone mineral density (BMD), by lowering osteoblastic activity, resulting in increased risk of skeletal fragility. Therefore, arthritis, osteoarthritis, arthralgias and osteopenia-osteoporosis are serious negative adverse events.
- Estrogens and aromatisation lead to edema that lubricate synovial cavity in joints. Therefore, estrogens deprivation would cause joint stiffness and joint pain.
- Estrogens are linked to the feeling of well being, due to their relation to serotonin, the hormone of joy.
Therefore, AIs have a negative effect on mood. - Estrogens are necessary for sexual drive.
Lowering beta estradiol dramatically, would cost in libido. - Finally, estrogens lead to water retention, known as edema.
Muscle glycogen synthesis is formed from starch and water.
Concequently, without water retention, there is luck of muscle glycogen and pumping.
This costs in terms of energy and muscle flexing.
The more aromatized an anabolic is, the higher its anabolic character is.
Oxymetholone and methandrostenolone are two examples of 17 alkalized anabolic pills with a high estrogenic capacity.
Other AAS, used during bulking (off season), are boldenone (Equipose) and nandrolone (Decadurabolin).
Both of them have a moderate estrogenic activity.
As known the androgen, fluoxymesterone, a drug used for advanced breast cancer in women, does not aromatize and has no effect on the aromatase enzyme.
Estrogens have a significant role in muscle development.
Estrogens make androgen receptors more receptive to the anabolic molecule.
This was shown in a study, where scientists castrated male guinea pigs and then granted them the powerful anabolic steroid 17 alkylated pill, methyltrienolone (M3).
With their castration, the mice dramatically increased estrogens’ levels and eliminated their androgens.
It was observed that, the link between M3 and receptors was 500% more powerful than before their castration.
Insulin like growth factor (IGF1) is a peptide responsible for muscle development and regeneration of the cartilage.
It is known, that among the factors for GH release, is the presence of E2.
The concentration of somatomedin C decreases as estrogens are reduced.
Aromatisation is a process which promotes the presence of the IGF1 peptide.
Therefore, the less estrogens we have, the less production of the anabolic hormone will be.
Τhe use of tamoxifen citrate (SERM) has a negative impact on IGF1 production in the liver.
Proof that estrogens are an anabolic agent and contribute to weight gain and muscularity through water retention and glycogen, is the fact that one of the strongest 17 alkalized AAS, fluoxymesterone, with an anabolic ratio 18 times greater than testosterone and 9 times more anabolic than oxymetholone, yet is not used for weight gain itself, but to increase muscle strength, hardness and density.