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- Dec 6, 2012
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As I browse through the forums, I am seeing more and more that some are keeping their AI on-hand in case of gyno flare ups or other sides. The majority – I hope – is aware of the necessity of AI’s on cycle, but I wanted to address this for the lesser informed.
What is an AI?
An AI is an aromatase inhibitor. Aromatase is an enzyme whose sole responsibility is to synthesize estrogen hormones – estrone and estradiol – from androgens via a process called aromatization. Because our bodies are physiologically programmed to maintain a state of balance – homeostasis – aromatase enzymes are synthesized in response to elevated androgen levels. Therefore and in general, the higher the level of adrogens, the higher the level of aromatase enzymes. The higher the level of enzymes, the greater the potential for hyperestrogenism (excess estrogen). AI’s act to inhibit the activity of the enzyme, thereby providing regulation of estrogen levels.
High Estrogen Symptoms
• Fluid retention and weight gain
• Fluctuations in body temperature
• Elevated BP
• Adult acne
• Depression, apathy, irritability and aggression due to a hormonal imbalance
• Decrease libido or impotence
• Prostate issues (inflammation or cancer)
• Gyno
Why an AI
Taking into consideration that our androgen levels are well in excess while on cycle, the fact arises that the potential for excess estrogen dramatically increases. By allowing estrogen levels to rise uncontrollably, we are opening ourselves up to a host of symptoms associated with high estrogen. Outside of the risks of gyno, there is also the concern of sexual dysfunction. How many times do we see comments or reviews where a lesser experienced user is claiming bunk gear due to decreased of libido? Often times digging a little deeper into the cycle log or history of this individual, we will find an improper cycle and AI issues. Although some of the symptoms are minor, with gyno and libido issues being the greatest concern, there is no need IMO to experience any of these sides if they can be avoided. Considering that once you have gyno, the only way to get rid of it is through surgical removal, we should realize that these sides are much easier to prevent than they are to reverse. The AI’s main role here is to achieve greater hormonal balance and provide control for the user so as to avoid the occurrence of sides.
One aspect that I want to add to this is the effects estrogen has on the gonadotropins – LH & FSH. Studies have proven that estrogen provides negative feedback towards the synthesis and secretion of both LH & FSH. This is detrimental to the overall objective of PCT, which is to reboot natty systems. These gonadotropins main role here is to stimulate production of testosterone. If estrogen levels are elevated and left unchecked, outside of the listed side effects, the suppression of the gonadotropins will compromise the goal of PCT. Therefore, it is imperative that balance be achieved in order to not only prevent side effects but to also allow for a proper PCT and reset.
Types of AI’s
There are two types of AI’s:
• Type 1 (irreversible steroidal inhibitors)
• Type 2 (non-steroidal inhibitors)
Type 1 inhibitors form a permanent and deactivating bond with the aromatase enzyme, so it never lets go even when the drug is discontinued or its active life expires. Type 2 inhibitors inhibit the synthesis of estrogen via reversible competition for the aromatase enzyme, which means that it binds reversibly. An example of an irreversible inhibitor would be Aromasin (exemestane). Examples of reversible inhibitors, or Type 2, would be Letrozole (Femara) or Anastrozole (Arimidex).
Below is an excerpt from a convo I had on another forum that does a great job of explaining the two types and their modes of action:
How much AI?
This answer can be tricky, because some degree of trial and error must take place to find your individual “sweet spot”. In order to do this, the following recommended doses should be administered during your cycle, and then blood tests must be run to determine where your estradiol levels are presently. This data will guide you in determining what, if any, tweaks are appropriate.
Aromasin: 12.5mg EOD
Arimidex: 0.25mg E3D
Letro: see below
My personal preference is Aromasin. Adex will suffice in terms of controlling enzyme activity during cycle. Because the bond Adex forms is reversible, it can cause the bound enzymes to become released and renew competition once the drug has been discontinued or its active life has expired. For this reason, IMO, Adex should be tapered off and Aromasin introduced leading into PCT. I am also more fanatical about ED dosing of Aromasin vs EOD. With a drug half-life of 27 hrs, a lower dose of 6.25mg ED would IMO yield a more stable and better sustained level. Once again, blood tests are a must for confirming the individuals “sweet spot”.
Letro, once again, should be used in the case of an emergency such as gyno flares. Because estrogen is active in the breast tissue during your gyno flares, eradication of the hormone will cause suppression of the symptom. With this in mind, you can and should expect to experience the symptoms of low estrogen (see below). The following is an excerpt from a conversation between I and someone about letro:
There's no particular concrete method to determining doses for Letro. Like the other AI's it really depends on how ur body responds to it. Tapering up to and maintaining a concentration at which I have had guys run is 2.5mg, maintaing that dose until u see relief of symptoms is key and after a week of relief u should begin to taper down. I recommend a daily administration. There is a great link where I found this protocol.
Gyno Prevention and Reversal
Now, keeping all of this in mind, I arrive at my final point:
TOO MUCH AI IS DETRIMENTAL AS WELL!!
The goal with incorporating an AI is to regulate the enzyme’s activity so as to avoid hyperestrogenism, not completely suppress it. Some estrogen is needed for normal physiological functions. Just like too much estrogen can lead to a host of side effects, so too can too little estrogen. Following the recommended dosages and running your blood work is key to achieving balance in this regard.
Low Estrogen Symptoms:
• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Depression, apathy, irritability and aggression due to a hormonal imbalance
• Elevated BP
• Insomnia or restless sleep
• Headaches
• Low libido or impotence
• Stiffness or joint pain
• Anxiety
• Heart palpitations
• Adult acne
What is an AI?
An AI is an aromatase inhibitor. Aromatase is an enzyme whose sole responsibility is to synthesize estrogen hormones – estrone and estradiol – from androgens via a process called aromatization. Because our bodies are physiologically programmed to maintain a state of balance – homeostasis – aromatase enzymes are synthesized in response to elevated androgen levels. Therefore and in general, the higher the level of adrogens, the higher the level of aromatase enzymes. The higher the level of enzymes, the greater the potential for hyperestrogenism (excess estrogen). AI’s act to inhibit the activity of the enzyme, thereby providing regulation of estrogen levels.
High Estrogen Symptoms
• Fluid retention and weight gain
• Fluctuations in body temperature
• Elevated BP
• Adult acne
• Depression, apathy, irritability and aggression due to a hormonal imbalance
• Decrease libido or impotence
• Prostate issues (inflammation or cancer)
• Gyno
Why an AI
Taking into consideration that our androgen levels are well in excess while on cycle, the fact arises that the potential for excess estrogen dramatically increases. By allowing estrogen levels to rise uncontrollably, we are opening ourselves up to a host of symptoms associated with high estrogen. Outside of the risks of gyno, there is also the concern of sexual dysfunction. How many times do we see comments or reviews where a lesser experienced user is claiming bunk gear due to decreased of libido? Often times digging a little deeper into the cycle log or history of this individual, we will find an improper cycle and AI issues. Although some of the symptoms are minor, with gyno and libido issues being the greatest concern, there is no need IMO to experience any of these sides if they can be avoided. Considering that once you have gyno, the only way to get rid of it is through surgical removal, we should realize that these sides are much easier to prevent than they are to reverse. The AI’s main role here is to achieve greater hormonal balance and provide control for the user so as to avoid the occurrence of sides.
One aspect that I want to add to this is the effects estrogen has on the gonadotropins – LH & FSH. Studies have proven that estrogen provides negative feedback towards the synthesis and secretion of both LH & FSH. This is detrimental to the overall objective of PCT, which is to reboot natty systems. These gonadotropins main role here is to stimulate production of testosterone. If estrogen levels are elevated and left unchecked, outside of the listed side effects, the suppression of the gonadotropins will compromise the goal of PCT. Therefore, it is imperative that balance be achieved in order to not only prevent side effects but to also allow for a proper PCT and reset.
Types of AI’s
There are two types of AI’s:
• Type 1 (irreversible steroidal inhibitors)
• Type 2 (non-steroidal inhibitors)
Type 1 inhibitors form a permanent and deactivating bond with the aromatase enzyme, so it never lets go even when the drug is discontinued or its active life expires. Type 2 inhibitors inhibit the synthesis of estrogen via reversible competition for the aromatase enzyme, which means that it binds reversibly. An example of an irreversible inhibitor would be Aromasin (exemestane). Examples of reversible inhibitors, or Type 2, would be Letrozole (Femara) or Anastrozole (Arimidex).
Below is an excerpt from a convo I had on another forum that does a great job of explaining the two types and their modes of action:
How much AI?
This answer can be tricky, because some degree of trial and error must take place to find your individual “sweet spot”. In order to do this, the following recommended doses should be administered during your cycle, and then blood tests must be run to determine where your estradiol levels are presently. This data will guide you in determining what, if any, tweaks are appropriate.
Aromasin: 12.5mg EOD
Arimidex: 0.25mg E3D
Letro: see below
My personal preference is Aromasin. Adex will suffice in terms of controlling enzyme activity during cycle. Because the bond Adex forms is reversible, it can cause the bound enzymes to become released and renew competition once the drug has been discontinued or its active life has expired. For this reason, IMO, Adex should be tapered off and Aromasin introduced leading into PCT. I am also more fanatical about ED dosing of Aromasin vs EOD. With a drug half-life of 27 hrs, a lower dose of 6.25mg ED would IMO yield a more stable and better sustained level. Once again, blood tests are a must for confirming the individuals “sweet spot”.
Letro, once again, should be used in the case of an emergency such as gyno flares. Because estrogen is active in the breast tissue during your gyno flares, eradication of the hormone will cause suppression of the symptom. With this in mind, you can and should expect to experience the symptoms of low estrogen (see below). The following is an excerpt from a conversation between I and someone about letro:
There's no particular concrete method to determining doses for Letro. Like the other AI's it really depends on how ur body responds to it. Tapering up to and maintaining a concentration at which I have had guys run is 2.5mg, maintaing that dose until u see relief of symptoms is key and after a week of relief u should begin to taper down. I recommend a daily administration. There is a great link where I found this protocol.
Gyno Prevention and Reversal
Now, keeping all of this in mind, I arrive at my final point:
TOO MUCH AI IS DETRIMENTAL AS WELL!!
The goal with incorporating an AI is to regulate the enzyme’s activity so as to avoid hyperestrogenism, not completely suppress it. Some estrogen is needed for normal physiological functions. Just like too much estrogen can lead to a host of side effects, so too can too little estrogen. Following the recommended dosages and running your blood work is key to achieving balance in this regard.
Low Estrogen Symptoms:
• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Depression, apathy, irritability and aggression due to a hormonal imbalance
• Elevated BP
• Insomnia or restless sleep
• Headaches
• Low libido or impotence
• Stiffness or joint pain
• Anxiety
• Heart palpitations
• Adult acne
