Anti-Estrogens

Anti-Estrogens and the Prevention of Breast Cancer

Anti-estrogens can help to treat and prevent breast cancer. Since tumors use hormones to help them grow, an increased level of estrogen will tend to cause tumor development and growth.

One of the ways anti-estrogens lower the levels of estrogen is as a receptor blocker. The anti-estrogens attach to receptors meant for estrogen so that estrogen itself is unable to bind to it. When this happens in the breast tissue, tumors that may be present are unable to have access to estrogen to grow, and they shrink. If no tumors are present, the anti-estrogens prevent future attachment by estrogen for possible tumor growth, and the chance of developing breast cancer lowers significantly.

Anti-Estrogens and Strength Gain

Along with increasing the amount of testosterone in the body, anti-estrogens also stimulate the increase of luteinizing hormone, or LH. Both LH and testosterone are responsible for the growth of muscles and gains in strength. Although estrogen is necessary to keep joints mobile and muscles strong, anti-estrogens keep the amounts of good estrogen normal and inhibit production of bad estrogen.

The results of keeping testosterone and LH levels high are the build-up of more muscle, as well as better and faster recovery from workouts. Body builders take anti-estrogens to not only build muscle but also decrease the bloating that can occur from taking androgenic/ anabolic steroids.

Anti-Estrogens and Weight Loss

One effect of too much estrogen in the body is weight gain, especially in women. Along with estrogen, the function of the liver also plays a significant role in weight loss or gain. The liver is responsible for metabolism in the body. If it is not working as well as it should, it is not able to get rid of toxins and excess nutrients or hormones efficiently.

Excess estrogen is eliminated by the liver. When the liver is lethargic and inactive, estrogen will not be removed and the higher levels will stimulate the production of fat cells. For women, estrogen tends to be more concentrated in the upper thigh and lower abdominal areas. Hence, higher than normal estrogen levels will increase fat in those problem areas.

Taking anti-estrogens can help to decrease the amount of estrogen in the body, which will decrease fat cell production in the body and lead to weight loss.

Anti-Estrogens and Dosage Recommendation

The recommended dosage of anti-estrogens varies from person to person. General recommendations are 50- 100 mg daily. Depending on the supplement taken, do not take more than the label recommends.

Speak with your health care provider if you are considering taken anti-estrogens and have questions about dosage, as well as to avoid unwanted side effects.

Anti-Estrogens and Side Effects

As with any hormone supplementation, there are risks and side effects from taking anti-estrogens. Side effects that have been noted include joint pain, warmness of the skin, depression, vaginal dryness or itching, weight loss, weakness, cough, sore throat, decreased sex drive, skin changes, nausea, dizziness, difficulty achieving orgasm, thinning hair, irregular menstrual cycle, hypercalcemia, and headaches.

Rare but serious side effects can include confusion, sudden headaches, problems with balance and speech, numbness or pain on one certain side of the body, pain in the stomach, breast lumps, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, vaginal bleeding that is unusual, endometrial cancer, hot flashes, thromboembolism, and pelvic area pain.

Anti-estrogens can also increase the risk for getting blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), uterine cancer, and stroke.

Women who are pregnant or breast feeding should not take anti-estrogens, nor should those with liver disease. People who have allergic reactions to certain medications or food should also stay away from anti-estrogens. Use the free supplement finder to locate anti-estrogen supplements now!