Femara(generic name is letrozole)
is a new drug developed for the treatment of advanced breast cancer
in women. Femara is the second in a new class of third-generation
selective oral aromatase inhibitors.. It acts by blocking the
enzyme aromatase, subsequently blocking the production of estrogen.
Since many forms of breast cancer cells are stimulated by estrogen,
it is hoped that by reducing amounts of estrogen in the body the
progression of such a disease can be halted. This is the basic
premise behind Nolvadex, except this drug blocks the action and
not production of estrogen. The effects of Femara can be quite
dramatic to say the least. A daily dose of one tablet (2.5 mg)
can produce estrogen suppression greater than 80 % in treated
patients. With the powerful effect this drug has on hormone levels,
it is only to be used (clinically) by post-menopausal women whose
disease has progressed following treatment with Nolvadex. Side
effects like hot flushes and hair thinning can be present, and
would no doubt be much more severe in pre-menopausal patients.
For the steroid using male athlete, Femara shows great potential.
Up to this point, drugs like Nolvadex and Proviron have been our
weapons against excess estrogen. These drugs, especially in combination,
do prove quite effective. But Femara appears able to do the job
much more efficiently, and with less hassle. Its use is only now
catching on, but early reports have been excellent. A single tablet
daily, the same dose use clinically, seems to be all one needs
for an exceptional effect (some even report excellent results
with only 1/4 tablet daily). When used with strong, readily aromatizing
androgens such as Dianabol or testosterone, gynecomastia and water
retention can be effectively blocked. In combination with Propecia
(finasteride), we have a great advance. With the one drug halting
estrogen conversion and the other blocking 5-alpha reduction (testosterone,
methyltestosterone and Halotestin only), related side effects
can be effectively minimized. Here the strong androgen testosterone
could theoretically provide incredible muscular growth, while
at the same time being as tolerable as nandrolone. Additionally
the quality of the muscle should be greater, the athlete appearing
harder and much more defined without holding excess water.
There are some concerns with using an aromatase inhibitor such
as this during prolonged steroid treatment however. While it will
effectively reduce estrogenic side effects, it will also block
the beneficial properties of estrogen from becoming apparent (namely
its effect on cholesterol values). Studies have clearly shown
that when an aromatase inhibitor is used in conjunction with a
steroid such as testosterone, suppression of HDL (good) cholesterol
becomes much more pronounced. Apparently estrogen plays a role
in minimizing the negative impact of steroid use. Since the estrogen
receptor antagonist Nolvadex does not display an anti-estrogenic
effect on cholesterol values, it is the preferred from of estrogen
maintenance for those concerned with cardiovascular health.
Femara has another principle drawback, namely the great price
of this drug. Tablets can be quite costly with regular use, but
it can ward off the side effects of strong androgens much better
than Nolvadex and/or Proviron, making heavy cycles much more comfortable.
As the number of countries manufacturing this drug increases,
we may be able to look forward to a reduction in price. Privately
compounded versions of liquid Femara have also been formulated
for research purposes and are currently circulating the black
market.
