Femaraź (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 aromatize inhibitors.. It acts
by blocking the enzyme aromatize, 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 aromatize 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 aromatize 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.
![Fempro [Generic Femara], Letrozole x30 Tabs](javascript:open_window('products_pictures/femprox200.jpg',240,230);)
