+ 13 SERM vs. AI for Noobs
There seems to be a lot of new users on here who have no idea what the hell a SERM is and why it is different than an AI, I am going to keep this basic as possible. If any of you vets want to add something to this please do so in the comments.
~SERM ( Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators)~
~Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)
~ Clomiphene (Clomid)
~ Raloxifene (Evista)
AI (Aromatase Inhibitors)
- Anastrozole (Arimidex)
- Exemestane (Aromasin)
- Letrozole (Femara)
SERM- Blocks estrogen reception in specific tissue (breast tissue). This should be used during PCT (Post Cycle Treatment) and also if you want estrogen levels to be high during cycle, not super high as that can still cause lots of issues. A SERM will prevent gyno and treat sensitive nipples/breast so if you feel sore nipples take a SERM. In PCT (Post Cycle Treatment), it stimulates the release of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) which tells your body to restart its own testosterone production. So when using a SERM it is only stopping estrogen in breast tissue the rest of your body still has that high estrogen.
AI- Blocks estrogen aromatase enzyme preventing androgens from converting to estrogen. These enzymes are found in fat cells and liver and this affects the ENTIRE BODY! So it lowers your overall estrogen for the ENTIRE body. Use with caution because you can literally crash all of your estrogen and then you will feel like shit and also it will hinder muscle gains. If you get this dialed in you will not need to use a SERM as your Estrogen will be under control and you will not develop sensitive nipples or gyno. An AI may be needed during PCT (Post Cycle Treatment) as your body gets unstable hormone levels.
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I Rarely use one. Even at 1,000 mgs a week of test I don’t aromatize much. I use it when I start holding water or if my bloodwork says to. Of If I run a long run halfway through I’ll 12.5 mgs of Exemastane twice a week. Or just add QE. It ot aromatizes but it aromatizes into a MUCH weaker estrogen. You don’t have all those bad sides
Yea a lot of fucking people need this post. My god
Honestly one of the best write ups on the topic I have seen here. This should be stickied in the beginner section of the forum.
Huge wealth of knowledge being dropped here.
This will come in handy for quite a lot of guys, nice job Aggie!
One question I have - we've covered it already - but for guys who may question when to use an AI. Would you suggest starting a cycle with an AI, or having bloodwork to see how high E2 is before implementing and AI, or use an AI when you "feel" estrogen related sides? Water retention, bloat, high blood pressure etc?
You should always have an AI on hand. There should be no need for it just starting a cycle though as it takes a few weeks for the E2 levels to increase. Guys may not even need an Ai if they are using another compound that hinders E2 like MAST.
The safest option would be to get bloodwork to determine if an Ai is needed I suggest about a month after starting Testosterone.
If no blood work is done and you are not using a compound that hinders E2 conversion, then definitely take an Ai if you feel side effects. That is your body saying hey the E2 level is high.
It's best to figure your body out with blood work though because you want your E2 to be in the high normal range and even a little elevated above normal is fine. It helps build muscle by protein synthesis so if you feel estrogen sides (sensitive nipples/lump) on elevated levels this is where a SERM would be best to take. That being said, if your estrogen is really high you need to take an Ai because even though a SERM will prevent the sore nipples/breast the rest of the body is suffering and soon other issues can arise like water retention, cardiac issues, high blood pressure, exc.
Noobs that run an ai off the bat bc a 150lb YouTuber said they should drives me crazy. Absolutely crazy
Thats the issue we have, Youtube and TikTok influencers spreading shit around that they know nothing about.
Solid write-up, bro … you nailed the foundation.
Thanks brother, I hope it helps somebody