One of the most unsightly scenes in bodybuilding is called gynecomastia, also known as gyno or bitch tits. As unflattering as the term is, this is essentially what the condition looks like the teats on a female dog! Its for this reason that besides the assortment of anabolic steroids, insulin, growth hormone, and thyroid drugs, that many bodybuilders take, many have added the drug Nolvadex to their stacks.

Gyno occurs when an enzyme in the male body called aromatase breaks testosterone down into the female hormone estrogen. The estrogen then stimulates estrogen receptors throughout the males body including in the nipple region. Since this same enzyme can also break many anabolic steroids down into the female hormone as well, the risk of developing gyno is always present with heavy steroid use.

This condition can first be spotted by the appearance of slight swelling or a small lump under the nipples. If not treated it can grow into a very unsightly mass of tissue, often irreversible without surgery. Take a close look at many of todays top pro bodybuilders and youll see numerous cases of gynocomastia.

Besides gyno, estrogen can also lead to an increase in the levels of water being held by the body. During the off season this is not a big issue but is a major concern at contest time since this extra water can bring about a notable loss of muscular definition, giving the muscles a smooth and bloated look. Elevated estrogen levels have also been linked to fat storage. This is one of the primary reasons why women have on average, higher body fat percentages, than men. Bodybuilders who are sensitive to the effects of estrogen will add an anti-estrogen to their stacks and cycles to minimize the risk of elevated estrogen.

Nolvadex, is the trade name for the drug tamoxifen citrate. The drug is not a steroid but an agent that has powerful anti-estrogenic properties. Pharmacologically the drug is technically an estrogen antagonist (blocker), which binds to estrogen receptors located throughout the body. With the tamoxifen molecule bound to receptors, estrogen cannot bind to them and exert such feminizing effects as gynecomastia.

A much safer alternative

Unless youre not playing with a full deck, were confident that most readers dont want to risk developing gyno from using steroids. But you dont have to! There are much safer alternatives for building muscle and losing body fat. The supplement industry has created a whole line of steroid alternatives that are both safe and legal. You wont need to use Nolvadex with any of these potent muscle builders. These powerful steroid analogs are reported to produce muscle gains comparable to their illegal cousins. You deserve the best so check them out now!

Bob Howard 4/14/2006