Armidex (Anastrozole) is a drug developed for the treatment of advanced breast cancer in women. It is manufactured by Astra Zeneca Pharmaceuticals and was approved for use in the United States at the end of December 1995. Specifically, Armidex is the first in a new class of third-generation selective oral aromatase inhibitors.

Anastrozole 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. Armidex is the basic premise behind Nolvadex, except this drug blocks the action and not production of estrogen. The effects of Armidex (Anastrozole) can be quite dramatic to say the least. A daily dose of one 1 mg tablet can produce estrogen suppression greater than 80 % in treated patients. With the powerful effect Armidex has on hormone levels, it is only to be used (clinically) by post-menopausal women whose disease has progressed following treatment with Nolvadex (tamoxifen citrate). Side effects of Armidex like hot flushes and hair thinning can be present, and would no doubt be much more severe in pre-menopausal patients.

Armidex shows great potential for male athletes using steroids. 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. Armidex appears able to do the job much more efficiently, and with less hassle. Its use is only now catching on, early reports have been excellent. A single tablet daily of Armidex, the same dose use clinically, seems to be all one needs for an exceptional effect (some  report excellent results with only 2 tablets 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, see proscar), 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 steroids treatment however. While it will effectively reduce estrogenic side effects, Armidex (Anastrozole) 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 steroids such as Testosterone, suppression of HDL (good) cholesterol becomes much more pronounced. Apparently estrogen plays a role in minimizing the negative impact of steroids use. Since the estrogen receptor antagonist Nolvadex is shown not to display an anti-estrogenic effect on cholesterol values, it is certainly the preferred from of estrogen maintenance for those concerned with cardiovascular health.

Armidex has another principle drawback, namely the price of this drug. Tablets can easily sell for $10 each, becoming quite costly with regular use. The price of this ancillary drug can be much greater than the steroids themselves, a situation destined not to be popular with recreational athletes and bodybuilders. Competitors on the other hand are likely to welcome this item. It can ward off the side effects of strong androgen therapy much better than Nolvadex or Proviron, making heavy steroid cycles much more comfortable. As the number of countries manufacturing Armidex (Anastrozole) increases, we may be able to look forward to a reduction in price.