Tamoxifen

Nolvadex®, a trading name for the drug tamoxifen citrate, is a non-steroidal agent that demonstrates potent antiestrogenic properties. The drug is technically an estrogen agonist/antagonist, which competitively binds to estrogen receptors in various target tissues. With the tamoxifen molecule bound to this receptor, estrogen is blocked from exerting any action, and an antiestrogenic effect is achieved. Since many forms of breast cancer are responsive to estrogen, the ability of tamoxifen citrate to block its action in such cells has proven to be a very effective treatment. It is also utilized successfully as a preventative measure, taken by people with an extremely high familial tendency for breast cancer. While Nolvadex® is effective against estrogen, it is not our strongest available remedy. We now have the drug Arimidex® (see: Arimidex®) available to us, which notably prevents estrogen from being manufactured in the first place. Altering the effect of estrogen in the female body can cause a level of discomfort, so antiestrogens are most bearable when used after the point of menopause. Since Nolvadex® is milder in comparison, it is more widely applicable and usually the first treatment option.

When looking for a stronger antiestrogenic effect, Proviron® can make a good adjunct to Nolvadex®. Although this compound is technically an androgen, it may have a pronounced effect on the production of estrogen in the body.