Among bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts, testosterone cycles play a critical role as they help in performance boosting and crafting a better physique. However, managing oestrogen is also key in managing the side effects of it while managing the hormonal balance in the body.
Want to know why oestrogen control is so important during testosterone cycles? In this blog article, we will be exploring the importance of controlling oestrogen levels during a testosterone cycle.
Testosterone often delivers predictable outcomes, as it has high potential in developing muscles and increasing muscle strength. However, during testosterone cycles, oestrogen levels can also spike in the body. But why does it happen? Let’s look at it.
Why Do Oestrogen Levels Rise During Testosterone Cycles?
When someone is under a testosterone cycle, it is common to get a spike in the oestrogen level. The aromatisation process converts testosterone into oestrogen. Typically, testosterone works by binding to androgen receptors, which helps in protein synthesis in the muscles.
Aromatization Procedure
Testosterone primarily converts into estradiol in the aromatisation process. This is the basic form of oestrogen. While aromatisation is important for maintaining balance in different physiological functions, an overabundance of oestrogen can lead to different side effects.
Common Signs of High Oestrogen
High oestrogen levels in the body can result in several side effects, which include:
- Gynaecomastia (enlargement of breast tissue among men)
- Fatigue, mood swings, and problems in obtaining muscle mass.
- Enhancement of body fat
Testosterone cycles in men can exhibit these side effects if the aromatisation process is not regulated with Aromatase Inhibitors (AI).
Why Balancing is Key and Not Elimination?
Balancing oestrogen is key while on testosterone cycles because eliminating oestrogen will be detrimental, especially for men. Oestrogen directly influences the male reproductive system. Further, it helps in reducing the chance of erectile dysfunction and provides optimal support in sperm production.
Therefore, it is always recommended to maintain the balance.
Estrogen Control Agents Explained
But how to control oestrogen on cycle? This is a general query among bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts, and they often get confused between different types of oestrogen-blocking compounds.
There are two distinct types of oestrogen blockers: SERMs (Selective oestrogen Receptor Modulators) and Aromatase Inhibitors (AI), which are commonly popular among fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders. Although both of these work in entirely different ways and operate differently in reducing oestrogen-based side effects.
Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs)
These types of compounds help in blocking the aromatase enzyme, which is responsible for converting testosterone into estradiol. Consequently, it is reducing the circulation of oestrogen levels in the body, making it effective for combating side effects associated with elevated oestrogen levels.
Use Cases:
AIs can be used on-cycle when using high-testosterone compounds or compounds with aromatising effects. Furthermore, doctors can prescribe this when users experience gynecomastia even after using SERMs.
Exemestane (Aromasin) and Anastrozole (Arimidex) are some commonly obtained Aromatase Inhibitors used by users.
Selective Oestrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs)
SERMs do not directly influence reducing oestrogen levels in the body. They mainly bind to the oestrogen receptors in particular body tissues, and stop oestrogen’s effect on that tissue. Bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts, who are confused about how to control oestrogen, can use this post-cycle.
SERMs are highly recommended to control gynecomastia, which is the result of androgenic anabolic steroids (AAS). Since these compounds do not interact directly with oestrogen, they cannot reduce water retention, fatigue, and bloating if the oestrogen level is skyrocketing in your body.
Use Cases
SERMs are commonly referred to when the primary signs of gynaecomastia among men. Furthermore, this compound also helps in planning an optimal PCT plan after testosterone cycles or testosterone-only cycles. It helps in reinstating LH (Luteinizing hormone) and FSH (Follicle-stimulating hormone) in the body, thereby creating natural testosterone.
Nolvadex (Tamoxifen) and Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate) are popularly known SERMs.
Natural Supplements for Mild Cycles
If you are on a milder testosterone cycle, you can consider Zinc or Diindolylmethane (DIM), which can be obtained from vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage. These natural supplements are typically dietary additives used to support hormonal balance after testosterone cycles.
Here is a comparison between AIs and SERMs:
| Category | AIs | SERMs |
| Mechanism of Action | Blocks the aromatase enzyme, preventing conversion of androgens to oestrogen | Binds to oestrogen receptors, blocking oestrogen activity in specific tissues |
| Primary Function | Lowers oestrogen levels systemically | Modulates oestrogen activity and helps in blocking or activating receptors depending on the tissue |
| Use in Bodybuilding/ Steroid Cycles | Estrogen control and reduction during or after steroid cycles | Prevents gynocomastia and boosts natural testosterone during Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) |
| Estrogen Level Impact | Reduces oestrogen production directly. | Does not reduce oestrogen. It only modulates its activity. |
Table: Difference between AIs and SERMs
Estrogen Monitoring During the Cycle
In the testosterone cycle for beginners, monitoring the oestrogen levels is highly crucial to avoid sudden imbalance or hormonal crash post-cycle. However, in advanced cycles too, adjusting the level of oestrogen is essential to avoid certain side effects. The best way to monitor the oestrogen levels during testosterone cycles is through extensive bloodwork.
Importance of Bloodwork
Consider testing blood to analyse the E2 or Estradiol level, which is the primary form of oestrogen. It is important to conduct bloodwork on-cycle to monitor the level of oestrogen and prevent a sudden increase in oestrogen in the blood.
Apart from tracking oestrogen, bloodwork can also enable one to determine how adequate the androgen support is. However, the level of hormones in the body can fluctuate, considering the length of testosterone. But how long can you cycle testosterone? Well, the cycle length is dependent on the type of AAS used in the testosterone cycle.
Optimal Oestrogen Range for Performance and Health
For men, the optimal E2 level for performance and health is 20-40 pg/ml (Picograms per Millilitre). If the bloodwork shows an E2 level that is <20 pg/mL, there might be side effects associated with low oestrogenic effects. On the other hand, if it rises to more than 60 pg/ml, there can be high oestrogenic side effects.
How Often Should the E2 Level Be Tested?
Since E2 is effective in analysing the over-suppression of testosterone, it is recommended to be tested every 3 to 4 weeks on cycle. Regular bloodwork is non-negligible, as it is crucial to maintain the right balance of testosterone and oestrogen in the body and prevent you from potential side effects.
The Mental and Emotional Impact of Oestrogen
Oestrogen fluctuations are common during the testosterone cycle. There is a mental and emotional impact of oestrogen because it results in mood swings and unexplained irritation.
Why Do Mood Swings Occur With an Imbalance?
Estrogen acts as a key neurotransmitter that helps stabilise the mood during the cycles. A sudden oestrogenic variation can lead to mood changes and irritation, and even depression.
Role in Sleep Regulation
Estrogen also influences the circadian rhythm, which regulates the general sleep-wake cycle in the body. Fluctuations in oestrogen levels can directly affect sleep and hamper your circadian rhythm.
Wrapping Up
When we say controlling oestrogen levels, we mean maintaining the balance of oestrogen and testosterone. Entirely suppressing oestrogen is not only discouraged, but it can also be detrimental to your health. Maintaining oestrogenic balance during the testosterone cycle will help you to avoid crucial side effects like hormonal imbalance and gynaecomastia.
Pair Your Testosterone Cycle with an Effective Oestrogen Management Plan!
Want to have a safe testosterone cycle? Combine testosterone with smart oestrogenic management using the right oestrogenic blocker according to the consultation provided by your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. For How Long Should I Run a Testosterone Cycle?
Depending on your goal and preferred ester you are using, it is recommended to use Testosterone Propionate for 6 to 8 weeks and Testosterone Enanthate or Cypionate for 10 to 16 weeks.
2. Is It Necessary to Do PCT After the Testosterone Cycle?
Yes. It is non-negotiable.
3. I Am Taking Aromatase Inhibitors, and I Am Feeling Mild Joint Pain. Is It Something Worth Worrying About?
It is a common side effect of AIs, as the users might experience joint and muscle pain.
4. Will Oestrogen Production in My Body Be Suppressed After I Use SERMs?
No. SERMs will rather adjust the level of oestrogen production in your body.
