good question about Arimidex

[Stew Meat]

My fiance popped this question...

Since Arimidex is an anti-estrogen used primarily in women for breast cancer treatment, and a woman lacks the organ by which to produce large amounts of testosterone*, hence they have a very low level of circulating testosterone by which to convert to estrogen... then how does an anti-aromitase work in reducing estrogen whenever a woman's ovary is producing the estrogen... and NOT aromitase.

I couldn't come up with a logical answer.


*a woman does produce some testosterone through the adrenal cortex located on the kidney.


-Stew

 

[spentagn]

I dunno, but you've got mail

 

[liftsiron]

Stew here is what the PDR says.
The growth of many breast cancers is thought to be stimulated by estrogen. One of the hormones produced by the adrenal gland is converted to a form of estrogen by an enzyme called aromotase. Arimidex suppresses this enzyme and thereby reduces the amount of estrogen circulating in the body.
In another medical reference I read that Arimidex may reduce estrogen levels by as much as 80%. So appearently ovary estrogen production is secondary to the adrenal cortex. I also read that arimidex can elevate cholesterol levels. The other common side effects are to numerous to print, but should be studied by anyone using this drug.

 

[BigBoomer]

Just starting Arimidex

My new Endo is letting me use Arimidex instead of Tamoxifen. Thank GOD I finally found a doc that will listen and not be threatened by my knowledge and the information that I bring him. The tamoxifen didn't do anything to help me after my last surgery and HRT. Tumors grew right back and other Endos wouldn't give me more than 20 mg a day total. Retards. I need to block receptor site affinity and keep estrogen/aromatase enzyme levels down, which is the real answer to the original question for this post. Arimidex will lower estrogen levels to a certain point, but will affect the ability for estrogen to bind at the receptor sites in breast tissue and reduce the rapid conversion of testosterone into estrogen in some unlucky people (ME), and helps improve Sexual hormone binding globulin levels (which can be just as important as test/estrogen ratios). There are even more potential benefits, as well. However, a woman with normal hormone levels should not use this drug without having/recovering from breast cancer or have genetic testing done to prove the necessity. Tamoxifen is still a better choice for PREVENTION in women

Starting a low dose (I don't want to confess to him that I've used it a few times before), and then moving up. Insurance will actually cover this. My body is totally fucked up for hormones, and I do NOT want to start testosterone replacement therapy (big grin - free juice) until I get surgery done and start on the anti-estrogens.

I am having surgery for hormone related cancer in just a few days. Strong family history of breast cancer (Mom, Gmom died before 40), and I have numerous tumors in my chest and now lymph nodes. Heavy juice use in the past started the ball rolling for me, along with IMPROPER or LACK OF use of anti-estrogens and long cycles of Dbol/Anadrol/test (fill in the blank with any androgen) and a genetic pre-disposition. Lesson: Get the accessories BEFORE you start the gear if you aren't 100% sure of what you are doing or if you use reckless abandon like I did.