From the Research
There is no recommended dose of tamoxifen for post cycle therapy (PCT) after testosterone use, as this is not an FDA-approved indication for tamoxifen. Tamoxifen is approved for breast cancer treatment and prevention, not for managing hormonal imbalances after anabolic steroid or testosterone use. While some bodybuilders and athletes may use tamoxifen off-label during PCT to block estrogen receptors and potentially restore natural testosterone production, this practice lacks clinical evidence for safety and efficacy, as noted in a case report of a young fitness enthusiast who experienced an ischemic stroke after using anabolic steroids and tamoxifen for PCT 1.
The hormonal disruption caused by exogenous testosterone use is complex, potentially involving the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, and self-medication with tamoxifen carries risks including blood clots, vision changes, and liver problems. A study on the effects of tamoxifen on testosterone metabolism in postmenopausal women with breast cancer found that tamoxifen did not produce any significant change in the metabolic clearance rate, plasma concentration, or calculated blood production rate of testosterone 2. However, another study suggested that tamoxifen may increase gonadotropin and testosterone levels in men with hypogonadism, but its use is off-label and data supporting its efficacy on hypogonadal symptoms are insufficient 3.
Some studies have explored the use of clomiphene citrate as an alternative to tamoxifen for hypogonadal men, with one study finding that clomiphene citrate increased total testosterone levels in 89% of patients and improved hypogonadal symptoms in 74% of patients 4. However, the use of tamoxifen or clomiphene citrate for PCT is not supported by strong clinical evidence, and anyone experiencing symptoms after stopping testosterone should consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and medically supervised treatment rather than self-administering tamoxifen or other prescription medications.
Key points to consider:
- Tamoxifen is not FDA-approved for post cycle therapy after testosterone use
- Self-medication with tamoxifen carries risks including blood clots, vision changes, and liver problems
- The use of tamoxifen or clomiphene citrate for PCT lacks strong clinical evidence for safety and efficacy
- Anyone experiencing symptoms after stopping testosterone should consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and medically supervised treatment.