Farestron (Toremifene Citrate) is an estrogen receptro antagonist with mixed agonis/antagonist properties(specifically classified as a SERM). It is a non-steroidsa triphenylethylene derivative, similar in structure and action to both Nolvadex(Tamoxifen Citrate), and Clomid(clomiphene Citrate). Fareston is used for the treatment of breast cancer in postmenupausal women with estrogen receptor positive or unsure if the cancer is estrogen responsive) tumors. It works by attaching to the estrogen receptor in various tissues, blocking endogenous estrogen from exerting biological activity. This agent is the newest mixed estrogen receptro agonist/antagonist to get our attention in the bodybuilding world, and was approved by the FDA in 1997.
Anti-estrogenic drugs like Fareston are popular with bodybuilders because they help us deal with many of the "negative" aspects of high estrogen levels. Estrogen can work to hide muscle definition by increasing water retention and fat buildup for example, and can also promote gynocomastia if levels get too high. Since androgens and estrogens play opposing rols on the dispositon of body fat and the growth of mammary tissues, maximizing the ratio between these two compounds is often an important objective, particularly at times when dieting and cutting are key goals or gynecomastia is a worrry because strongly aromatized hormones such as testosterone are being supplemented. A drug like Fareston can be a key asset here.
But there are also some 'positive' attributes to estrogen that need to be taken into account as well. This included the support of 'good' high-density choleterol synthesis, increased muscle glucose utilization for tissue growth and repair, and even increased androgen receptor concentrations in various tissues. It is now understood that estrogen serves many useful purposes in men, particularly if we are looking for rapid muscle mass gain. If bulk is the goal, it is therefore usually advisable to hold off on estrogen maintenance compounds until there is a clear need for them.
All of the triphenylethylene compounds (Toremifene, Nolvadex, and Clomid) do have and added benefit of being somewhat intrinsically estrogenic in the liver. This means that while they can block estrogenic activity in the areas where we do not want it, like the breast, they replace estrogenic action in this key area of the body where we do. Estrogenic action in the liver is, of course, important in the regulation of serum cholesterol (it tends to support HDL synthesis and LDL reductions). Since steroid using bodybuilders are already dealing with the negative cardiovascular effects of these drugs, compounding the issue with Aromatase inhibitors is not always the best option. Using a drug that blocks estrogen, while at the same time supporting cholesterol values, seems much more ideal. In terms of which agent is the best in this regard, evidence does suggest that positive lipid altering benefits of toremifene are stronger than those of tamoxifen (197). If this in important to you, than Fareston may very well be your anti-estrogenic agent of choice.
At the pharmacy, thirty 60mg tablets of Fareston sell for about $100. The typical daily dose used is one tablet per day. Unfortunately, due to rapid metabolism and less than maximum potency, its not a good idea to split the dose into an every other day schedule. At 60mg per day you should notice estrogenic minimization at least on par with 20mg of tamoxifen, combined with a stronger positive effect on ones cardiovascular risk profile.
197- Antiatherogenic effects of adjuvant antiestrogens a randomized trial comparing the effects of tamoxifen and toremifene on plasma lipid levels in postmenupausal women with node-positive breast cancer. Saarto T, Blomqvist C, Ehnholm C, Taskinen MR, Elomaa I, J Clin Oncol, 1996 Feb; 14(2):429-33
