In my understanding, the SERM blocks estrogen selectively on the breast tissue. If a SERM is in the estrogen receptor, there is no room for estrogen to attach to the cell. If estrogen isn't attached to a breast cell, the cell doesn't receive estrogen's signals to grow and multiply. So the elevated E levels shouldnt result in gyno as they wont be able to bind in that tissue.
Meaning once you drop the AI, even if its arimidex (non suicidal) the SERM should be doing its job to help you avoid any gyno sides...
Thats what i though regarding stopping with the AI mid PCT... because you still have that SERM there "protecting" you.
AFAIK, which I may be completely wrong here to be honest, theres a higher chance of rebound from arimidex than a serm like nolva. So the idea would be drop the arimidex while you are still using nolva, which should be binding to the brest tissue and taper the nolva to minimize rebound as well... (if using exemestane like you mention, then maybe this wouldnt matter though)
Also maybe start with an OTC AI to help keep estro in check like DIM, I3C and urtica dioica or abieta by the end of PCT + post pct just to be on the safe side, help metabolize E and manage things while the natural balance is being restored
I dont know... just some thoughts on how to make things transition as smooth as possible. What do you think?
The SERM will block some of the action of Estrogen at the receptor, not all of it. When you use SERMs, especially at high doses, you have some protection against the rise in Estrogen that the SERM is also causing. Your SERM may put your E at very high levels and when you end your SERM usage (and thus protection), your E levels may still be drastically elevated. Using an AI in this scenario keeps E in Check while still allowing T to rise at the same time.
As I mentioned before, if you have managed your E levels properly during cycle and PCT, your chances of rebound are
less likely.
Yes, the SERM will still offer some protection if you stop AI usage prior to stopping the SERM. The hope though is that you properly managed your E and it is not elevated beyond what the body can quickly deal with after the SERM is finished. Keep in mind though that these SERMs have long half-lives and will likely be artificially raising T, and thus E, for weeks after your stop using them. Plenty of people use SERMs without an AI and are fine. Everyone is different. What I always say is if you use an AI, use it in mild doses (to start with), unless you know what you are doing or are veryifying your estrogen levels with bloodwork.
I don't recommend the use of Anastrazole for PCT purposes. Always taper your AI and SERM, I do this regardless of suicidal or non-suicidal AI, and regardless of what SERM I am using. If you properly manage your E levels throught the cycle and PCT, you could stop your AI just before, at the same time, or even after finishing your SERM. Too many factors to weigh. Without bloodwork, I err on the side of caution and run my AI just past my SERM.
If you've tapered properly and had no issues throughout, I wouldn't worry about adding in OTC AIs after the fact.
DIM and I3C are not AIs, they just help to skew the metabolism of estrogen into the healthier forms of it. They will not block the aromatase enzyme as far as I can recall. As I metioned before, DIM can be a solid addition to a PCT, even with your Rx AI or OTC AI. OTC AIs can absolutely be great for on cycle and PCT. It really just depends on the circumstances.
In the end, I think using less drugs is better. If you can PCT with a SERM and no AI and have great recovery, that's awesome. If you can PCT with a SERM and an OTC AI, great as well. Trial and error.....