Cytadren 101
Cytadren, also known by its generic name Aminoglutethimide (AG), is a medication primarily used in the treatment of hormone-related conditions like Cushing’s syndrome and breast cancer.
Cytadren could be classified as an aromatase inhibitor, but it does so many other things that it would be unfair to group it with Arimidex, Aromasin and other traditional anti-estrogens.
In fact, I would argue that Cytadren is one of the most fascinating tools in bodybuilding, and I think it deserve a lot more attention. After reading this article, you will understand why that is, how cytadren works and what it can do for you if used correctly.
What does Cytadren do in the body?
Cytadren inhibits a wide range of enzymes in the body:
The Aromatase Enzyme
By inhibiting the aromatase enzyme, Cytadren decreases the conversion of Testosterone and other aromatizing androgens into different forms of estrogen.
The Aldosterone Synthase Enzyme
By inhibiting this enzyme, Cytadren decreases aldosterone levels and exerts diuretic effects.
The 21-Hydroxylase and 11-Beta-Hydroxylase Enzymes
The inhibition of these enzymes involved in the synthesis of cortisol allows Cytadren to decrease systemic cortisol levels.
The Cholesterol Side-chain Cleavage Enzyme
This enzyme is involved in the production of steroid hormones. By inhibiting it, Cytadren decreases the production of androgens, progestogens, neurosteroids, etc… This may be bad for a natural but does not really affect enhanced bodybuilders who are running Testosterone.
Benefits of Cytadren for bodybuilders
Cytadren offers 3 key benefits to enhanced bodybuilders:
Estrogen Management
As an AI, cytadren can be used during cycles of Testosterone and other AAS to prevent high estradiol levels and avoid side-effects like gynecomastia, moodiness, water retention, acne, etc…
Diuretic Effects
By inhibiting aldosterone, Cytadren promotes the excretion of fluids and allows bodybuilders to achieve a more defined and peeled look.
Fat-Loss & Muscle Retention
The inhibition of cortisol levels not only allows bodybuilders to fight stress, but it also helps them lose more fat and retain muscle mass while doing so. After all, cortisol promotes the accumulation of stubborn fat as well as the breakdown of muscle tissue.
Side-effects of Cytadren
There are two main issues with Cytadren usage.
Firstly, the inhibition of aldosterone can cause kidney damage, dehydration, low sodium levels and other typical side-effects of diuretic usage.
Secondly, the inhibition of the cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme decreases the production of all steroid hormones in the body. While a decrease in Testosterone levels is irrelevant to enhanced bodybuilders who are using exogenous androgens, they should still worry about being deficient in progesterone, corticosteroids and neurosteroids that play a key role in general health and well-being.
As a result, Cytadren users often report side-effects like lethargy, fatigue, depression, etc… In my opinion, supplementing with Pregnenolone and DHEA could offset the inhibition of steroid hormones to a great extent and prevent some of these side-effects.
How to use Cytadren
Cytadren is typically taken orally at 250 to 500mg per day (split into two or three servings). It is normally used for up to 1 month at a time.
Personally, I would only recommend using it if you are someone who has ample experience with PEDs, anti-estrogens and diuretics and you are looking for something that can kill multiple birds with one stone.
Due to its diuretic and cortisol-inhibiting effects, I see it being very useful in a bodybuilding prep context, especially towards the end of it.
Use at your own risk.
