Hormone Antagonists and Modulators

What are Hormone Antagonists and Modulators?

Hormone antagonists and modulators, sometimes known as anti-oestrogenic substances act to either decrease the amount of oestrogen in the body or block the oestrogen receptors.

Medical Uses of Hormone Antagonists and Modulators

Some forms of Anti-oestrogenic drugs have been used in the treatment of breast cancer, contraception, osteoporosis and anovulatory infertility (infertility through cessation of ovulation).

Effects on Performance

The anti-oestrogenic drugs Tamoxifen and Clomiphene are used by both male and female athletes. Males use Tamoxifen in conjunction with Anabolic Steroids in an attempt to prevent gynecomasia (the development of oversized mammary glands in males). It is also used to increase testosterone levels.

Female body-builders and weight lifters have been known to use Tamoxifen as blocking the oestrogen receptors leaves testosterone unapposed, leading to an increase in masculine features.