Tamoxifen citrate is also helpful after a cycle in that it reduces water retention. This may lead some users to think that their gains are going away. On the other hand it will also lead to a harder look to the muscles which is desirable.

Some users may have heard that Tamoxifen citrate will take away their gains. This is not true. It is based on scientific literature showing a slight reduction in IGF-1 levels in Nolvadex users. This research was not done on steroid users and if the effect exists it has to be very minor. Many bodybuilders have made excellent gains while using Tamoxifen citrate and it is almost a given these days for a proper post cycle therapy.

It should also be noted that Tamoxifen citrate and Clomiphene citrate (Clomid) are structurally very similar and in fact exert the same influence. The difference between the two is that Tamoxifen citrate is a much stronger SERM – 5 times as strong as Clomid.

Finally, Tamoxifen citrate seems to also have a slight effect on increasing testosterone production post cycle. It seems to increase the responsiveness of LH (luteinizing hormone) to GnRH (gonadtropin releasing hormone). This is beneficial because the entire goal of PCT is to restore the natural production of testosterone as quickly as possible so that gains made on cycle are not lost.

Tamoxifen citrate can also be used on cycle if signs of gynocomastia occur. The usual protocol is to start 20mg of Tamoxifen citrate immediately to reduce the symptoms and to start an AI like letrozole or arimidex at the same time to actively reduce estrogen. This can be continued until several days after the symptoms go away.