Raloxifene (Evista) PCT 101: The Bodybuilder's Guide

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Do you want a SERM that’s been scientifically proven to be effective for combatting gynecomastia? Raloxifene might very well be our best SERM yet for gyno – but how does it stack up for PCT?

SERMs are a must-have for any anabolic steroid user, but not all SERMs are created equally. I’ve gone deep into researching all that we gear users need to know about using Ralox both on-cycle and for PCT. Ready to find out how Raloxifene can benefit you? Let’s jump in!

What is Raloxifene?

Raloxifene might not be the best-known SERM among bodybuilders, but it’s one that definitely has its fans.

Compared to the SERMs we’re more familiar with, Ralox is new, and it only gained FDA approval for medical use in the US in 1997. But Raloxifene has proven to be a very effective SERM and is prescribed at more than 1 million prescriptions per year in the US alone for medical use.

Of course, these numbers don’t include the bodybuilders who utilize Raloxifene for both on-cycle and PCT use, but this is a SERM that is gaining in popularity thanks to its excellent ability to mitigate and reverse gynecomastia.

History and Overview

Raloxifene has been around since 1997 and, since then, has gained FDA approval for treating a number of conditions. The two main medical uses of Raloxifene are in post-menopausal women with these conditions:

Osteoporosis
Invasive breast cancer

Raloxifene has been prescribed as a treatment for pubertal gynecomastia – a condition where males develop excess breast tissue during puberty that doesn’t subside on its own.

Raloxifene is sometimes the last option for males suffering from pubertal gyno before surgery is considered. However, its use as a gynecomastia treatment is still off-label, and whether or not it will ever have FDA approval for this purpose is still unknown.

There are some other medical conditions where Ralox has shown potential, including:

Schizophrenia
Prostate cancer

Raloxifene is considered such an essential drug that it was given the status of an “orphan drug” in 2005 for a very rare condition called hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, making it available for a small number of people who suffer from this rare blood vessel disorder.

Raloxifene is prescribed in more than 50 countries, and as such, there are many brand names that you’ll find it under worldwide, as well as generic products. The most well-known brand within the US is Evista.

Mechanism of Action

Raloxifene acts as an estrogen agonist on bone receptors, which is what makes it a useful osteoporosis treatment.

When it comes to stimulating and increasing testosterone, Raloxifene has relatively weak mechanisms of action in this regard – at least compared to other SERMs. So much so that it’s not considered one of the more useful PCT drugs for us steroid users when you compare it to other SERMs.

Raloxifene does excel in its mechanisms of action in managing gynecomastia on cycle because of its strong anti-estrogenic actions in breast tissue.

Ralox blocks estrogen from attaching to receptors in the breast tissue, stopping estrogen from exerting its effects on the breast – and it does this without lowering your total circulating estrogen levels as aromatase inhibitor drugs do.

Effects of Raloxifene (Benefits) for Men

Of all the SERMs we have available, Raloxifene is perhaps the least useful for PCT use due to its testosterone-stimulating abilities being relatively weak in comparison to SERMs like Enclomiphene and Clomid.

So, our primary focus with Ralox is its on-cycle use as an anti-estrogen, specifically for combatting and preventing gyno. While this is what I’d call its absolute primary benefit, some secondary benefits and effects are well worth knowing about, too.

Preventing and Reversing Gynecomastia

The main (and usually only) reason we will use Raloxifene is for its gynecomastia prevention and reversal effects during a cycle of aromatizing anabolic steroids.

It is VERY effective at this task and may be the best SERM for the job. We know this from its use in reversing pubertal gyno, in some cases reversing the symptoms that have been there for several years.

Stimulating Testosterone

As I mentioned, Raloxifene is not going to be your first or even second or third choice SERM for post-cycle therapy testosterone recovery. But that doesn’t mean it has no effect on testosterone – Raloxifene has been shown in studies to increase total testosterone levels through increasing LH and FSH.

What Raloxifene also does is increase sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels at the same time, and some studies have shown that the levels of total free testosterone do not increase or decrease because of the binding to SHGB. In contrast, other studies found that unbound bioavailable testosterone increased by 20% in elderly men^[1].

Cardiovascular Benefits and Decreased Cholesterol

There is evidence from studies that Ralox will decrease LDL and total cholesterol levels^[2]. Although it’s not going to be a replacement for other types of cholesterol support, this can only be a positive benefit for your on-cycle use, where anabolic steroids are raising your cholesterol levels.

With Ralox given orphan drug status for treating a rare vascular condition, we know that it has benefits in this area, which have been revealed in studies: Raloxifene can improve local blood flow by reducing the vascular smooth muscle tone and improving the function of the endothelium inside blood vessels^[3].

What is Gynecomastia (Gyno)?

Nothing strikes fear into the heart of the male bodybuilder more than gynecomastia. The dreaded gyno is something we all want to avoid on a steroid cycle.

The good news for us is that we gear users aren’t the only ones who suffer from gyno. Some unlucky guys develop gyno symptoms during puberty, where the breast tissue enlarges or overdevelops.

Can you imagine how stressful that would be?

It means gyno is relatively well researched in terms of treatment and prevention options – although the most advanced and irreversible cases often require surgery to remove the excess breast tissue physically.

Think about that for a minute. Invasive surgery to remove man boobs that you’ve developed while on steroids. These days, the most effective gyno surgery technique is laser liposuction (or laser lipolysis), often done by a cosmetic surgeon. Needless to say, this can be a very expensive procedure.

But we do not need to (and should not) let gyno get to that point. Gyno usually develops in steroid users when their estrogen levels get too high and attach to breast estrogen receptors. Aromatizing steroids taken at high doses are the main culprits of gyno: Testosterone and Dianabol are two examples.

The first signs of gyno will typically be:

Nipple sensitivity
Tingling in the nipples
Puffy nipples
A hard lump beneath one or both nipples

With the proper on-cycle prevention and reversal measures with effective SERMs like Raloxifene, the above symptoms can be addressed very quickly, and in most cases, you’ll see them disappear.

Raloxifene for PCT

Raloxifene is far from the most effective PCT SERM we can use. That doesn’t mean it’s not worth considering, especially where the cycle you’ve been on has only been moderately suppressive.

Raloxifene really shines for anti-gyno on-cycle usage, and you’ll want to get your dose right to keep that gyno at bay.

Doses

For osteoporosis treatment, Ralox is typically dosed at 60mg per day. For treatment of pubertal gynecomastia, doses of between 30mg and 60mg are typically advised, and this will often be for lengths of up to 9 months, which is deemed safe and effective.

I have heard of some men taking 120mg/day for treating long-term gyno, but such a high dose will come with unknown risks.

Raloxifene Dosage On-cycle

If you’re already using an AI on cycle but still seeing the beginnings of gynecomastia (sensitive or puffy nipples), then adding Raloxifene in at 30mg/day will often be enough to halt any further development of gyno and to reverse those frightening symptoms pretty quickly.

If you need some additional power in reversing gyno signs, then 60mg has been proven in numerous medical studies to be a safe and effective dose, even when taken for many months.

Raloxifene Dosage for PCT

I don’t recommend using Raloxifene for any PCT cycle because it does not have the level of testosterone-stimulating effects that other SERMs like Clomid, Nolvadex, or Enclomiphene.

Yes, there are studies showing that 60mg/day given to males for one month increases testosterone by 20%^[4]. However, we still consider this a weak SERM for the purpose of stimulating testosterone from a significantly suppressed state, as is the case when we start PCT.

If you do choose to use Ralox for PCT (perhaps after using only mildly suppressive SARMs or steroids), then a dose of 60mg/day for 4-6 weeks is recommended.

Dosing Schedule, Half-life, and PCT Length

Raloxifene has a half-life of about 28 hours, so dosing it once per day is perfectly fine. Higher doses of Raloxifene may be split into two daily administrations (doses of 120mg) if you’re concerned about side effects – however, this is not considered necessary.

When you use Ralox for PCT, you would want to run it for a standard PCT cycle length of 4 to 6 weeks. With numerous medical studies on Ralox showing that it is a safe and well-tolerated SERM for nine months or more, you should have no problems using it for our relatively short PCT lengths of time.

Proper Administration and Timing

If I’m taking 30mg or 60mg per day, a once-daily administration works perfectly and makes for a hassle-free SERM that can be taken in the morning or at night and with or without food.

Whenever you choose to take it, it’s always recommended to take your Ralox dose at the same time each day to maintain consistency. Ralox comes as a standard tablet, which is easily taken with water.

Raloxifene vs. Other PCT Options

Despite its excellent on-cycle benefits, Raloxifene is probably the least effective SERM for PCT purposes. It’s well worth comparing Raloxifene to some of our other PCT and on-cycle options to learn how to make the right choice.

It’s not only other SERMs you’ll want to consider alongside Raloxifene either. Knowing how that other critically important class of drugs that steroid users take compares to Raloxifine is vital – these are the aromatase inhibitors (AIs).

Raloxifene vs. Nolvadex

Nolvadex is effective against gyno for most people except in the more severe cases. You also get to use it for PCT, eliminating the need to buy two different SERMs.

The big difference between Ralox and Nolvadex from our viewpoint as bodybuilders is when we get the most benefit from each one:

Nolvadex is best used for PCT to stimulate testosterone
Raloxifene is ideal for on-cycle use to prevent and reverse gyno

A study comparing Raloxifene and Tamoxifen as pubertal gynecomastia treatments found that patients responded better to Ralox than to Nolvadex^[5]. So, both of these SERMs have their place during and after your cycle, but if you prefer to stick with one SERM, then Nolvadex would be your best choice here.

Raloxifene vs. Arimidex

Arimidex is a popular aromatase inhibitor (AI), placing it in a very different category of drugs to the SERM Raloxifene.

Like all AIs, Arimidex will lower (and potentially crash) your total estrogen levels, and that’s what makes it so worthwhile for anti-estrogenic use on-cycle.

Arimidex will not only address gyno on-cycle but water retention as well. Raloxifene is selectively targeted to breast tissue and won’t do anything for your water retention issues.

But Arimidex is not something you’d want to use during PCT. Think about it: The last thing you want is crashed estrogen. And while Raloxifene won’t crash estrogen levels, it doesn’t have potent enough testosterone-stimulating effects to be of much use for PCT for most steroid cycles.

In summary:

Both Raloxifene and Arimidex are useful on-cycle ancillaries that work in different ways. Still, while neither of them is an ideal PCT drug, Ralox would be the one to choose for post-cycle therapy use.

Raloxifene vs. Clomid

Clomid is best used as a PCT SERM and will provide a much stronger stimulation of testosterone following a suppressive cycle.

While Raloxifene can potentially stimulate and increase testosterone to an extent, its effectiveness is limited by the fact that it simultaneously increases SHGB – which testosterone can bind to. The result can be minimal or even no increase in total free testosterone levels.

Indeed, the Raloxifene effect on testosterone is unlikely to be strong enough to be suited for PCT use for all but then most mildly suppressive cycles.

Raloxifene is by far the best choice of these two SERMs for on-cycle gyno control, with Clomid only being moderately effective and comes with some of the more challenging side effects of all the SERMs.

Many cycles can make use of both Raloxifene and Clomid: Ralox for your on-cycle anti-gyno needs and Clomid as part of a PCT protocol.

Raloxifene Side Effects in Men

Most SERMs will come with one or two concerning side effects, although we should never forget that many people will use Raloxifene and experience NO side effects at all.

I’ve heard a good number of guys running relatively high doses of this SERM with no sides. We also have studies where Ralox was prescribed for extensive lengths of time – 6 to 9 months – and no severe complications were identified. An 8-year study on over 4,000 women established the clinical safety of Ralox^[6].

Extensive studies on Raloxifene have revealed a list of side effects that some participants experienced, and this is to be expected with any drug – your individual response is going to be different from mine.

There is one potentially serious (though not common) side effect to be aware of with Raloxifene and a few minor adverse effects that some users will experience.

Minor and Temporary Side Effects

Some minor and temporary side effects that users occasionally report or that are listed as potential side effects by manufacturers include:

Headaches, lethargy, and hot flashes
Joint pain, increased sweating, and flu-like symptoms
Hands, feet, or ankle swelling
Cramps – A tiny number of users might experience cramping in the legs.

Probably the most concerning possible side effect is an increased risk of blood clot formation.

Blood Clots

If you have a history of conditions like deep vein thrombosis, then Raloxifene is one to be careful about taking. The eyes, legs, and lungs are the main risk areas for blood clots.

It’s vital to keep in mind that the statistical information about blood clots related to Ralox is based on studies with postmenopausal women, and we do not know whether the same level of risk exists for younger people or males.

Decreased IGF-1

One study showed a decrease in IGF-1 levels in males^[7]. This is a very anabolic hormone and one you’ll want to keep at an optimal level for muscle growth. Utilizing an anabolic that increases IGF-1, such as testosterone, should result in this side effect not being a problem.

This side effect is very unlikely to cause noticeable issues for steroid users and is one that I don’t worry about.

Where to Buy Raloxifene?

Raloxifene is widely prescribed around the world, mainly as an osteoporosis treatment for women but also for treating pubertal gyno in males as an off-label medication.

This means the pharmaceutical supply of Raloxifene is high in most countries. However, this won’t necessarily mean you will find it easy to get your hands on genuine pharmaceutical-grade Raloxifene.

Availability of Raloxifene

You will find Raloxifene being sold through countless online pharmacies – provided you have a prescription to submit with your purchase.

Obviously, what we all want with any ancillary is pharmaceutical grade, but despite Raloxifene’s widespread use worldwide, it’s not an easy pharma-grade product to get your hands on.

Underground lab and black market Raloxifene is where most bodybuilders will buy this SERM from. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as there are many underground labs supplying high-purity Ralox.

Easily found online is Raloxifene imported from countries like India under brand names like EviMed in standard 60mg tablets, and you’ll find these are reasonably priced.

Is Raloxifene Legal?

Raloxifene is legally prescribed to treat several medical conditions. In the US, this primarily means treating osteoporosis, so unless you’re a post-menopausal woman with osteoporosis, then you’re not likely going to receive a Raloxifene prescription. With that said, obtaining pharmaceutical branded or generic Raloxifene is unlikely to land you in any legal trouble.

Raloxifene is not placed in a prohibited or controlled substance category of drugs like anabolic steroids, and no matter where you get your Ralox from (whether from a pharmaceutical source or a UGL), you’re probably not going to raise any eyebrows with authorities just for possessing a small amount of this SERM for personal use.

Typical Pricing

All genuine Raloxifene tablets are sold in 60mg per tablet concentrations, as this is the standard dosage for most medical prescriptions.

Underground lab Raloxifene from reputable suppliers can be found online for around $50 for a pack of 60 tablets.

If you have a Raloxifene prescription and can buy the genuine Evista product in the US, you could be looking at over $100 for 60 tablets, depending on your health insurance arrangements.

Final Thoughts

Raloxifene is brilliant for on-cycle gyno control. It could be the best SERM we have for both preventing and reversing early signs of gyno. But I would not advise using it for PCT.

It’s certainly not entirely useless for stimulating testosterone, and it’s just that there are too many other MUCH better options available to us for post-cycle therapy use. So there’s really no reason you’d want to run Raloxifene for that purpose unless you really are using mild compounds, like some SARMs, which are minimally suppressive.

All in all, Raloxifene has proven to be a low-risk, safe, and effective SERM in numerous studies, and it’s one where there’s little risk in giving it a try if you want to find out how its effects compare to other SERMs.

Related:

— Furious Joe

Raloxifene (Evista) PCT 101: The Bodybuilder’s Guide