About Aromatase Inhibitors
In the human body, testosterone is converted into estradiol (a type of estrogen) by the enzyme aromatase. This natural process is known as aromatization and occurs at increased levels in aging males. It also occurs to a higher degree when testosterone is introduced exogenously, with increasing amounts of aromatization occurrence intrinsically linked to elevated levels of testosterone. Aromatization results as a response to a spike in testosterone from Testosterone Replacement Therapy and this is controlled through the use of Aromatase Inhibitors (AI). Ideally, the amount of aromatization that occurs from TRT mimics that of naturally occurring aromatization, thus rendering the use of an AI unnecessary, as a certain level of estradiol is required for normal biological function.
The abuse of various anabolic steroid compounds, including ultra/supra physiological levels of Testosterone, invariably results in physically damaging aromatization, unless controlled with Aromatase Inhibitors. Many experienced body-builders understand this, however, many inexperienced steroid users neglect to include an AI with their steroid cycle, and end up causing severe health complications. Aromatization caused by excessive steroid use puts users at risk for extreme damage to the body over a brief time. In contrast, natural aromatization will cause the aging male body to gradually decline in muscle mass and strength over the course of many years.
Normal aromatization serves a primary biological function and is beneficial – it helps the body maintain a healthy balance in terms of temperature, hormonal activity, and mass. It also assists in the synthesis of cholesterol and fats.