Steroid users take Nolvadex (Tamoxifen) to prevent the effects of estrogen in the body. This estrogen is most often the result of aromatizing steroids.

Tamoxifen can aid in preventing edema, gynecomastia, and female pattern fat distribution, all of which might occur when a man's estrogen levels are too high. Also, these effects can occur when androgen levels are too low, making estrogen the predominant hormone. This can occur when endogenous androgens have been suppressed by the prolonged use of exogenous steroids.

It works so well for some bodybuilders they can take drugs like Anadrol right up to a contest as long as they stack it with Tamoxifen. It would seem wise to take this drug in conjunction with any steroid cycle.

In bodybuilding circles, Nolvadex is used as both an on-cycle ancillary drug and a recovery or as a post-cycle therapy drug.