Oxymesterone

What is Oxymesterone?

Oxymesterone (brand names: Anamidol, Balnimax, Oranabol, Sanaboral, Theranabol, Tubil) is an orally active anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS). It is a synthetic derivative of testosterone, also known as 4-hydroxy-17α-methyltestosterone or methandrostenediolone. It was first developed in the 1960s.

Benefits and Uses

Oxymesterone has been studied and used for various medical purposes, primarily due to its anabolic properties, which promote muscle growth and weight gain. Its approved medical uses include:

• Anemia: It is used to treat certain types of anemia, especially aplastic anemia, where the bone marrow fails to produce enough blood cells. It works by stimulating red blood cell production.

• Muscle Wasting: It has been prescribed to patients suffering from severe weight loss and muscle wasting due to chronic illnesses like cancer or HIV/AIDS.

• Osteoporosis: In some cases, it has been used to help increase bone density.

In athletic and bodybuilding contexts, users may seek its benefits for:

• Rapid Muscle Gain: It is known for its ability to quickly increase muscle mass.

• Improved Recovery: It can help with faster recovery from injuries or intense training.

• Enhanced Performance: Increased red blood cell production leads to better oxygen delivery to muscles, which can improve physical performance and endurance.

Side Effects

Like all anabolic-androgenic steroids, Oxymesterone carries a significant risk of side effects, which can range from mild to severe and potentially irreversible.

• Hepatotoxicity (Liver Toxicity): This is a major concern with oral C17-alpha alkylated steroids like Oxymesterone. Long-term use can cause liver tumors or blood-filled cysts in the liver or spleen. Symptoms of liver damage include nausea, upper stomach pain, dark urine, clay-colored stools, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

• Androgenic Side Effects: These are related to its androgenic activity and can include acne, male pattern baldness, and an increase in body hair. In women, these effects can lead to virilization, which is the development of male characteristics such as a deepened voice, enlarged clitoris, and changes in the menstrual cycle. These effects may be irreversible.

• Cardiovascular Issues: AAS use can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular problems, including hypertension, high cholesterol, and heart disease.

• Hormonal Imbalances:

  • In Men: Side effects can include gynecomastia (breast swelling), painful or prolonged erections, and decreased libido.

  • In Women: Changes in menstrual periods and changes in libido.

• Psychological Effects: Mood changes, including aggression and depression, have been reported.

• Other Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, insomnia, and breast swelling or tenderness (in both men and women).

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Effective for treating specific medical conditions like anemia and muscle wasting.

• Can lead to rapid gains in muscle mass and strength.

• May improve athletic performance by increasing red blood cell production.

Cons:

• High Risk of Liver Toxicity: This is a major and potentially life-threatening side effect.

• Significant Androgenic Side Effects: These can be particularly problematic for women, with irreversible virilization.

• Hormonal Disruption: Can lead to serious hormonal imbalances.

• Banned Substance: Oxymesterone is a banned substance by most athletic organizations.

Dosage and Frequency

Dosage and frequency for Oxymesterone are highly dependent on the medical condition being treated and the individual's body weight.

• Medical Dosage: For the treatment of anemia, recommended dosages of Oxymetholone (a closely related compound) are typically 1 to 5 milligrams per kilogram per day. This is an oral dose.

• Non-Medical Use: There is no universally agreed-upon "safe" dosage for non-medical use. The use of this substance for performance enhancement is not medically sanctioned and carries significant risks.

Half-Life and Detection Time

• Half-Life: Information on the half-life of Oxymesterone itself is limited. However, a similar compound, Oxymetholone (Anadrol), has a reported half-life of approximately 9 hours.

• Detection Time: Detection times for anabolic steroids can vary significantly based on the specific substance, dosage, frequency, and an individual's metabolism.

  • A study has identified a new metabolite of Oxymesterone that was detectable in urine for up to 46 days, significantly longer than the parent steroid itself.

  • For a closely related compound, Oxymetholone, the detection window can be up to 8 weeks in urine and over 3 months in hair.

Sterogenic, Progestronic, and Prolactin Effects

• Sterogenic Effects: Oxymesterone is an anabolic-androgenic steroid, meaning it exerts effects similar to testosterone. It promotes anabolism (muscle growth) and also has androgenic effects (development of male characteristics).

• Progestronic Effects: There is limited specific information available regarding the progestronic effects of Oxymesterone. However, some anabolic steroids can have progestogenic activity, which can contribute to side effects like gynecomastia.

• Prolactin Effects: Some anabolic steroids can lead to an increase in prolactin levels, which can cause side effects such as gynecomastia (in men) and galactorrhea (in both men and women). Specific data for Oxymesterone is scarce, but it's a potential consideration with AAS use.

Anabolic-Androgenic Ratio

The anabolic-androgenic ratio is a measure of a steroid's muscle-building properties (anabolic) relative to its masculinizing properties (androgenic), with testosterone serving as the baseline at 100:100.

While precise numbers for Oxymesterone are not widely available, it has been noted to have a high anabolic-to-androgenic ratio. A related compound, Oxymetholone, has a reported anabolic-androgenic ratio of 320:45. This suggests that the anabolic effects are significantly more pronounced than the androgenic effects, but it is important to remember that significant androgenic side effects can still occur, especially with high doses.