Oxymetholone (Anadrol)

What is Oxymetholone (Different Names)?

Oxymetholone is a synthetic androgen and anabolic steroid (AAS). It is a derivative of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is most commonly known by the brand names Anadrol and Anapolon. It has also been marketed under other names, including Adroyd, Androlic, Hemogenin, and Oxitosona.

Side Effects and Benefits

Benefits (Medical and Off-label)

• Treatment of Anemia: Oxymetholone is FDA-approved for the treatment of anemias caused by deficient red blood cell production, such as aplastic anemia. It works by enhancing the production of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell creation.

• Weight Gain and Muscle Growth: It is prescribed to patients experiencing significant weight loss due to chronic diseases like HIV/AIDS and certain cancers. It can also be used to promote muscle growth and weight gain after surgery or illness.

• Osteoporosis: In some cases, it may be used to help increase bone density in patients with osteoporosis.

• Rapid Muscle and Strength Gains: In the context of performance enhancement, it is known for its ability to produce rapid and dramatic increases in muscle mass and strength.

Side Effects

The side effects of Oxymetholone can be severe and life-threatening.

• Hepatotoxicity (Liver Damage): This is one of the most serious risks. Oxymetholone is a 17α-alkylated steroid, meaning it is modified to be taken orally, but this modification makes it highly toxic to the liver. This can lead to cholestatic jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), peliosis hepatis (blood-filled cysts in the liver and spleen), liver tumors, and in rare cases, liver necrosis and death.

• Cardiovascular Issues: It can negatively impact cholesterol levels, increasing LDL ("bad") cholesterol and decreasing HDL ("good") cholesterol, which raises the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. It can also cause fluid retention, leading to increased blood pressure.

• Androgenic Side Effects (in both men and women):

  • Acne

  • Male-pattern baldness (in genetically predisposed individuals)

  • Body and facial hair growth (hirsutism)

  • Deepened voice

  • Increased libido

• Side Effects in Males:

  • Testicular atrophy (shrinkage) and suppressed testicular function

  • Oligospermia (low sperm count)

  • Gynecomastia (development of breast tissue)

  • Erectile dysfunction

• Side Effects in Females (Virilization):

  • Deepening of the voice (often irreversible)

  • Enlargement of the clitoris (clitoral hypertrophy, also often irreversible)

  • Changes in menstrual periods

  • Male-pattern baldness and facial hair growth

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Extremely Potent Anabolic Effects: It is one of the most powerful oral steroids for building muscle and strength.

• Fast-Acting: Users often report significant gains in muscle size and strength within a few weeks of use.

• Increased Red Blood Cell Production: This can improve oxygen delivery to muscles, enhancing endurance and recovery.

Cons

• High Hepatotoxicity: The risk of severe liver damage is a major concern.

• Significant Estrogenic Side Effects: Despite not aromatizing into estrogen, it can cause gynecomastia and severe water retention, likely through direct activation of estrogen receptors.

• Androgenic Side Effects: The potential for virilization in women and other androgenic effects in both sexes is high.

• Suppression of Natural Hormone Production: It heavily suppresses the body's natural production of testosterone.

• Cardiovascular Strain: Its negative impact on cholesterol and blood pressure poses a significant health risk.

Dosage and Frequency

In a medical context, the usual effective dosage for adults and children is 1-2 mg/kg per day. However, dosages can be individualized and may go up to 5 mg/kg per day.

For non-medical, performance-enhancing use, common doses are typically in the range of 50-150 mg per day. Due to its short half-life, it is often taken once or twice daily. Cycles are generally kept short, usually no more than 4-6 weeks, to mitigate the risk of severe liver damage.

Half-Life and Detection Time

• Half-Life: The half-life of Oxymetholone is estimated to be around 8 to 15 hours. This is why it is often taken multiple times a day to maintain stable blood levels.

• Detection Time: The detection time for Oxymetholone is significantly longer than its half-life, often ranging from 6 to 8 weeks in urine analysis. This is due to its metabolites, which can be detected long after the parent drug has left the body.

Sterogenic, Progestogenic, and Prolactin Effects

• Estrogenic: Oxymetholone is unique among DHT-derived steroids because it exhibits significant estrogenic activity. While it does not aromatize (convert to estrogen), it can directly bind to and activate the estrogen receptor, leading to classic estrogenic side effects such as gynecomastia and water retention.

• Progestogenic: Oxymetholone does not have significant progestogenic activity.

• Prolactin: There is no significant evidence to suggest that Oxymetholone directly increases prolactin levels. However, its estrogenic effects could indirectly contribute to a rise in prolactin, as high estrogen levels can stimulate prolactin secretion.

Anabolic-Androgenic Ratio

Oxymetholone has a very high anabolic-to-androgenic ratio. While this is often cited in anecdotal reports and some literature, the exact number can vary depending on the testing method. A commonly cited ratio is 320:45, using testosterone as the baseline (100:100). This indicates that it is highly anabolic (muscle-building) with relatively lower, though still significant, androgenic effects.