Anadrol (Oxymetholone) Steroid Profile

  • Trade name: Anadrol (AKA Anadrol, Anadrol-50)
  • Chemical Name: Oxymetholone 17β-hydroxy-2-hydroxymethylene-17-methyl-5α-androstan-3-one
  • Molecular Weight: 332.48 g/mol
  • Formula: C21H32O3
  • Original Manufacturer: Syntex
  • Half-Life: 8 – 9 hours
  • Detection Time: 2 months
  • Anabolic Rating: 320
  • Androgenic Rating: 45
  • Dosage: 50mg / tab

History and Overview of Anadrol (Oxymetholone)

Anadrol (Oxymetholone) is notorious for being one of the strongest oral anabolic steroids commercially available in human grade. Many bodybuilders consider Anadrol to be more effective and stronger in comparison to Dianabol (Methandrostenolone). Bodybuilders have often struggled to answer as to which of the two is stronger.

Anadrol chemical structureAs you can see above Anadrol is the product/trade/brand name of Oxymetholone, not to be confused with Oxandrolone aka Anavar which is a totally different compound. Anadrol was first publicly released in the year 1959 under the title of Anadrol-50 by a pharmaceutical manufacturer known as Syntex. Soon after its release Parke Davis & Co-producing and sold the same under the trade name of Android (not a bad name though). Even on the first release Anadrol/oxymetholone was prescription only and was hugely prescribed by medical professionals for treatment of a multitude of medical conditions ranging from infections to geriatric atrophy.

However, it’s most popular and most documented; use was found to be in the treatment of anemia. This is due to Anadrol’s ability to increase the overall count of the red blood cells and raise the hemoglobin levels in an individual suffering from anemia.

It is a well-proven fact that Anadrol induces erythropoiesis at an accelerated rate. Even though almost all of the anabolic steroids exhibit this tendency but they are quite unlike Anadrol. Anadrol’s ability far exceeds the ability to induce erythropoiesis at higher rates by any other anabolic steroid which is commercially available.

Research studies on Anadrol have shown an increase in the production of red blood cells by a factor of 5 folds. HIV Aids is a viral condition that stimulates/accelerates muscle loss. Studies performed on patients suffering from H.I.V Aids have shown the patients gaining up to 8kg in weight, while the group on placebo not only experienced mortality but a dramatic loss in weight as well. This is the very reason that Anadrol is being prescribed to patients suffering from AIDS in this day and age.

Chemistry Behind Anadrol

Anadrol belongs to the family of Dihydrotestosterone  (DHT). As a matter of fact, Anadrol is actually derived from Dihydrotestosterone  (DHT) and it is a modified version of DHT. Other compounds such as Winstrol, Masteron, Primobolan, Anavar, etc also belong to the Dihydrotestosterone  (DHT) family. DHT is the progenitor hormone of the aforementioned steroid compounds as they’re all modified versions of DHT.

Anadrol differs from its parent group in a way that it has an additional methyl group and a 2-hydroxy methylene group attached to it. The 2-hydroxy methylene group is attached to the carbon in the first cycloalkane ring of the compound’s structure. By reason of the aforementioned modifications, Anadrol is able to remain active inside muscle tissues longer than Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) itself. After entering the muscle tissue DHT is rendered inactive due to its reduction into other metabolites. The reduction occurs as a result of a naturally occurring compound in large quantities known as 3-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase within the muscle tissues. Due to a modified chemical structure, Anadrol isn’t affected by 3-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, thus not reduced. This allows Anadrol to enjoy a longer active life inside the muscle tissues and makes it very potent.

In terms of ratings, Anadrol holds an anabolic rating of 320 which is about 3 times the strength of Testosterone as testosterone has an anabolic rating of 100. Anadrol’s androgenic ratio is measured at 45 in comparison to Testosterone with an androgenic ratio of 100. The androgenic ratio is the measure of how a certain anabolic affects your natural androgenic receptor.

One of the downside characteristics of Anadrol is its ability to aromatase naturally. Normally DHT-derivatives are known for not being able to convert into Estrogen by the process known as Aromatization. But the case with Anadrol is different as it easily aromatizes into estrogen thus causing bloating, water retention and Gynecomastia, etc. Therefore, it is very important for any potential user to understand that even though being a DHT derivative Anadrol is susceptible to aromatization. Anadrol’s aromatization can be addressed by adding aromatase inhibitors; otherwise, it’ll be difficult for one to see hard and lean gains.

Another downside to Anadrol is that it is C17 Alpha Alkylated in order to pass through the liver without being destroyed. It is very harsh on the liver and causes hepatotoxicity. Where its chemical modifications make it desirable, the same causes the liver to work hard in order to break it down. The more strain on the liver, the more susceptibility to developing liver conditions. Based on that it’ll not be wrong to mention here that Anadrol is notoriously toxic on the liver. Perhaps it is one of the most liver-toxic oral anabolic steroids available out there.

 

Anadrol (Oxymetholone) Side Effects

Anadrol possesses a chemical modification that was intended to reduce hepatotoxicity but in reality and according to the studies conducted on HIV Patients (discussed above), Anadrol does raise liver enzyme markers. Therefore it is highly advised to conclude the Anadrol cycles within the range of 4 – 6 weeks while providing extra support to live with compounds such as Liv-52 by the Himalaya.

Even though being a DHT derivative, Anadrol does not itself convert into Estrogen but still induces the production of Estrogen in the body which promotes conditions such as gynecomastia, raised blood pressure, water retention, bloating, and an increase in bad cholesterol. The use of SERMs such as Nolvadex (Tamoxifen Citrate) does tend to mitigate gynecomastia but without much effect on water retention etc. It is sometimes speculated that Anadrol is progestogenic in nature but recent studies have demonstrated otherwise. Anadrol does not hold any progestogenic properties. However, progestogenic effects may be seen (unconfirmed) by Anadrol’s direct or indirect interaction with the Estrogen receptors in the body.

Anadrol’s progestogenic side isn’t as bad as Testosterone as it only holds an androgenic rating of 42. Upon absorption, Anadrol isn’t converted into DHT but instead is metabolized into 17-alpha-methyl dihydrotestosterone aka Mestanolone. Mestanolone is a strong androgen and due to this other side effects include but are not limited to:

  • Baldness;
  • Oily skin;
  • Acne;
  • Alteration in blood cholesterol profile (in both LDL & HDL);
  • Benign prostatic hyperplasia and etc.

Anadrol is also considered to have a negative effect on the cardiovascular system due to its strong androgenic properties though this has not been studied in detail.

 

Anadrol’s Usage and Cycles

Anadrol is mainly used for bulking or strength cycles as it is very effective in increasing overall mass. It is a poorly suited steroid for the purposes of losing fat, cutting, or shredding. This is mainly due to the estrogenic effects discussed above. Anadrol’s water retention/bloating effect obscures muscle definition and even aromatase inhibitors won’t be of much help with it.

Anadrol cycles are assembled in a way that it is used as a catalyst compound for the first 4 – 6 weeks in addition to the base injectable compounds such as testosterone enanthate, Deca-Durabolin (nandrolone decanoate), Trenbolone Enanthate, etc. Its mid-cycle addition isn’t discouraged, especially when it is to overcome plateaus or improve overall training stamina. Some users use Anadrol at the end of their cycles as a ‘finisher’ steroid to end their cycle with some impressive strength and size gains before moving onto the Post Cycle Therapy (PCT).

Anadrol cycles beyond a range of 6 weeks are strictly discouraged due to hepatotoxicity. It must be utilized with a tapering off/cooling-off period planned from the beginning. It is also advised to get blood work at the before and at the end of the Anadrol cycle.

 

Anadrol’s Usage

During the 1950s to 1980, the recommended dosage of Anadrol varied a great deal from 7.5 mg to 30mg per day. But in 1970, FDA issued guidelines of 1-2mg per kg of body weight per day. Anadrol is normally produced in 50mg tablets. Athletes and bodybuilders alike prefer a dose of 25 – 50mg per day for beginners. Professional competitors take this dosage up to 150mg per day but that also increases the risks associated with it. 50mg per day itself is an excellent dosage due to the potency of the oxymetholone compound. According to one study, scientists found that 100mg/day dose of oxymetholone was more effective than 50mg but anything beyond 100mg bore no beneficial but diminishing results on the individual’s muscle profiles.

Many users indicate a loss of appetite, directly proportional to the intake dosage of Oxymetholone. Studies have shown oxymetholone to increase glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. This adversely affects the nutrient absorption rate of the body.

Bodybuilders usually split oxymetholone’s dose throughout the day to ensure a stable level of the compound in the bloodstream. Anadrol’s half-life is about 8 to 9 hours, therefore a schedule involving a morning dose followed by the evening dose is considered to be a more effective method.

How to buy Anadrol?

Oxymetholone is fairly affordable. Pharmaceutical grade runs from 1.50$ - 3$ per tablet.

To buy Anadrol (Oxymetholone) or other steroids or to learn more about how buying steroids work. Please see the Ultimate Guide to Buying Steroids Online

 

Latest Research:

December 30, 2017: At the University of Southern California sports scientists examined the results of a placebo, 50mg and 100mg per day given to elderly healthy patients. The then published results of the study in 2003 showed the positive effects Oxymetholone has on muscle growth and fat loss.

The study showed that the men that had taken the compound saw an increase in lean body mass by approximately 3.3 kg, and when it comes to the men who took the bigger 100mg dose, they had actually gained over 4.2 kg. The fat mass in both of the groups actually went down by 2.6 and 2.5 kg, thereby showing that it could not only produce lean body mass but it could eliminate fat as well. When they actually did scans of their bodies, they found that the 50 mg men has lost almost 2 kg of fat mass in their trunk, which is the torso area. And those that had taken the double dose at 100mg lost about 2.2kg. Based on the results of the study, it appears that most of it were lost in their midsection and torso. This is often where males primarily tend to store fat mass.

The study also showed a number of negative effects, mostly hepatoxicity (liver damage) and a reduction in HDL (good cholesterol). This is why it is often suggested that Anadrol use should not excessed 4-6 weeks of continuous usage.

References

  1. 2-Methyl and 2-hydroxy methylene-androstane derivatives. Ringold HJ et al. J am Chem Soc 1959;81:427-32.
  2. Oxymetholone treatment for the anemia of bone marrow failure. Alexanian R, Nadell J, et al. Blood. 1972;40:353-6.
  3. Schroeder et al. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 284:E 120-28
  4. Effects of various 17 alpha alkyl substitutions and structural modifications of steroids on sulfobromophthalein (BSP) retention in rabbits. Lennon HD et al. Steroids 7 (1966): 157-70.
  5. Long-term oxymetholone use in HIV patients not associated with significant hepatotoxicity. Hengge UR et al. Poster presented at the Third International Conference on Nutrition and HIV Injection; April 22-25, 1999; Cannex, France.
  6. 1984 Jun;114(6):2100-6.
  7. Les hormones anabolisantes du point de vue experimental. P.A. Desaulles. Helv. Med. Acta 1960;479-503.
  8. Studies on anabolic steroids-8. GC/MS characterization of unusual seco acidic metabolites of oxymetholone in human urine. J Steroid Biochem Mol Bio 42 (1992):229-42.
  9. Effects of an oral androgen on muscle and metabolism in older, community-dwelling men. Schroder et al. Am J Physiol Endocrinol. Metab. 284:E 120-28.
  10. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1981 Nov;53(5):905-8. Epilepsy Behav. 2004 Apr