Anadrol is one of the most potent oral anabolic steroids, often compared to Dianabol (Methandrostenolone), and there’s much debate in the bodybuilding world about the sheer power of these two compounds.
Anadrol is the brand name for Oxymetholone, which was first released in 1959 and sold under the name Anadrol-50 by Syntex, and as Androyd by Parke Davis & Co.
Initially, it was used to treat senile atrophy and infections, but it became particularly famous for treating anemia.
Anadrol rapidly stimulates erythropoiesis (red blood cell production), showing far superior effects than other steroids, and has been studied to increase red blood cell production fivefold.
Its effectiveness in preventing muscle wasting in AIDS patients has also been proven, showing significant weight gain effects, which is why it is primarily prescribed today for AIDS and other muscle-wasting diseases.
Chemical Characteristics of Anadrol
Anadrol is a potent oral anabolic steroid derived from dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
It belongs to the family of DHT derivatives, similar to Winstrol, Primobolan, Masteron, and Anavar.
Anadrol is able to remain active in muscle tissue thanks to a modification that includes a 2-hydroxymethylene group and a methyl group, unlike DHT.
This prevents it from being deactivated by the 3-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzyme, allowing it to exert high potency in the muscle.
Anadrol has an anabolic rating of 320, making it more than three times as potent as testosterone (which has a rating of 100).
Its androgenic rating is 45, which is lower than that of testosterone (100).
Uniquely, Anadrol does not convert to estrogen, yet it causes estrogenic effects such as water retention and gynecomastia.
This is because Anadrol itself acts like estrogen in certain tissues.
Therefore, aromatase inhibitors are ineffective.
Additionally, Anadrol is C17-alpha alkylated to be orally active, but it is notorious for its severe hepatotoxicity.
Thanks to its chemical structure, it resists liver metabolism, placing a significant burden on the liver, and is considered one of the most hepatotoxic oral anabolic steroids.
Anadrol Side Effects
Anadrol is an orally active C-17 alpha-alkylated anabolic steroid, which leads to hepatotoxicity and other adverse effects.
While some in the bodybuilding community believe the risk of hepatotoxicity is overstated, it should still be taken very seriously.
Interestingly, Anadrol has a chemical modification that should reduce hepatotoxicity, yet studies on HIV and AIDS patients have shown it to increase liver enzyme markers.
Therefore, it is advisable to limit cycles to 4-6 weeks and use liver support supplements.
Furthermore, although Anadrol is a DHT derivative and does not convert to estrogen, estrogenic side effects like bloating, water retention, and the development of gynecomastia are reported.
A SERM (e.g., Nolvadex) can alleviate gynecomastia, but it is ineffective against water retention or blood pressure issues.
Aromatase inhibitors are also ineffective.
It is possible that Anadrol or its metabolites interact directly with the estrogen receptor, but research indicates it has no progestogenic properties.
The metabolites of Anadrol can cause androgenic side effects.
Because it is metabolized into Mestanolone, not DHT, side effects such as oily skin, acne, and male pattern baldness can occur.
It also negatively impacts the cardiovascular system, causing severe changes in cholesterol profiles (increasing LDL and decreasing HDL).
Anadrol Cycles and Uses
Cycles including Oxymetholone are primarily suited for bulking, strength gains, and adding overall mass.
Anadrol cycles are not suitable for cutting, fat loss, or contest preparation.
While it can promote fat loss, the water retention and bloating from its estrogenic effects obscure the physique, making it difficult to visually assess fat loss.
This is because Anadrol causes water retention despite not converting to estrogen, and aromatase inhibitors are ineffective.
Anadrol cycles are typically run for 4-6 weeks, using Anadrol as a kick-starter alongside injectable compounds like Testosterone Enanthate, Deca Durabolin, or Trenbolone Enanthate.
It can be used mid-cycle to break through training plateaus or as a “finisher” at the end of a cycle to maximize strength and size.
Due to its hepatotoxicity, Anadrol is not used for more than 4-6 weeks, but other injectable compounds can be continued.
Anadrol Dosage and Administration
Anadrol prescription guidelines varied from the 1950s to the 1980s, depending on the medical condition being treated and FDA guidelines.
Medical dosages ranged from 2.5mg to 30mg per day, and in the 1970s, guidelines suggested 1-2mg per kg of body weight.
Anadrol is typically manufactured in 50mg tablets.
Beginner bodybuilders typically take 25-50mg per day, while intermediate users take 50-100mg.
Advanced users may go up to 150mg, but most find that more than 50mg per day is unnecessary.
Studies have shown that a 100mg dose is more effective than 50mg, but effects diminish at doses above 100mg.
One issue with Anadrol dosage is that appetite tends to decrease as the dose increases, and glucose intolerance and insulin resistance can rise, making nutrient utilization inefficient.
To maintain stable plasma levels, it is ideal to split the daily dose. With a half-life of 8-9 hours, it’s best to take it once in the morning and again in the afternoon or evening.
Latest Research
On December 30, 2017, sports scientists at the University of Southern California examined the results of administering a placebo, 50mg, and 100mg of Anadrol daily to healthy elderly men.
In 2003, the research team published the positive effects of Oxymetholone on muscle growth and fat loss.
According to the study, the 50mg group gained about 3.3 kg of lean body mass, while the 100mg group gained over 4.2 kg.
Body fat mass decreased by 2.6 kg and 2.5 kg, respectively, confirming both an increase in lean mass and a reduction in fat.
Body scans revealed that men who took 50mg lost about 2 kg of trunk fat, while those on 100mg lost about 2.2 kg.
The fat loss was predominantly from the trunk area, where men typically store body fat.
This study also revealed negative impacts such as hepatotoxicity and a decrease in HDL (good cholesterol), recommending that Anadrol not be used for more than 4-6 weeks.
| Chemical Name | 17β-hydroxy-2-hydroxymethylene-17-methyl-5α-androstan-3-one |
| Molecular Weight | 332.48 g/mol |
| Formula | C21H32O3 |
| Manufacturer | Syntex |
| Half-life | 8 – 9 hours |
| Detection Time | 2 months |
| Anabolic Rating | 320 |
| Androgenic Rating | 45 |
