Anadrol (Oxymetholone) is the most potent oral anabolic steroid commercially available, with an anabolic rating of 320 and androgenic rating of 45. Originally developed for treating anemia and muscle-wasting diseases, it produces the most dramatic mass and strength gains of any oral AAS, but comes with a correspondingly severe side effect profile including significant hepatotoxicity and estrogenic effects despite not aromatizing.
Notes
Anadrol is the nuclear option of oral steroids. It produces the most dramatic results but at significant health cost. A unique property of anadrol is that it causes estrogenic side effects (gynecomastia, water retention) WITHOUT aromatizing to estrogen. The mechanism is believed to be direct activation of estrogen receptors by oxymetholone or its metabolites. This means aromatase inhibitors are INEFFECTIVE for managing these sides. Instead, a SERM (Nolvadex 10-20mg/day) should be used during cycle if gynecomastia symptoms appear. Many experienced users find that 50mg/day provides 90% of the benefit with significantly fewer side effects than 100mg+. Anadrol should never exceed 4-6 weeks of use and should never be combined with other hepatotoxic orals.
Oxymetholone is a DHT derivative with a 2-hydroxymethylene group that dramatically increases its anabolic potency. Despite being a DHT derivative, it exhibits significant estrogenic activity through a mechanism that does NOT involve aromatization. The prevailing theory is that oxymetholone or its metabolites directly activate estrogen receptor alpha (ERa), bypassing the aromatase enzyme entirely. This makes AIs ineffective for estrogenic side effect management. Oxymetholone has one of the strongest effects on erythropoietin stimulation of any AAS, causing significant increases in red blood cell mass (historically used to treat aplastic anemia). It enhances protein synthesis and nitrogen retention to an extreme degree, and also increases intramuscular glycogen and water storage, contributing to the dramatic mass and fullness effects.
Oxymetholone is rapidly absorbed orally with peak plasma levels within 1-2 hours. The c17-alpha alkylation provides oral bioavailability of approximately 95%. It is extensively metabolized by the liver, contributing to its severe hepatotoxicity. The terminal half-life is 8-9 hours. Despite the moderate half-life, many users take the full dose once daily (often pre-workout) with good results, though split dosing provides more stable levels. Urinary metabolites are detectable for 6-8 weeks. Oxymetholone is one of the few AAS where higher doses show diminishing returns with disproportionately increasing side effects; the 50mg dose point is widely considered the optimal risk-benefit threshold.
Typical Dose
25-50mg/day (beginner), 50-100mg/day (intermediate), 100-150mg/day (advanced - high risk)
Frequency
Once daily or split into 2 doses; many users take full dose pre-workout
Administration
Oral (tablet)
Half-Life
8-9 hours
Contraindications
If used as a kickstart: Follow PCT timeline of the injectable base. If standalone: Begin PCT 1-2 days after last dose. Nolvadex 20mg/day for 6-8 weeks (anadrol is severely suppressive). Clomid 50mg/day for 4 weeks then 25mg/day for 4 weeks as alternative. Liver support (TUDCA 500mg, NAC 1200mg) for 6 weeks after cessation. Continue monitoring blood pressure for 2-4 weeks post-cycle. Bloodwork at 4 and 8 weeks post-PCT to confirm recovery of both liver values and hormones.