Description
Active ingredient: Oxymetholone 50 mg/tablet
Type: Anabolic steroid (DHT derivative)
Form: Oral (pills)
Anadrolus (Oxymetholone) is a synthetic anabolic steroid derived from dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The first mention of the drug refers to the 1960s when Syntex Pharmaceuticals introduced the medication to consumers. Initially, the drug was developed for medical purposes, specifically to treat anemia and osteoporosis. Besides, the ingredient was used to stimulate muscle growth in malnourished or underdeveloped patients.
All the related people are aware of the potent anabolic properties of Anadrolus, which makes the drug one of the most effective steroids for building strong muscles and enhancing physical strength of the body. Due to its chemical action, the ingredient can increase the pace of the production of red blood cells significantly. This effect helps achieve a higher pace of oxygen delivery to muscles and increases physical performance and endurance. These features determine the high popularity of the drug among bodybuilders and sports enthusiasts.
However, note that the chemical component can entail numerous side effects due to its hepatotoxic nature. Being a 17α-alkylated steroid, Anadrolus is highly resistant to breakdown by the liver. This peculiarity comes as a two-sided coin. On one side, it improves its efficiency, but on the other side, the ingredient increases the risk of liver damage. This is why it’s essential to monitor body indicators and take the drug periodically.
Anadrolus is not subject to aromatization, which means that it does not convert to estrogen in the body. It has a mild estrogenic effect on its own. This unique property contributes to water retention and potential gynecomastia.
Main Effects and Benefits
Muscle growth and strength. The drug is well-known due to its ability to contribute to enhanced physical performance of the body. Namely, it causes rapid muscle growth and increases strength significantly. The drug enhances protein synthesis and nitrogen retention, which allows for the creation of an optimal anabolic environment for muscle hypertrophy. This feature contributes to muss gains within a short period.
Increased red blood cell synthesis. Anadrolus is able to stimulate the production of red blood cells, which comes as one of its main advantages. The process helps increase the count of red blood cells, which assists in improving the capacity of the body to carry oxygen. Enhanced oxygen delivery to muscles leads to increased physical endurance. This feature allows sports enthusiasts to perform more intensively over a longer period and reduce fatigue.
Fat reduction. The medication helps “burn” subcutaneous fat. The most visible results were observed in the abdominal area. This feature makes the drug an effective treatment for people with extra weight. Contrary to popular belief, the drug does not affect liver function significantly.
Joint support. The medication has strong water-retaining properties. This feature allows for providing lubrication to the joints, which increases elasticity and reduces inflammation and pain. This peculiarity makes the drug popular in the bodybuilding community, where sportsmen experience joint discomfort because of intense training.
Enhanced recovery. Sportsmen and athletes recover more quickly due to improved protein synthesis and nitrogen retention. These actions help muscles repair damaged tissues more actively, which reduces overall muscle soreness.
Effects on non-exercisers. Interestingly, Anadrolus causes muscle gains in individuals who do not engage in exercise. This unique peculiarity highlights its potent anabolic effects, regardless of physical activity.
Mechanism of Action
Anadrolus (Oxymetholone) operates through several mechanisms to cause its potent anabolic effects:
- Interaction with androgen receptors. The component binds to androgen receptors (AR) in muscle tissues. Upon activation, such receptors start a series of cellular processes that lead to increased protein synthesis. As a result, strength enhancement and muscle growth are achieved. This interaction promotes the transcription of specific genes responsible for muscle hypertrophy.
- Non-conversion to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Unlike testosterone, Anadrolus is already in a reduced form and cannot be converted into DHT by the enzyme 5α-reductase. DHT stands as a powerful androgen that can cause numerous side effects, such as hair loss and prostate enlargement. Since the chemical component cannot be converted into DHT, it does not cause severe side effects. Thus, the drug comes as a relatively safe medication for stable and rapid muscle growth.
- Resistance to enzymatic deactivation. Anadrolus comes as a poor substrate for 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3α-HSD). It’s the enzyme responsible for converting steroids into less active forms. Such resistance to deactivation means that Anadrolus remains active and effective in the body for longer periods, which contributes to muscle growth and strength enhancement.
- Hepatotoxicity and 17α-alkylation. From the chemical point of view, Anadrolus includes a modification known as 17α-alkylation. This modification allows for taking the drug orally while preserving its effect, regardless of passing through the liver. This peculiarity prevents the liver from deactivating the steroid very quickly. It means that a great portion of the main ingredient remains effective after oral intake. However, this modification can have a harmful effect on the liver. Prolonged use or high dosages can lead to an elevated level of liver enzymes, liver damage and even failure in severe cases. This is why it’s essential to take the medication in cycles that typically last 4–6 weeks. Also, consumers should monitor liver function regularly to minimize the risk of liver damage.
- Reduction in sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). SHBG binds to sex hormones like testosterone, which results in the decline in their availability and activity. By lowering the level of SHBG, Anadrolus contributes to the increase in the amount of free, active testosterone and other anabolic hormones in the bloodstream. This reduction is particularly favorable when Anadrolus is used in combination with other anabolic steroids. In this case, users can improve the overall effectiveness of the steroid cycle.
- Water retention and joint lubrication. Anadrolus increases the pace of production of aldosterone. It’s a hormone that regulates water and salt balance in the body. By causing the effect on it, the ingredient leads to water retention. This effect not only adds to muscle size and weight but also helps lubricate the joints. The ability to retain fluid boosts the production of synovial fluid, a lubricating fluid found in the joints. This peculiarity helps reduce joint pain and improves joint function by enhancing the mobility and elasticity of the joints. Extra synovial fluid acts as a cushion that reduces friction between bones and relieves discomfort associated with intense physical activity.
- Estrogenic activity. While Anadrolus does not convert to estrogen through aromatization, it does possess inherent estrogenic activity. It means that the drug can imitate the action of estrogen, causing the same side effects, including water retention and gynecomastia. The understanding of this feature allows users to interpret the right way of drug administration and eliminate potential side effects.
- Interaction with progesterone receptors. The component can also bind to progesterone receptors, imitating them and interfering with the normal functions of natural progesterone. The binding mechanism is linked to the structural similarity of Anadrolus to other steroid hormones, which leads to the activation or suppression of progesterone pathways. This interaction can aggravate such side effects, such as decreased libido, mood swings, gynecomastia, etc.
Uses and Applications
Medical Uses
- Anemia treatment. The drug’s ability to stimulate the production of red blood cells is favorable for treating various types of anemia. The medication helps relieve such symptoms as weakness and fatigue.
- Muscle wasting conditions. Patients with such chronic diseases as HIV/AIDS take the medication to prevent muscle wasting and promote weight gain. This treatment strategy helps improve overall health and quality of life.
- Osteoporosis. This application of Anadrolus is less common today. However, the drug was used to treat osteoporosis by increasing bone density.
Non-Medical Uses
Bodybuilding and athletics. Sports enthusiasts frequently use Anadrolus during bulking cycles. The drug promotes rapid muscle gain and improves strength. The component also has a beneficial effect on endurance and physical performance due to its impact on the ability to deliver oxygen to muscles.
Dosage, Administration, and Precautions
Dosage for Bodybuilding
- Beginners: 25–50 mg per day.
- Experienced users: up to 100 mg per day (it’s not recommended to exceed this amount due to potential side effects).
Cycle Duration
Recommended duration: 4–6 weeks.
Administration Frequency
Daily dosing: the drug is usually taken once per day. However, it’s also possible to split the dosage into two smaller doses (morning and evening). This strategy can help maintain a stable blood level and reduce the risk of potential side effects.
On the graph, you can see the concentration of Oxymetholone in the plasma over time. A single dosage of 50 mg of Oxymetholone is taken by healthy volunteers. The peak concentration of about 17 ng/mL is reached around 90–120 minutes after administration. Once the peak is reached, the level of the ingredient declines to its baseline gradually. Full return to the baseline occurs within 24 hours. This feature indicates that Oxymetholone has a relatively short half-life, meaning that regular consumption is required to maintain a stable level of blood.
Examination & Adjustments
It’s necessary to pass blood tests regularly to monitor the proper conditions of all body systems. Key tests include:
- Liver function tests (ALT, AST). This test is passed before starting, midway through, and after the cycle.
- Lipid profiles. This test allows for monitoring the level of cholesterol.
- Complete blood counts (CBC). This examination is required to monitor overall health.
Adjustments: If the level of liver enzymes is elevated, reduce the dosage or discontinue use to prevent liver damage.
Common Combinations and Stacking
- Testosterone. This blend allows for maintaining normal hormonal levels and eliminates side effects like libido loss and mood swings.
- Nandrolone. Mixing Anadrolus with this component enhances muscle growth and provides joint relief.
- Trenbolone. This combination helps increase muscle and strength gains. However, note that it’s taken by advanced users only because of an increased risk of side effects.
Advantages of Stacking
- Enhanced muscle growth. The synergistic effects of combined steroids lead to faster and more substantial muscle gains.
- Improved strength. Significant increases in strength are beneficial for powerlifters and athletes.
- Balanced hormone levels. The addition of testosterone allows users to maintain hormonal balance while reducing potential risks, such as mood swings or lowered libido.
Precautions
- Pregnancy.
- Known or suspected carcinoma of the prostate or breast.
- Breast-feeding.
- Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients.
- A high level of blood calcium.
- Alcohol and other hepatotoxic substances.
- Liver support supplements. It’s highly recommended to use milk thistle or N-acetylcysteine (NAC) to reduce liver strain.
- Post-cycle therapy (PCT). It’s vital to restore natural testosterone production and maintain muscle gains after completing an Anadrolus cycle.
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