Anadrol
Also known as: Oxymetholone, Adrol, Abombs, A-50, Anadrol-50
Oral Anabolic Steroid | Extreme Mass & Strength
Overview
Anadrol (oxymetholone) is one of the most potent oral anabolic steroids ever developed, originally synthesized in the 1960s by Syntex Pharmaceuticals. It was FDA-approved for the treatment of anemias caused by deficient red blood cell production, including aplastic anemia, myelofibrosis, and anemia associated with chronic kidney disease. Anadrol is a DHT-derived compound with a 17-alpha alkylated structure that allows oral bioavailability at the cost of significant hepatic strain. In performance enhancement contexts, it is regarded as the single most powerful oral steroid for rapid mass and strength gains, capable of producing dramatic weight increases of 10-15+ pounds in the first few weeks of use. Despite being a DHT derivative that does not aromatize via the aromatase enzyme, Anadrol produces notable estrogenic side effects including water retention and gynecomastia through a poorly understood mechanism believed to involve direct activation of estrogen receptors. This makes estrogen management uniquely challenging compared to other anabolic steroids.
Key benefits
- Rapid and dramatic increases in muscle mass and bodyweight
- Exceptional strength gains, often noticeable within the first week
- Potent stimulation of erythropoietin and red blood cell production
- Increased appetite and nutrient partitioning in some users
- Improved recovery between training sessions
- Full, round muscle appearance due to intramuscular water and glycogen retention
- FDA-approved treatment for various forms of anemia
Mechanism of action
Oxymetholone exerts its effects primarily through binding to the androgen receptor (AR) to promote protein synthesis and nitrogen retention in skeletal muscle. As a DHT derivative, it cannot be converted to estrogen by the aromatase enzyme. However, oxymetholone and its metabolites are believed to directly activate the estrogen receptor, producing estrogenic effects such as water retention and gynecomastia without the involvement of aromatase. This is a critical clinical distinction because aromatase inhibitors (such as anastrozole or letrozole) are ineffective at controlling Anadrol-related estrogenic side effects. The compound also stimulates erythropoietin (EPO) production, significantly increasing red blood cell mass, which is the basis for its FDA-approved indication in anemias. Additionally, oxymetholone inhibits sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), increasing the proportion of free testosterone and other anabolic hormones in circulation.
Molecular data
- Type
- 17-alpha alkylated anabolic steroid (C21H32O3)
- Half-life
- ~8-9 hours
Indications
What the research community uses this compound for, with self-reported effectiveness.
Hematological
Body Composition
Clinical / Wasting
Dosing protocols
Common protocols by delivery method. Adjust the curve below to model accumulation in your own cycle.
Delivery method
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | 25-50 mg/day | Once daily or split into two doses | — |
| — | 50 mg/day | Once daily or split 25 mg twice daily | — |
| — | 100 mg/day | Split into two doses of 50 mg | — |
| — | 1-5 mg/kg/day | Daily | — |
Protocol variations
Alternative cycling patterns reported in the literature and community.
Cycle Kickstart
The most common performance use pattern. Anadrol is added to the first 4 weeks of a 12-16 week injectable cycle (typically testosterone-based). The oral compound delivers rapid size and strength from day one, creating a motivating and productive early phase while the injectable base builds toward peak levels.
Low-Dose Protocol
A growing number of experienced users advocate for 25 mg/day as a sweet spot that provides 70-80% of the results of 50 mg/day with substantially fewer side effects, particularly reduced liver stress, less water retention, and preserved appetite. This approach is especially useful for users who are sensitive to Anadrol's side effects or who want to extend the cycle to 6 weeks.
Safety
Reported adverse effects, contraindications, and what to monitor on cycle.
Common side effects
- Significant water retention and bloating (estrogenic, not aromatase-mediated)
- Elevated blood pressure (fluid volume and RBC increase)
- Severe liver stress and elevated liver enzymes (AST/ALT)
- Back pumps and lower back pain during exercise
- Headaches (often blood pressure-related)
- Appetite suppression (paradoxical for a mass-building compound)
- Lethargy and fatigue (hepatic strain-related)
- Acne and oily skin
- Suppression of natural testosterone production
Rare side effects
- Gynecomastia (via direct estrogen receptor activation, not aromatization)
- Peliosis hepatis (blood-filled cysts in the liver with prolonged use)
- Cholestatic jaundice
- Significant HDL suppression and LDL elevation
- Nosebleeds (blood pressure and hematocrit elevation)
- Severe shin and calf pumps limiting cardio
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (associated with prolonged high-dose medical use)
Contraindications
- Pre-existing liver disease or significantly elevated liver enzymes
- Prostate cancer or breast cancer in males
- Nephrotic phase of nephritis
- Hypercalcemia (Anadrol can exacerbate calcium levels)
- Pregnancy (Category X - causes virilization of the female fetus)
- Known hypersensitivity to oxymetholone
- Concurrent use of other 17-alpha alkylated oral steroids (compounded liver toxicity)
Monitoring
- Liver function tests (AST, ALT, GGT, bilirubin): baseline, 2 weeks into cycle, end of cycle, and 4 weeks post-cycle
- Complete blood count with hematocrit: baseline and every 2-3 weeks (monitor for polycythemia)
- Blood pressure: daily self-monitoring throughout the cycle
- Lipid panel (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides): baseline and post-cycle
- Estradiol and prolactin: to differentiate estrogenic side effect sources when stacked with aromatizing compounds
- Kidney function (BUN, creatinine): baseline and mid-cycle if using at medical doses
References
Primary literature and clinical-trial data informing this entry.