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Oxymethalone, better known as Anadrol, is widely regarded as one of the most potent and powerful anabolic steroids, delivering serious gains to the participating bodybuilders.
Today you will learn everything about this highly powerful steroid.
One of the waves of steroids which was developed more than five decades ago, it was originally released to the public in 1959, one of the very first anabolic steroids to be revealed.
The first version of the drug was sold by manufacturer Syntex, who coined the name Anadrol-50 for the Oxymethalone. (This drug shouldn’t be confused with Oxandralone, marketed as Anavar, another anabolic steroid in wide use.)
But Syntex wasn’t the only manufacturers, the compound was also being sold by Parke Davis & Co under the brand name of Androyd. Despite this, Oxymethalone is still usually referred to as Anadrol, even today.
The drug was a huge hit on the medical market, being prescribed for a great range of conditions including as a treatment for anemia as well as for geriatric atrophy and for infections. Although the actions of this drug weren’t particularly different from some of the other anabolic steroids which had been released, its effects seemed to be more potent.
More than 20 years later, as the AIDS epidemic appeared, this steroid was quickly identified as being able to stabilize weight and also increase the outlook in patients. These extremely beneficial weight boosting qualities means that even today the steroid is still used for AIDS patients and those with other muscle wasting diseases.
There was a brief hiatus between 1993 and 1998 when the production of the drug almost stopped and it was discontinued in many places around the world because of concerns over the safety of anabolic steroids.
However, unlike many of the other anabolic steroids, it was revived and presently still remains in active production and with recognized medical benefits. Syntex continues to produce the drug, but not in the US and under a different brand.
Can it be Taken on its Own?
Anadrol is arguably one of the most powerful anabolic steroids on the market, and although it brings huge gains, the side effects can be devastating.
For this reason, it is normally only used with extreme care and normally stacked with other drugs. This anabolic steroid shouldn’t even be considered for use on its own by anyone other than the most experienced users.
However, cautions aside, it is possible to run an Anadrol only cycle, and for those that do, the gains can be magnificent. It is unrivalled at packing on muscle and the extra pounds that can be acquired in just a short time are impressive.
Given the potential benefits that it can deliver, it may be tempting to run a cycle for as long as possible, but most people will only be able to tolerate it for 4 weeks maximum. Very experienced bodybuilders with no history of adverse effects to anabolic steroids might be able to stretch an Anadrol cycle to 5-6 weeks but extreme caution must be exercised.
Stacking Info
Although Anadrol alone can produce excellent results, when used as part of a stack during a bulking cycle, the gains can really go up a notch.
An Anadrol stack should never contain another oral anabolic steroid because the risk to the liver is simply too great. In addition, weaker compounds will simply get lost when stacked with this steroid so individuals should choose powerful partners.
This drug shuts down the production of testosterone naturally so taking testosterone alongside the steroid can help to minimize some of the less desirable side effects. It can also help to boost a libido which may vanish with the use of Anadrol alone.
When used with injectable slow acting steroids, this compound can kick-start a cycle and can be tailed off as the results from the other drugs start to take effect. An alternative is to stack this steroid to provide a boost mid-cycle, breaking through any plateaus and taking performance to the next level.
Nandrolone, Trenbolone and testosterone all stack extremely well with this compound.
How it is Administered
Anadrol can be found in both oral and injectable forms. Both deliver broadly similar results so personal preference typically dictates which version is chosen.
The oral form is a C17-a-a, a necessary requirement in order to prevent it being broken down by the liver. The hepatic toxicity for all C17-a-a anabolic steroids can be significant. However, liquid form which is injected still has the potential to cause similar liver damage so opting for a depot form won’t offer an advantage in this area.
Both injectable and oral Anadrol can deliver extraordinary results but should be coupled with testosterone to prevent dramatic loss of weight once the cycle stops.
Dosage Info
Many experts suggest that Anadrol is left to more experienced bodybuilders and that those new to taking anabolic steroids should first try one which is gentler on the body.
For those that choose to take this steroid, the dosage needs to be controlled tightly because of the potential hepatic toxicity.
Beginners should take no more than 25-50mg per day; this is enough to deliver satisfying gains without being too risky. Even intermediate users may find that a dose of 50mg is sufficient to deliver the extra bulk. Those who want to push for more may want to increase the dose up to around 100mg.
Experienced bodybuilders who are able to tolerate anabolic steroids can take a dose of between 100-150mg. At this level, there are serious risks to the liver and the individual must be vigilant for signs of side effects. Very few users need to take such a large dose of Anadrol.
Half-life Info
The half-life of Anadrol is around nine hours which means that users have the option to either take it as a divided dose or all in one go. Those who prefer to have stable blood serum levels can divide the daily dose into two but opinion is split about whether this offers any practical advantage.
Other users prefer for the steroid to reach a peak for the dose being taken and for this reason, take a single daily dose.
Positive Effects
Even more powerful than testosterone, Anadrol is an incredibly strong anabolic steroid which, setting aside the potential side effects, has the ability to deliver a number of benefits.
Anadrol and bodybuilding are the perfect partners, allowing users to achieve sizable and rapid gains. Taken in short cycles, the weight gain is fast and almost unparalleled when compared to other anabolic steroids.
Although this is one of the most revered supplements in bodybuilding because of the bulking gains, the steroid also has many other uses too.
Therapeutically, it delivers a whole host of additional benefits and can be used to treat a number of different conditions. Boosting the production of red blood cells, protecting the joints, helping to promote weight gain in muscle wasting diseases and improving appetite are just some of the medicinal benefits.
Physicians are still able to prescribe Anadrol and the steroid remains in use within the medical community.
Potential Side Effects
Although there is no doubt that the positive effects are spectacular, it often comes at a price as it is an anabolic steroid which can cause very significant complications. Oral form of this steroid is still useful in a therapeutic setting but because of the potential for toxicity, its use is far less than would otherwise be expected.
Part of the reason that the side effects of Anadrol are particularly problematic is that the steroid still remains somewhat of a mystery with science unable to fully explain why it causes some of the reactions it does.
Androgenic Effects
Just like the rest of the DHT anabolic steroid family, Anadrol is strongly androgenic but these effects are usually reserved for those who are genetically predisposed.
Androgenic side effects could include:
• Acne
• Oily skin
• Growth of body hair
• Male pattern baldness
5-alpha reductase inhibitors are typically used to try and minimize the androgenic effects but this isn’t possible with this steroid because there’s no interaction with the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme.
Staying clean and dry at all times can help to prevent outbreaks if you’re prone; shower immediately after your workout or if you become sweaty at any time.
Estrogenic Effects
As this steroid is derived from Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) there should be no risk of estrogenic effects because the body is unable to convert the substance into estrogen.
Nevertheless, estrogenic effects are one of the biggest risks with the use of Anadrol, although physicians are at a loss to be able to explain exactly why. Bloating and fluid retention can be particularly severe, along with gynecomastia.
Aromatase inhibitors have limited use because Anadrol does not interact with the relevant enzyme. Nolvadex or other SERM treatments are slightly more help, easing the gynecomastia but having negligible impact on the fluid retention (and consequent problems).
There have been some suggestions that this estrogenic reaction could be caused by this steroid imitating progestin; this has been disproved with Anadrol having been demonstrated to hold no properties of such.
The newest theory supports this compound interacting with estrogen receptors directly, but this as yet has not been confirmed.
Cardiovascular
The potential increase in fluid levels means that individuals taking this drug are at risk of developing high blood pressure as a result. For this reason, it’s essential to control the fluid retention and address the issue as soon as it occurs.
Cholesterol is also affected by Anadrol, with the levels of HDL (“good” cholesterol) being suppressed. LDL levels appear to be relatively unaffected.
Any individuals with raised cholesterol levels or a history of hardening of the arteries should not even consider taking Anadrol. Only individuals with good readings and a supporting healthy lifestyle should take this steroid.
Hair loss
The androgenic effects of Anadrol can be marked but most only really affect those who are already predisposed to suffer.
Anadrol and hair loss only occur where the individual already has the gene for it. By itself, it cannot cause hair loss but it can accelerate it in those who would have gone on to experience male pattern baldness during their lifetime anyway.
Any hair loss associated with Anadrol is permanent but hair loss treatment can sometimes reverse the effects and also prevent any further thinning.
Liver Toxicity
Potential damage to the liver is a side effect that many anabolic steroids carry but arguably few are as toxic as Anadrol. With the potential to cause serious harm in the longer term, including the development of hepatic tumors, the dosage must be carefully controlled.
Use of this steroid will in the shorter term push up liver enzymes, which by themselves don’t necessarily indicate damage has occurred. They are however a sign that the liver is under stress and struggling to cope. Left unchecked this could result in parts of the liver failing to function or lesions developing.
Because of these risks, users should refrain totally from alcohol during the cycle and should also try to avoid OTC medications where possible. Many OTC drugs have a negative effect on the liver, and when the organ is already under stress, extra demands could be too much to handle.
In addition, to help counterbalance these problems, a liver supplement such as milk thistle can be helpful.
Other Effects
Suppression of testosterone is a universal problem among steroid users, but with this compound, it is a particular problem. As well as lowering testosterone it can also affect the sperm count so appropriate PCT is extremely important.
Contraindications
Being such a strong anabolic steroid, side effects can manifest readily in many individuals and if this occurs, the cycle should be stopped immediately.
However, for some individuals, the side effects of this steroid have the potential to be so severe that the drug is completely unsuitable or requires close monitoring by a physician. Anyone who has a history of any of the following should refrain totally from use or should seek medical advice first:
• Prostate cancer
• Breast cancer in men or women
• Dysfunction of the liver
• Serious kidney problems such as nephrotic syndrome or nephritis
• Diabetes
• Raised cholesterol
• Cardiovascular disease
• Clotting or bleeding disorders
Anadrol is toxic to fetuses and its effect is not known in breastfeeding women; it is, therefore, contraindicated for both pregnant or lactating females.
Is this Steroid Best Suited to Cutting, Bulking or Both?
Many steroids have a tendency to be more helpful for cutting or bulking but are often used for both types of cycle.
Anadrol is one of the few which is almost always used for just one purpose. Often considered to be less flexible than other steroids, it is renowned for delivering big gains rapidly. Even just a short cycle is sufficient to add a large amount of bulk.
For this reason, it is nearly always used in a bulking cycle, easily packing on 15-20 lbs with just a short 4-week cycle. The results are more or less unrivalled in the market, making it the bulking steroid of choice for many experienced bodybuilders.
However, although the before and after results point towards pure bulking, it can be used with care during cutting cycles too. Loss of muscle is always a concern when calorific intake is reduced so while getting lean and hard, mass can seriously drop. Anadrol can solve this conundrum when used at the end of a cutting cycle, ensuring there is still some mass despite the other factors.
But to use this steroid in this way during a cutting cycle requires restraint; only low doses should be used otherwise the individual will add some too much soft bulk, eliminating their hard work to create lean definition. Doses of around 50mg should be sufficient to add some extra muscle without bloating or losing leanness. Some users may be able to go up to 100mg but that’s a far riskier dose for cutting and may attract unwanted effects.
Is it Safe for Women to Use?
Anadrol is classified as one of the heavier types of steroids and one which carries the potential for very significant side effects.
But for women this steroid appears to be metabolized somewhat differently as the risk of side effects is far less than might reasonably be expected. Doses of Anadrol can be taken without necessarily causing side effects, and at the same time delivering substantial benefits.
Despite this, virilization is still a very real danger, with potential symptoms such as menstrual changes, enlarged clitoris, growth of body hair and deepening of the voice. If any of these are experienced, it’s essential to cease using immediately because otherwise, the effects can become permanent.
In addition, although this steroid appears to be well tolerated in some women, with fewer virilization effects that might be expected, it remains a very powerful steroid even at the very lowest dose. Anadrol is at the heavier end of the spectrum and is generally best reserved for more experienced and serious female bodybuilders who are willing to take more risks.
Type of PCT Needed After the End of the Cycle
PCT is absolutely essential after a cycle of Anadrol if you want to help your body recover its previous natural levels of testosterone production. Even if you stack with testosterone, between cycles your body needs to recover and the only way to be sure of achieving this is by using PCT.
Nolvadex and Clomid are both recommended for PCT following using this steroid and can be used for a four week period to help your body recover, possibly along with HCG.
As a general rule of thumb, it should not be used for more than 12 weeks per year and any PCT should be at least equivalent in length to the cycle which has just finished.
Typical Cost to Buy
Just one glance at any of the user reviews will reveal the extreme power of this very potent steroid, but it remains surprisingly inexpensive.
This can be found for sale relatively easily, partially because there is still a demand for it as a medicinal drug. This wide availability of this drug means that the cost is kept down, as it can be purchased legally from many countries.
There is also a thriving black market for Anadrol but buying it from these sources requires care. Some underground sources manufacture drugs in unsanitary conditions or dilute with inferior ingredients so it’s essential to only purchase from trusted suppliers. The price can often be a good indicator of the quality; if something seems too cheap you might not be buying the real thing.
Sports That Use it
Although it can be used in a variety of ways, it really excels in providing quick bulk and gains, fast. For this reason, it’s one of the most popular anabolic steroids among athletes who want big muscles and an impressive physique.
Bodybuilding is one of the main sports which uses this compound, particularly during the bulking cycle or offseason. Its ability to add gains quickly is almost unprecedented compared to other anabolic steroids. It can also be used to provide some bulk and fullness at the end of a cutting cycle, but that type of use is less common.
Any other sport which also requires strength and body mass values this drug, with boxing being a very good example.
Outside sport, there have been persistent rumours that actors use this when they need to bulk up quickly for a movie role. Male actors who have inexplicably grown huge muscles overnight are rumoured to have taken this steroid in order to achieve the gains.
Legality of Purchase and its Usage in the US
The question of “is Anadrol legal?” is one which every keen anabolic steroid user will want to know, but if you’re in the US, you’ll find the steroid impossible to obtain without breaking the law.
In the US Anadrol is classed as a controlled substance, Schedule III, which means that it cannot be bought or sold, and it’s also a crime to possess it too. Breaking the law could result in not just a hefty fine but potentially a jail sentence too.
It is possible to buy Anadrol in the US legally but only if a physician prescribes it for a legitimate medical condition. It cannot be prescribed for the purposes of recreational or athletic use.
Outside the US, both oral and injectable Anadrol remains a controlled substance in many countries around the world, although not everywhere. Countries such as Thailand and Mexico have much more relaxed laws on anabolic steroids and can be bought openly and legally.
Countries such as Canada and the UK occupy a middle ground, controlling the substance and making it illegal to sell but decriminalizing the possession of the steroid for personal use.