Halotestin (Fluoxymesterone) — Extremely Potent Oral AAS — Anabolic Steroids
One of the most potent oral anabolic steroids, FDA-approved but rarely used medically. Extreme hepatotoxicity and aggression.
Overview
Fluoxymesterone (Halotestin) is an extremely potent 17-alpha-alkylated oral anabolic steroid with an anabolic:androgenic ratio of 1900:850 — one of the highest of any AAS. Despite this impressive ratio, fluoxymesterone's effects in practice are more androgenic than anabolic: it produces dramatic strength and aggression increases with minimal actual muscle mass gain. FDA-approved indications include male hypogonadism and delayed puberty in males, as well as palliative treatment of inoperable breast cancer in women, though it is almost never used clinically today due to its extreme hepatotoxicity and the availability of safer alternatives. Halotestin does not aromatize to estrogen and produces no water retention. In bodybuilding, it is used almost exclusively by powerlifters seeking maximal strength and by bodybuilders in the final 2-4 weeks before competition for its dramatic effects on aggression, vascularity, and muscle hardness. Fluoxymesterone is one of the most hepatotoxic oral steroids ever developed, with documented cases of peliosis hepatis and hepatocellular carcinoma. It is also associated with severe mood alterations, including extreme aggression, irritability, and in some cases, psychotic-like behavior.
Indications
- FDA-approved: Male hypogonadism (rarely used)
- FDA-approved: Delayed puberty in males (rarely used)
- FDA-approved: Palliative treatment of inoperable breast cancer in women
- Unapproved: Strength and aggression enhancement (powerlifting/bodybuilding)
Mechanism of Action
Extremely high binding affinity for the androgen receptor, producing disproportionate effects on strength and CNS-mediated aggression relative to muscle growth
Dosing
| Compound | Dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fluoxymesterone (Halotestin) | 5-20 mg | Once daily | FDA-approved dose range for hypogonadism |
| Fluoxymesterone | 10-40 mg | Once daily | Bodybuilding/powerlifting dose — extreme hepatotoxicity |
Evidence Grade
GRADE C
Safety & Contraindications
- EXTREME hepatotoxicity — peliosis hepatis and hepatocellular carcinoma documented
- Severe mood effects: aggression, irritability, potential psychotic behavior
- Does NOT produce significant muscle mass — primarily strength and androgenic effects
- Accelerates male pattern baldness rapidly
- Prostate hypertrophy and virilization risk
- Severe HPG axis suppression
- Schedule III controlled substance
- One of the most dangerous oral steroids — rarely justified