Oxymetholone (Anadrol) for Severe Anemia & Mass Building — Anabolic Steroids
The most potent oral anabolic steroid. FDA-approved for severe anemia with dramatic mass-building properties.
Overview
Oxymetholone (Anadrol-50) is the most potent oral anabolic steroid by weight, and one of the few oral AAS that remains FDA-approved for medical use. Indicated for the treatment of anemias caused by deficient red blood cell production (aplastic anemia, myelofibrosis, acquired and congenital hypoplastic anemias), it dramatically stimulates erythropoietin production. Derived from DHT with a 2-hydroxymethylene modification and 17-alpha-alkylation, Anadrol does NOT directly aromatize yet still causes significant estrogenic side effects (water retention, gynecomastia) through unclear mechanisms - possibly direct estrogen receptor activation. It produces the most dramatic mass gains of any oral steroid (20-30 lbs in 4-6 weeks) but with extreme hepatotoxicity, significant water retention, and pronounced blood pressure elevation.
Indications
- Anemias caused by deficient red blood cell production (FDA-approved)
- Aplastic anemia, myelofibrosis, hypoplastic anemias (FDA-approved)
- HIV/AIDS-related wasting (off-label medical use)
- Rapid mass and strength accrual (non-medical)
- Severe underweight and malnutrition recovery
Mechanism of Action
Deficient red blood cell production requiring erythropoietic stimulation, or pursuit of maximum oral AAS mass-building
Dosing
| Compound | Dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oxymetholone (Anadrol-50) | 1-5 mg/kg/day | Once or twice daily | FDA-approved dose for anemia treatment; typically 50-100mg daily |
| Oxymetholone (Anadrol-50) | 25-50 mg | Once daily | Conservative non-medical dosing; still significant hepatotoxicity |
| Oxymetholone (Anadrol-50) | 50-100 mg | Once or twice daily | Standard non-medical dosing; extreme hepatotoxicity at higher end |
Evidence Grade
GRADE B
Safety & Contraindications
- FDA-approved for severe anemias at 1-5 mg/kg/day
- 17-alpha-alkylated - EXTREME hepatotoxicity
- Schedule III controlled substance
- Does NOT directly aromatize BUT causes estrogenic effects (gynecomastia, water retention)
- Anti-estrogen drugs may not fully control estrogenic effects (not aromatase-mediated)
- Most hepatotoxic oral AAS - cases of peliosis hepatis and hepatic adenomas reported
- Dramatic blood pressure elevation from water retention
- Severely suppresses HPTA
- Massive water retention - most weight gained is water and lost upon discontinuation
- Monitor liver function very closely - 4-6 week maximum cycle duration
- Can dramatically elevate hematocrit beyond safe ranges
- Headaches common due to blood pressure elevation
- Appetite suppression paradoxically possible at higher doses