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Anadrol is the U.S. brand name for oxymetholone, a very potent oral
androgen.
Anadrol was first made available in 1960, by the international drug firm
Syntex. Since Anadrol is quite reliable in its ability to increase red
blood cell production (and effect admittedly characteristic of nearly all
anabolic/androgenic steroids), it showed particular promise in treating
cases of severe anemia. For this purpose Anadrol turned out to be well
suited, and was popular for quite some time. But recent years have brought
fourth a number of new treatments, most notably the non-steroidal hormone
Epogen (erythropoietin). This item is shown to have a much more direct
effect on the red blood cell count, without the side effects of a strong
androgen.
Anadrol is considered by many to be the most powerful
steroid available, with results of this compound being extremely dramatic.
A steroid novice experimenting with oxymetholone is likely to gain 20 to
30 pounds of massive bulk, and it can often be accomplished in less than 6
weeks, with only one or two tablets per day. Anadrol produces a lot of
trouble with water retention, so let there be little doubt that much of
this gain is simply bloat. But for the user this is often little
consequence, feeling bigger and stronger on Anadrol than any steroid they
are likely to cross. Although the smooth look that results from water
retention is often not attractive, it can aid quite a bit to the level of
size and strength gained. The muscle is fuller, will contract better and
is provided a level of protection in the form of
"lubrication" to the joints as some of this extra water is held into and
around connective tissues. This will allow for more elasticity, and will
hopefully decrease the chance for injury when lifting heavy. It should be
noted however, that on the other hand the very rapid gain in mass might
place too much stress on your connective tissues for this to compensate.
The tearing of pectoral and biceps tissue is commonly associated with
heavy lifting while massing up on heavy androgens. There is such a thing
as gaining too fast. Pronounced estrogen trouble also puts the user at
risk for developing gynecomastia. Individuals sensitive to the effects of
estrogen, or looking to retain a more quality look, will therefore often
add Nolvadex to each cycle.
It is important to note however, that Anadrol does not directly convert to
estrogen in the body. Oxymetholone is a derivative of dihydrotestosterone,
which gives it a structure that cannot be aromatized. As such, many have
speculated as to what makes this hormone so troublesome in terms of
estrogenic side effects. Some have suggested that it has progestational
activity, similar to nandrolone, and is not actually estrogenic at all.
Since the obvious side effects of both estrogens and progestins are very
similar, this explanation might be a plausible one. However we do find
medical studies looking at this possibility. One such tested the
progestational activity; of various steroids including nandrolone,
norethandrolone, methandrostenolone, testosterone and oxymetholone. It
reported no significant progestational effect inherent in oxymetholone or
methandrostenolone, slight activity with testosterone and strong
progestational effect inherent in nandrolone and norethandrolone. With
such findings it starts to seem much more likely that oxymetholone can
intrinsically activate the estrogen receptor itself, similar to but more
profoundly than the estrogenic androgen methandriol. Clearly if this is
the case we can only combat the estrogenic side effects of Anadrol with
estrogen receptor antagonists such as Nolvadex
or Clomid, and not with an aromatase inhibitor.
The strong anti-aromatase compounds such as Cytadren and
Arimidex would similarly prove to be totally useless with this
steroid, as aromatase is uninvolved.
Anadrol is also a very potent androgen. This
trait tends to produce many pronounced, unwanted androgenic side effects.
Oil skin, acne and body/facial hair growth can be seen very quickly with
this drug. Many individuals respond with severe acne, often requiring
medication to keep it under control. Some of these individuals find that
Accutaine works well, which is a strong prescription drug that acts on the
sebaceous glands to reduce the release of oils. Those with a
predisposition for male pattern baldness may want to stay away from
Anadrol completely, as this is certainly a possible side effect during
therapy. And while some very adventurous female athletes do experiment
with Anadrol, it is much too androgenic to recommend. Irreversible
virilization symptoms can be the result and may occur very quickly,
possibly before you have a chance to take action.
It is interesting to note that Anadrol does exhibit some tendency to
convert to dihydrotestosterone, although this does not occur via the
5-alpha reductase enzyme (responsible for altering testosterone to form
DHT) as it is already a dihydrotestosterone based steroid. Aside from the
added c-17 alpha alkylation (discussed below), oxymetholone differs from
DHT only by the addition of a 2-hydroxymethylene group. This grouping can
be removed metabolically however, reducing oxymetholone to the potent
androgen 17alpha-methyl dihydrotestosterone (mestanolone;
methyldihydrotestosterone). There is little doubt that this
biotransformation contributes at least at some level to the androgenic
nature of this steroid, especially when we note that in its initial state
Anadrol has a notably low binding affinity for the androgen receptor. So
although we have the option of using the reductase inhibitor finasteride (Proscar)
to reduce the androgenic nature of testosterone, it offers us no benefit
with Anadrol as this enzyme is not involved.
The principle drawback to Anadrol is that it is a 17alpha alkylated
compound. Although this design gives it the ability to withstand oral
administration, it can be very stressful to the liver. Anadrol is
particularly dubious because we require such a high milligram amount per
dosage. The difference is great when comparing it to other oral steroids
like Dianabol or
Winstrol, which have the same chemical alteration. Since they have a
slightly higher affinity for the androgen receptor, they are effective in
much smaller doses. Anadrol has a lower affinity, which may be why we have
a 50 mg tablet dosage. For comparison, taking three tablets of Anadrol
(150 mg) is roughly the equivalent of 30 Dianabol
tablets or 75 Winstrol tablets (!). When
looking at the medical requirements, the recommended dosage for all ages
has been 1-5 mg/kg of body weight. This would give a 220 lb person a
dosage as high as 10 Anadrol tablets (500 mg) per day. There should be
little wonder why when liver cancer has been linked to steroid use,
Anadrol is generally the culprit. Athletes actually never need such a high
dosage and will take in the range of only 1-3 tablets per day. Many
happily find that one tablet is all they need for exceptional results, and
avoid higher amounts. Cautious users will also limit the intake of this
compound to no longer than 4-6 weeks and have their liver enzymes checked
regularly with a doctor. Kidney functions may also need to be looked after
during longer use, as water retention/high blood pressure can take a toll
on the body. Before starting a cycle, one should know to give Anadrol the
respect it is due. It is a very powerful drug, but not always a friendly
one.
When discontinuing Anadrol, the crash can be equally powerful. To begin
with, the level of water retention will quickly diminish, dropping the
user's body weight dramatically. This should be expected, and not of much
concern. What is of great concern is restoring endogenous testosterone
production. Anadrol will quickly and effectively lower natural levels
during a cycle, so HCG and/or
Clomid/Nolvadex are a must when
discontinuing a cycle.
The common practice of slowly tapering off your pill dosage is wholly
ineffective at raising testosterone levels. Without ancillary drugs, a run
away cortisol level will likely strip much of the muscle that was gained
during the cycle. If HCG and/or
Clomid/Nolvadex
are used properly, the person should be able to maintain a
considerable amount of new muscle mass. Before going off, some alternately
choose to first switch over to a milder injectable like
Deca Durabolin. This is in an effort to
harden up the new mass, and can prove to be an effective practice.
Although a drop of weight due to water loss is likely when making the
switch, the end result should be the retention of more (quality) muscle
mass with a less pronounced crash. Remember ancillaries though, as
testosterone production will not be rebounding during Deca therapy.
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