Oxymetholone is a potent anabolic steroid developed in the 1960s and originally prescribed for anemia, osteoporosis, and muscle wasting.
Chemically derived from dihydrotestosterone (DHT), it shows a very high anabolic ratio while maintaining relatively moderate androgenic properties.
In sports and bodybuilding, it is valued for its ability to promote fast muscle gain, increase red blood cell production, and boost endurance in a short time.
Unlike testosterone, oxymetholone does not aromatize into estrogen, yet it can still cause estrogen-like effects such as water retention and gynecomastia.
Due to its 17Ξ±-alkylated structure, the compound is resistant to liver breakdown, which makes it effective orally but also potentially hepatotoxic at high doses or with prolonged use.
Main effects of oxymetholone
πͺ Rapid and pronounced muscle mass gain
β‘ Significant increase in strength and power output
π§ Joint lubrication and improved comfort due to mild water retention
βοΈ Noticeable improvement in overall performance and endurance
How to take oxymetholone
Administration
Route: oral, swallowed with water
Frequency: once or twice daily (splitting the dose helps maintain steady blood levels)
Half-life: approximately 8β10 hours
Dosage
Beginners: 25β50 mg per day
Experienced users: up to 100 mg per day (short-term use only)
Cycle duration: 4β6 weeks
For better hormonal balance, oxymetholone is often stacked with testosterone enanthate, nandrolone, or trenbolone during bulking cycles.
Because of its suppressive nature, post-cycle therapy (PCT) is essential afterward.
Possible side effects
Water retention and bloating
Elevated blood pressure
Temporary testosterone suppression
Gynecomastia (despite no aromatization)
Liver strain or enzyme elevation
Acne, oily skin, or mood swings
Contraindications
Liver or kidney disease
Prostate or breast carcinoma
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Hypersensitivity to anabolic steroids
High calcium levels in the blood
How to store
Store at room temperature (20β25 Β°C / 68β77 Β°F)
Keep away from light and moisture
Do not refrigerate or freeze
Keep out of reach of children
How does oxymetholone work
Oxymetholone binds to androgen receptors in muscle cells, activating protein synthesis and nitrogen retention, which rapidly enhances muscle size and strength.
It also stimulates erythropoiesis, increasing the production of red blood cells and improving oxygen delivery to working muscles, leading to greater endurance.
The compound is already a reduced form of DHT, so it cannot be converted to dihydrotestosterone. This limits certain androgenic side effects but increases anabolic efficiency.
Additionally, oxymetholone reduces sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), raising the level of free, active testosterone in the blood and amplifying the effect of other stacked compounds.
However, its 17Ξ±-alkylated modification allows oral activity but places extra stress on the liver β hence the importance of cycle length control, liver monitoring, and antioxidant supplementation (e.g., NAC or milk thistle).
