ANADROL-50 (Oxymetholone) Anadrol was probably the all time favorite mass
and strength building oral AAS. At dosages of 100-250 mg/d, many realized weight
gains of 1 5-25 lbs...n only a few weeks. Users raved about unbelievable strength and
recovery as well. Unfortunately, the majority of weight gain was water retention and to
a much lesser extent increased red blood cell count. Post-cycle lean mass retention
sucked unless a high anabolic AAS such as Nandrolone, Equipoise, Winstrol-Depot, or
Primobolan Depot were stacked with it, or in my experience more wisely utilized in a
Max Androgen Phase. (And Anadrol was discontinued at least 10-14 days before the
high anabolic of course)
Anadrol was commonly used the last few weeks pre-contest also. This was done
to increase training intensity, post work-out recovery, increase vascularity, and induce
a distinct fullness/hardening effect. When used pre-contest, Anadrol required the use
of Nolvadex or other estrogen receptor antagonist.
Even with the use of a finasteride-type drug, Anadrol tended to cause balding
for some. It also gave many athletes raging gyno in the upper dosage ranges. Anadrol
does not actually aromatize but does posses progesterone like qualities.
Progesterone is an estrogen that causes gyno as well as serious water retention.
Faslodex (fulvestrant) has been the better estrogen antagonist during administration
of any AAS with progestin activity. Why, as I said prior, the drug works by downregulating
estrogen and progesterone receptor counts. Less receptors means less
activity.
There was a debate as to whether or not Anadrol did, or could convert to, a
DHT or DHT derivative. I now feel both sides are unlikely true or right. Anadrol was
such a potent androgen that it attached itself to sex tissue specific androgen
receptors in the scalp and prostatic areas. Finasteride did seem to posses some
receptor-site blocking qualities and therefore was helpful.
Interestingly, Anadrol did not induce strong activation of androgen receptorsites
in muscle tissue. But it did cause impressive muscle mass gains. Ironic, but
obviously Anadrol worked.
Sadly, Anadrol was seriously liver toxic. Only Methyltestosterone rivaled it for
toxicity and Halotestin beat it for liver destruction.
Due to serious water retention during Anadrol use pre-contest, a diuretic would
be necessary the last 2-3 days pre-contest. Remember Anadrol causes serious HPTA
suppression.