Oxymetholone Side Effects: What Every User Should Know Before Starting a Cycle

Introduction to Oxymetholone (Anadrol)

Oxymetholone, commonly sold under the brand name Anadrol, is one of the most powerful oral anabolic steroids on the market. Known for delivering extreme muscle mass and strength gains, it’s a favorite among bodybuilders and strength athletes during bulking cycles.

However, with great power comes great responsibility—Oxymetholone carries a high risk of side effects due to its potent anabolic and androgenic profile. Understanding these side effects is crucial for making an informed decision and protecting your long-term health.

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Why Oxymetholone Is So Potent—and So Risky

Oxymetholone has an anabolic rating of 320 (compared to testosterone’s 100), making it one of the most effective steroids for gaining size. But its strong liver toxicity and estrogenic activity also make it one of the riskiest.

Its chemical structure resists breakdown in the liver, allowing it to be effective orally. But this same property increases hepatotoxicity, one of its most concerning side effects.

Common Oxymetholone Side Effects

Let’s break down the most frequently reported side effects of Oxymetholone and how they impact the body.

1. Liver Toxicity

Oxymetholone is hepatotoxic, meaning it places stress on the liver. Because it's a 17-alpha alkylated (17aa) compound, it survives first-pass liver metabolism—but this causes strain and potential damage to liver cells.

Symptoms of liver stress include:

• Yellowing of the eyes/skin (jaundice)

• Fatigue

• Dark-colored urine

• Upper right abdominal pain

How to reduce the risk:

• Use for no longer than 4–6 weeks

• Take liver support supplements like NAC, TUDCA, or Milk Thistle

• Avoid alcohol and other hepatotoxic drugs during your cycle

2. Water Retention and Bloating

One of the most visible Oxymetholone side effects is significant water retention, which can cause:

• Puffy appearance

• Facial bloating

• Temporary increase in weight that’s not lean muscle

• Risk of high blood pressure

Management tips:

• Monitor sodium intake

• Use aromatase inhibitors (AIs) or SERMs to control estrogenic effects

• Stay well-hydrated and avoid sugary, salty processed foods

3. Estrogen-Related Effects (Gynecomastia)

Although Oxymetholone doesn’t aromatize into estrogen directly, it stimulates estrogenic activity, potentially leading to:

• Gynecomastia (male breast enlargement)

• Sensitive or painful nipples

• Mood swings and emotional instability

Prevention strategies:

• Take Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) or Clomid during the cycle

• Monitor for early signs of estrogenic side effects

• Consider low-dose AI as a preventive measure

4. Testosterone Suppression

Oxymetholone heavily suppresses natural testosterone production, which can result in:

• Low libido

• Fatigue

• Testicular shrinkage

• Hormonal imbalance post-cycle

How to avoid complications:

• Always follow with a Post Cycle Therapy (PCT)

• Include Testosterone Enanthate or Cypionate in your stack to maintain levels

• Keep cycles short and well-structured

5. Acne and Oily Skin

Due to its androgenic properties, Oxymetholone can stimulate:

• Overactive sebaceous glands

• Acne on the back, chest, and face

• Increased skin oiliness

Tips for controlling acne:

• Wash with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid

• Use retinoid creams or oral treatments if needed

• Keep clothing and bedding clean to prevent bacteria buildup

6. Hair Loss

Those genetically predisposed to male pattern baldness (MPB) may experience accelerated hair thinning while on Oxymetholone.

This is due to its DHT-derived structure, which can bind to androgen receptors in hair follicles.

Mitigation options:

• Use 5-alpha reductase inhibitors like Finasteride (with caution)

• Only cycle Oxymetholone short-term

• Avoid if you have a family history of hair loss

7. Mood Swings and Aggression

Some users report psychological effects like:

• Irritability

• Aggression or "roid rage"

• Anxiety or depression post-cycle

This is often related to hormonal imbalance caused by suppressed natural testosterone and elevated synthetic hormone levels.

Stabilization techniques:

• Stick to moderate doses

• Don’t stack with too many other compounds

• Include adaptogens or mood-supporting supplements

Rare But Serious Oxymetholone Side Effects

1. Cardiovascular Strain

Oxymetholone can negatively impact lipid profiles:

• Lower HDL (good cholesterol)

• Raise LDL (bad cholesterol)

• Increase risk of atherosclerosis

Over time, this raises the risk of:

• Heart attack

• Stroke

• Blood clots

Precautionary steps:

• Take omega-3 fatty acids, niacin, or red yeast rice

• Eat a heart-healthy diet during cycles

• Monitor blood pressure regularly

2. Hepatic Tumors or Peliosis Hepatis

Long-term or abusive use of Oxymetholone may result in:

• Liver tumors

• Peliosis hepatis (blood-filled cysts in the liver)

These are extremely rare but potentially life-threatening, especially with extended, high-dose cycles.

⚠️ To avoid this, never exceed 6 weeks of continuous Oxymetholone use and schedule regular liver panels with your doctor if using long-term.

Who Should NOT Take Oxymetholone?

Avoid Oxymetholone if You Have:

• Liver or kidney disorders

• High blood pressure or heart conditions

• History of prostate issues

• Pre-existing anxiety or depression

• Family history of male pattern baldness

Women should completely avoid Oxymetholone, due to the high risk of virilization (deepening of the voice, hair growth, clitoral enlargement).

Responsible Usage: How to Cycle Oxymetholone Safely

Sample Cycle (With Test)

Week	Oxymetholone	Testosterone Enanthate	Liver Support
1–6	50mg/day	500mg/week	NAC or TUDCA
7–10	—	500mg/week	—
11–14	—	PCT (Clomid/Nolva)	—

This type of structure helps minimize long-term damage while maximizing results.

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PCT Protocol After Oxymetholone

Week	Clomid	Nolvadex
1–2	50mg/day	40mg/day
3–4	25mg/day	20mg/day

This helps restore hormonal balance and minimize crash symptoms like depression, fatigue, and libido loss.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Oxymetholone dangerous?

When misused, yes. But with proper cycle length, liver support, and PCT, many of its risks can be significantly reduced.

How long does Oxymetholone stay in your system?

It has a half-life of ~9 hours but may remain detectable for up to 8 weeks in drug tests, depending on test sensitivity.

Can I stack it with other steroids?

Yes, it stacks well with Testosterone, Deca, and Trenbolone, but stacking increases the risk of side effects—cycle planning is essential.

Final Verdict – Know the Risks, Reap the Rewards

Oxymetholone 50mg offers some of the most dramatic gains in strength and mass—but those gains come at a price. Side effects like liver damage, estrogenic bloating, and testosterone suppression are real risks that demand proper knowledge and preparation.

If used wisely, with proper cycle planning, support supplements, and PCT, Oxymetholone can be a powerful ally for serious bodybuilders and power athletes.

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