Oxymetholone
One of the most potent oral AAS ever developed. Originally prescribed for anemia and muscle-wasting diseases. Produces the fastest and most dramatic strength and mass gains of any oral compound. Severely hepatotoxic and strongly suppressive.
Mechanism of Action
17α-alkylated for oral bioavailability. Despite not aromatizing in the classical sense, it has intrinsic estrogenic activity at the ER, causing significant water retention and gynecomastia risk. Potent nitrogen retention via AR binding. Dramatically increases RBC production (EPO pathway) — originally FDA-approved for aplastic anemia (1961). Strong progestogenic activity contributes to suppression and mood effects.
Typical Dosing
⚠ Warning Flags
- •Most hepatotoxic common oral AAS — never exceed 6 weeks
- •Severe water retention — not suitable for cutting
- •TUDCA/UDCA liver support mandatory
- •Estrogenic despite not aromatizing — AI may be insufficient; Nolvadex preferred
Effect Profile
Side Effect Profile
Research Studies
Anabolic effects of oxymetholone in men undergoing total hip replacement
Bross R, et al. · 1999
Oxymetholone (100 mg/day) significantly increased lean body mass (+3.3 kg) and reduced fat mass in men recovering from total hip replacement, with notable increases in grip strength — confirming potent anabolic efficacy in a clinical setting.
Oxymetholone promotes weight gain in patients with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection
Hengge UR, et al. · 1996
HIV patients receiving oxymetholone gained significantly more weight (predominantly lean mass) than placebo controls, establishing its role in wasting disease and documenting its anabolic potency at therapeutic doses.
Adverse events associated with testosterone replacement in middle-aged and older men
Calof OM, et al. · 2005
Meta-analysis context: oxymetholone-class androgens are associated with significantly elevated hematocrit and polycythemia risk versus testosterone alone, underscoring EPO-axis stimulation.
A review of oxymetholone: a 17α-alkylated anabolic-androgenic steroid
Pavlatos AM, et al. · 2001
Comprehensive clinical review documenting oxymetholone's profound anabolic effects (lean mass ↑5–10%), hepatotoxic profile (peliosis hepatis, hepatocellular carcinoma risk with long use), and hormonal suppression mechanisms.