The 17-alpha-alkyl group in the structure of the drug allows it to bypass the liver without breaking down, but this makes Anadrol toxic to the liver. Studies lasting 30 weeks were conducted, in which subjects used Oxymetholone at a dose of 50 mg per day. As a result, various side effects have been identified, including those on the liver.
In the 2003 Schroeder study, subjects received a dose of 50 or 100 mg/day, while only one of the subjects had a significant increase in ALT (alanine aminotransferase) in 12 weeks of continuous use. But, as it turned out, this was due to drinking alcohol immediately prior to donating blood. No ALT elevation was found on the reanalysis. In all other subjects, ALT and ASAT increased slightly but invariably remained within the normal range. Therefore, the toxic effect on the liver is largely exaggerated. The safest dosage of the drug is 100 mg per day (or less).
It should also be noted that oxymetholone is not converted to estrogen, however, quite often it can cause fluid accumulation in the body, gynecomastia, increased blood pressure, and others. It is assumed that Anadrol itself can bind and activate estrogen receptors, therefore, in the course, the level of estradiol should be monitored, and, based on this, aromatase inhibitors should be used, or it is more preferable to take blockers of the aforementioned receptors.
It should be noted that oxymetholone has no progestogen activity and there is no single study that clearly indicates its presence. The drug itself is a derivative of dihydrotestosterone.
In some cases (when using high doses), the drug can cause diarrhea, reduce appetite, and cause mild nausea. Oxymetholone suppresses the production of its own testosterone to a lesser extent than most steroids.
