Oxymetholone (commonly known as Anadrol) is considered the **most potent available anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS)** in bodybuilding circles. Users often report incredible gains in strength and mass, ranging from 8–12 kg over 4–6 weeks (sometimes up to 15 kg), depending on dosing and diet.

Characteristics of Mass Gain: It must be noted that these gains are largely due to **water retention**. No other steroid causes such pronounced fluid accumulation. The result is a watery mass and a "puffy" external appearance. During training, this water retention allows for significantly higher loads, which stimulates muscle fiber growth. Additionally, ligaments and tendons benefit from the fluid retention, allowing the musculoskeletal system to handle extremely heavy weights without injury—making Oxymetholone popular among **Strongman** athletes.

Oxymetholone exhibits an extremely androgenic nature, which strongly supports **physical recovery**. Overtraining is virtually ruled out, which is a major advantage during the bulking phase with high caloric intake.

Estrogenic Effect: Although Oxymetholone is a DHT derivative and does not convert to estrogen (like testosterone), it causes strong estrogenic effects, leading to a spongy appearance and fluid retention. This is because it is a **potent estrogen receptor agonist**, activating them directly. Unfortunately, this also results in additional fat production, especially around the waist.

Estrogen Control: The only way to control these side effects is by using estrogen receptor blockers, such as **Tamoxifen**. Its use is recommended, as most users report gynecomastia.

Liver Toxicity: Oxymetholone is one of the few steroids in the literature that has been linked to the potential **formation of liver cancer**. Although medical doses (1–5 mg per kg of body weight) are extremely high (up to 500 mg daily for a 100 kg person) and rarely used in bodybuilding, a significant **increase in liver enzyme values** should be expected.

Other Side Effects:

• Circulatory System: Increased red blood cell production (anti-anemic effect). The body experiences a strongly increased pump effect, which can be painful and force breaks during workouts.
• General: Nausea, gastrointestinal issues, increased aggression, severe night sweats, frequent nosebleeds, and headaches.
• Androgenic: Oily skin, acne, increased hair loss, and increased body hair (in predisposed individuals).
• Hormonal: Rapid suppression of natural testosterone production, necessitating a mandatory cessation program (PCT) using HCG, Tamoxifen, and Clomiphene.
• Cholesterol: Total cholesterol levels rise (with a decrease in "good" values and an increase in "bad" values).

Due to high water retention and interference with fat burning, **Oxymetholone is absolutely unsuitable for the cutting phase** or pre-competition preparation. For such cycles, steroids like Trenbolone Acetate or Testosterone Propionate are far superior.

Dosing: Relatively high doses are required because Oxymetholone exhibits **weak receptor binding affinity** (unlike, for example, Methandrostenolone/Dianabol). Standard dosing:

• **Cycle Start:** 50 mg daily in the first week.
• **Increase:** 100 mg daily in the second week.
• **Maximum:** 150 mg daily (higher doses should not be used).
• **Duration of Use:** Maximum **4–6 weeks**.

The daily dose should be divided into at least two, or preferably three, individual doses and taken with plenty of fluid during meals to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort.

Who Should Use It: Oxymetholone is **not suitable for beginners or women**. It is intended for advanced bodybuilders with experience using Testosterone and Methandrostenolone. Its primary purpose is to **break through development plateaus**.

Stacking: It stacks best with **Testosterone** and **Nandrolone**, providing the opportunity to build significant muscle mass.