Androbolic (Oxymetholone) is an oral anabolic steroid derived from dihydrotestosterone.

Estrogenic Side Effects

Androbolic (Oxymetholone) is a highly estrogenic steroid. Elevated estrogen levels often cause gynecomastia. At the same time water retention can become a problem, causing a notable loss of muscle definition as both subcutaneous water retention and fat levels build.

An anti-estrogen may be necessary to prevent estrogenic side effects.

Androgenic Side Effects

Although classified as an anabolic steroid, androgenic side effects are still common with this substance, especially with higher doses. This may include bouts of oily skin, acne, and body/facial hair growth.

Anabolic/androgenic steroids may also aggravate male pattern hair loss.

Women are also warned of the potential virilizing effects of anabolic/androgenic steroids. These may include a deepening of the voice, menstrual irregularities, changes in skin texture, facial hair growth, and clitoral enlargement.

Hepatotoxicity Side Effects

Androbolic (Oxymetholone) is a c17-alpha alkylated compound. C17-alpha alkylated anabolic/androgenic steroids can be hepatotoxic. Prolonged or high exposure may result in liver damage. In rare instances life-threatening dysfunction may develop. It is advisable to visit a physician periodically during each cycle to monitor liver function and overall health. Intake of c17-alpha alkylated steroids is commonly limited to 6-8 weeks, in an effort to avoid escalating liver strain.

The use of a liver detoxification supplement is advised while taking any hepatotoxic anabolic/androgenic steroids.

Relative hepatotoxicity increases as the dosage escalates, so hepatic dysfunction should still be a concern.

Cardiovascular Side Effects

Anabolic/androgenic steroids can have deleterious effects on serum cholesterol. This includes a tendency to reduce HDL (good) cholesterol values and increase LDL (bad) cholesterol values, which may shift the HDL to LDL balance in a direction that favors greater risk of arteriosclerosis.

The relative impact of an anabolic/androgenic steroid on serum lipids is dependant on the dose, route of administration (oral vs. injectable), type of steroid (aromatizable or non-aromatizable), and level of resistance to hepatic metabolism.

Anabolic/androgenic steroids may also adversely affect blood pressure and triglycerides, reduce endothelial relaxation, and support left ventricular hypertrophy, all potentially increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and myocardial infarction.

To help reduce cardiovascular strain, it is advised to maintain an active cardiovascular exercise program and minimize the intake of saturated fats, cholesterol, and simple carbohydrates at all times during active steroid administration. Supplementing with fish oils and a natural cholesterol/antioxidant formula is also recommended.

Testosterone Suppression

All anabolic/androgenic steroids are expected to suppress endogenous testosterone production. Testosterone is the primary male androgen, and offers strong negative feedback on endogenous testosterone production.

Testosterone-based drugs will, likewise, have a strong effect on the hypothalamic regulation of natural steroid hormones. Without the intervention of testosterone-stimulating substances, testosterone levels should return to normal within 1-4 months of drug secession.

Note that prolonged hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism can develop secondary to steroid abuse, necessitating medical intervention.

Administration for Men

It is most commonly used at a dosage of 25-150mg per day, taken in two to three doses during the day.

The positive effects of this drug become most apparent when it is used for longer cycles, usually lasting 6-8 weeks.

Androbolic (Oxymetholone) is a very versatile drug, and can be combined with a number of other agents depending on the desired result.

For maximum utilization Androbolic (Oxymetholone) should be taken on an empty stomach

Administration for Women

Androbolic (Oxymetholone) is rarely used with women in clinical medicine.

Androbolic (Oxymetholone) is not recommended for women for performance enhancing purposes due to its strong androgenic nature and tendency to produce virilizing side effects.