Anadrol — a name that echoes through gyms, forums, and underground doping circles — is often called one of the most powerful oral anabolic steroids available. Known for delivering rapid gains in size and strength, it’s a favorite among bodybuilders preparing for mass cycles. But what does science say? What do athletes really experience? And at what cost?
This article breaks down Anadrol (Oxymetholone) effects on muscle building and athletic performance using clinical evidence, expert insights, real-world user reports.
Anadrol, chemically known as oxymetholone, is a synthetic derivative of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). First introduced in the 1960s, it was originally approved by the FDA to treat anemia caused by bone marrow failure or diseases like HIV/AIDS due to its ability to stimulate red blood cell production (FDA Label – Hemogenin ).
Despite this medical background, Anadrol has become infamous in fitness communities for its dramatic impact on lean mass and strength — far beyond what natural training can achieve.
It belongs to the class of C17-alpha alkylated steroids, which allows oral bioavailability but increases liver toxicity risk.
Unlike testosterone-based compounds, Anadrol doesn’t convert to estrogen via aromatase — yet users still report significant water retention, suggesting indirect estrogenic activity through other pathways.
According to Anabolics by William Llewellyn, Anadrol is “among the most potent anabolic agents ever developed” — with some users gaining 15–20 lbs in 4–6 weeks during bulking phases.
Bodybuilders and strength athletes turn to Anadrol when they want fast, visible results — especially before competitions or off-season bulk-ups.
There are 5 primary reasons why Anadrol remains popular despite its risks:
These benefits stem from both direct anabolic actions and secondary physiological changes induced by the drug.
Let’s examine each effect with scientific backing and real-user context.
Studies show Anadrol significantly boosts protein synthesis and nitrogen retention — two key drivers of muscle hypertrophy.
A double-blind study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that patients taking oxymetholone experienced increased lean body mass within 3 weeks, even without resistance training (JCEM, 1972 ).
In bodybuilding circles, anecdotal reports align closely:
Dr. Michael Ashenden, an anti-doping researcher at Australian Catholic University, explains in interviews that drugs like Anadrol create a “supercharged environment” where muscles recover faster and grow larger than physiologically possible naturally.
“Steroids don’t build muscle — training does. But steroids change the rules of adaptation,” says Ashenden. “They allow for more frequent, intense workouts with less fatigue.”
One common myth is that Anadrol’s strength gains are mostly due to water retention. While water plays a role, research shows otherwise.
A clinical trial involving cachectic patients showed up to 30% improvement in grip strength and functional capacity after 8 weeks on low-dose oxymetholone (PubMed, PMID: 6828715 ).
In powerlifting forums like r/Powerlifting and r/SteroidCycle, users consistently report adding 50–100 lbs to their bench, squat, and deadlift within a single cycle.
User “LiftHeavy88” on r/steroids wrote:
“Week 2 on Anadrol: Squat went from 315×5 to 365×5. By week 5? 405×5 no problem. Felt like I had springs under my feet.”
While placebo effects exist, the consistency across thousands of similar reports suggests a strong pharmacological basis.
Anadrol dramatically improves red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels — increasing oxygen delivery to working muscles.
This leads to:
A study in Blood Journal showed oxymetholone increased RBC mass by 25–40% in anemic men within 4 weeks (Blood, 1967 ).
Athletes aren’t anemic — but they exploit this mechanism to boost aerobic efficiency. Cyclists and endurance athletes have historically misused Anadrol, though it’s rare today due to WADA detection methods.
Dr. Ross Tucker, sports scientist and host of The Science of Sport Podcast, notes:
“Even small improvements in oxygen-carrying capacity can delay fatigue. That’s why EPO and blood boosters remain tempting — and dangerous.”
Anadrol strongly stimulates appetite — a crucial factor during aggressive bulking phases when consuming 4,000+ calories daily becomes challenging.
This effect isn’t fully understood, but likely involves modulation of hypothalamic hunger centers and metabolic rate elevation.
Simon Miller of More Plates More Dates frequently discusses how hardgainers struggle to eat enough — and how certain PEDs help overcome psychological barriers to overeating.
“When your body feels starved, you stop making progress. Anadrol flips that switch,” Miller said on the Mind Pump Podcast.
However, uncontrolled eating combined with Anadrol can lead to excessive fat gain — undermining long-term physique goals.
To understand Anadrol’s power, we must look beyond marketing claims and dive into mechanisms of action supported by clinical data.
Anadrol binds to androgen receptors in skeletal muscle, activating gene expression related to protein synthesis. It also enhances ribosomal activity — the cellular machinery responsible for building proteins.
According to The Chemistry of Performance Enhancement by John G. Jones, oxymetholone has a high anabolic-to-androgenic ratio (estimated 320:45), meaning it favors tissue growth over masculinizing effects — though side effects still occur.
Muscle tissue is ~16% nitrogen. Positive nitrogen balance indicates an anabolic state.
Anadrol helps maintain positive nitrogen balance even during caloric deficits — allowing muscle preservation while dieting.
William Llewellyn cites studies showing oxymetholone increases urinary nitrogen retention by up to 5 grams per day, equivalent to nearly 30 grams of new muscle tissue daily — though actual accrual is lower due to turnover.
Anadrol stimulates erythropoietin (EPO)-like effects in the kidneys and directly acts on bone marrow stem cells.
This raises hematocrit levels — sometimes dangerously. Cases of polycythemia (excess RBCs) have been reported, increasing stroke and clotting risk.
WADA monitors reticulocyte counts and OFF-hScore to detect such manipulation — part of the Athlete Biological Passport program.
Most users run Anadrol in short bursts due to hepatotoxicity concerns.
| Parameter | Value |
| Duration | 4–6 weeks |
| Dosage | 25–100 mg/day |
| Timing | Split doses (AM/PM) to maintain stable blood levels |
| On-cycle support | TUDCA, NAC, liver enzymes monitored |
| PCT | Post-cycle therapy required after 2–3 weeks |
Beginners usually start at 25–50 mg/day, while advanced users may go up to 100 mg/day — though returns diminish and risks rise sharply above 75 mg.
Anadrol is rarely used alone. Common stacks include:
Greg Doucette, a controversial figure in fitness media, admitted using Anadrol in YouTube videos, calling it “the king of orals” — but warned viewers about liver stress.
“I ran 50 mg/day for 5 weeks. My ALT shot up to 180. Not worth it unless you’re prepping for a show,” he said in a now-unlisted video.
No discussion of Anadrol is complete without addressing its well-documented toxicity profile.
As a C17-alpha alkylated steroid, Anadrol passes through the liver unchanged — causing strain.
Clinical studies report elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP) in over 70% of users within weeks (NIH Drug Record – Oxymetholone ).
Severe cases have led to:
The Mayo Clinic advises against prolonged use of alkylated orals and recommends regular blood work if used medically.
Anadrol negatively impacts lipid profiles:
These changes increase long-term cardiovascular disease risk.
Dr. Jordan Grant, a hormone optimization specialist, warns:
“You might look great at 28, but your arteries could be aging twice as fast.”
Anadrol suppresses natural testosterone production — often completely.
One study found testosterone dropped below 100 ng/dL in healthy men after just 3 weeks on 50 mg/day (Clinical Endocrinology, 1978 ).
Without proper post-cycle therapy (PCT), users face months of low energy, depression, and muscle loss.
Common PCT protocols involve:
Experts like Dr. Thomas O’Connor (“The Anabolic Doc”) emphasize timing — starting PCT 2–3 weeks after last dose, depending on half-life clearance.
Though Anadrol doesn’t aromatize into estrogen, many users report:
Possible explanations:
Anti-estrogens like Arimidex (anastrozole) are sometimes used, though not always effective.
Androgenic sides include:
Dr. Charles Yesalis, author of Steroid Nation, calls these predictable trade-offs:
“People focus on gains, but ignore the biological price. There’s no free lunch in pharmacology.”
Anadrol is a Schedule III controlled substance in most of the countries under the Controlled Substances Act. (legally sold in Mexico, Turkey, Thailand)
World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) bans Anadrol year-round. Its metabolites can be detected in urine for up to 3 months after last use via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
Athletes caught using Anadrol face:
Lance Armstrong’s downfall involved multiple steroids, including oxymetholone derivatives, according to testimony in the USADA investigation (“The Secret Race” by Tyler Hamilton).
Given the risks, many seek safer paths to similar results.
Brands like CrazyBulk’s Anadrole and Brutal Force ANADROLE claim to mimic Anadrol’s effects using natural ingredients:
However, independent reviews (including tests by Vigorous Steve and Derek from Geared Brain) show minimal measurable gains compared to real Anadrol.
“It gives you a slight pump and maybe 5 extra reps — nothing close to the real thing,” said Vigorous Steve in a YouTube review.
For those avoiding PEDs, proven strategies include:
Dr. Eric Helms, researcher at RP Strength, states:
“Natural lifters need patience. Gains come slower, but they’re sustainable and healthy.”
Let’s hear from professionals across disciplines.
“Anadrol works — there’s no denying that. But every time someone takes it, they’re rolling the dice with their liver and heart.”
“We see enhanced performance, yes. But also disrupted endocrine function, mood disorders, and long recovery post-cycle. Is it worth it for non-medical use? I doubt it.”
“I’ve treated patients with liver damage from oral steroids. Some bounce back. Others need years of rehab. Informed consent is critical.”
While not discussing Anadrol specifically, Huberman emphasizes hormonal balance:
“Testosterone influences mood, cognition, libido, and motivation. Artificially suppressing it creates downstream consequences.”
Listen to his full episode on hormones: Huberman Lab – Optimize Your Dopamine
Here’s a clear summary based on all available evidence:
| Factor | Assessment |
| Effectiveness for Mass & Strength | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Extremely High) |
| Speed of Results | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very Fast) |
| Safety Profile | ⭐☆☆☆☆ (Poor – High Risk) |
| Sustainability of Gains | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (Moderate – Water Loss Post-Cycle) |
| Legality | ⚠️ Illegal many countries |
| Long-Term Health Impact | ❌ Potentially Harmful |
If you choose to use Anadrol:
But consider this: Can you achieve impressive results naturally?
Yes — with consistency, nutrition, sleep, and smart programming.
As Dr. Mike Israetel says:
“Genetics set the ceiling. Effort determines how close you get. Steroids raise the ceiling — but also the floor of risk.”
Anadrol significantly increases muscle mass and strength within weeks of use. It enhances protein synthesis, promotes nitrogen retention, and stimulates appetite—supporting rapid weight gain. Clinical studies show users can gain 10–20 (5-10 kgs) lbs in 4–6 weeks, though much of the early increase includes water and glycogen storage.
Yes. Anadrol boosts red blood cell production, improving oxygen delivery to muscles, which enhances endurance and reduces fatigue. Users report greater training intensity, faster recovery, and improved stamina—especially during high-volume workouts. However, these benefits come with serious health risks.
Most users notice effects within 3–7 days, including increased strength, improved pumps, and higher energy levels. Significant muscle gains typically become visible by week 2–3. A study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found measurable increases in lean mass and hemoglobin within three weeks of starting treatment.
Yes, Anadrol causes significant water retention, contributing to rapid weight gain and a fuller look. While this isn’t contractile muscle tissue, it supports joint lubrication and allows heavier lifting. Some of the size is temporary, but real myofibrillar hypertrophy occurs alongside fluid retention due to enhanced protein synthesis.
While mass gain is typical, Anadrol has been shown to boost functional strength independently. In clinical trials involving underweight or debilitated patients, oxymetholone improved grip strength and physical capacity even without dramatic weight changes—suggesting direct neuromuscular or metabolic effects.
Some users report increased aggression, irritability, or mood swings, often referred to as “roid rage.” While not universal, these psychological effects are linked to hormonal disruption and androgenic activity. Dr. Charles Yesalis notes that such behavioral changes are well-documented with potent anabolic steroids like Anadrol.
Post-cycle strength retention depends on several factors: training consistency, diet, and post-cycle therapy (PCT). Without proper PCT and maintenance, testosterone suppression leads to muscle loss and reduced performance. Long-term users may retain some advantage due to myonuclear accretion (“muscle memory”), but gains diminish over time if natural hormone balance isn’t restored.
Anadrol produces greater initial strength and mass gains than Dianabol (methandrostenolone), according to user reports and clinical observations. However, it carries a higher risk of liver toxicity and water retention. Unlike Dianabol, Anadrol doesn’t aromatize into estrogen but may still activate related pathways indirectly.
Repeated or prolonged use can lead to:
A case study published in LiverTox (NIH) documented a young bodybuilder developing severe hepatotoxicity after multiple Anadrol cycles—highlighting the potential for lasting harm even in otherwise healthy individuals.
Anadrol delivers unmatched short-term gains in muscle and strength — backed by decades of clinical data and countless user testimonials.
But it comes with serious health risks, legal implications, and ethical questions — especially for competitive athletes.
Whether you’re considering its use or simply curious, understanding the full picture — from molecular mechanisms to real-world outcomes — empowers smarter decisions.
