There are several possible side effects of Anadrol. The Oxymetholone hormone is not what we’d label side effect friendly, but safe use is possible. With responsible use, most healthy adult men can use this steroid without complications due to the side effects of Anadrol. However, even with responsible use the side effects of Anadrol may still show up, but hopefully in a controllable way. In order to achieve this level of control the first step is to recognize the possible side effects of Anadrol. From there we need to understand what we can do about them should they occur, as well as steps to reduce the probability of such effects occurring.
*Estrogenic Side Effects of Anadrol:
The Oxymetholone hormone is a dihydrotestosterone (DHT) derived anabolic androgenic steroid. This hormone does not aromatize; however, unlike most DHT compounds it is highly estrogenic. For this reason, the side effects of Anadrol can include gynecomastia and excess water retention. In fact, severe water retention is not uncommon with this steroid.
In order to combat the estrogenic side effects of Anadrol, many men will turn to anti-estrogens. Aromatase Inhibitors (AI’s) are often used due to their extreme power in that they inhibit aromatization. However, when it comes to the side effects of Anadrol there is no aromatization to inhibit, there is no testosterone to estrogen conversion. AI’s do appear to offer some protection, but often Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERM’s) are needed. SERM’s, while they won’t reduce estrogen, will attach to the estrogen receptors preventing estrogenic action at that location. Regardless, SERM or AI, most men will need some type of anti-estrogen in order to combat the estrogenic side effects of Anadrol.
*Androgenic Side Effects of Anadrol:
Anadrol, like most DHT compounds, can lead to androgenic side effects and heavily so. Acne, body hair growth and hair loss are all possible with this steroid. However, such side effects of Anadrol are strongly dependent on genetic predispositions. If you are predisposed to male pattern baldness, you’re going to lose your hair no matter what you do, but the use of Anadrol may speed it up. Those who are not predisposed will not lose any hair. Similarly, those who are sensitive to acne may find breakouts to be an issue. Those who are not will rarely have a problem. If you are sensitive, staying clean and dry at all times will help. This means showering any time you become sweaty or at least changing into a clean, dry shirt and showering as soon as you can.
An important note – the androgenicity of Anadrol cannot be reduced by a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. Many steroid users will use such inhibitors to protect against the androgenicity of a steroid, but it will not work with Anadrol. The Oxymetholone hormone is not metabolized by the 5-alpha reductase enzyme and related inhibitors will have no affect.
*Cardiovascular Side Effects of Anadrol:
The cardiovascular side effects of Anadrol are perhaps the most concerning. The side effects of Anadrol can include high blood pressure and high cholesterol. If you suffer from high blood pressure or cholesterol you should not supplement with this anabolic steroid.
For most men, if they control water retention they will not have an issue with high blood pressure. However, controlling water retention can be difficult for a lot of men with this steroid. You will need to keep an eye on your blood pressure through the duration of use. Avoiding other activities that promote high blood pressure is also advised such as smoking, excess alcohol consumption and excess sodium consumption.
The side effects of Anadrol can also include increases in LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) as well as significant HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) suppression. This can be controlled, but as with blood pressure it will take some effort. Most men are encouraged to supplement with a cholesterol antioxidant supplement, but this is only the first step. The individual’s diet must be cholesterol friendly. A cholesterol friendly diet will be low in saturated fats and simple sugars. It will also be rich in omega fatty acids. Daily fish oil supplementation is advised. The individual should also ensure he includes daily cardiovascular activity into his routine. Healthy adult men who follow these steps, assuming there is no underlying issue, should be able to avoid the cardiovascular side effects of Anadrol.
*Testosterone:
Regardless of genetics, your diet or supplements you may be taking the side effects of Anadrol will include the suppression of natural testosterone production in all men who supplement. Due to this suppression, most men are encouraged to supplement with some form of exogenous testosterone. The form of testosterone you choose is inconsequential. The only thing that matters is that the body is given what it needs in order for a low testosterone condition to be avoided. Those who do not include exogenous testosterone will risk a low testosterone condition and all the related symptoms it carries.
While the side effects of Anadrol include testosterone suppression, once use is discontinued and all exogenous hormones have cleared the system natural production will begin again on its own. In order to facilitate a smooth recovery, most men will need to implement a Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) plan once all steroid use is discontinued.
An important note – natural testosterone recovery assumes the individual did not severely damage his Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular-Axis (HPTA) with improper supplementation practices. It also assumes there was no prior low testosterone condition.
*Hepatotoxicity:
As with testosterone suppression, the side effects of Anadrol revolving around hepatotoxicity are guaranteed. This is a C17-alpha alkylated (C17-aa) anabolic steroid, and regardless of genetics this makes it hepatotoxic. Liver enzyme values will increase with use. This does not mean damage has occurred, but it is an indicator of stress and possible damage to come. If your liver is not healthy you should not supplement with this steroid. If you are healthy enough for use, in order to avoid liver damage you will need to follow a set of guidelines. If you are healthy enough for use, if you follow these guidelines, while enzyme values will increase with use they will return to normal shortly after use is discontinued and no damage will be done. The guidelines are as follows:
· Avoid Excess alcohol consumption: Heavy alcohol consumption is highly stressful to the liver. Avoiding all alcohol isn’t a bad idea, especially if Anadrol use is for the purpose of performance enhancement.
· Avoid all Over the Counter (OTC) medications when possible. Many OTC meds are hepatotoxic. In fact, many are more hepatotoxic than some anabolic steroids. Use should be limited to when only necessary.
· Do not supplement with any other C17-aa steroid when using Anadrol.
· No C17-aa steroid should be used for at least six weeks after Anadrol use has been discontinued – the longer the break the better.
