Understanding Anadrol: The Secret Weapon in Bodybuilding

[MuscleMecca Crew]

Oxymetholone is a drug used by medical professionals to treat patients suffering from anemia and muscle loss. But for bodybuilders, it is widely known as Anadrol. It is an appealing solution to increasing muscle mass quickly. Unsurprisingly, bodybuilders choose to use the drug even outside the prescription.

Anadrol provides a potent increase in strength and muscle mass. However, like any other drug, it has side effects as it enters the body system. Many bodybuilders have been addicted to Anadrol since the 1990s because of its impact on their physique. But are the strong side effects worth it?

What is Anadrol?​

Oxymetholone, more popularly known as Anadrol, is an androgenic-anabolic steroid that treats anemia through erythropoietin production. It was first developed in 1960 for medical use. Aside from anemia, it is also used to treat osteoporosis and help malnourished patients increase their weight and enhance their muscle production.

Its primary mechanism is to bring androgen receptors to the body. Because of this, an individual may have an increased protein synthesis to build and repair muscle effectively. It also retains the nitrogen in the muscles like other anabolic steroids.

Anadrol comes in tablet forms of up to 150mg. Other bodybuilders who need a more substantial effect take higher doses during their cycles.

Anadrol in Bodybuilding​

Because of its androgenic effects, it became popular in the bodybuilding community as one of the fastest muscle mass gainers in the industry. A bodybuilder can weigh additional 30 pounds after a single cycle of Anadrol. This effect is helpful to an individual who wants to look bigger and gain bulkier muscles.

Anadrol is three times more anabolic than natural testosterone. Because of this, it makes a bodybuilder stronger. Its increased strength effect may help an athlete quickly increase the volume of their training sessions.

However, its results do not last. When a bodybuilder stops taking Anadrol, the gained muscle will diminish. Therefore, to retain its effect, a bodybuilder should continue taking steroids. It also means they are more prone to the risks of adverse side effects.

Effects of Anadrol on The Body​

Positive: Appetite Stimulation​

Anabolic steroids affect the metabolism and how the body deposits fat. Someone who takes Anadrol may experience increased appetite, which means they can consume more protein and store more calories to burn on their next workout session. This can be beneficial because bodybuilders are required to have a high-calorie diet.

The appetite-stimulating effect can help bodybuilders increase their food intake to efficiently meet the macro and micronutrient requirements. This ensures they have a steady supply of the nutrients they need for muscle recovery and repair.

Positive: Fat Loss​

Though Anadrol increases appetite, it also burns fats to a different degree. A bodybuilder’s body contains mostly water, making it easy to burn. The other effects of Anadrol are beneficial during the cutting season, where the muscle mass is retained, and body fats are lost. However, providing the body with appropriate carbohydrates is essential to achieve the desired effect on muscles.

Positive: Joint Lubrication​

Anadrol supports collagen synthesis, which is essential for joint health. Since this steroid helps water retention, it also lubricates the joints to increase their elasticity. Additionally, Anadrol's anti-inflammatory effects help bodybuilders continue working out without worrying about joint pains.

Negative: Physical Effects​

Anabolic steroids are known to mimic how testosterone works in the body. It provides both positive and negative effects on how a person looks. Though it can give excellent results in muscle mass, its adverse impact on physical appearance includes hair loss and acne breakout.

However, the severity of the effects may depend on the genes of the bodybuilder. If you have noticed, bodybuilders usually have shaved heads because of this side effect.
Women may also take Anadrol, but it will still have the same Anadrol effects on them. Women may experience deeper voices and hair loss on the scalp but increased body hair. They may also develop muscular features because of their masculinization effects.

Negative: Liver Damage​

Aside from the risks of anabolic steroids in cardiovascular health, prolonged use of Anadrol may lead to liver diseases because of its toxicity. Anadrol comes in tablets and contains a c17-alpha-alkylated compound to remain in the bloodstream. The liver absorbs its ingredients before they take effect.

You must use Anadrol with a medical professional’s supervision to monitor the level of your liver enzymes. This drug is not recommended for people who take medicines for liver diseases. Before starting Anadrol, you must advise your physician of your medications, including vitamins.

Negative: Psychological Problems​

Anabolic steroids cause severe changes in how the brain works. Prolonged use of Anadrol can lead to improper levels of dopamine and serotonin. It gives the user extreme mood swings and anxiety, decreasing their quality of life.

Continuous use of Anadrol can lead to paranoia, aggression, and delusions. It is also the main reason someone under this substance feels “roid rage”: they feel more robust. A user may feel these psychological changes because of the changes in their hormones.

Legal and Ethical Issues Surrounding Anadrol Use​

Aside from the health risks, using Anadrol as a performance-enhancing drug is illegal. It should only be used for medical reasons. Buying them underground is unlawful and may lead to a year of imprisonment and hefty fines. It is classified as a controlled substance under the Controlled Substance Act in the US.

However, it is legal in Mexico, and bodybuilders can buy them without prescriptions. Many underground labs also formulate Anadrol to sell them to bodybuilders. Selling and possessing Anadrol in states classified as illegal may lead to up to 14 years of imprisonment and paying hefty fines.

Views of Sports Organizations and Regulations​

Anadrol is banned by many sports organizations–from the International Olympic Committee to high school athletic associations. Athletes who test positive for this substance may be banned from competing at any sporting event. Sports organizations may also forfeit their previous wins and awards.

Because it has become prevalent in the athletic industry, drug testing is required for athletes, especially in combat sports, because of its aggression effects. People who use Anadrol are also at higher risk of using other illegal drugs, which may affect their athletic careers.

Alternatives to Anadrol​

Anadrol misuse can lead to addiction. That’s why there are companies that formulate legal versions of Anadrol. Some people call them “legal steroids.”

Legal alternatives are also taken orally, but their side effects are not as strong as Anadrol because they are made with natural ingredients. However, using legal steroids as a performance-enhancing drug should still be supervised by a medical professional to monitor the users' health.

The safest way to avoid adverse side effects is not to take steroids, whether legal. A better alternative is to have a proper diet and include dietary supplements like creatine and BCAAs in meals. They also provide the strength and muscle-building properties that a bodybuilder needs.

Conclusion​

Anadrol has been the top choice of bodybuilders to gain muscle mass quickly since it can provide results in a single cycle. However, the side effects are not worth it. It may negatively affect long-term health, affecting the user's internal organs. Anadrol use may also lead to addiction because of the results it presents.

Alternatives to this substance are the most recommended way to gain muscle mass without experiencing psychological and harmful physical effects. Additionally, seeking a medical professional’s help may alleviate the future side effects of substance use.