Anadrol is the brand name for oxymetholone, which is a synthetic derivative of testosterone. Oral forms of Anadrol have been approved for human use by the Food and Drug Administration. According to Solvay Pharmaceuticals, the clinical applications of Anadrol include the treatment of anemia, osteoporosis and underdeveloped muscle growth.
Amenia
Anadrol is used clinically for the treatment of anemia, which is caused by a deficiency in red blood cells. Red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow and transfer oxygen and nutrients. Once the red blood cells have completed their life spans, they are filtered out of the blood and excreted from the body. Because human cells depend on oxygen to survive, anemia can lead to a range of clinical problems. According to Drugs.com, Anadrol can increase the production of red blood cells in patients with anemia due to bone marrow failure. Anadrol increases red blood cell production through a chemical called urinary excretion of erythropoietin EPO. Anemia can be prevented or controlled with proper maintenance of red blood cells.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that leads to reduced bone density and possible fracture. According to Jeff Miner in the journal Endocrinology, Anadrol has positive effects on bone density. Older women and men are especially at risk for osteoporosis. However, only men with low testosterone levels are treated with Anadrol. In a random controlled study appearing in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 48 men with low testosterone levels were assigned to a treatment or placebo group. One group received an anabolic steroid for three years; the other received a placebo. The anabolic steroid group had significantly greater increases in bone density of the hip and lumbar spine. According to the study, older men receiving Anadrol for prolonged periods should be closely monitored for prostate problems.
Protein Synthesis
There are numerous cells and cell receptors throughout the body. As anabolic steroids enter the body, they bind and activate cell receptors. The cell receptors then tell the body to build more muscle tissues, also known as protein synthesis. According to Torabi Nasrollah in "Clinical Therapeutics," Anadrol significantly increases protein synthesis despite having a low affinity to bind with cell receptors. Protein synthesis can lead to significant improvements in fat-free muscle mass and strength, according to Drugs.com. Anadrol also improves the flow of oxygen throughout the body. The increased oxygen availability enhances athletic endurance capabilities and improves recovery from strenuous workouts.
Side Effects
Many of the side effects of Anadrol are related to short-tern or long-term alterations in sex hormones, according to Solvay Pharmaceuticals. Some of the more common side effects include skin irritations, anger, anxiety and loss of sexual desire or ability. Men often develop enlarged breasts and increased mood swings; women may develop facial or body hair. In addition, several health complications can develop with long-term use, such as liver, heart, gastro-intestinal and neurological disorders.
Dosage
According to Drugs.com, the recommended dosage of Anadrol is between 1mg to 5mg per body weight per day. Dosage is prescribed by your doctor on an individual basis. The effects of Anadrol aren't always immediate, and a minimum trial of three to six months is recommended, according to Drugs.com.
References
- Drugs.com: Anadrol-50
- Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc
- "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism"; Exogenous testosterone or testosterone with finasteride increases bone mineral density in older men with low serum testosterone; Amory JK, Watts NB, Easley KA, Sutton PR, Anawalt BD, Matsumoto AM, Bremner WJ, Tenover JL; February 2004
- "Clinical Therapeutics"; Applications of anabolic-androgenic steroids; Nasrollah T; September 2001
- "Endocrinology"; An Orally Active Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator Is Efficacious on Bone, Muscle, and Sex Function with Reduced Impact on Prostate; Miner J, Chang W, Chapman M; May 2007
