Androgens

Oxymetholone

An oral androgen studied for lean-mass and strength effects, with simultaneous liver-enzyme and lipid changes.

Human research / important limitations

Also known as: Anadrol

Oxymetholone molecular structure — Structure reference · C21H32O3

Practical use

Applying the explained evidence

Where it fits: An oral androgen studied for lean-mass and strength effects, with simultaneous liver-enzyme and lipid changes.
Put the information into practice: Lean mass is not identical to contractile muscle. The findings are from older community-dwelling men, not a forecast for trained younger adults or evidence for a safe bodybuilding regimen.
Formulation and purpose: Write down the exact compound and formulation behind a claim. Compare the studied population and purpose with the situation being discussed; evidence for medical replacement does not automatically answer a physique-enhancement question.
Keep this limit in view: Small and short trial. It cannot quantify long-term clinical harm or demonstrate that the body-composition changes persist after treatment.

Lean mass, strength and metabolism

Archived FDA oxymetholone label

Overview

Oxymetholone was tested in older men in a placebo-controlled trial. It increased lean mass and some strength measures, but the measured benefits occurred alongside adverse laboratory changes.

Risks and limitations

HDL cholesterol fell in both active groups. The higher-exposure group had a substantial average ALT rise. These laboratory findings prevent interpreting improved body composition as an overall health benefit.

How to read this

Lean mass is not identical to contractile muscle. The findings are from older community-dwelling men, not a forecast for trained younger adults or evidence for a safe bodybuilding regimen.

Research explained

Lean mass, strength and metabolism

Who was studied

31 men aged 65–80 randomized to placebo or one of two active groups for 12 weeks.

Lower-exposure arm: lean mass: 3.3 kg
Higher-exposure arm: lean mass: 4.2 kg
Placebo: lean mass: 0 kg

What was found

Mean lean mass rose 3.3 and 4.2 kg in the two active arms versus 0.0 kg with placebo. Chest-press strength rose 8.2% and 13.9% versus −0.8%. HDL fell by 19 and 23 mg/dL; ALT increased by a mean 72 U/L in the higher-exposure arm.

What it cannot establish

Small and short trial. It cannot quantify long-term clinical harm or demonstrate that the body-composition changes persist after treatment.

Read the original study

Benefits and adverse markers occurred together

The trial did not show a clean separation between muscle-related benefit and adverse laboratory changes. A larger lean-mass average cannot by itself establish a better benefit–risk balance. The small older-adult sample and 12-week duration leave uncommon and long-term clinical outcomes unresolved.

Supporting source

Historical product warnings

The archived FDA label includes hepatic tumors, peliosis hepatis and fluid/electrolyte retention among important concerns. It is a historical regulatory document, not a current-market availability check. Product-specific prescribing information and current regulatory records are separate sources.

Supporting source

Sources

Lean mass, strength and metabolism

Archived FDA oxymetholone label

Sources checked 2026-09-28.

General education; not a personal treatment plan.