Oxanabolic (Oxandrolone) is an oral anabolic steroid derived from dihydrotestosterone.
Oxanabolic (Oxandrolone) is highly favored by dieting bodybuilders and competitive athletes in speed/aerobic performance sports for its ability to gain pure tissue without fat or water retention.
Estrogenic Side Effects
Oxanabolic (Oxandrolone) is not aromatized by the body, and is not measurably estrogenic. An anti- estrogen is not necessary when using this steroid, as gynecomastia should not be a concern even among sensitive individuals.
Androgenic Side Effects
Although classified as an anabolic steroid, androgenic side effects are still common with this substance, especially with higher doses. This may include bouts of oily skin, acne, and body/facial hair growth.
Anabolic/androgenic steroids may also aggravate male pattern hair loss.
Women are also warned of the potential virilizing effects of anabolic/androgenic steroids. These may include a deepening of the voice, menstrual irregularities, changes in skin texture, facial hair growth, and clitoral enlargement.
Hepatotoxicity Side Effects
Oxanabolic (Oxandrolone) is a c17-alpha alkylated compound. C17-alpha alkylated anabolic/androgenic steroids can be hepatotoxic. Prolonged or high exposure may result in liver damage. In rare instances life-threatening dysfunction may develop. It is advisable to visit a physician periodically during each cycle to monitor liver function and overall health. Intake of c17-alpha alkylated steroids is commonly limited to 6-8 weeks, in an effort to avoid escalating liver strain.
The use of a liver detoxification supplement is advised while taking any hepatotoxic anabolic/androgenic steroids.
Relative hepatotoxicity increases as the dosage escalates, so hepatic dysfunction should still be a concern.
Cardiovascular Side Effects
Anabolic/androgenic steroids can have deleterious effects on serum cholesterol. This includes a tendency to reduce HDL (good) cholesterol values and increase LDL (bad) cholesterol values, which may shift the HDL to LDL balance in a direction that favors greater risk of arteriosclerosis.
The relative impact of an anabolic/androgenic steroid on serum lipids is dependant on the dose, route of administration (oral vs. injectable), type of steroid (aromatizable or non-aromatizable), and level of resistance to hepatic metabolism.
Anabolic/androgenic steroids may also adversely affect blood pressure and triglycerides, reduce endothelial relaxation, and support left ventricular hypertrophy, all potentially increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and myocardial infarction.
To help reduce cardiovascular strain, it is advised to maintain an active cardiovascular exercise program and minimize the intake of saturated fats, cholesterol, and simple carbohydrates at all times during active steroid administration. Supplementing with fish oils and a natural cholesterol/antioxidant formula is also recommended.