Andractim

What is Andractim (Oxandrolone)?

Andractim is a brand name for the medication dihydrotestosterone (DHT), also known as androstanolone. It is a naturally occurring androgen and anabolic steroid (AAS) that is primarily used for androgen replacement therapy in men with low testosterone levels (hypogonadism). It is typically available as a gel for transdermal application.

Oxandrolone, on the other hand, is a different synthetic anabolic steroid. While both are AAS, they have different chemical structures and are used for different purposes. Oxandrolone is sold under various brand names, most notably Anavar.

It's important to differentiate between the two as they are often confused due to their similar-sounding names and similar uses as anabolic steroids.

This response will focus on Oxandrolone (Anavar) as it seems to be the primary subject of your query, based on the common terms used in the question.

Oxandrolone (Anavar): A Detailed Explanation

Oxandrolone is a synthetic anabolic steroid derived from dihydrotestosterone. It is known for its strong anabolic effects and weak androgenic effects, which makes it popular for building lean muscle mass without significant water retention.

Benefits and Medical Uses

• Weight Gain: Medically, it is used to help patients gain weight after surgery, trauma, or chronic infections, or in cases of unexplained weight loss.

• Protein Catabolism: It can help to offset muscle wasting (protein catabolism) in people taking long-term corticosteroids.

• Burn Recovery: It is well-established as a safe and effective treatment to accelerate recovery from severe burns.

• Osteoporosis: It can be used to treat bone pain associated with osteoporosis.

• Growth Disorders: It has been used in children with conditions like Turner syndrome and constitutional growth delay to promote growth.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Promotes Lean Muscle Growth: Oxandrolone is highly effective for building muscle and strength without the excessive fluid retention often seen with other steroids.

• Less Androgenic: Its low androgenic rating means it has a milder side effect profile, making it a common choice for women and those seeking less intense steroid regimens.

• May Aid Fat Loss: When combined with a proper diet and exercise, it can contribute to a leaner physique.

Cons:

• Liver Toxicity: As an orally active steroid, oxandrolone is metabolized by the liver and can cause liver damage, including life-threatening conditions like peliosis hepatis (blood-filled cysts in the liver) and liver tumors.

• Cardiovascular Risks: It can negatively impact cholesterol levels by increasing "bad" LDL cholesterol and decreasing "good" HDL cholesterol, which raises the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

• Hormonal Suppression: It can suppress the body's natural production of testosterone, leading to issues like low libido, fatigue, and testicular atrophy in men.

• Virilization in Women: Despite its mild androgenic effects, women can still experience virilization (development of male characteristics), which can be irreversible and include a deepened voice, clitoral enlargement, and increased facial/body hair.

• Psychological Effects: It can cause mood swings, irritability, aggression, and can lead to psychological dependence.

Dosage and Frequency

The dosage and frequency of oxandrolone vary significantly depending on the medical condition being treated and the individual's response. For medical use, dosages are typically low and given for a limited time.

• Adults: 2.5–20 mg per day, divided into 2–4 doses. Treatment is usually for 2-4 weeks and may be repeated intermittently.

• Children: The dosage is based on body weight, typically ≤ 0.1 mg/kg/day for 2-4 weeks.

It is crucial to follow a doctor's instructions for dosage and to be monitored closely for side effects. For non-medical use, dosages are often much higher, which significantly increases the risk of severe side effects.

Half-Life and Detection Time

• Half-Life: The mean elimination half-life of oxandrolone is approximately 10.4 hours in younger individuals and 13.3 hours in the elderly. This means it needs to be taken multiple times a day to maintain stable blood levels.

• Detection Time: Due to its short half-life, the detection time for oxandrolone is relatively short compared to other steroids. However, detection methods for metabolites can be more advanced. While it may clear the blood quickly, its metabolites can be detectable in urine for up to 3 weeks or longer.

Sterogenic, Progestogenic, and Prolactin Effects

• Estrogenic: Oxandrolone is a derivative of DHT, which means it does not aromatize (convert to estrogen). This is a significant benefit as it eliminates the risk of estrogen-related side effects like gynecomastia (breast development in men) and water retention.

• Progestogenic: Oxandrolone does not have progestogenic activity. This means it does not directly stimulate the progesterone receptor, which can be a concern with some other steroids.

• Prolactin: There is no evidence to suggest that oxandrolone significantly affects prolactin levels. Some steroids can increase prolactin, leading to side effects like lactation, but this is not a known issue with oxandrolone.

Anabolic Androgenic Ratio

The anabolic-androgenic ratio is a measure of a steroid's ability to build muscle (anabolic) versus its ability to produce male-like characteristics (androgenic). This ratio is a theoretical measure and can be debated, but oxandrolone is widely regarded as having a very favorable ratio.

• Anabolic: 322-630

• Androgenic: 24

This ratio of approximately 10-25 times more anabolic than androgenic is what makes oxandrolone particularly appealing for those seeking muscle gains with minimal masculinizing side effects.