Anadrol vs Superdrol: Ultimate Comparison of Muscle Gains, Strength, and Risks

In the world of bodybuilding, where rapid muscle gain and maximum strength define success, two oral anabolic steroids consistently stir debate: Anadrol (Oxymetholone) and Superdrol (Methasterone/Methyldrostanolone). Both compounds are known for their potent anabolic effects but which one delivers superior results?

This article offers a comprehensive, evidence-based comparison of Anadrol vs Superdrol, breaking down how each works, their respective benefits, side effects, best cycle strategies, and safety considerations. Whether you’re a seasoned lifter or considering your first cycle, understanding the nuances of these two powerful substances is essential to make informed, health-conscious decisions.

What is Anadrol?

Originally developed in the 1950s to treat severe anemia and muscle-wasting diseases, Anadrol (Oxymetholone) remains one of the few anabolic steroids still approved by the FDA for specific medical uses like anemia due to bone marrow failure [source].

Chemically, Anadrol is DHT-derived, but its structure has been altered to promote extreme protein synthesis and boost red blood cell production, leading to significant improvements in oxygen delivery and muscular endurance.

In bodybuilding, Anadrol is a go-to during bulking cycles, offering dramatic increases in both muscle size and strength within weeks. Users often report gaining 10–15 lbs in under six weeks a testament to its anabolic potency.

Nicknames: A-bombs, Oxy’s.

What is Superdrol?

Superdrol, or Methasterone, also emerged from medical research in the 1950s but was never officially released as a prescription drug. It eventually gained traction as an underground compound for physique enhancement and muscle hardening [source].

Like Anadrol, Superdrol is DHT-derived, but its effects are markedly different. It enhances nitrogen retention and protein synthesis without causing water retention, making it ideal for lean, dry muscle gains.

Typically used in cutting cycles or close to competitions, Superdrol excels at giving physiques that “shrink-wrap” look hard, vascular, and ripped.

Alternate names: Methyldrostanolone, Methasterone.

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Anadrol vs Superdrol: Muscle Gains and Strength

Anadrol is unmatched when it comes to rapid, visible size increases. Thanks to its ability to increase intracellular fluid and red blood cell count, users often appear significantly fuller and larger. Gains of 10–15 lbs in 4–6 weeks are not uncommon [source].

Superdrol, on the other hand, is more about refined gains. While it doesn’t offer the same scale weight increase, it produces dry, hard, vascular muscles ideal for those looking to enhance aesthetics rather than size alone.

Strength Gains: Both steroids deliver explosive increases in strength, with Anadrol typically favored for brute force and powerlifting-style bulks, while Superdrol is chosen by physique competitors looking for lean, performance-ready output.

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Aesthetic Differences

	Anadrol	Superdrol
Muscle Look	Puffy, swollen	Dry, chiseled
Water Retention	High	Minimal
Vascularity	Lower	Higher
Ideal Use	Off-season bulking	Pre-contest cutting

Anadrol gives a bigger but softer appearance, which can blur muscle definition. In contrast, Superdrol creates a dense, granite-like physique, perfect for photo shoots and stage presentation [source].

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Side Effects and Health Risks

Anadrol

• Liver Toxicity: Anadrol is C-17 alpha alkylated, making it hepatotoxic. Long or high-dose cycles can elevate liver enzymes significantly [source].

• Estrogenic Side Effects: Though it doesn’t convert directly to estrogen, Anadrol can stimulate estrogenic activity, leading to gynecomastia, water retention, and bloating.

• Cardiovascular Strain: Raises blood pressure and can negatively affect lipid profiles.

• Testosterone Suppression: Profound HPTA suppression, often requiring aggressive PCT.

Superdrol

• Extreme Hepatotoxicity: Possibly one of the most liver-toxic steroids available—even short cycles can significantly strain the liver [source].

• Androgenic Effects: Acne, oily skin, male pattern baldness, and irritability.

• Cardiovascular Risk: Harsh impact on HDL/LDL ratios, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis.

• No Estrogenic Effects: Does not aromatize, so less concern over water retention or gyno.

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Best Use Cases: Anadrol vs Superdrol

Choose Anadrol if you are:

• A hardgainer struggling to pack on size.

• Starting a winter bulk or off-season cycle.

• Looking for a mass builder to stack with testosterone or Deca.

Choose Superdrol if you are:

• Prepping for a competition or photo shoot.

• Seeking lean muscle gains with minimal bloat.

• An experienced user comfortable with potent orals [source].

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Dosage, Cycle Length, and Stacking

	Anadrol	Superdrol
Dosage	25–50 mg/day	10–30 mg/day
Cycle Length	4–6 weeks	3–5 weeks
Stacking Options	Test, Deca, Tren	Test, Masteron, Winstrol
Bridge Strategy	Start with Anadrol → Finish with Superdrol (to dry out)

Given their hepatotoxicity, stacking both simultaneously is not recommended unless under extreme caution and liver protection protocols.

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Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) and Harm Reduction

Both compounds cause severe testosterone suppression, so a proper PCT protocol is non-negotiable. This should typically include:

• SERMs like Nolvadex or Clomid.

• Liver support: NAC, Tudca, Milk Thistle during and after cycle.

• Bloodwork: Monitor AST, ALT, lipids, and total testosterone.

• Recovery Time: At least 6–8 weeks off post-PCT before another cycle.

For expert-backed PCT approaches, see Swolverine’s Guide to Steroid PCT.

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Legal Status and Safety Considerations

• Anadrol: A Schedule III controlled substance in the U.S. Legal only with a prescription. Possession or use without one can carry legal penalties [source].

• Superdrol: Banned by most athletic organizations. Classified as a designer steroid, it is illegal to sell or distribute in many countries without authorization [source].

Both steroids carry serious health and legal risks, especially when obtained from underground sources. Medical supervision is crucial to avoid long-term damage.

Conclusion

When comparing Anadrol vs Superdrol, the choice depends on your goals:

• Choose Anadrol for mass, fullness, and raw strength ideal for offseason bulkers.

• Choose Superdrol for lean, aesthetic muscle with minimal water retention ideal for contest prep.

However, both come with significant health risks, especially concerning the liver and cardiovascular system. Users must approach with caution, always implement proper PCT, and monitor their health closely.