Oxandrolone

Mechanism of Action

Oxandrolone is a 17-alpha alkylated oral anabolic steroid derived from dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The 17-alpha alkylation prevents hepatic first-pass degradation, enabling oral bioavailability. A substitution at the A-ring reduces androgenic activity while preserving anabolic effects, yielding one of the highest anabolic-to-androgenic ratios among AAS. Oxandrolone does not aromatize to estrogen and is not a substrate for 5-alpha reductase. Clinical studies have demonstrated significant increases in lean body mass and wound healing in burn and trauma patients.

Evidence Level

Clinical Trial - Human

13 studies published