Liver enzyme rise after 4 weeks of oxandrolone – what to monitor?

Posted by greg208 in Safety & Side Effects - 3 points, 8 comments.

I gave oxandrolone a go a month ago, 20 mg a day split into two doses, mainly to help rebuild muscle after a fall and some long‑term fatigue. I had a routine blood panel on Monday and the ALT/AST were a bit higher than my baseline – about 60 U/L instead of the 35–40 U/L I usually see. I’m not a medical professional, but I know oxandrolone can stress the liver, even though it’s considered milder than other steroids.

I’m wondering if this level is still within a safe range or if I should cut the dose or stop. Also, would you recommend weekly LFTs for the first couple of months, or is it enough to do a check every six weeks? Any red flags I should watch for in my everyday life – like unexplained fatigue, jaundice, dark urine? I’d appreciate a frank view on how to keep an eye on liver health while still getting the benefits of the drug.

Comments

• kayla_s: A jump to 60 U/L from 35‑40 is noticeable but still below the typical upper limit of about 40‑45 for many labs, so it’s not sky‑high, but it’s a sign the liver is working overtime. I remember when I was 45 and did a split‑dose trial of oxandrolone for a fall; my ALT rose to about 70 after three weeks and I stopped it while the levels went back down. Should do a quick panel every few weeks while on the drug, at least the first two months, then maybe monthly if the values stay stable. Watch for n
• kayla_s: I’m no doc, but when I tried oxandrolone a few years back I also saw my ALT jump from 30 to about 55 after six weeks on 20 mg a day. I cut the dose to 10 mg and checked again in a month – it slipped back down near 35. That felt reassuring, but it took a few more weeks to confirm. If yours is 60 after a month, a short pause and a repeat panel in 2–3 weeks is reasonable. Watch for the red flags you mentioned: yellowing skin or eyes, dark pee, or persistent tiredness. If any of those pop up, cut t
• student_rational: I totally get what you said. I did a similar split‑dose for a couple weeks and saw ALT climb to 80, so I pulled the powder. I also did weekly panels and felt better. Wondering how you monitor fatigue?
• hank_m: Thanks kayla, tbh i’m on the same page – i do think a quick pause and a repeat panel in two weeks is a good play, especially with a 60‑ish reading, and i’ll keep an eye on that yellow‑skin or dark‑pee red flag you mentioned, yeah?
• greg208: Thanks Hank, I’ll cut the oxand for a couple of days, get a repeat panel in 14 days and keep an eye on yellow skin or dark urine as you warned. I’ve been on magnesium and a low‑dose NAC to help liver support – any thoughts on that combo while cycling oxand?
• greg208: I’ve been jotting down my energy on a quick phone note each night – a scale from 1 to 10, the hours of sleep, any aches, and whether I felt “dragged” after the workout. I also log when I take the oxandrolone so I can see if a dip in mood lines up with the dose. It’s not fancy, but it helps me spot if fatigue spikes before the blood panels do. Do you keep a similar log, or use an app?
• greg208: Kayla, glad you shared yours – dropping to 10 mg and getting back to 35 after a month is a good părol. 60 after a month makes me think a short break is wise; I’ll try a 10‑day pause then repeat the panel in about 2–3 weeks. I’m already set to do LFTs every 4‑6 weeks with my GP. Any liver‑friendly supplements you’d recommend?
• greg208: Thanks for the heads up, kayla. I’ll be doing a quick panel in 3‑week chunks like you suggest. My dose is 20 mg a day split, so hoping it stays under 70. Do you monitor GGT or bilirubin too? Also, any signs of fatigue I should look out for beyond the obvious? Appreciate the guidance.

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