Oxandrolone vs Raloxifene
Well Studied vs FDA Approved
avoid Mechanism-based · 64% Both Oxandrolone and Raloxifene carry hepatotoxic risk. Combining hepatotoxic compounds significantly increases liver damage potential. If unavoidable, include liver support (TUDCA/NAC) and monitor ALT/AST frequently.
Molecular Data
Oxandrolone Raloxifene
Weight 306.44 Da 473.58 Da
Half-life ~9-10 hours ~28 hours
Type 17-alpha-alkylated anabolic-androgenic steroid (C19H30O3) Benzothiophene-derived selective estrogen receptor modulator
Key Benefits
Oxandrolone
01 Promotes lean muscle mass gains with minimal water retention
02 Supports recovery of lost body weight following surgery, trauma, or chronic illness
03 Reduces bone pain associated with osteoporosis and improves bone mineral density
04 Does not aromatize to estrogen, avoiding estrogen-related side effects
05 Well-studied safety profile in women, children, and burn patients
06 Enhances nitrogen retention and protein synthesis during caloric deficit
07 Attenuates glucocorticoid-induced catabolism in post-surgical and burn patients
08 Lower androgenic potency compared to most oral anabolic steroids
Raloxifene
01 Superior breast tissue estrogen receptor antagonism makes it the preferred SERM for gynecomastia reversal
02 No estrogen agonist activity in the uterus, avoiding the endometrial risks associated with tamoxifen
03 Estrogen agonist activity in bone preserves bone mineral density and reduces fracture risk
04 Lower overall thromboembolic risk compared to tamoxifen
05 Metabolized via glucuronidation rather than CYP2D6, avoiding the drug interaction concerns that affect tamoxifen
06 Simple once-daily oral dosing with a manageable 28-hour half-life
07 FDA-approved with decades of clinical safety data in postmenopausal women
Side Effects
Oxandrolone
HDL cholesterol suppression (dose-dependent, most significant lipid effect)
LDL cholesterol elevation
Mild hepatic stress (elevated liver enzymes ALT/AST)
Suppression of endogenous testosterone production
Mild headaches
Nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort
Changes in libido (increase or decrease depending on hormonal context)
Oily skin and mild acne
Raloxifene
Hot flashes and increased sweating
Leg cramps and muscle spasms
Joint pain or stiffness
Peripheral edema (mild swelling in extremities)
Flu-like symptoms during initial weeks
Contraindications
Known or suspected prostate cancer
Breast cancer in males
Breast cancer with hypercalcemia in females
Pregnancy (Category X - known to cause fetal harm)
Nephrosis or nephrotic phase of nephritis
Hypercalcemia
Severe hepatic dysfunction or active liver disease
Hypersensitivity to oxandrolone or any formulation component
History of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, retinal vein thrombosis, or other venous thromboembolic events
Active or past history of stroke or transient ischemic attack
Known hypersensitivity to raloxifene hydrochloride or any excipients
Pregnancy or planned pregnancy (category X -- contraindicated)
Prolonged immobilization (e.g., post-surgical recovery, extended bed rest) due to elevated DVT risk
Severe hepatic impairment
Research Evidence
Oxandrolone Raloxifene
Status Well Studied FDA Approved
References 5 studies 4 studies
Latest September 2023 —
FDA Approved Yes Yes
This comparison is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.