Anavar (Oxandrolone): Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage, and More

Anavar (oxandrolone) is an oral anabolic steroid created in 1962 to promote lean muscle mass in those suffering from muscle-wasting conditions. The other main objective when formulating Anavar was to create a mild drug with few side effects so women and children could safely take it.

In 1964, an American pharmaceutical company named G.D. Searle and Co. brought Anavar to market.

It was successful in becoming an effective treatment for men, women, and children suffering from:

• Catabolic illnesses
• Burns
• Infections

Anavar was also prescribed for treating osteoporosis due to its ability to increase bone mineral density.

As doctors’ understanding of Anavar evolved, it became a medicine deemed safe, with Anavar remaining FDA-approved until 2023.

Despite studies proving the safety of Anavar long-term (1), it is currently banned for recreational purposes. Anavar is classified as a Schedule 3 controlled substance.

G.D. Searle and Co. removed Anavar from the market in 1989. This was partly due to negative publicity stemming from athletes and bodybuilders using Anavar to cheat in sports, given the drug’s performance and muscle-enhancing effects.

However, in 1995, Anavar made a comeback, returning to pharmacies under the brand name Oxandrin, now produced by BTG (Biotechnology General Corp.). BTG arranged a deal with Searle where they would continue manufacturing the steroid but would distribute it exclusively to BTG, thus selling it under a new company name.

BTG was granted orphan drug designation for treating rare muscle-wasting diseases and conditions such as AIDS, Turner syndrome, and muscular dystrophy. This gave BTG seven years of market exclusivity, resulting in a pharmaceutical monopoly. Consequently, BTG was able to significantly increase the price of Anavar by 1,200%.

Oxandrin is still sold today, but under the recent company name Savient. Generic Anavar is now produced and sold, with the orphan drug designation expiring, dismantling BTG’s monopoly. However, due to this previous elevation in price, in addition to high demand for Anavar and only a few labs in the world producing it, Anavar still remains expensive today. We know it to be the highest-priced pharmaceutical steroid, along with Primobolan.

• Anavar is typically utilized by bodybuilders in cutting cycles due to its simultaneous fat-burning and muscle-building effects.
• We have had elite powerlifters reveal that they also cycle Anavar before competitions due to its strength-enhancing properties.

Disclosure: We do not accept any form of advertising on Inside Bodybuilding. We monetize our practice via doctor consultations and carefully chosen pharmaceutical recommendations, which have given our patients excellent results.

Anavar Benefits

• Fat loss
• Muscle gain
• Strength building
• Mild side effects
• Less liver toxic
• No gynecomastia or water retention
• Less androgenicity
• Less problematic for women
• Increased recovery, endurance, and speed
• Pronounced pumps

Fat Loss

We have found Anavar to significantly increase the body’s thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3) ratio (2). T3 is the active thyroid hormone that elevates a person’s metabolism and enhances fat loss (3). Similar to how free testosterone is the vital testosterone score for building muscle mass, T3 is the most crucial thyroid score for increased fat burning.

Anavar increases T3 by reducing TBG (thyroid-binding globulin) while simultaneously raising TBP (thyroxine-binding prealbumin). This process increases the uptake of T3 at a cellular level.

• Fat loss is significant on Anavar, with research showing a moderate dose of 20 mg per day resulting in 4 pounds of fat loss over the course of 12 weeks (4).
• However, anecdotally, we have observed further reductions in fat mass in our weightlifting patients.
• Research suggests that Anavar’s anabolic effects outweigh its fat-burning properties, with participants in the same study gaining 7 pounds of muscle. This correlates with our findings, as most users are heavier post-Anavar cycle, despite losing notable amounts of subcutaneous fat.

Anavar also reduces visceral fat. This is a unique effect compared to other anabolic steroids, which typically decrease subcutaneous fat while increasing visceral fat (5). We hypothesize that this is due to Anavar improving insulin sensitivity (6), while other steroids result in a person becoming less sensitive to insulin (7), potentially leading to steroid-induced diabetes.

Muscle Gain

Anavar and all anabolic steroids are essentially forms of exogenous testosterone; thus, Anavar will increase muscle mass. Due to the substitution of a carbon atom with an oxygen atom in the A ring in the C2 position, this molecular structure makes Anavar resistant to inactivation via the enzyme 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. This explains Anavar’s high anabolic rating of 322–630.

However, in practice, we do not see Anavar’s high anabolic rating translate into exceptional results in terms of muscle hypertrophy. Thus, if a user is aiming for large improvements in muscle mass, they may opt for other anabolic steroids, such as:

• Dianabol
• Trenbolone
• Anadrol
• Testosterone

Alternatively, they may decide to stack the above steroids in conjunction with Anavar.

One benefit of Anavar is that it produces lean muscle gains. Thus, we rarely see users gain fat, water weight, or become bloated. This is due to Anavar being 5α-reduced; thus, it does not aromatize, meaning estrogen levels remain stable. This is beneficial for bodybuilders seeking a lean and defined physique. It is also appealing to athletes who do not want additional water weight when performing.

In our experience, women can typically experience superior results in muscle mass compared to men on Anavar, even with a modest dose of 5–10 mg per day.

Strength Building

Anavar has a significant impact on strength, despite being a cutting steroid and not causing dramatic weight gain.

Anavar’s ability to increase strength is mainly due to it being exogenous testosterone. However, we find it also has a dramatic effect on adenosine triphosphate production and creatine content inside the muscle cell. Higher levels of ATP are beneficial for individuals wanting enhanced strength when bulking. It is also advantageous for users who are cutting and at risk of losing strength due to prolonged restriction of calories.

We have had patients report significant strength results on Anavar, even when consuming low calories. This is also why powerlifters often administer Anavar prior to a competition for maximum strength without significant weight gain.

Dr. Thomas O’Connor states that the elite powerlifters in the 1970s, whom he has treated, were practically “all on Anavar.” Therefore, the notion that Anavar is solely a female steroid is inaccurate, as some of the world’s strongest men have been known to cycle it (8).

Mild Side Effects

Based on our tests, Anavar is one of the best steroids in regard to toxic side effects. Research has also shown it to possess safety in long-term medical settings (9).

Beginner bodybuilders seeking to add a modest amount of muscle frequently use it due to its less toxic nature.

A general rule with steroids is that the more pronounced the results, the more severe the side effects are.

Anavar’s benefits are not overly powerful, at least compared to other anabolic steroids; therefore, the side effects are more tolerable for most users. Thus, the risk-reward ratio on Anavar is positive for the majority of our patients.

Less Liver Toxic

Anavar is a C17-alpha-alkylated oral steroid, meaning the compound will be fully active after bypassing the liver. However, unlike other oral steroids, Anavar is not significantly hepatotoxic. This is because the kidneys, and not the liver, are primarily responsible for metabolizing Anavar. Therefore, a portion of oxandrolone will escape liver metabolism. However, we find this to be a smaller percentage compared to other C17-aa steroids.

• Research shows that 20 mg of oxandrolone causes 72% less sulfobromophthalein, a marker of liver stress, compared to an equal dose of fluoxymesterone (10). Fluoxymesterone is also a C17-aa steroid.
• Thus, we do see liver enzymes (AST and ALT) rise on Anavar. This is typically a mild increase compared to Dianabol or Anadrol. Our experience and clinical studies indicate that elevated liver enzymes commonly return to normal following cycle cessation (11).

Liver damage should not be discounted as a possible side effect of Anavar, especially if excessive doses are administered for prolonged durations.

No Gynecomastia or Water Retention

As previously mentioned, Anavar does not aromatize; thus, incidents of Anavar-induced gynecomastia are rare in our clinic.

Progestational activity is also nonexistent in Anavar; therefore, progesterone-induced gynecomastia will not occur.

• In medical research, the only incidence of gynecomastia occurring from oxandrolone was in a study conducted on adolescent boys (12).
• 33 cases of gynecomastia were reported; however, these findings are contradictory to other research in adults. Thus, the risk of gynecomastia appears to significantly increase if children utilize Anavar for excessive periods during puberty.
• These children were taking moderate doses of Anavar continuously for six months to eight years. The average bodybuilder will run Anavar for a maximum of eight weeks.

Furthermore, water retention is unlikely on Anavar, with the compound creating a dry and defined look. This diuretic effect is also likely to increase vascularity and muscle striations while contributing to a leaner appearance.

Less Androgenicity

Anavar is a derivative of dihydrotestosterone; thus, there is no conversion to DHT via the 5-alpha reductase enzyme. Consequently, Anavar has mild androgenic properties and side effects. This is reflected in a low androgenic rating of 25.

Therefore, in theory, Anavar’s androgenic side effects should be mild. However, in practical settings, the following can occur due to Anavar being a DHT-based steroid:

• Acne vulgaris
• Male-pattern baldness
• Prostate enlargement

We have found that DHT-related side effects are largely determined by genetics. Thus, some people may experience significant hair loss from a low dose of Anavar. While others may experience no hair loss while taking high doses of trenbolone.

Less Problematic for Women

Due to Anavar’s mild androgenic rating, it does not typically produce virilization side effects in women when taken in low to moderate doses. Thus, we classify Anavar as a female-friendly steroid.

Virilization side effects include:

• Deepening of the voice
• Hair growth on the body
• Clitoral enlargement
• A more pronounced jaw
• Smaller breasts
• Irregular menstrual cycles

Therefore, because Anavar does not typically cause the above side effects, it is commonly taken by females looking to build muscle and burn fat.

Masculinization is still possible if doses higher than 10 mg a day are utilized. Studies have reported girls experiencing virilization effects when receiving high doses of 0.125 mg per kg (13) continuously for a year. The average age of the girls in this study was nine years old.

Increased Recovery, Endurance, and Speed

Anavar has proven successful in treating burn patients because of its ability to accelerate recovery. It is this principle that makes Anavar appealing to athletes. Enhanced recovery enables an athlete to increase training intensity, duration, and frequency for enhanced performance. With increased red blood cell count and increased ATP production, muscular endurance also improves on Anavar.

However, it is not merely strength and endurance athletes that may benefit from Anavar, with some sprinters, swimmers, and boxers also utilizing Anavar to gain a competitive edge.

Research has shown anabolic steroids increase sprint speed in rats by up to 29% (14). Furthermore, their endurance also improved by 41%.

Pronounced Pumps

Anavar causes significant intracellular water retention, resulting in constantly full and pumped muscles throughout the day. This is beneficial for bodybuilders who are seeking maximum mass. Such muscle fullness, combined with Anavar’s diuretic properties, can result in more prominent vascularity.

This is due to water filling inside the muscle cell and fluid being expelled outside the muscle cell. Consequently, as extracellular water is no longer obscuring superficial veins, they become more visible.

Some Anavar users report large pumps, usually in the lower back, which can be uncomfortable or painful. This can often feel like a locking, cramping sensation inside the muscle that can last for several minutes or hours. Consequently, the person may not be able to finish their workout due to severe discomfort. Hence, this benefit may become a side effect for certain users.

Anavar Side Effects

Anavar has previously been labeled effective and safe by researchers. We know that when used in a clinical setting with low to moderate doses, Anavar does not typically produce dangerous side effects.

However, if Anavar is abused in a recreational setting, where higher doses are administered, the risk of side effects increases. In this case, we may see the following occur:

• High LDL cholesterol
• Suppressed testosterone
• Kidney damage
• Hair loss

High LDL Cholesterol

Approximately a decade after Anavar came on the market, there was promise of it being a medication to successfully treat high cholesterol. This was due to doctors in the ’70s observing reduced total cholesterol levels in Anavar users (15).

However, later research indicated that Anavar negatively affects HDL and LDL levels.

In one study, men with HIV received 20 mg of Anavar per day for 12 weeks. Consequently, their HDL levels were suppressed by 30% (16).

The second group, which took a higher dose of 40 mg, experienced a 33% decrease in HDL while elevating LDL levels by roughly 30%. Men who received 80 mg of Anavar per day experienced a 50% decline in HDL levels.

Therefore, taking Anavar can increase the risk of arteriosclerosis and will almost certainly raise blood pressure in all users. If high doses are taken, cardiovascular side effects can become severe, leading to hypertension, heart disease, or stroke. Cholesterol levels are likely to return to normal once users discontinue supplementation.

High doses of Anavar may cause some flushing to the face or body, causing users’ skin to appear red. This is a sign of elevated body temperature and potentially increased blood pressure. People with existing high blood pressure or those genetically prone to heart disease should not take Anavar or other steroids due to negative redistribution of cholesterol levels.

Suppressed Testosterone

In the previously cited study, the researchers measured the impact of oxandrolone on endogenous testosterone levels. After 12 weeks, the groups taking 20 mg and 40 mg per day experienced a 45% reduction in testosterone. The 80 mg group suffered a 66% reduction.

Further research shows that even tiny doses of oxandrolone (2.5 mg), when taken by boys suffering from delayed puberty, can notably decrease endogenous testosterone production (17).

We find that when bodybuilders administer Anavar, they typically experience an increase in well-being, confidence, motivation, and aggression. This is due to exogenous testosterone supplementation; however, once a cycle finishes, users often experience fatigue and reduced libido.

Testicular atrophy is a common sign of decreased testosterone levels and impaired spermatogenesis. We have seen Anavar negatively affect fertility due to compromised HPT axis function. However, sperm quantity and quality often improve post-cycle over several weeks or months.

Testosterone levels typically recover one to four months after Anavar cycle cessation. An effective PCT protocol can accelerate the recovery of endogenous testosterone. The higher the dose of Anavar, the longer this process can take. Hypogonadism is possible with Anavar abuse.

Kidney Damage

Oral steroids are metabolized by the liver. However, Anavar is unique in this respect, being mostly metabolized by the kidneys. This can put them under increased strain, leading to acute renal injury (18).

The body will produce more endothelin during Anavar supplementation due to it stimulating the RAA (renin-angiotensin-aldosterone) system. This results in inflamed cytokines, a group of proteins produced in the kidneys, and markers of increased stress.

There is not a vast amount of information regarding the relationship between anabolic steroid use and kidney damage. Thus, if a user has poor renal health, Anavar should be avoided.

Hair Loss

Anavar is a DHT-derived steroid; thus, accelerated hair loss can be experienced in genetically susceptible individuals.

DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is a powerful androgen that binds to hair follicles on the scalp, resulting in miniaturization and inhibited growth. This can result in thinning, recession, and alopecia.

Users’ genetic makeup will determine the extent of hair loss they will experience. Or, more specifically, how sensitive they are to dihydrotestosterone.

How to Prevent Hair Loss on Anavar

We have two main options when trying to prevent hair loss from anabolic steroids:

1. Directly treat the scalp.
2. Block DHT internally

There are certain shampoos that block DHT at the follicular level. This is the less effective of the two options, in our experience. When treating the scalp externally, there is no interference with the body’s overall DHT production. This is a positive for bodybuilders, as they want to maintain adequate DHT levels, with the hormone binding to androgen receptors up to five times more effectively than testosterone.

The second option is to block DHT at the cellular level. Finasteride (Propecia) is an FDA-approved medication shown to be effective at blocking DHT levels in the body and reducing hair loss (19). It is available in pill form via a prescription. However, studies show that roughly 52% of men report muscle loss when taking it (20).

We have also observed reduced muscle hypertrophy in patients utilizing finasteride. Thus, taking this medication may counteract the anabolic effects of Anavar, causing bodybuilders to be unsatisfied with their results.

Anavar Legality

When Anavar (oxandrolone) was first produced, it was legal to purchase for bodybuilding purposes. Doctors would prescribe it to people wanting larger muscles, more strength, or to burn excess fat.

However, due to the Anabolic Steroids Control Act of 1990, Anavar became illegal to purchase without a medical reason. Thus, regular prescriptions for bodybuilders and athletes were no longer issued.

Today, Anavar is illegal for recreational use in almost every country in the world, except Mexico, where it can be purchased at a local pharmacy.

In Thailand, the law states that Anavar should not be issued out via a prescription due to anabolic steroids being Class S controlled drugs. However, bodybuilders visiting Thailand have reported buying Anavar from local pharmacies with ease. This is often possible without a prescription, although a Thai doctor can also issue a prescription in exchange for a small fee.

If a person in the U.S. is caught in possession of Anavar, they can be:

• Fined up to $1,000 and issued a one-year jail sentence for a first-time offense.
• Fined up to $250,000 and sentenced to five years in jail for selling and repeat offenders.

Anavar Dosage

For Men

When Anavar was initially released on the market, a general dose of 5–10 mg per day was common. However, athletes and bodybuilders now typically take 15–25 mg per day. This is usually administered for 6–8 weeks.

Extended cycles and high dosages increase the risk of:

• Hepatotoxicity
• Elevated LDL cholesterol
• Decreased endogenous testosterone levels

Individuals that purchase underground lab Anavar via the black market may claim doses of 15–25 mg per day are modest. This is due to copious scams where the label states 40 mg of Anavar, but in fact, it is only 20 mg. This is a common scenario where the seller has cut the dose in half. Thus, the above dosage recommendations are based on taking genuine Anavar.

Anavar pills typically come in one of the following doses:

• 2.5 mg
• 10 mg
• 20 mg

With Anavar’s short half-life of 9.4–10.4 hours, we find it increasingly effective to split up doses throughout the day, maintaining high concentrations of oxandrolone in the body.

Many male bodybuilders will take 2 x 10 mg doses. Others use pill cutters to split 10 mg pills in half, giving them 4 x 5 mg doses. If 2.5 mg pills are obtained, this reduces the need to cut any of the pills.

Bodybuilders commonly take a dose of Anavar 45 minutes before a workout, resulting in a positive effect on:

• Motivation
• Energy levels
• Focus

For Women

There were no dosage instructions specific to women when Anavar was first released. The only caution was that pregnant women should refrain from using the drug.

Over half a century later, numerous women have used Anavar anecdotally and in research. Now it is widely considered that doses in the range of 5–10 mg produce noticeable results while inhibiting virilization. Cycles are also kept relatively short at 4–6 weeks.

Anavar PCT

The main purpose of post-cycle therapy is to restart endogenous testosterone production. This aids in normalizing hormone levels for optimal physiological and psychological health, as well as retaining results from a cycle.

Anavar will cause natural testosterone levels to decline. However, it is unlikely to shut testosterone down fully.

Previously, we cited a study that stated men taking 20 mg a day for 12 weeks experienced a 45% decrease in testosterone levels. This was an excessive cycle duration, with a standard cycle length of 6–8 weeks for men. From this study, we can conclude that natural testosterone production is likely to remain fairly high if a moderate dose or cycle is performed.

Thus, some men or women conducting Anavar-only cycles may decide not to utilize post-cycle therapy and wait for their natural testosterone to recover. This process can take one to four months, based on our experience.

However, if a user stacks Anavar with other anabolic steroids, this suppressing effect will be exacerbated. In this instance, post-cycle therapy is a recommended strategy. Alternatively, if a user does not desire to wait several months, they can incorporate post-cycle therapy to reduce this recovery time period.

An aggressive post-cycle therapy we have found to be effective is:

1. HCG: 2000 IU for 20 days, taken every two days.
2. Tamoxifen (Nolvadex): 2 x 20 mg per day, taken continuously for 45 days.
3. Clomiphene (Clomid): 2 x 50 mg per day, taken continuously for 30 days.

If a user is stacking Anavar with harsh compounds, they may incorporate the above protocol. However, if a man utilizes an Anavar-only cycle, taking one of these PCT drugs alone is likely to be more than sufficient in restoring endogenous testosterone production promptly.

PCT should commence immediately upon oxandrolone fully exiting the body. This can be calculated using the following formula: 5.5 x half-life.

Anavar’s half-life is 9.4–10.4 hours (21, 22). Anavar’s half-life can increase beyond this range, depending on the age of the user. For instance, its half-life can be as high as 13.3 hours in the elderly (23). Thus, if we state the half-life as 10.4 hours, a post-cycle therapy protocol should begin 57 hours after the final dose.

There is a common notion that women do not require post-cycle therapy. However, in practice, we find women experience multiple signs of clinically low testosterone levels following anabolic steroid use. Thus, it is beneficial for women to implement post-cycle therapy following an Anavar cycle, as although females produce less testosterone than men, it remains an important hormone for their well-being, libido, and maintaining results from a cycle.

Men produce testosterone in their testes, whereas women produce testosterone in their ovaries.

Our female patients have reported feeling depressed and have experienced low libido upon cycle cessation. Dave Crosland, the founder of Crosland’s Harm Reduction Services, has also found testosterone and estrogen levels to be deficient in females post-Anavar (24).

Nolvadex can be used as a PCT protocol in women, which we have found successful in accelerating hormonal recovery and relieving feelings of depression. However, menstrual cycles can sometimes take three to six months to return. Female Nolvadex doses should be less than those of males, with cycles also being shorter. A couple of Nolvadex protocols we have experienced success with are:

Nolvadex PCT for Women

• 1st week: 20 mg
• 2nd week: 15 mg
• 3rd week: 10 mg
• 4th week: 5 mg

Despite the above protocol being effective, DHEA is the official medical treatment prescribed to women for low androgen levels. Therefore, the cycle below is our preferred treatment.

DHEA PCT for Women

• 25–50 mg per day for 4 weeks

DHEA has been used continuously for 4–6 months in trials (25), which is ample time to recover endogenous testosterone in women.

HCG is not recommended for women as a PCT due to it potentially enlarging ovaries (26) and causing virilization (27). Clomid is also not a favorable PCT for women, as it may cause the ovaries to become oversensitive.

Anavar Reviews

Below are some Anavar reviews posted by members of our private Facebook group:

The best results I’ve had were with Anavar. However, I wasn’t diligent enough to take fish oil and liver support. I took a break and pulled blood again, and my lipids had improved considerably.

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Anavar gave me an enlarged prostate; I won’t be taking it again.

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Oxandrolone is my favorite. I love the solid dry gains. They are also not very hepatotoxic, which means they can be used for longer periods at a time. Personally, I use 30 mg per day.

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Anavar is awesome, yet expensive, since you need to take a lot for results. I have not experienced any negative side effects from it myself.

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Anavar is great. If you’re getting quality oxandrolone, you’ll love the solid, dry gains. Probably my favorite cycle was testosterone, NPP, and Anavar. I got down to 7% body fat, according to a hydrostatic test.

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Anavar produces great results, particularly in terms of strength and pumps. Take 3+ grams of fish oil and do your cardio, and cholesterol shouldn’t be an issue, even if you’re sensitive to your lipids.

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I am currently on Anavar and clenbuterol. I’m pretty happy with my results so far, considering where I started. I’m not sure if it’s relevant, but I’m 30, 1.79 m tall, and weigh 65 kg. I started at 94 kg.

Where to Buy Anavar

In most countries, it is illegal to buy Anavar for bodybuilding purposes; thus, it is often purchased via the black market. Buying through the black market typically involves asking someone at a local gym if they know an individual who sells it. Alternatively, people may purchase anabolic steroids from a website online.

There are two different grades of Anavar:

1. Pharmaceutical grade
2. UGL (underground laboratories)

Most anabolic steroids sold on the black market are UGL (underground laboratories). This is essentially produced in a non-certified laboratory and poses a high risk to the consumer, as there are no regulations in place to ensure product safety.

There are vast quantities of UGL Anavar sold on the black market due to few pharmaceutical companies producing it. Furthermore, the price of Anavar is high, so there is extra financial gain for those who formulate it.

Pharmaceutical-grade Anavar used to be synthesized by scientists in a certified laboratory when it was legal for medical reasons. Stringent regulations were in place for maximum safety and success. This was prescribed to patients suffering from cachexia, where muscle loss was occurring at an alarming rate, increasing the risk of mortality.

Pharmaceutical-grade Anavar has been leaked onto the black market through special connections. This can be in the form of knowing someone who formulates oxandrolone, knowing a doctor who can prescribe it, or someone who has been prescribed it.

How to Avoid Being Scammed When Purchasing Anavar

Anavar is the most common counterfeit anabolic steroid we have encountered. This is due to a lack of pharmaceutical-grade products available, thus more reliance on UGL versions. Furthermore, the price of Anavar is very high, resulting in fraudulent sellers decreasing the volume of oxandrolone or removing it entirely in exchange for a cheaper substance.

A common scam we have been made aware of is dealers labeling products as Anavar, but the raw ingredient is Dianabol. Dianabol is a very inexpensive oral to produce; thus, by deceiving people in this way, dealers can dramatically increase their profit margin.

Some bodybuilders state that they require Anavar doses of 40 mg in order to see notable results. This is indicative of the product being underdosed, as 20 mg is more than sufficient to experience significant changes in body composition.

Bodybuilders commonly purchase testing kits, enabling them to establish if their Anavar product is authentic. Our team also utilizes purity tests to see if doses have been reduced.

When purchasing pharmaceutical-grade Anavar, customers may visit the manufacturer’s website and enter the unique ID code displayed on the box. This can validate the product if the box is unopened.

It is important to be wary of companies claiming to sell pharmaceutical Anavar directly from their website; these are not certified laboratories. Official pharmaceutical companies will not list any products for sale to the general public.

Price of Anavar

As previously mentioned, Anavar is an expensive steroid due to BTG monopolizing the market and driving the price up, costing patients $3.75–$30 per day, depending on the dose required.

Pharmaceutical Anavar

• 30 x 10 mg tablets = $308 (28)
• 60 x 10 mg tablets = $606

The price of Anavar on the black market is significantly lower due to the widespread presence of UGL-grade products available.

After compiling information from a couple of anonymous sources, below are the prices bodybuilders can expect to pay for UGL Anavar:

UGL Anavar

• 100 x 20 mg tablets = £160 (UK)
• 100 x 10 mg tablets = $85 (US)

Temporary or Permanent Gains

Research indicates that if a person administers Anavar and does not lift weights, any improvements in muscular strength or mass may be temporary (29). Therefore, any increase in muscle hypertrophy diminishes following cycle cessation.

However, we know of bodybuilders that have retained virtually all of their results on Anavar when they continue regular weight training. Such successful muscle retention may be attributed to Anavar not aggressively shutting down endogenous testosterone production. Thus, the body is not in an excessive catabolic state post-cycle.

In the previously cited study, fat loss was permanent for participants. Thus, the hormonal lipolytic effects of Anavar may be preserved even if an individual is sedentary post-Anavar cycle.

We find Anavar peaks fast in the bloodstream due to its short half-life of 9–10 hours. In our experience, users commonly notice an improvement in body composition within the first two weeks.

When women take Anavar at 10 mg per day, we often see them experience muscle gains within the first 10 days. A woman taking 10 mg of Anavar per day has a more powerful effect than a man taking 20 mg of Anavar per day. This is due to men producing roughly 20x more testosterone compared to women (30). Thus, females are more receptive to testosterone’s effects.

Anavar on an Empty Stomach

When anabolic steroids are taken with meals, absorption is inhibited. This is due to them being fat-soluble compounds, thus causing the steroid to dissolve when taken with dietary fat. Therefore, Anavar and other anabolic steroids should be taken on an empty stomach for optimal results.

Testosterone undecanoate is the exception to this rule, where dietary fat improves absorption.

“My Anavar Is Not Working”

When a user has utilized adequate doses of Anavar for 4 weeks or more and has failed to observe any difference in body composition or muscular strength, we often find that the product taken is not authentic oxandrolone.

• Although Anavar is not the most potent anabolic steroid, it still has a notable effect on lean muscle mass. In clinical settings, even sedentary men have experienced positive changes.
• Unfortunately, many steroids are counterfeited on the black market; therefore, it is impossible to know what the compound is without testing it.

In this circumstance of results being negligible, if the user tests the compound, it is likely to be flagged as counterfeit, or the purity will be low.

Anavar vs. Trenbolone

Trenbolone is predominantly an injectable steroid, with the most common versions being acetate and enanthate. The only exception to this is methyltrienolone, which is essentially oral trenbolone.

Trenbolone’s and Anavar’s effects on muscle mass are contrasting. Trenbolone is potentially the most potent steroid for gaining lean muscle tissue. Anavar, in comparison, induces mild effects in users.

However, trenbolone will also cause deleterious side effects. Our tests of patients utilizing trenbolone often indicate high elevations in blood pressure and significant testosterone suppression. Furthermore, trenbolone is not suitable for women seeking to avoid the development of masculine features.

We find injectable trenbolone poses little risk to the liver in moderate doses, with it rapidly entering the bloodstream instead of passing through the liver. However, methyltrienolone, or oral trenbolone, is severely hepatotoxic and consequently is no longer utilized in medicine, with research deeming its toxicity unacceptable (31).

Trenbolone and Anavar can be stacked together during bulking or cutting cycles, resulting in considerable fat loss and tremendous gains in muscle mass. However, due to the presence of trenbolone, we consider this to be a harsh cycle and not suitable for novices.

Anavar vs. Clenbuterol

Clenbuterol is a beta-2 sympathomimetic and is commonly used in the treatment of hypotension. It is also a bronchodilator, effectively opening the airways due to the relaxation of smooth tissue. Consequently, it is an effective treatment for asthma sufferers.

Clenbuterol is sometimes referred to as a cutting steroid like Anavar. However, clenbuterol is not an anabolic steroid; therefore, we do not see it affect natural testosterone levels to any significant degree.

However, there are studies suggesting clenbuterol has muscle-building effects in animals (32). Clenbuterol’s anabolic potential remains controversial, with our patients and many bodybuilders failing to experience any notable increases in muscle hypertrophy during practical settings.

Clenbuterol burns a significant amount of subcutaneous fat, similar to Anavar; thus, combining these two compounds will result in significant fat loss.

Clenbuterol’s fat-burning effects can be attributed to its powerful effects on the central nervous system (CNS).

Clenbuterol works by stimulating thermogenesis, causing a rise in body temperature, and elevating the metabolism. It also stimulates lipolysis by directly targeting fat cells via the removal of triglycerides.

Consequently, we notice bodybuilders commonly utilizing clenbuterol before a competition or when attempting to reduce fat mass. It is often stacked with thyroid medications or cutting steroids, such as Anavar, to enhance its fat-burning effects.

We have found clenbuterol to cause cardiovascular strain in some users, potentially causing myocardial injury (33). This is due to excessive stimulation of the CNS, causing increased levels of epinephrine. Consequently, a user’s heart rate can speed up and become enlarged (34).

Other side effects of clenbuterol may include:

• Anxiousness
• Insomnia
• Increased sweating
• Jitters

Clenbuterol’s side effects will almost certainly diminish post-cycle. Anavar’s testosterone-suppressing effects, however, can linger for several months.

Anavar and Alcohol Consumption

We find that Anavar users can drink small amounts of alcohol and not experience any critical hepatic issues. This is due to Anavar being metabolized by the kidneys, thus causing less stress to the liver. However, excessive amounts of alcohol can cause hepatic injury.

Alcohol has a negative effect on cortisol levels (35); thus, fat-burning may become inhibited. Furthermore, cortisol is a catabolic hormone, meaning heavy alcohol consumption may reduce muscle mass. For maximum results, users should minimize alcohol consumption during a cycle. However, low quantities of alcohol are unlikely to affect a user’s results significantly.

Diet on Anavar

Calorie intake should be tailored to a user’s objectives when cycling Anavar. Therefore, if Anavar is taken with the intention of bulking and gaining lean mass, then a small calorie surplus may be adopted to enhance muscle and strength results.

However, if a person predominantly wants to burn fat on Anavar, then a small calorie deficit can be implemented to accelerate fat loss while aiding muscle retention. Cardiovascular exercise, or HIIT (high-intensity interval training), may also be utilized to accelerate a user’s metabolism while providing cardiac benefits.

If a user has no preference and equally wants to build muscle and burn fat at the same time, maintenance calories may be optimal.

In terms of food selection, mostly clean food choices should be consumed, including unrefined carbohydrates and unsaturated fats. Healthy foods that are not high in sodium will inhibit water retention, adding to the dry and defined appearance that Anavar encourages.

We find that if junk foods are consumed during a cycle, sodium levels will rise, causing water retention. This can inhibit Anavar’s diuretic effects, causing the muscles to appear increasingly smooth and reduce muscle definition, striations, and vascularity.

Anavar and Drug Tests

The majority of generic drug tests will not detect Anavar. However, professional athletes will be vulnerable to such detection.

• If an Olympic athlete tests positive for Anavar, they will be banned due to it being a prohibited substance by the IOC and WADA.
• The same applies in MMA and other sports, with organizations such as USADA attempting to identify any drug use.

The army generally does not test for anabolic steroids, as it is typically an expensive test. Instead, they are trying to detect other drugs used, such as:

• Marijuana
• Cocaine
• Amphetamines
• Opiates

However, they can test for steroids, especially in cases where they are known to be rife in a particular unit or if there is another reason to suspect someone of utilizing them.

Thus, it is unlikely that someone would be tested for steroids in the army, especially if they are quiet about their use.

The only way to safeguard against any risk is to have a prescription for any anabolic steroids taken. Therefore, if a soldier has low testosterone and is prescribed TRT, if he tests positive for testosterone, the test will come back as negative to the commander.

The same type of testing protocols are conducted by the police force.

Anavar and Sleep Quality

A few of our patients have experienced insomnia or difficulty sleeping on anabolic steroids, including Anavar. This can persist for the first few weeks of a cycle, and then sleep patterns typically improve.

A strategy to prevent overstimulation is to take Anavar doses earlier in the day. This inhibits excess epinephrine production in the evening.

A supplement may also be used to calm the CNS. We have found that valerian root supplements may be effective for mild insomnia, reducing the time taken to fall asleep and the quality of sleep (36, 37). In one study, participants reached sleep 36% faster after a single dose of valerian (38).

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is an FDA-approved herb, nicknamed nature’s Valium (39). It can be bought in local health stores worldwide without a prescription. Due to its sedative and GABA-boosting properties, it can also be used to reduce anxiety and depression (40).

Anavar Supplementation All Year Round

Due to Anavar’s mild nature, it has been deemed safe in long-term studies (41), causing bodybuilders and fitness models to utilize Anavar year-round.

This is more common with Instagram models or people regularly appearing on magazine covers. There is high pressure on these individuals to constantly look in excellent condition, so they utilize Anavar as someone would with testosterone on TRT (testosterone replacement therapy).

The benefits of this methodology are:

• Body fat levels can potentially remain low while muscle bellies continue to appear large and full.
• A user may not need to be as disciplined with their diet or train as intensely due to extra anabolic support.

Therefore, by taking Anavar continuously throughout the year, users can remain in peak condition with less effort.

However, with Anavar’s fat-burning effects and muscle gains being retained post-cycle, there is not a great need for most individuals to utilize Anavar all year round.

The downside to using Anavar continuously is that we see testosterone suppression exacerbated and LDL cholesterol levels remain elevated for a sustained period of time. Consequently, a person’s natural testosterone production will take longer to recover when finally coming off Anavar. Their risk of myocardial infarction also increases.

Equally, utilizing Anavar all year round on a lower dose compared to administering a higher dose in the short term, the person is less likely to notice results. This is because it will be a slower process. However, a higher dose in a short six-week cycle will be more evident.

“Anavar Made Me Gain Fat”

If a person’s body fat percentage appears to have increased on Anavar and they have not been overeating, then the active substance may be Dianabol.

In this instance, users will also experience water retention and bloating, which Anavar does not cause, plus heightened anabolic effects.

Furthermore, if a person has experienced gynecomastia, this is an indication that the substance is Dianabol (42). These are some of the issues bodybuilders who visit our clinic face when acquiring UGL Anavar.

Summary

Anavar Pros:

• Increases lean muscle
• Reduces subcutaneous and visceral body fat
• Increases strength
• Low risk of virilization in females (with conservative dosages)
• Mild side effects

Anavar Cons:

• High price
• Not as powerful as other anabolic steroids
• Often counterfeited
• Increased cholesterol
• Moderate testosterone suppression

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