Anavar (Oxandrolone): The Ultimate Guide

Dr George TouliatosDisclaimer: The following article is for educational purposes only and does not promote the use of illegal steroids. If you have any questions or concerns, Dr. Touliatos is currently available for consultation.



What is Anavar?

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 & Co. brought Anavar to market.

It was successful in becoming an effective treatment for men, women, and children suffering from catabolic illnesses, burns, infections, and those recovering from surgery. 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 even today. This is contrary to other steroids, where they were initially approved for medicinal use but later banned by the FDA due to harsh side effects that later became well-known.

Despite studies proving the safety of Anavar long-term (1), it is currently banned for recreational purposes. Anavar is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance, although it is still widely used in medicine today.

G.D. Searle & Co. removed Anavar from the market in 1989. This was partly due to bad 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 (Bio-Technology 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 (AIDS, Turners syndrome, muscular dystrophy). This gave BTG 7 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 newly formed company name Savient (formerly BTG).

Generic Anavar is now produced and sold, with the orphan drug designation expiring, destroying BTG’s monopoly.

However, due to this previous elevation in price, plus 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 used 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 meets 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 supplement recommendations, which have given our patients excellent results.

Legal Anavar Alternative

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Anvarol is our #1-rated legal Anavar product. It replicates the fat-burning and muscle-building effects of Anavar, but without any unwanted side effects.

It is FDA-approved and can be purchased online without a prescription.

Anvarol is best suited for men or women who want to reduce their body fat percentage while simultaneously increasing muscle tone and building lean muscle.

Anavar Benefits

Anavar is one of the most coveted steroids on the market, despite its high market price. Here is why vast numbers of bodybuilders are eager to purchase oxandrolone:

  • Muscle gain
  • Fat loss
  • Strength-building
  • Mild side effects
  • Female-friendly
  • Enhanced athletic performance
  • Big 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 most important testosterone score for building muscle mass, T3 is the most important thyroid score for increased fat-burning.

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

Fat loss is noticeable on Anavar, with research showing a moderate dose of 20 mg per day resulting in 4 lbs of fat loss over the course of 12 weeks (4). However, anecdotally, we have observed greater reductions in fat mass than this 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 fat).

Not only does Anavar burn subcutaneous fat, but it also reduces visceral fat. This is different from other anabolic steroids, which typically reduce 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 very high anabolic rating, which is 322–630.

However, in practice, we do not see Anavar’s high anabolic rating translate into exceptional muscle gains. Thus, if a user is coveting huge muscle gains, they may opt for other anabolic steroids, such as Dianabol, Trenbolone, Anadrol, or Testosterone. Or they may decide to stack some of these compounds with Anavar.

One benefit of Anavar is that it produces lean muscle gains. Thus, we rarely see users gain fat, gain water weight, or become bloated. This is due to Anavar being 5α-reduced, thus it doesn’t aromatize, meaning estrogen levels will not rise. This is beneficial for bodybuilders wanting to look dry and aesthetic. It is also appealing to athletes who do not want to carry additional water weight when performing.

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

Strength Building

strength

Anavar has a significant impact on strength, which is surprising to some considering it is deemed a ‘cutting steroid’ and doesn’t cause dramatic muscle or weight gain.

Anavar’s ability to rapidly increase strength is mainly due to its exogenous testosterone. However, we find it also has a dramatic effect on ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production and creatine content inside the muscle cells.

Higher levels of ATP are beneficial for those who want to hit new PRs when bulking. Or for users cutting, who may otherwise lose strength whilst eating low calories for a prolonged period of time.

We have had patients report exceptional strength gains on Anavar, even when consuming low calories.

This is also why powerlifters often take Anavar before a competition, should they want a boost in strength (without much weight gain). Dr. Thomas O’Connor states that the top elite powerlifters in the 1970s, whom he has treated, were practically all on Anavar.

Thus, the connotation of it being a ‘girl steroid’ isn’t quite the case, with some of the strongest men in the world taking it too (8).

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Mild side effects

Based on our tests, Anavar is one of the best steroids in regard to side effects.

Research has also shown it to have ‘excellent safety’ in long-term medical settings (9). Beginner bodybuilders seeking to add a modest amount of muscle and fat frequently use it due to its mild nature.

A general rule with steroids is that the better the results, the more side effects there are. 

Anavar’s benefits aren’t overly powerful (at least compared to other steroids), and the side effects are very tolerable. Thus, the risk-reward ratio is very positive for most of our patients.

Less Liver Toxic

Anavar is a c17-alpha-alkylated oral steroid, which is beneficial as 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, not the liver, are primarily responsible for metabolizing Anavar. Some of the compound will bypass the liver. 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 BSP (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. However, this typically is only a mild increase, compared to Dianabol or Anadrol, for example. Our experience and clinical studies also indicate that elevated liver enzymes often return to normal after cycle cessation (11).

Note: Liver damage should not be discounted, especially if high doses of Anavar are administered for excessive periods of time.

No Gyno or Water Retention

As previously mentioned, Anavar doesn’t aromatize; thus, cases of gynecomastia (from Anavar) are very rare in our clinic.

Progestational activity is also non-existent in Anavar; therefore, progesterone-induced gyno will also not occur.

In medical research, the only incidence of gynecomastia occurring from oxandrolone was in a study done on adolescent boys (12). 33 cases of gyno were reported; however, these findings are contradictory to other research in adults. As a result, the risk of gyno appears to significantly increase if children take Anavar for a long time during puberty. However, it’s important to point out that these children were taking moderate doses of Anavar continuously for 6 months to 8 years. The average bodybuilder will run Anavar for a maximum of 8 weeks.

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

Less Androgenicity

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

Therefore, in theory, its androgenic side effects should be mild. However, in practical settings, acne, male pattern baldness, and prostate enlargement can occur due to Anavar being a DHT-based steroid.

Note: 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. Whereas others may experience no hair loss on high doses of Trenbolone all year round. Fortunately, such androgenic side effects often reverse post-cycle, including hair thinning or loss.

Suitable for Women

woman deadlifting

Due to Anavar’s mild androgenic rating, it doesn’t typically produce virilization side effects in women (when taken in low to moderate doses). Thus, we class Anavar as a female-friendly steroid.

Virilization side effects include:

  • Deepening of the voice
  • Hair growth (on the body)
  • Clitoral enlargement
  • More pronounced jaw
  • Smaller breasts
  • Irregular menstrual cycles

Therefore, because Anavar doesn’t typically cause the above side effects, keeping a woman’s femininity intact, it’s very popular among females looking to build muscle and burn fat.

Note: Masculinization is still possible if doses higher than 10 mg a day are taken. Studies have reported girls experiencing virilization effects when taking high doses of 0.125 mg per kg (13) continuously for a year. The average age of the girls in this study was 9 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 athletes also use Anavar. Enhanced recovery enables an athlete to increase training intensity, duration, and frequency for better performance. With a higher red blood cell count and increased ATP production, muscular endurance will also improve on Anavar.

Although it is not just strength and endurance athletes that can benefit from Anavar, we know of sprinters, swimmers, and boxers who have also taken Anavar (in conjunction with other steroids).

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

Big Pumps

back pump

Anavar causes significant intracellular water retention, resulting in constantly full and pumped muscles throughout the day.

This is beneficial for bodybuilders who want to look as big as possible. Such additional muscle fullness, combined with Anavar’s dry properties, can also result in enhanced vascularity.

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

Note: Some Anavar users report excessively big pumps (usually in the lower back), which can be uncomfortable or painful. This can often feel like a locked, cramping sensation inside the muscle, which lasts for several 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 some users.

Anavar side effects

Even when used over a long period of time, Anavar has received the label “effective and safe” by researchers. We know that when used in a clinical setting with low to moderate doses, Anavar doesn’t 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 can 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 showed that Anavar negatively shifts the ratio of HDL to LDL levels.

HDL is the good type of cholesterol, and LDL is the negative type.

In one study, men with HIV took 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 took 80 mg of Anavar per day saw a 50% decline in HDL levels.

Therefore, taking Anavar can increase the risk of arteriosclerosis (clogging of the arteries) and will almost certainly spike blood pressure to some extent. If very 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 in the face or body, causing users’ skin to appear red. This is a sign of elevated body temperature and (potentially) increased blood pressure.

Although this sensation is unlikely, people who have high blood pressure or are genetically prone to heart disease should not take Anavar (or other steroids) due to its negative redistribution of cholesterol levels.

Suppressed Testosterone

Being exogenous testosterone, Anavar will increase testosterone levels dramatically.

However, once the body recognizes this hormonal imbalance, it will decrease endogenous (natural) testosterone production in an attempt to reduce cardiovascular strain.

In the previously cited study, they also measured the impact of oxandrolone on 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 in testosterone.

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

Thus, we find that when bodybuilders take Anavar, they typically experience an increase in well-being, confidence, motivation, and aggression. This is due to the exogenous testosterone kicking in; however, once they come off Anavar, they often experience tiredness, fatigue, and reduced libido.

Testicular atrophy is also a common sign of decreased testosterone levels, which occurs due to less sperm production in the testes. We have seen Anavar negatively affect fertility due to damage to the sperm via decreased HPT axis function. However, sperm quality is likely to improve post-cycle.

Note: Testosterone levels typically recover 1-4 months after a user stops taking Anavar. 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; however, high doses over a long period of time are likely needed for this to occur without cycling off.

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 kidney injury (18).

The body will make more endothelin when you take Anavar because it stimulates the RAA (renin-angiotensin-aldosterone) system. This results in inflamed cytokines, a group of proteins produced in the kidneys and a marker of increased stress.

There aren’t vast amounts of information regarding the role of anabolic steroids in kidney damage. Thus, if a user has prior kidney issues, Anavar should not be taken. 

Hair Loss

branch warren

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 the hair follicles on your scalp, resulting in miniaturization and inhibited growth. This can result in thinning, recession, or hair follicles falling out.

Users’ genetic makeup determines how much 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:

  • Directly treat the scalp (externally).
  • 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, this does not interfere with the body’s overall production of DHT but instead specifically targets the scalp.

This is a positive for bodybuilders, as they want to keep DHT levels in the body high, with the hormone binding to androgen receptors up to 5x 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 using Finasteride.

Thus, taking this medication may counteract the anabolic effects of Anavar, causing bodybuilders to be unsatisfied with their results.

Is Anavar legal?

When Anavar (oxandrolone) was first produced, it was perfectly legal to buy it for bodybuilding purposes. Doctors would simply prescribe it to people wanting bigger 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 bought at a local Walmart store, for example.

In Thailand, the law states that Anavar shouldn’t be issued out via a prescription due to steroids being ‘class S controlled drugs’. However, bodybuilders visiting Thailand have reported buying Anavar via local pharmacies with ease. This is often done without a prescription, although a doctor can issue a prescription on the spot (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 spend one year in jail. This is applicable for a first-time offense.

If caught selling Anavar, a person can receive a fine of $250,000 and spend five years in jail. This is applicable for a first-time offense, with prison sentences doubling for repeat offenders.

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Anvarol (Legal Anavar Alternative)

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Men will not experience any of the following on Anvarol:

  • Testosterone suppression
  • Elevated liver enzymes
  • Increase in LDL cholesterol
  • High blood pressure
  • Hair loss

Also, there is no risk of virilization among women when supplementing with Anvarol. 

Two of the main ingredients in Anvarol are dioscorea composite and adenosine 5’-triphosphate disodium.

Dioscorea contains a steroid saponin called Diosgenin. Research has shown that diosgenin plays an important role in the production of anabolic hormones, including progesterone and testosterone (21). Diosgenin has also been shown to affect cortisol levels (22), helping to decrease helplessness in rats and decreasing anxiety and depression symptoms.

One study concluded diosgenin to be ineffective at increasing DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) levels in the blood when taken in supplement form. Thus, more research is needed for us to fully understand the effects of diosgenin on sex hormones.

Research shows that adenosine 5′-triphosphate supplementation increases muscle size, strength, and power over a 12-week period (23). They also observed that performance didn’t decline in participants who overreached, whereas performance did suffer in the placebo group when overexerting themselves. This gives evidence that adenosine significantly improves recovery due to its effect on ATP production inside the muscle cells.

There haven’t been any studies specifically done on Anvarol; however, we have anecdotal evidence of it being effective, based on feedback from our patients. 

Anvarol Tranformations

legal anavar transformation
John Miller got ripped in 8 weeks using Crazy Bulk’s cutting stack, which includes Anvarol (Anavar), Winsol (Winstrol), Clenbutrol (Clen), and Testo-Max (Sustanon 250).


cole before after
Cole took a combination of bulking and cutting compounds (including Anvarol), in two different phases during this transformation. He gained 25 pounds of muscle in total while stripping a significant amount of fat.

Cole’s bench press PR also improved by 50 lbs. He describes Crazy Bulk’s steroid alternatives as “the best experience” out of all the supplements he’s ever taken.



William stripped 17 pounds of fat from Crazy Bulk’s cutting stack (including Anvarol), stacked with Crazy Bulk’s HGH. He also reported gaining a considerable amount of lean muscle, particularly in his chest and arms.

His strength also improved, adding 35 pounds to his bench press and becoming “one of the strongest” in his gym. He also experienced increased stamina during his workouts.

William says his results were “incredible” and he has “never seen gains this fast” in the 5 years he’s been weight training.


anavar women before after
Giovan took Anvarol to get leaner and increase her curves. She lost 3% body fat while increasing her BMI to 21.6 from 20.1, indicating lean muscle gains.


Anvarol vs. Anavar

✔️ Anvarol is significantly cheaper ($54.99 vs. $300+ for pharma grade).

✔️ Anvarol has no negative effects on LDL or HDL cholesterol.

✔️ Anvarol does not suppress endogenous testosterone production.

✔️ Anvarol is 100% legal to buy online.

❌ No studies were done specifically on Anvarol.


Anavar Results (Before and After Pictures)

Anavar will cause users to build muscle and burn fat simultaneously. However, Anavar won’t produce exceptional fat loss when used alone as a cutting steroid. Instead, fat loss is mostly achieved via a person’s diet, resulting in a calorie deficit.

In clinical settings, Anavar has burned 4 pounds of fat over a 12-week period on a moderate dose of 20 mg per day (in men).

When you compare this to the 7 pounds of muscle gained by these men, it’s easier to understand why some bodybuilders use Anavar during bulking cycles. Women may gain more muscle than men due to their endogenous testosterone production being much lower. 

For an anabolic steroid, Anavar’s results are relatively mild. However, the results are still good enough for gymgoers and bodybuilders to regularly incorporate Anavar into their cycles.

For best results when bulking, it would be wise to stack Anavar with another compound such as Testosterone. We find this produces superior results in regards to size and mass gained.

When cutting, Anavar will strip away fat while increasing muscle size and strength. If a very aggressive low-calorie diet is implemented, bodybuilders may simply retain their lean mass instead of adding new muscle tissue. Bodybuilders often worry about losing muscle size and strength while cutting; thus, Anavar prevents this from happening, easing their anxiety.

We commonly see users make noticeable muscle gains in the deltoids on Anavar. The reason for this is not entirely known. One theory is that the deltoids have a high number of androgen receptors compared to other muscle groups.

Therefore, with Anavar being a DHT-based steroid and dihydrotestosterone binding to androgen receptors 5x more effectively than testosterone, this could be the chemical explanation behind such hypertrophy.

Anavar results (in women): 10 mg per day

Anavar Dosage

For Men

When Anavar was first released, a general dose of 510 mg per day was common. However, athletes and bodybuilders now typically take 1525 mg per day. This is usually administered for 68 weeks.

Longer cycles are more likely to be hepatotoxic, cause elevated LDL cholesterol levels, and decrease natural testosterone production even further.

Important: Those who are buying underground lab Anavar via the black market may claim these doses are too low. This is due to many scams where someone thinks they are taking 40 mg of Anavar, but in fact, it is only 20 mg. This is a common scenario where the seller has cut their dose in half. Thus, the above dosage recommendations are based on taking 100% real Anavar. 

Anavar pills typically come in 2.5 mg, 10 mg, or 20 mg doses. With Anavar’s short half-life (9.4–10.4 hours), we find it more effective to split up doses throughout the day, keeping high concentrations of oxandrolone in your system.

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

You can also take a dose of Anavar 45 minutes before a workout, resulting in a positive effect on motivation, energy levels, and 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, many women have used Anavar with much trial and error. Now it is widely considered that doses in the range of 5–10 mg produce noticeable results (in muscle growth and fat loss) while keeping virilization side effects at bay. Cycles are also kept relatively short at 4-6 weeks.

Female Cutting Stack

anavar stack

This stack is tailored for women who want to reduce their body fat percentage, build lean muscle, and increase muscle tone.

The three legal steroids in this stack are:

1. Clenbutrol (Clenbuterol)

2. Anvarol (Anavar)

3. Winsol (Winstrol)

These three steroid alternatives are optimal for females who don't want to take oxandrolone due to the risk of virilization and legal issues.

By combining these three compounds together, users can expect better and faster results than taking Anvarol (Anavar) alone.

This trio will not add huge amounts of muscle; thus, it is suitable for women wanting to look strong and attractive instead of bulky and manly.

Anavar Cycles

Anavar-only cycle

Anavar-only cycles aren’t common among hardcore bodybuilders because of the steroid’s mild nature. We find that stacking Anavar with another compound, such as testosterone, produces better results. However, with this combination, users will also experience more side effects.

Anavar-only cycles are still effective and are a more common protocol for beginners during their first steroid cycle. This can be a wise choice, as it introduces the body to a much less toxic compound at a time when the body’s tolerance is lower.

However, beginners who are coveting massive muscle gains may be disappointed with an Anavar-only cycle. Instead, they may opt for a Dianabol or testosterone-only cycle.

For Men

anavar only cycle
This cycle is suitable for beginners. Once a man has built up some tolerance to Anavar, he may wish to start on 20 mg/day in future cycles and extend the cycle up to 8 weeks.

For Women

anavar only cycle for women
This cycle is suitable for beginners. It begins with a small dose to gradually introduce the compound, reducing the risk of side effects. A first-time female cycle can also last for 4 weeks.

Once a woman has built up some tolerance to Anavar, she may choose to begin future cycles at 10 mg per day and extend the cycle duration to 6 weeks (for further results).

Anavar and Test Cycle

Testosterone is an injectable steroid that produces exceptional muscle and strength gains. When we see testosterone stacked with Anavar, it enhances anabolism while increasing lipolysis (fat loss). Enanthate or cypionate are common testosterone esters used for this stack.

Note: For beginners, a testosterone-only cycle is a better choice, as stacking Test and Anavar can exacerbate cholesterol issues and worsen endogenous testosterone suppression in our testing.

anavar testosterone cycle

Below is an intermediate Testosterone and Anavar cycle. This is more suitable for men who have already completed one or two cycles of Testosterone or Anavar.

anavar test cycle
An Anavar and Testosterone stack is not suitable for women, as the addition of testosterone greatly increases the chance of virilization in our experience. Elite female bodybuilders may implement these two steroids together, but with the expectation of masculinization occurring in moderate doses.

Anavar and Andriol Cycle

Testosterone is predominantly an injectable steroid; however, Andriol (Testosterone Undecanoate) is the lesser-known oral version.

We find test undecanoate to be less popular than injectable testosterone (among bodybuilders) because it is more expensive and less biologically available.

However, this stack may be of great interest to people who don’t want to take injectables and enjoy better results than an Anavar-only cycle. There are more powerful and cheaper orals than Test Undecanoate, such as Dianabol or Anadrol 50. However, testosterone undecanoate is considered to be a “safe oral androgen” (24), following a 10-year study. Anadrol and Dianabol orals are very hepatotoxic in comparison, based on our lipid profiles and liver function tests.

Research shows that liver enzymes do not rise on testosterone undecanoate (over a 10-year period), plus the risk of gynecomastia and prostate enlargement is low (25).

In one of the studies cited above, 80–200 mg of testosterone undecanoate was taken for 72 months by 35 men. Nine of them had never received such androgen treatment before. None of these men developed gynecomastia at any stage during the study.

In the second study, 33 men took testosterone undecanoate for 10 years, and only two men observed a mild reduction in urine flow.

Thus, in terms of side effects, Andriol is very similar to Anavar, being classified as a “safe” drug in medicine. However, LDL levels are still likely to rise, and testosterone levels will be suppressed temporarily post-cycle.

Note: If you implement this cycle, ensure Andriol (testosterone undecanoate) is taken with food, as we find its bioavailability to be very low when taken on an empty stomach (26). To further increase absorption, ensure the meal contains at least 19 grams of fat, or a minimum of 30% of the meal’s calories consisting of fat. Both of these methodologies have been effective in research (27) and in our practice. Higher quantities of fat present in the meal were correlated with higher serum testosterone levels in users taking Andriol.

andriol anavar cycle

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Other Cycles

Anavar can technically be combined with any other steroid. However, beginners should avoid taking it with harsh compounds (such as Anadrol, Trenbolone, Winstrol, etc.).

Also, Anavar’s dry and hard effects will be counteracted if you stack it with a ‘wet’ steroid. i.e., one that aromatizes and causes significant water retention. Some examples of wet steroids are Anadrol, Dianabol, Testosterone, and Deca Durabolin.

Thus, trenbolone or turinabol may be considered if users want to build more muscle or burn more fat, as these are also dry compounds. Winstrol is another dry steroid. However, we often see Trenbolone and Winstrol being particularly harsh on the body (Tren more so), hence why they are mainly cycled by experienced steroid users.

Do you need to run a PCT on Anavar?

The main purpose of a PCT is to restart endogenous testosterone production. This is done to help retain gains experienced from a cycle. It is also to ensure your hormones are functioning at a normal level, ensuring optimal physiological and psychological health.

Anavar will cause natural testosterone levels to decline; however, it’s 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 people doing Anavar-only cycles may decide not to utilize a PCT and wait for their natural testosterone to recover. This process can take 14 months.

However, if a user stacks Anavar with other anabolic steroids, this suppressing effect will be heightened, making a PCT a recommended strategy. Alternatively, if a user doesn’t want to wait several months, they can incorporate a PCT to reduce this recovery time period.

An aggressive PCT we have found to be effective is:

  • hCG: 2000 IU for 20 days (taken every 2 days)
  • Tamoxifen (Nolvadex): 20 mg x 2 (taken continuously for 45 days)
  • Clomiphene (Clomid): 50 mg x 2 (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 should be more than enough, bringing back endogenous production quickly.

For those who do want to incorporate a PCT, it should be started immediately upon the oxandrolone leaving your body. You can calculate this using the following formula: 5.5 x half-life.

Anavar’s half-life is 9.4–10.4 hours (28, 29). Although the half-life increases as a person ages, it can rise up to 13.3 hours in the elderly (30).

Thus, if we state the half-life as 10.4 hours, the PCT should begin 57 hours after your last dose.

Do women need to run a PCT with Anavar?

There is a common notion that women do not need a PCT. However, in practice, we find women do show signs of their testosterone levels shutting down after AAS use. Thus, it is a good idea for women to run a PCT after taking Anavar, as although they produce less testosterone than men, it remains an important hormone for their well-being, libido, and cementing gains from a cycle.

Men produce testosterone via their testicles, whereas women produce testosterone via their ovaries.

Our female patients often report feeling depressed and experiencing low libido when coming off cycles. Dave Crosland, the founder of Crosland’s Harm Reduction Services, has also found testosterone and estrogen levels to be extremely low in females coming off Anavar (31).

Nolvadex can be used as a PCT in women, which we have found successful in speeding up recovery and relieving feelings of depression. However, menstrual cycles have still taken 3-6 months to return. Female Nolvadex doses should be less than those of males, with cycles also being shorter. A couple of protocols we have experienced success with are:

Nolvadex PCT (female)

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

DHEA is the official medical treatment prescribed to women for low androgen levels. Therefore, the PCT protocol below is our preferred method.

DHEA PCT (female)

  • 25–50 mg per day (4 weeks)

DHEA has been used for 4-6 months in trials (32); thus, it can be taken for as long as necessary (within this time span) until symptoms of being shut down diminish.

hCG is not recommended for women as a PCT due to evidence of it enlarging the ovaries (33) and causing virilization (34). Clomid also isn’t an ideal 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 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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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, 1,79m tall, and weigh 65kg. I started at 94kg.

Where do bodybuilders buy Anavar?

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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 someone who sells it or buying from a website online.

There are two different grades of Anavar you can obtain: pharmaceutical grade and UGL (underground labs).

Most steroids sold are UGLs (underground labs). This is essentially produced in a ‘non-certified lab’, i.e., someone producing it in their own house. As you can imagine, this poses a high risk, as there are no regulations in place to ensure the product is safe.

We are aware of more UGL Anavar sold on the black market than any other steroid, due to the fact that few pharmaceutical companies produce it. Also, the price of Anavar is high, so there is extra financial gain for those who make it.

Pharmaceutical-grade Anavar is made by scientists in a certified lab, strictly for medical reasons. It has stringent regulations in place for maximum safety and is guaranteed to be the real product. This is then prescribed to patients suffering from cachexia, where weight loss is dropping at an alarming rate (resulting in severe muscle loss).

Pharmaceutical-grade Anavar can be leaked onto the black market through special connections, i.e., knowing someone who makes oxandrolone, knowing a doctor who can prescribe it, or even someone who has been prescribed it.

How to Not Get Scammed When Buying Anavar

Anavar is arguably the most counterfeited steroid. This is due to a lack of pharmaceutical-grade versions available, thus more reliance on UGL versions. Also, the price of Anavar is very high, tempting sellers to sneakily reduce the content of oxandrolone or remove it entirely.

A common scam we have been made aware of is dealers labeling products as Anavar but actually selling them as Dianabol. Dianabol is a very cheap oral to produce; thus, by deceiving people in this way, dealers can dramatically increase their profit margin (at least in the short term).

Some bodybuilders report that they need doses of 40 mg in order to see good results. This is a sign of the product being underdosed, as 20 mg is more than enough to experience significant gains.

Bodybuilders can buy inexpensive testing kits, enabling them to know if their Anavar is real or not. Our team also utilizes purity tests to see if doses have been reduced.

The key to not getting scammed is to find a trustworthy source. Thus, someone you know may recommend a certain person or website you can buy from. If that person has already bought from them and experienced good results or has tested the product for authenticity, you can be confident of getting real Anavar.

However, if a person can’t find a trusted source, then trial and error is often used. We find this to be a risky process that leads to many being scammed.

Another option before someone buys pharma-grade Anavar is to enter the unique ID code on the box on the manufacturer’s website. This can verify the product if the box is unopened.

Below are legitimate pharmaceutical companies still manufacturing Anavar today.

Be wary of companies claiming to sell pharmaceutical Anavar directly from their website; these are not certified laboratories. Official pharmaceutical companies will not sell any products to the general public.

Anavar Brands

We generally do not see pharmaceutical-grade Anavar produced in Europe due to generic oxandrolone (SPA) in Italy being discontinued. However, the following pharmaceutical products still exist in the world today:

  • Generic Anavar
  • Oxandrin (Savient)
  • Xtendrol (Atlantis)
  • Oxanabolic (Asia Pharma)
  • Oxandrolon (Balkan Pharmaceuticals)

Oxandrin (Savient)

The US company BTG, which brought Anavar back to the market in 1995 and increased the price by 1,200%, now produces Oxandrin, the same product. The new company known as Savient continues to manufacture Oxandrin today, supplying bottles of 60 x 10 mg and 100 x 2.5 mg pills.

Generic Oxandrolone

After BTG’s orphan drug designation was over (ending their monopoly), generic oxandrolone came onto the market. Generic oxandrolone still exists in the US, being produced by pharma companies including Par Pharm, Upsher Smith, Watson, and Sandoz. These tablets also come in 2.5 mg and 10 mg dosages.

Xtendrol

Atlantis is a Mexican company that produces Xtendrol. These are bottles containing 30 2.5 mg pills. These are actually legal for natives to buy for bodybuilding purposes.

Oxanabolic

Oxanabolic is produced by Asia Pharma in Malaysia and contains 100 x 10 mg tablets. You can authenticate their products on their official website (asiapharma.com). Simply enter the unique ID code written on the box to know if it is genuine.

Oxandrolon

Produced by Balkan Pharmaceuticals in Moldova, the last company supplying pharma-grade Anavar in Europe. It contains 20 10 mg tablets. Product verification is also available on their website.

Price of Anavar

As previously mentioned, Anavar is a very 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).

Today, Anavar’s price remains exceptionally high for patients purchasing a prescription.

Pharma Anavar

  • 30 x 10mg tablets = $308 (35)
  • 60 x 10mg tablets = $606

Thus, a man taking 20mg per day for 6 weeks via prescription would cost approximately $900. A woman taking Anavar for 4 weeks at 10 mg per day would cost $308.

However, we see bodybuilders typically buying this via the black market instead of being prescribed it by a doctor.

The price of Anavar on the black market is usually significantly lower due to virtually all of it being UGL-grade (underground labs). Thus, the costs are much lower for production.

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

UGL Anavar

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

FAQ

Are Anavar’s gains permanent?

Research shows that if a person takes Anavar and doesn’t combine it with weight training, the muscle gains are only temporary (36). This increase in muscle size is therefore lost after Anavar administration ceases.

However, we find many bodybuilders report keeping most, if not all, muscle gains on Anavar when they continue regular weight training. This high muscle retention is due to Anavar not aggressively shutting down endogenous testosterone production. Thus, the body isn’t in an excessive catabolic (muscle-wasting) state post-cycle.

In the previously cited study, fat loss was permanent for participants. Therefore, it doesn’t matter if a person is sedentary or exercising regularly; the fat burned on Anavar will stay off.

How Long Does It Take for Anavar to Work?

We find Anavar kicks in very fast due to its short half-life (9–10 hours). In our experience, users usually notice a difference in body composition in the first 2 weeks.

However, just because Anavar causes serum testosterone levels to rise quickly in the bloodstream doesn’t mean you’ll experience exceptional results right away.

Anavar is a mild steroid, so although it is fast-acting, the results aren’t overly dramatic. In comparison, Dianabol is another fast-acting oral steroid (3-6 hour half-life). However, with Dianabol, amazing muscle gains can be experienced in the first 10 days due to it being a more powerful compound.

However, when women take Anavar at 10 mg per day, we often see them experience fast muscle gains (in 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 (37). Thus, they are more receptive to testosterone’s effects.

Should you take Anavar on an empty stomach?

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

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

“My Anavar isn’t working”

When a user has taken adequate doses of Anavar for 4 weeks or more and hasn’t noticed any difference in body composition or muscular strength, we often find that what they were taking was not real Oxandrolone.

Although Anavar is not the most powerful steroid, it still has a dramatic effect on lean muscle mass. In clinical settings, even sedentary men have experienced positive changes.

The reality is that many steroids are counterfeited on the black market; therefore, it is impossible to know what the compound is without testing it.

In this circumstance, if the user tests the compound, it almost certainly will come back as counterfeit (or the purity will be very low).

Anavar vs. Winstrol

Can Anavar be taken with Winstrol? Yes.

Winstrol is also a popular oral steroid. Winstrol and Anavar combined will accelerate fat loss and build more lean muscle. Both of these are ‘dry’ steroids, so the quality of muscle will be clean, causing no noticeable water weight.

However, testosterone suppression will be more dramatic, and blood pressure will rise significantly. Unlike Anavar, we find Winstrol to be particularly toxic to the liver, causing ALT and AST enzymes to notably rise. Therefore, this combination isn’t suitable for beginners, with Winstrol being a more harsh steroid.

Winstrol isn’t suitable for women looking to keep their beauty intact, as it is particularly androgenic. Therefore, virilization side effects are common in our experience.

Which steroid is better?

Anecdotally, we find Anavar to be considerably safer than Winstrol, so it is a better steroid in regards to side effects.

Also, Anavar will result in better pumps due to increased ATP production inside the muscle cells. Winstrol, in comparison, can sometimes cause users’ muscles to look flat, as its diuretic properties cause a loss of intracellular fluid (inside the muscle cell).

However, Winstrol is a superior steroid when it comes to building lean muscle. Winstrol can be taken in injectable form too, known as Winstrol Depot. Injectable Winstrol is even more powerful than the oral version—notably more potent than Anavar.

Both of these steroids aren’t as effective when taken by themselves; thus, stacking is a common protocol we see among experienced steroid users.

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 and Anavar’s effects on muscle mass are extremely contrasting. Trenbolone is arguably the greatest steroid for lean muscle gains. It is extremely powerful, compared to Anavar’s mild characteristics.

However, Tren will also cause exaggerated side effects. Our tests often show high spikes in blood pressure and significant testosterone shut-down. Also, trenbolone is not suitable for women who want to avoid the development of masculine features.

We find injectable Trenbolone poses little risk to the liver in moderate doses, with it immediately entering the bloodstream instead of passing through the liver. However, methyltrienolone (oral tren) is severely hepatotoxic and is no longer produced in medicine, with research deeming its toxicity unacceptable (38).

Trenbolone and Anavar can be stacked together during bulking or cutting cycles, which will create an incredibly dry physique, resulting in considerable fat loss and tremendous muscle gains. However, due to the presence of Trenbolone, we consider this to be a harsh cycle and not suitable for beginners.

Anavar vs. Clenbuterol

Clenbuterol is a beta-2 sympathomimetic, being used in the treatment of hypotension (low blood pressure). It is also a bronchodilator, effectively opening up the airways due to the relaxation of smooth tissue. Consequently, it is an effective treatment for asthma sufferers.

Clen is sometimes referred to as a ‘cutting steroid’ like Anavar; however, it is not an anabolic steroid. Due to Clenbuterol not being exogenous testosterone, 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 (39). Although Clenbuterol’s anabolic potential remains controversial, our patients and many bodybuilders do not experience any notable hypertrophy gains in practical settings.

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

Clenbuterol’s fat-burning effects are well-known in the bodybuilding community, with it having a powerful effect on the central nervous system (CNS). Clen 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 often utilizing Clenbuterol before a competition or when trying to reduce their body fat. It is often stacked with thyroid medications or ‘cutting steroids’ (such as Anavar) to enhance its fat-burning effect.

Clenbuterol will not suppress testosterone like Anavar will. However, we have found Clen to cause cardiovascular strain, resulting in myocardial injury (40). This is due to stimulation of the CNS, causing increased levels of epinephrine (adrenaline). Consequently, heart rate can speed up and become enlarged (41).

Other side effects of Clenbuterol may include:

  • Anxiousness
  • Insomnia
  • Increased sweating
  • Jitters

Clen’s side effects will almost certainly diminish post-cycle. Anavar’s testosterone-suppressing effects can last for several months.

Anavar vs. Sarms

SARMs (selective androgen receptor modulators) were recently developed by scientists to elicit the anabolic effects of steroids without the harsh side effects. Thus, SARMs were designed to become a safer oral medicine. This is due to steroids causing virilization, high blood pressure, liver toxicity, and hypogonadism.

Anavar has been studied continuously for over 50 years; thus, there is extensive research detailing its effects.

In contrast, the arrival of SARMs is recent; therefore, we do not entirely understand their effects.

Our patients on SARMs have experienced mixed results. Some users notice moderate muscle gains, while others fail to notice any benefit (42).

SARM users have also reported side effects equal to or worse than Anavar. Dr. Thomas O’Connor analyzed a patient’s labs after he took SARMs and observed suppressed testosterone levels, elevated liver enzymes, and very low HDL cholesterol levels (43). He described SARMs’ side effects as the equivalent of taking 50 mg of Anavar per day.

Dr. O’Connor also explained that his patient didn’t notice much positive effect in regards to muscle mass or fat loss during his SARM cycle. Thus, it is possible that a moderate dose of Anavar is not only safer but also more effective than taking SARMs. However, more scientific research is needed on selective androgen receptor modulators in order to draw this conclusion.

Currently, Anavar is FDA-approved and deemed safe for medicinal use. However, SARMs are not FDA-approved, with the Food and Drug Administration issuing a health warning to those thinking about using them (44), due to safety concerns.

One benefit of using SARMs over Anavar is that they do not cause masculinization in women. We know buying Anavar can be risky for women because it often is not Anavar but Dianabol instead (which causes virilization). However, if someone buys genuine SARMs, this risk is eliminated.

Anavar vs. Tbol

Turinabol (chlorodehydromethyltestosterone), otherwise known as Tbol, is another mild oral anabolic steroid. It is similar to Anavar in regards to being used in cutting and bulking cycles. Women can also use it due to its weak androgenic properties.

Tbol is a derivative of Dianabol, commonly known as ‘baby Dbol’ due to it being a milder version. Turinabol does not aromatize into estrogen, and its androgenicity is significantly weaker than Dianabol. This creates a dry steroid that can be combined with Anavar for bigger muscle gains, increases in strength, and enhanced fat burning. We find Turinabol to be common in athletes due to its ability to increase speed, power, and strength (without the addition of water weight).

In terms of side effects, Turinabol is more hepatotoxic than Anavar, with it being a c-17 alpha-alkylated steroid that passes through the liver. Eastern German athletes in the ’60s and ’70s, who were notorious for taking Tbol, experienced liver problems as a result of regular long-term use.

Dr. Thomas O’Connor also states that one of his patients took Tbol (by itself) for 1-2 years. During this time, he experienced liver failure while also being diagnosed with peliosis hepatis (blood-filled cysts on the liver).

Female German athletes taking Turinabol developed several secondary male sex characteristics, with their faces taking on a more masculine appearance, in conjunction with hair loss. However, these women were also thought to be taking other anabolic steroids, which may be the culprit for such virilization.

In our experience, Turinabol is likely safe for females in small doses and short cycles, enabling them to avoid virilization side effects.

Stacking Tbol and Anavar together will exacerbate cholesterol levels while further decreasing endogenous testosterone production.

We regard Turinabol as slightly more muscle-building compared to Anavar but less than Winstrol. We do not consider Turinabol’s strength gains to be as good as Anavar, with the pumps also being less pronounced.

Can I drink alcohol with Anavar?

anvarol and alcohol
We find that Anavar users can drink small amounts of alcohol and not experience serious liver problems. This is due to Anavar being metabolized (mainly) by the kidneys, thus causing less hepatic stress.

However, alcohol has a negative effect on cortisol levels (45); thus, fat-burning may become inhibited. Furthermore, cortisol is a catabolic hormone, meaning heavy alcohol consumption may reduce muscle gains. For maximum results, users should minimize alcohol consumption during a cycle. However, low quantities of alcohol are unlikely to affect a person’s gains.

What should a person’s diet look like on Anavar?

Calories are a very important factor when trying to improve a person’s body composition.

Calorie intake should be tailored to a user’s goal when using Anavar. For example, if Anavar is used with the intention of bulking up and gaining lean mass, then a small calorie surplus may be adopted to enhance muscle and strength gains.

However, if a person predominantly wants to burn fat on Anavar, then a small calorie deficit can be used to accelerate fat loss while aiding muscle retention. Cardio or HIIT training may also be utilized to speed up the person’s metabolism while providing cardiovascular benefits.

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

In terms of food selection, mainly clean food choices should be consumed, including unrefined carbohydrates and unsaturated fats. Healthy foods that aren’t high in sodium will keep water retention at bay, adding to the dry and ripped look that Anavar can produce.

We find that if junk foods are eaten during a cycle, sodium levels will rise, causing water retention. This can inhibit Anavar’s ‘drying out’ effect, causing the muscles to look more smooth and reducing muscle definition, striations, and vascularity.

Will Anavar cause a failed drug test?

This depends on what a person is being tested for.

For example, 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 trying to catch out drug users.

army steroids

We understand the army generally doesn’t 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, and 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 taking them.

Thus, it is unlikely that someone would be tested for steroids in the army (if they are quiet about their use); however, due to random testing, there is a small element of risk.

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

The same type of testing is conducted by the police force. 

Will Anavar cause sleep problems?

Our patients have sometimes experienced insomnia or difficulty sleeping on anabolic steroids (including Anavar). This can last for the first few weeks of a cycle, and then sleep patterns typically improve.

However, one way to prevent this is to take Anavar doses earlier in the day, thus decreasing excessive stimulation of the central nervous system at bedtime.

Equally, a supplement may be used to calm the CNS, making it easier for the person to switch off. We have found valerian root supplements may be effective for mild insomnia, reducing the time it takes to fall asleep and the quality (46, 47).

In one study, participants reached sleep 36% faster after a single dose of valerian (48).

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is an FDA-approved herb, nicknamed ‘nature’s Valium’ (49). 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 (50).

Can you run Anavar all-year-round?

Due to Anavar’s mild nature, it has been deemed safe in long-term studies (51), causing bodybuilders and fitness models to use Anavar year-round.

This is more common with Instagram models or people regularly appearing on magazine covers. There is high pressure on them to constantly look ripped, so they utilize Anavar like someone would use TRT (testosterone replacement therapy).

The benefits of doing this are to keep their body fat very low while continuously looking big and full. Also, a user won’t need to diet as hard or train as intensely due to this extra anabolic support. Therefore, in theory, they could remain in peak condition despite decreasing the intensity of their workouts or incorporating more cheat meals.

However, with Anavar’s fat-burning effects being permanent and most muscle gains being retained from a cycle, there isn’t a great need to use Anavar continuously like this.

The downside to using Anavar all year round is that we see testosterone suppression become exacerbated and blood pressure LDL cholesterol levels remain elevated for a longer period of time. This will take a person’s natural testosterone production longer to recover once they finally come off Anavar, while increasing their chance of cardiovascular disease.

Equally, by utilizing Anavar year-round on a lower dose compared to administering a higher dose in the short term, the person is less likely to notice any results. This is because it will be a slower process. However, a higher dose in a short 6-week cycle will usually result in people commenting on muscle gains or fat loss.

Anavar Made Me Gain Fat?

If the person’s body fat percentage appears to have increased on Anavar and they haven’t been overeating, then it is almost certainly Dianabol.

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

Also, if a person has experienced gynecomastia, this is an indication that the substance is Dianabol (52). These are some of the issues bodybuilders who visit our clinic face when buying UGL Anavar.

Summary

Anavar pros and cons

Pros:

  • Increases lean muscle
  • Reduces body fat
  • Increases strength
  • Female-friendly
  • Mild side effects

Cons:

  • Very expensive
  • Not as powerful as other AAS
  • Real Anavar is difficult to get a hold of.
  • Often counterfeited
  • Cholesterol levels will still rise.
  • Some testosterone suppression

Co Authors :

(1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3412530/

(2) https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s004310050563

(3) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28138133

(4) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15472177

(5) https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/09/160913184951.htm

(6) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15472177

(7) https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article-abstract/64/5/960/2653779?redirectedFrom=fulltext

(8) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4FvGPdqv4c

(9) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3412530/

(10) https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/571790

(11) https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/ajh.20532

(12) https://www.degruyter.com/view/j/jpem.1991.4.4/jpem.1991.4.4.249/jpem.1991.4.4.249.xml

(13) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4551522/

(14) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8531609

(15) https://www.atherosclerosis-journal.com/article/0021-9150(74)90068-9/pdf

(16) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16540931

(17) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8319371

(18) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6545019/

(19) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28396101

(20) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3167122/

(21) https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/ja01866a077

(22) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14852935

(23) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3849389/

(24) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7928661

(25) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2427455

(26) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12627930

(27) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4170073/

(28) https://books.google.ru/books?id=myNRCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA71&lpg=PA71&dq=oxandrolone+half+life+9.4+hours&source=bl&ots=YVQpER7Hgv&sig=ACfU3U09UcpmXpNQmY506_h7xr-10PQigA&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiX1JmvqbPlAhVQ1qYKHX3VDFcQ6AEwFXoECAwQAQ#v=onepage&q=oxandrolone%20half%20life%209.4%20hours&f=false

(29) https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2005/013718s023lbl.pdf

(30) https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=b4ba1f43-5628-4e79-a4aa-f5c466cb517a&type=display

(31) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIJ2_AMU2NI

(32) https://academic.oup.com/humupd/article/13/3/239/2457836

(33) https://www.mdedge.com/ccjm/article/109839/imaging/ovarian-hyperstimulation-syndrome-complication-molar-pregnancy#targetText=Elevated%20circulating%20hCG%20is%20thought,and%20pleural%20and%20pericardial%20effusions

(34) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21324830

(35) https://www.drugs.com/price-guide/oxandrolone#targetText=The%20cost%20for%20oxandrolone%20oral,not%20valid%20with%20insurance%20plans.

(36) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16424293

(37) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6391653/

(38) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0039128X66901140?via%3Dihub

(39) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4979108/

(40) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23844963

(41) https://academic.oup.com/cardiovascres/article/37/1/115/540017

(42) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWAD4ohqtNo

(43) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aRVUPykqMo

(44) https://www.fda.gov/news-events/fda-brief/fda-brief-fda-warns-against-using-sarms-body-building-products

(45) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16325293

(46) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7122669

(47) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3936097

(48) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10761819

(49) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8493856/

(50) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8077445/

(51) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3412530/

(52) https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article-abstract/22/4/450/2716912?redirectedFrom=fulltext