Anavar (Oxandrolone): The Ultimate Guide

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



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 as safe, with Anavar remaining FDA-approved even today. This is contrary to other steroids, where they were initially approved for medicinal, but later banned by the FDA; due to harsh side effects later becoming well-known.

Despite studies proving the safety of Anavar long-term (1), it is currently banned for recreational purposes. Anavar is classed 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 being sold 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 of 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 it significantly increasing strength.

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Anvarol is best suited for men or women who want to reduce their body fat percentage, whilst 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 amounts 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), whilst 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 20mg per day resulting in 4lbs of fat loss, over the course of 12 weeks (4). However, anecdotally, we have observed greater reductions of 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 7lbs 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, whilst increasing visceral fat (5). We hypothesize that this is due to Anavar improving insulin sensitivity (6), whilst 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, replacing 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, being: 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 to Anavar is that it produces lean muscle gains. Thus, we rarely see users gaining fat, water weight, or becoming 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 be carrying 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 5-10mg 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/weight gain.

Anavar’s ability to rapidly increase strength is mainly due to it being 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 of 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 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). Due to its mild nature, it is commonly used by beginner bodybuilders looking to build modest amounts of muscle and fat.

A general rule with steroids is: the better the results, the more side effects.

Anavar’s benefits aren’t overly powerful (at least compared to other steroids), and the side effects are very tolerable. Thus, its 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 not significantly hepatotoxic.

This is due to Anavar being metabolised mainly by the kidneys, instead of the liver. Some of the steroid will bypass through the liver. However, we find this to be a smaller percentage compared to other C17-aa steroids.

Research shows that 20mg 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/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 also will 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. Thus, if Anavar is taken long-term by children during puberty, the risk of gyno appears to greatly increase. 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; whilst 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/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 10mg a day are taken. Studies have reported girls experiencing virilization effects when taking high doses of 0.125mg per kg (13) continuously for a year. The average age of the girls in this study was 9 years old.

Increased Recovery, Endurance & Speed

Anavar has proven successful in treating burn patients, because of its ability to accelerate recovery. It is this principle that athletes also use Anavar. Enhanced recovery enables an athlete to increase training intensity, duration and frequency for better performance. With 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 have known 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. This causes superficial veins to become more visible, no longer being obscured by extracellular water.

Note: Some Anavar users report excessively big pumps (usually in the lower back), which can be uncomfortable/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

Anavar has been branded by researchers as “effective and safe” even when used in the long term. 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 to market, there was promise for 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 the negative type).

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

The second group who took a higher dose of 40mg, experienced a 33% decrease in HDL, whilst elevating LDL levels by roughly 30%.

Men who took 80mg 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 regulate back 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 not likely.

Note: 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 20mg and 40mg per day experienced a 45% reduction in testosterone. The 80mg group suffered a 66% reduction in testosterone.

Further research shows that even tiny doses of oxandrolone (2.5mg), 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 shutdown 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 metabolised by the liver. However, Anavar is unique in this respect, being mostly metabolised by the kidneys. This can put them under increased strain, leading to acute kidney injury (18).

On Anavar, the body will increase endothelin production via stimulation of the RAA (renin-angiotensin-aldosterone) system. This results in inflamed cytokines, a group of proteins produced in the kidneys; a marker of increased stress.

There aren’t vast amounts of information regarding the role of anabolic steroids on 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.

How much hair loss users will experience is determined by their genetics. 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 via a 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 from a 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 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 in 1990, Anavar became illegal to purchase without a medical reason. Thus regular prescriptions to 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 1 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 5 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. 

2 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, decreasing anxiety/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 25lbs of muscle in total, whilst stripping a significant amount of fat.

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



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

His strength also improved, adding 35lbs 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 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, whilst increasing her BMI to 21.6 from 20.1, indicating lean muscle gains.


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✔️ Anvarol has no negative effects on LDL/HDL cholesterol

✔️ Anvarol does not suppress endogenous testosterone production

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❌ No studies 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, thus eating in a calorie deficit.

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

When you compare this to the 7lbs 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 this, due to their endogenous testosterone production being much lower than men. 

For an anabolic steroid, Anavar’s results are relatively mild. However, the results are still good enough for gym-goers and bodybuilders to regularly implement 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, whilst 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 whilst 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) – 10mg per day

Anavar Dosage

For Men

When Anavar was first released, a general dose of 5-10mg per day was common. However, athletes and bodybuilders now typically take 15-25mg per day. This is usually administered for 6-8 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 40mg of Anavar, but in fact, is only 20mg. 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 2.5mg, 10mg or 20mg doses. With Anavar’s short half-life (9.4-10.4 hours), we find it is more effective to split up doses throughout the day, keeping high concentrations of oxandrolone in your system.

Many male bodybuilders will take 2 x 10mg doses. Others use pill cutters to split 10mg pills in half (for example), thus giving them 4 x 5mg doses. If 2.5mg 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 5-10mg produce noticeable results (in muscle growth and fat loss), whilst 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 3 legal steroids in this stack are:

1. Clenbutrol (Clenbuterol)

2. Anvarol (Anavar)

3. Winsol (Winstrol)

These 3 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 3 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 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 less.

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 20mg/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 10mg 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, whilst 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
Anavar and Testosterone is not a stack 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, 80-200mg of testosterone undecanoate was taken for 72 months by 35 men. 9 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 classed 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 bio-availability 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 our practice. Higher quantities of fat present in the meal, 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/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 20mg 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/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 1-4 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) – 20mg x 2 (taken continuously for 45 days)
  • Clomiphene (Clomid) – 50mg 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, so 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 a male, with cycles also being shorter. A couple of protocols we have experienced success with are:

Nolvadex PCT (female)

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

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)

  • 25-50mg 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 Review

Below is a video review from a bodybuilder who has utilized Anavar cycles on and off for over a decade. He documents everything he experiences when taking the steroid, so users can know what to expect:

Where Do Bodybuilders Buy Anavar?

Best Legal Anavar Product

# Preview Product Rating Price
1 Anvarol $54.99

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

Most steroids sold are UGL (underground labs). This essentially is 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 few pharmaceutical companies producing 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 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 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 40mg in order to see good results. This is a sign of the product being under-dosed, as 20mg 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 are 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 Pharma products still exist in the world today:

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

Oxandrin (Savient)

Oxandrin is the same product formerly produced by BTG, the US company that brought Anavar back to the market in 1995, driving up the price by 1,200%. The new company known as Savient continues to manufacture Oxandrin today, supplying bottles of 60 x 10mg and 100 x 2.5mg 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 2.5mg and 10mg dosages.

Xtendrol

Xtendrol is a product made by the Mexican company Atlantis. These are bottles containing 30 x 2.5mg pills. These are actually legal for natives to buy for bodybuilding purposes.

Oxanabolic

Oxanabolic is produced by Asia Pharma in Malaysia, containing 100 x 10mg tablets. You can authenticate their products on their official website (asiapharma.com). Simply enter the unique ID code 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 x 10mg 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 10mg/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 in 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 straight 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, on 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 10mg per day, we often see them experience fast muscle gains (in the first 10 days). A woman taking 10mg of Anavar per day has a more powerful effect than a man taking 20mg 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 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 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 many steroids are counterfeited in 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 being 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 on 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 also 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, thus 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 essentially is 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 to have muscle-building effects in animals (39). Although Clenbuterol’s anabolic potential remains controversial, as 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. Whereas Anavar’s testosterone suppressing effects can prolong for several months.

Anavar vs Sarms

SARMs (selective androgen receptor modulators) were recently developed by scientists to elicit the anabolic effects of steroids — but 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, whilst others fail to notice any benefit (42).

SARM-users have also reported side effects equal to or worse than Anavar. Dr. Thomas O’Connor analysed 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 50mg 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 SARMs 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 to 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 it being used in cutting and bulking cycles. Women also can use it, due to its weak androgenic properties.

Tbol is a derivative of Dianabol, being 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, whilst 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, whilst further decreasing endogenous testosterone production.

We regard Turinabol to be 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 metabolised (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/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, whilst aiding muscle retention. Cardio or HIIT training may also be utilized to speed up the person’s metabolism, whilst 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 which 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; 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 tested 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 it is 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 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 in 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 in 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, whilst 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 looking 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, whilst increasing their chance of cardiovascular disease.

Equally, by utilizing Anavar year-round on a lower dose, compared to administrating 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/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 difficult to get 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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(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

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