Androgenic Index 24
Anabolic Index 322-630
Chemical Name 17b-hydroxy-17a-methyl-2-oxa-5a-androstane-3-one Estrogenic Activity None
Progestogenic Activity None
Anavar (Oxandrolone) is an oral anabolic steroid derived from dihydrotestosterone. It is designed to have very strong separation of anabolic and androgenic effects and no significant estrogenic or progestogenic activity. As far as oral steroids go, Anavar (Oxandrolone) is very mild and is well suited to promoting strength and mass of muscle tissue without significant side effects. Anavar (Oxandrolone) is one of the most popular oral anabolic steroids of all time, largely due to its good tolerability and mild side effects. This is one of the few anabolic steroids that can be safely used by both men and women. In some circles, Anavar (Oxandrolone) is greatly underestimated due to its mild nature, but this is usually due to unrealistic expectations of it being able to deliver huge benefits.
Anavar (Oxandrolone) Effects
It is also a very popular anabolic steroid among bodybuilders. Although mild on the surface, Anavar (Oxandrolone) carries a lot of anabolic power and is 3-6 times more powerful than testosterone. Anavar (Oxandrolone) has an anabolic rating of 322-630, while the Androgenic Index is rated at 100. This would suggest that the muscle building properties of this steroid are huge; however, the rating does not translate into real-life results as you might think. For male athletes in season, this is not what we would consider a first choice steroid for muscle growth. In fact, Anavar (Oxandrolone) is the underdog when it comes to muscle growth. However, its anabolic power will translate greatly during a fat loss and prep cycle, and we will also find that this hormone has a fairly low androgenic effect, making it one of the friendliest steroids for female use.
When looking at the direct functions and features of Anavar (Oxandrolone), the most important ones revolve around its ability to increase nitrogen retention in the muscles, reduce SHBG, and inhibit glucocorticoids. The increase in nitrogen retention will promote the body’s anabolic environment, and the reduction in SHBG will produce higher levels of free testosterone in the body, not only providing more anabolic impact, but also promoting the free or unbound state of all circulating anabolic steroids. Simply put, this makes the steroid you are using more effective. As for the inhibition of glucocorticoids, these are the culprit hormones for muscle breakdown; cortisol is the most hated by bodybuilders. Cortisol will promote fat gain, as well as cause protein breakdown. Oxandrolone is also known for promoting an increase in red blood cell count, which will enhance muscle endurance. Some studies have even shown that this steroid has the ability to promote increased cardiovascular endurance. Last but not least, Anavar (Oxandrolone) is one of the only true fat burning steroids. Most all anabolic steroids promote fat loss indirectly by increasing the body’s metabolic rate, but Anavar (Oxandrolone) has been shown to directly promote lipolysis. Many attribute this to its ability to bind firmly to androgen receptors, as well as its ability to reduce thyroid binding globulin, and increase thyroxine binding to prealbumin. This action results in a higher degree of utilization of the triiodothyronine hormone, or T3 hormone. The fat burning effects of Anavar (Oxandrolone) are not entirely conclusive; however, most data strongly suggest that it is a powerful promoter of lipolysis.
Anavar (Oxandrolone) Side Effects (Estrogen):
It is not aromatized by the body and has no measurable estrogenic properties. Anavar (Oxandrolone) also provides no relevant progestogenic activity. Anti-estrogens are not necessary when using Anavar (Oxandrolone), as gynecomastia is not a concern even in sensitive individuals. Since estrogen is the common culprit for water retention, it can provide the body with a lean, premium look without having to worry about water retention. This makes it a favorable steroid to use during a fat loss cycle. Anavar (Oxandrolone) is also very popular in power/speed sports such as sprinting, swimming, and gymnastics. In these sports, people generally do not want to retain excess water in their bodies, and the clean lean body mass gains that Oxandrolone provides are very beneficial to them.
Anavar (Oxandrolone) Side Effects (Androgenic):
It is not a very potent androgenic steroid, but does have androgenic activity. This activity can cause acne, accelerated male pattern baldness and body hair growth. However, most will not have a problem with these effects because the total androgenic properties remain low. An important point; 5-alpha reductase inhibitors are often used to combat the androgenic side effects caused by the use of anabolic steroids. However, when using Anavar (Oxandrolone), this will not have a strong effect because Anavar (Oxandrolone) is not affected by the 5-alpha reductase enzyme. The 5-alpha reductase enzyme is responsible for reducing testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, but Anavar (Oxandrolone) is already dihydrotestosterone.
The androgenic properties, while mild, can also promote virilization symptoms in women. Virilization symptoms include body hair growth, deepening of the vocal cords, and clitoral enlargement. Thankfully, Anavar (Oxandrolone) has a very low virilization index; most women can supplement without experiencing this effect. While there are issues with some sensitive individuals reacting, Anavar (Oxandrolone) remains the safest anabolic steroid for women to use. If for any reason virilization symptoms do occur, it is recommended that you discontinue use immediately and they will gradually disappear. If symptoms are ignored, they may become permanent.
Anavar (Oxandrolone) Side Effects (Hepatotoxicity):
As a C17-aa anabolic steroid, Anavar (Oxandrolone) is hepatotoxic to the liver. Liver enzyme values will generally increase with use, however, Anavar (Oxandrolone) has the lowest hepatotoxicity of all C17-aa steroids. Data shows that therapeutic doses may not significantly increase liver enzyme values. Of course, the doses used by athletes are another matter, but the hepatotoxicity will still be significantly lower than most C17-aa anabolic steroids. It is also important to remember that an increase in liver enzyme values is not equivalent to liver damage, but rather a sign of increased liver stress.
Anavar (Oxandrolone) or any C17-aa anabolic steroid should not be used if the user already has any type of liver problems.
Excessive alcohol consumption should be avoided when using C17-aa anabolic steroids, as this can be extremely taxing on the liver. In fact, if for no other reason than its anti-erotic effects, most people should try to avoid alcohol.
The reason why Anavar is less hepatotoxic than other C17-aa steroids has also been studied by its original manufacturer, GD Searle & Co. (Pfizer), who identified Anavar as being similar to other 17-alpha alkylated oral steroids that are not extensively metabolized by the liver, which may be a factor in its reduced hepatotoxicity. It has been shown that when excreted in the urine, more than a third of Anavar remains intact. Comparing Anavar to Other Oral Steroids Another study showed that it reduced the retention of the most tested agent of bromosulfate sodium (BSP; a marker of liver stress), and compared to an equal dose of fluoxymesterone, 20mg of Anavar produced a 72% reduction in BSP retention, which is a considerable difference given that they are both 17-alpha alkylated. A recent study looked at escalating doses (20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg) of Anavar (Oxandrolone) in 262 HIV+ men. Anavar (Oxandrolone) was used for 12 weeks. The group taking 20mg Anavar (Oxandrolone) daily did not have a statistically significant trend toward hepatotoxicity in liver enzyme (AST/ALT; aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase) values. Those men taking 40mg noted an average increase in liver enzymes of about 30-50%, while those taking 80mg noted increases of about 50-100%. Approximately 10-11% of the patients in the 40mg group noted WHO grade III and IV toxicity based on AST and ALT values. This number jumped to 15% in the 80mg group. Although Anavar (Oxandrolone) cannot rule out severe liver toxicity, these studies do suggest that it is safer than other oral steroids.
Anavar (Oxandrolone) Side Effects (Cardiovascular, Lipids):
It has a strong effect on the hepatic management of cholesterol due to its structural resistance to liver damage, non-aromatizable nature, and route of administration. In the previously cited study of HIV+ men, taking 20mg Anavar (Oxandrolone) daily for 12 weeks reduced mean serum HDL by 30%. HDL values were suppressed by 33% in the 40mg group and 50% in the 80mg group. This was accompanied by a statistically significant increase in LDL values (approximately 30-33%) in both the 40mg and 80mg groups, further increasing atherogenic risk. Anabolic/androgenic steroids may also adversely affect blood pressure and triglycerides, reduce endothelial relaxation, and cause left ventricular hypertrophy, all of which may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and myocardial infarction.
Pfizer once considered Anavar (Oxandrolone) as a possible medication for people with high cholesterol or triglyceride disease. Early studies showed that Anavar (Oxandrolone) was able to reduce total cholesterol and triglyceride values in patients with certain types of hyperlipidemia, which was thought to mean that the drug might work as a lipid-lowering agent. However, upon further investigation it was discovered however that any reduction in total cholesterol values was accompanied by a redistribution of the ratio of good cholesterol (HDL) to bad cholesterol (LDL), a situation that favors a greater risk of atherosclerosis. This negates any positive effects that the drug may have on triglycerides or total cholesterol, and actually makes it potentially dangerous for heart risk, especially when taken for long periods of time. As an oral c17 alpha alkylated steroid, Anavar (Oxandrolone) has a greater impact on blood lipids than esterified injectables such as testosterone or Deca.
To help reduce cardiovascular damage as well as the effects on blood lipids, it is recommended to actively maintain an active aerobic exercise program and minimize the intake of saturated fat, cholesterol, and simple carbohydrates during steroid use. Supplementation with fish oil (4 grams per day) and natural cholesterol/antioxidant products is also recommended.
Anavar (Oxandrolone) Side Effects (HPTA Hypothalamic Inhibition of Testosterone Secretion):
All anabolic/androgenic steroids are expected to suppress endogenous testosterone production when taken in doses sufficient to promote muscle gain. Anavar (Oxandrolone) is no exception. In the study cited above on HIV+ men, 20mg per day or 40mg per day for 12 weeks resulted in a decrease in serum testosterone levels of approximately 45%. The group taking 80mg noted a 66% decrease in testosterone. A similar trend of decreases was noted in LH production, with the 20mg and 40mg doses resulting in a 25-30% decrease, and the 80mg group noting a decrease of over 50%. Additionally, studies on boys with constitutive delay of puberty have shown suppression of endogenous LH and testosterone at only 2.5mg per day.
Anavar (Oxandrolone) Use
Standard Anavar (Oxandrolone) doses for therapeutic treatment are usually in the 5-10mg per day range, with 20mg per day usually being the maximum dose. This use is usually continued for 2-4 weeks with a slight break after use before the next 2-4 week cycle is implemented. Anavar (Oxandrolone) use will continue as long as it is deemed necessary to continue treatment.
For male athletes, doses of 20-30mg per day can improve certain athletic performances, but most will find 40-50mg per day more effective. 80mg per day is not uncommon, but this increases the risk of side effects. Anavar (Oxandrolone) cycles generally last 6-8 weeks.
For female athletes, 5-10mg per day is usually the optimal dose regardless of the purpose of use. Few women need more than 10mg per day. If more is needed and 10mg per day has been well tolerated, 15mg per day can be tried. However, each dose increase increases the risk of virilization. Doses of 20 mg per day will greatly increase the risk of virilization. If any virilization characteristics occur, please stop using it immediately. The cycle of Anavar (Oxandrolone) used by women is the same as that of men and generally lasts 6-8 weeks.