Anavar

Anavar, known chemically as Oxandrolone, is often regarded within the bodybuilding community as a relatively safe and mild anabolic steroid, particularly favored for its lower risk profile. It is especially popular among female bodybuilders and male athletes seeking subtle, quality muscle gains without severe side effects. Anavar’s appeal lies in its ability to promote lean muscle mass and strength gains while being less likely to cause significant weight gain, water retention, or the androgenic side effects commonly associated with more potent steroids. Users appreciate its reputation for not dramatically increasing liver enzymes, a common concern with oral steroids. However, it’s important to ote that while Anavar is perceived as less harsh, it still carries risks, especially when used improperly. Its perceived mildness often leads to it being underestimated, but seasoned users and professionals in the bodybuilding world emphasize the importance of respecting its power and using it responsibly within a well-structured cycle.


History of Anavar

Anavar was first synthesized in 1962. Developed for medical purposes, it entered the pharmaceutical market in 1964. Created by Raphael Pappo while at Searle Laboratories (now Pfizer Inc.), Oxandrolone was notable for its therapeutic properties and mild side effects. Its primary medical uses included:

  • Promoting weight gain in various conditions.
  • Offsetting protein catabolism caused by long-term corticosteroid therapy.
  • Aiding recovery from severe burns.
  • Treating bone pain associated with osteoporosis.
  • Aiding in the development of girls with Turner syndrome.


Unlike many other anabolic steroids developed during that period, Anavar was recognized for its unique balance between anabolic and androgenic effects. This balance made it a preferred choice for treating not only males but also females and children, in whom androgenic effects (like masculinization) are less desirable. Anavar’s comparatively mild nature (in terms of liver toxicity and other side effects) was a significant advancement in the field of anabolic steroids. Over the years, its applications in clinical settings have demonstrated effectiveness, particularly in promoting muscle growth and weight gain in various catabolic conditions. However, despite its medical benefits, the potential for abuse in sports and bodybuilding contexts became a point of concern, leading to a shift in its availability and legal status over the years.

Long-Term Studies: In a study involving severely burned children, Oxandrolone was administered at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg orally twice daily for up to 24 months.[1] This long-term administration was significant in improving bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), and height velocity. Notably, this study indicates the use of Oxandrolone over a significantly extended period, far beyond the typical duration associated with bodybuilding cycles.

Other Clinical Trials: Another study with children having burns over more than 40% of total body surface area involved administering Oxandrolone in a dose of 0.1 mg/kg po bid (twice daily). The duration was not explicitly mentioned, but the study involved follow-ups at 6, 9, and 12 months after the burn, suggesting an extended period of treatment.


Usage in Bodybuilding: Anavar (Oxandrolone)

In the realm of bodybuilding, Anavar (Oxandrolone) is esteemed for its distinct properties that make it favorable for certain fitness goals. Its usage in bodybuilding is characterized by specific patterns and combinations with other substances.

Anabolic Characteristics: Anavar is known for its anabolic effects, which are more pronounced than its androgenic effects. This makes it particularly popular among bodybuilders for muscle growth and strength enhancement with relatively fewer androgenic side effects. It is much more anabolic than androgenic, making it a choice steroid for those seeking less intense steroid regimens, especially female bodybuilders.

Non-medical Perception: Despite its non-medical use, Anavar is often perceived as one of the safer anabolic steroids, especially in terms of hepatotoxicity and other common steroid-related side effects.


Prescription and Bodybuilding Dosage Guidelines

Adult Dosage: For weight loss in adults, the typical dosage of Oxandrolone ranges from 2.5 mg to 20 mg orally in 2 to 4 divided doses. The duration of therapy is usually 2 to 4 weeks, which can be repeated intermittently as indicated.

Pediatric Dosage: For pediatric patients, the dosage is less than or equal to 0.1 mg per kg body weight. Similar to adults, this treatment may also be repeated intermittently as needed.

Bodybuilder and Athlete Dosage: Male athletes looking for some strength gains without adding much bulk will use between 15mg – 30mg of the drug per day

  • Newbie bodybuilders looking to run a safe cycle of lean gains will usually use about 40mg – 60mg per day.
  • Competitive bodybuilders using Anavar for contest prep will use between 50mg – 100mg of Anavar, along with other steroids.

Female Dosage: Women will use between 2.5mg and 15mg of Anavar per day, depending on their goals, so female competitors will tend to use much more than the average cardio bunny.


Anavar Half-Life Explained

Anavar has a longer half-life compared to many oral anabolic steroids, typically around 9 to 10 hours. This extended half-life allows for a more sustained drug release into the bloodstream, enabling users to maintain relatively stable blood levels with fewer daily doses. Typically, users might split their daily dosage into two administrations to align with Anavar’s half-life. The benefit of a longer half-life, as seen in Anavar, is a reduced dosing frequency, which can enhance compliance and ease of use, especially for those who prefer a less intensive dosing schedule. This aspect of Anavar, along with its relatively mild side effects compared to stronger steroids, contributes to its popularity, particularly among athletes and bodybuilders looking for a balance between efficacy and manageability in their steroid regimen.


Stacking and Combinations:

With Other Steroids: Bodybuilders often stack Anavar with other steroids to enhance the desired effects. For example, it may be combined with testosterone or other anabolic steroids to boost muscle growth and overall physical enhancement.

Cutting Cycles: Anavar is frequently used in cutting cycles to help maintain muscle mass while reducing body fat. It’s valued for its ability to promote lean muscle mass.

Pre-Competition: In the weeks leading up to bodybuilding competitions, Anavar is often used due to its ability to help achieve a more defined, lean physique without excessive water retention.

Female Bodybuilders: Due to its mild anabolic effect and relatively low androgenic properties, Anavar is a preferred choice among female bodybuilders. It enables them to gain lean muscle mass, shed fat, and enhance physical performance without the degree of virilization or other side effects associated with more androgenic steroids.

Long-Term Clinical Use: In specific medical conditions, such as severe burns in children, dosages of 0.1 mg/kg twice daily for up to 24 months have been administered.[2]

Cycle Length: Anavar has been used in clinical settings for 24 continuous months, so the drug is safe to use long-term. Still, most bodybuilders are using much higher dosages than the burnt children in the study, so most will get off the drug after only six to eight weeks of use. However, we have heard anecdotes of bodybuilders staying on Anavar for up to three months leading up to a big competition. All of this being said, the average bodybuilding enthusiast should not need to use Anavar for more than 6 weeks under any circumstances.


Side Effects of Anavar (Oxandrolone)

Androgenic Effects: Despite its mild nature, Anavar can cause masculinization, particularly in female users.

Hepatotoxicity: Uniquely among 17α-alkylated AASs, Anavar shows little to no hepatotoxicity at clinical doses, but risks increase with higher dosages.

Cardiovascular Risks: Changes in blood lipids might increase the risk of atherosclerosis.

Hormonal Disruption: Prolonged use can disrupt hormonal balance, impacting natural testosterone production and fertility.

Bone Health: Potential effects on bone mineral content and density, particularly in long-term usage.

These precautions and side effects highlight the need for careful consideration and medical supervision when using Anavar, particularly outside of clinical contexts.


Anavar in the media.

The recent ban on the prescription of Oxandrolone (Anavar) in the United States marks a significant change in its legal and medical status. Here’s a summary of the situation:

When:The shift in regulatory stance occurred in 2023.

How and Why:The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Oxandrolone would no longer be approved for medical use in the United States. This decision followed the withdrawal of requests for review by Gemini Labs and two other mainstream pharmaceutical companies for Oxandrin, the brand name for Oxandrolone.

Reasons Cited by Labs:The labs cited concerns about the potential risks associated with Oxandrolone. They referred to data indicating possible severe side effects like peliosis hepatis (sometimes associated with liver failure and intraabdominal hemorrhage), liver cell tumors (sometimes fatal), and blood lipid changes associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis.

FDA Agreement:The FDA agreed with the labs’ assessments, reflecting growing concerns about the safety profile of Oxandrolone, particularly at the dosages being used.

Impact and Reactions:The decision sent shockwaves through the world of sports science and bodybuilding, where Oxandrolone was frequently used due to its mild anabolic effects and relative safety compared to other anabolic steroids. The move by the FDA and the withdrawal by the pharmaceutical companies indicate a significant shift in the perception and legal standing of Oxandrolone in the medical and athletic communities.


“While Anavar does have the ability to help with stubborn fat loss areas, it is NOT a weight loss drug and not it, or any other steroid are used for weight loss…”

-Dylan Gemelli


““Since Anavar upregulates the AR gene, and the Androgen receptor, if you are genetically predisposed towards Prostate cancers, or Androgenic Alopecia, your more likely to speed up that process, despite it being mildly androgenic itself. Along with that principle comes its unique effect on fat cells. The increased sensitivity of androgen receptors causes more nutrients to be directed towards muscle cells and away from fat cells. It cannot be deactivated by fat cells as we have already seen, and its able to cause lipolysis, the breakdown of triglycerides into Glycerol and Fatty acids. Anavar Activates a very important enzyme called Hormone Sensitive Lipase (HSL) and this triggers Noradrenalin and Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate into action.”

-Evolutionary