Winstrol vs Anavar (Stanozolol vs Oxandrolone) are widely recognized anabolic steroids primarily utilized by those in bodybuilding to enhance fat loss and promote the development of lean muscle during cutting phases.
Those new to the world of performance-enhancing drugs often pose the question, “Which is superior?”
Here’s a detailed analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of each, offering insight into which may be the preferred choice depending on individual objectives.
Comparable Chemical Composition
Both Winstrol and Anavar share a resemblance in their chemical makeup, deriving from dihydrotestosterone modifications. They are characterized by the addition of a methyl group at the 17-alpha carbon position, which aids in maintaining their effectiveness after consumption.
Despite their similarities, they exhibit a notable variance in their capacity for muscle growth with minimal androgenic effects.
The formidable muscle-building properties of Winstrol stem from an added pyrazole group on the A-ring, whereas Anavar’s result from an oxygen atom substitution at carbon-2 in the A-ring.
Like Winstrol, Anavar is usually marketed as an oral tablet, though Winstrol is occasionally available in injectable form.
Comparing Steroid Potency
In the Winstrol versus Anavar debate, the choice varies among bodybuilders, with some favoring one over the other for different reasons, which we will explore. Nonetheless, regarding the effectiveness of each, it’s commonly accepted that Winstrol holds a higher potency.
Our observations indicate that Winstrol is more effective at building lean muscle tissue and facilitating fat loss compared to Anavar. This is due to its stronger nature. Theoretically, Anavar should show more significant body composition changes with its anabolic rating of 630 against Winstrol’s 320.
Yet, the practical outcomes reflect that Winstrol demonstrates superiority. While the difference isn’t vast, it tends to be modestly perceptible to most engaged in bodybuilding.
Effects on Fat Loss (Subcutaneous and Visceral)
Individuals using either Winstrol or Anavar will observe reductions in not only subcutaneous fat but visceral fat as well— a distinctive trait among anabolic steroids.
Whereas most anabolic steroids decrease subcutaneous fat, enhancing abdominal definition, they often raise visceral fat levels, leading to a distended abdomen often termed ‘steroid gut’ in bodybuilding circles.
Yet, Winstrol and Anavar do not cause such an enlargement effect, preserving the smallest waistline possible, aligning with bodybuilders’ aesthetic priorities.
The reason for their ineffectiveness in escalating visceral fat can be linked to their minimal estrogenic reactions (absence of aromatization).
This lack of estrogen conversion also triggers a dehydrating impact on the muscles, as high estrogen incites water retention whereas low levels lead to a diuretic influence. Consequently, taking Winstrol and Anavar enhances muscle sharpness and vein visibility unlike other anabolic steroids, due to reduced water around the cells.
Measuring fat loss with scales might be misleading due to the simultaneous muscle growth. Therefore, users might see a decrease in body fat when looking in the mirror, yet the scales could show an increase instead of a decrease when on either steroid.
Muscle Development
From what we’ve observed, Anavar typically results in a gain of around 10 pounds of lean muscle after a moderate initial cycle.
On the other hand, Winstrol tends to lead to slightly higher increases in muscle mass, approximately 15 lbs.
It’s essential to note that neither Winstrol nor Anavar mimic the muscle-building capabilities of more potent bulking steroids, such as Dianabol or Anadrol; however, their effects are still significantly visible, especially considering their concurrent muscle-building and fat-reducing actions.
Their capacity to foster lean muscle gains makes Anavar and Winstrol favored choices for competitive bodybuilders during pre-competition cutting cycles, as they do not lead to unwanted water and fat retention.
Both steroids are also regularly chosen by athletes who aim to boost muscular strength, power, and stamina in sports tainted by widespread drug use, without causing large fluctuations in body weight.
Muscular Appearance and Pumps
Anavar may just edge out Winstrol in one particular aspect concerning the benefits each steroid provides.
Users of Winstrol occasionally report issues with substantial intracellular water reduction, which can cause muscles to look deflated.
Anavar, however, operates differently in terms of fluid movement; it expunges the extracellular fluid while increasing the intracellular fluid (drawing water into muscle tissue).
This action results in a chiseled and voluminous appearance on Anavar, whereas Winstrol still confers a sculpted look but with less muscular engorgement.
The fuller appearance of muscles not only makes one look larger both inside and outside of the gym but also stimulates further growth by expanding the muscle fascia.Enhanced muscle size can be an asset in contests where the notion of ‘bigger is better’ prevails. The muscle pump experienced with Anavar, particularly in the lower back area, is pronounced, leading to discomfort during exercises like deadlifts according to reports from our clients.
Such discomfort can interfere with workout routines, in which case, our observations suggest that taurine supplementation can alleviate muscle swelling and decrease ATP levels in the cells, due to its ability to help expel water from the body.
It should be noted that, on Winstrol, muscles typically retain a pumped appearance with little loss of size, despite some water loss, because the drug contributes to muscle hypertrophy throughout the cycle.
Post-Winstrol use, individuals may notice their muscles appear slightly larger, a result of restored muscle plumpness and increased water retention.
Side Effects: Which is the Safer Compound?
While Winstrol is known for its potent results, Anavar is generally regarded as a safer alternative regarding potential harm.
A pattern exists with anabolic steroids that as efficacy increases, so too does the severity of side effects.
This holds for both Winstrol and Anavar; Winstrol tends to have harsher implications on cholesterol levels, induce higher liver toxicity, and suppress testosterone more significantly, according to our analyses.
Conversely, Anavar is associated with milder side effects, which is why it has been effectively prescribed in the medical setting for men, women, and children. Nonetheless, high doses or overly prolonged cycles can result in substantial harm to the liver, heart, and kidneys.
Anavar on the Liver
Anavar’s relatively mild impact on the liver is unusual for an oral c-17 alpha-alkylated steroid—a class notorious for severe liver issues. This milder effect is due to the liver not fully metabolizing the drug, with the kidneys taking on part of the processing workload, as indicated by the presence of oxandrolone in urine.
Consequently, we don’t see alarming rises in liver enzyme markers, such as ALT and AST, on Anavar. Yet, these markers should be closely monitored on Winstrol due to its stronger liver impact.
Studies also indicate that, with a daily dose of 20 mg for 8 weeks, Anavar doesn’t exacerbate liver enzyme levels. However, higher doses have been linked to liver stress, mirroring our findings.
For athletes we assist who are experiencing elevated ALT/AST levels, TUDCA, a substance known to reduce liver strain, has proved effective. Moreover, it’s highly cautioned against combining Winstrol with other oral steroids to avoid excessive liver damage.
Winstrol on the Liver
Unlike Anavar, the research on Winstrol’s liver impact is less extensive. Yet, we’re aware that small doses (12.5 mg daily) have minimal effects on liver enzymes. On the other hand, higher doses may cause significant hepatotoxicity, even in otherwise healthy bodybuilders.
Note: These adverse liver effects are also seen with injectable versions of Winstrol.
Anavar on the Heart
A cited study showed that Anavar moderates the levels of ‘bad’ LDL and ‘good’ HDL cholesterol, with about a 30% HDL reduction and a similar percentage increase in LDL at 20 mg/day over 12 weeks. This aligns with our clinical observations. At this dose, Anavar can significantly elevate blood pressure.
The study also suggests that the cardiovascular strain between 20 mg/day and 40 mg/day dosages is negligible, with just a 3% further decline in cholesterol at the double dose. However, HDL levels can fall by 50% on an 80 mg/day regimen.
Winstrol on the Heart
Our findings show that Winstrol more severely affects the heart compared to Anavar. Research supports this, revealing that as little as 6 mg/day of Winstrol for six weeks can lead to a 33% reduction in HDL cholesterol—comparable to what’s observed with 20 mg/day of Anavar.
Given that bodybuilders often consume 25 mg/day of Winstrol, we deduce that the moderate dosage’s cardiovascular effects are significantly more detrimental compared to Anavar.
Addressing the increase in blood pressure, Winstrol users could benefit from more cardio exercise or using 4 g/day of fish oil—strategies seen to improve cholesterol in studies and our own assessments.
Also, a diet rich in unsaturated fats and low in saturated fats may alleviate cardiovascular stress while using Winstrol.
Effects of Anavar on Testosterone Levels
Clinical studies have indicated that using Anavar at the daily doses of 20 mg and 40 mg can lead to a reduction in testosterone levels by approximately 45% in patients with HIV. This suppression is considered moderate when juxtaposed with the impact of other anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), which can completely halt the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis (HPTA).
Significantly, the aforementioned dosage was sustained over a 12-week period, a duration that stretches beyond a standard Anavar cycle of 6–8 weeks (and even shorter for female users at 4-5 weeks).
Consequently, at moderate doses and within a sensible cycle length, Anavar has been observed to only minimally affect testosterone levels. This mild suppression often allows bodybuilders to avoid the harsh ‘crash’ characterized by low energy, diminished motivation, and reduced libido, making it possible for them to restore their natural testosterone production within weeks, sometimes without the need for post-cycle therapy (PCT).
Testosterone Suppression from Winstrol Use
Studies have revealed that a daily dose of just 10 mg of Winstrol for a span of two weeks results in a significant 55% reduction in natural testosterone secretion (8).
It’s therefore unsurprising that more typical Winstrol cycles (at 25 mg/day for six weeks) lead to a shutdown of the HPTA, with recovery periods for testosterone levels varying from weeks to months, depending on individual PCT regimens.
Anavar and Winstrol are both not associated with gynecomastia as they do not convert to estrogen or stimulate the estrogen receptors in the breast tissues. While hair loss and oily skin may occur as side effects, these are generally less pronounced than with AAS such as Testosterone or Trenbolone.
Winstrol poses risks to the heart and liver (9,10), and these risks can be heightened when combined with other AAS. This elevates Anavar as a comparatively safer alternative when stacking compounds.
Cost Comparison Between Winstrol vs Anavar
Anavar commands a substantially higher price tag than Winstrol, a situation that originated from being monopolized by the Bio-Technology General Corp. which resulted in a market price surge of 1,200%.
A package of 100 x 20mg Anavar tablets is priced around $230 on the underground market, contrasted with Winstrol, where 100 x 25 mg tablets carry a price tag of about $90.
When acquiring anabolic steroids through unofficial avenues, there’s always inherent risk. This is particularly true for Anavar due to its steep cost. It’s not uncommon for deceptive practices, such as diluting or substituting Anavar with cheaper alternatives like Methandrostenolone (Dianabol), to occur.
Consequently, bodybuilders are advised to be cautious of unusually low-priced Anavar and to verify the authenticity of the active compound, oxandrolone, in these products.
Anavar’s Compatibility with Female Users
While many steroids can induce virilization in women, Winstrol is known to cause side effects such as:
- A more masculine voice
- Reduction in breast size
- Clitoral enlargement
- Hair loss on the head
- Increased body hair
- Development of laryngeal prominence (Adam’s apple)
Hence, Winstrol is generally unsuitable for female users looking to avoid these masculine traits.
In contrast, Anavar is frequently chosen by women due to its lower virilization risk, thus earning the moniker ‘the girl steroid.’ Despite being popular among men as well, Anavar is particularly noted for its safety in female cycles.
A daily intake of 10 mg of Anavar for 4-5 weeks has been found to be very unlikely to elicit virilization concerns (11), although some women may experience menstrual disruptions or amenorrhea.
For females interested in using Winstrol while avoiding virilization effects, doses kept at 5 mg/day for a maximum of 8 weeks have reportedly left many without adverse effects.
Choosing Between Winstrol vs Anavar
The decision between Winstrol and Anavar hinges on individual goals.
For those with a budget constraint of $100 and who are willing to compromise health to achieve peak physical condition, Winstrol might appear more enticing due to its affordability.
Conversely, for those concerned about potential harm to the liver and who prioritize safety in their enhancement regime, Anavar emerges as the preferred option.
Moreover, when it comes to maintaining muscle fullness during competition, Anavar possibly offers an edge by promoting better muscle pumps and fullness.
REFERENCES
(1) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2765703/
(3) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5609300/
(4) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9674442/
(5) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12352300/
(6) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2915439/
(7) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC3445114/
(8) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6430603/
(9) https://rsdjournal.org/index.php/rsd/article/view/27876
Dr. Grant Fourie, a specialist in male hormones, is based in Cape Town, South Africa. He provides comprehensive treatments for conditions related to low testosterone, such as erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and mood changes. His methods include hormone replacement therapy and other modern treatment options.
Contact me via email or phone to book personal appointment in my clinic: The Village Square, Cape Town - South Africa
