Oxandrolone (Anavar) – Benefits, Cycles, Dosage, Side Effects & Complete Guide

What is Oxandrolone (Anavar)?

Oxandrolone, most widely known as Anavar, is an oral anabolic steroid first developed in the 1960s by Searle Laboratories (now part of Pfizer). Unlike many steroids created primarily for performance, Oxandrolone was designed with a medical purpose in mind.

Medical Applications

• Promoting weight gain after surgery, trauma, or prolonged illness
• Treatment for burn victims to accelerate healing and preserve lean tissue
• Managing osteoporosis and muscle-wasting conditions
• Used in HIV/AIDS-related wasting syndromes

Because of its relatively mild androgenic profile, Oxandrolone has also been prescribed to women and even children under strict medical supervision — something rarely seen with other anabolic steroids.

Popularity in Bodybuilding & Athletics

Anavar’s reputation as a “safe oral steroid” made it a favorite among athletes and bodybuilders. It is commonly used for cutting phases, strength improvement, and body recomposition rather than bulking. Many also value its low risk of estrogenic side effects compared to compounds like Dianabol.

Chemistry & Mechanism of Action

Oxandrolone is a synthetic derivative of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Its structure has been modified by adding an oxygen atom at the 2nd carbon position of the A-ring. This small change makes Anavar far less androgenic while still maintaining strong anabolic activity. It is also a C17α-alkylated steroid, meaning it survives oral ingestion but increases stress on the liver.

Key Structural Features

• DHT backbone: Prevents aromatization into estrogen → no water retention or gynecomastia
• Oxygen substitution: Lowers androgenic effects compared to testosterone
• C17α-alkylation: Allows oral bioavailability but introduces hepatotoxic potential

How Anavar Works in the Body

Once ingested, Oxandrolone binds to the androgen receptor (AR) in muscle and bone tissue. This receptor activation leads to:

• Increased protein synthesis → lean muscle preservation & growth
• Enhanced nitrogen retention → anabolic environment for recovery
• Boosted red blood cell production → improved endurance & strength
• No aromatization: Keeps muscles “dry” without estrogenic bloating

Pharmacokinetics

• Bioavailability: High (oral active)
• Half-life: ~9–10 hours → usually taken twice daily for stable levels
• Excretion: Primarily via kidneys (unusual compared to most orals)

Benefits & Expected Results

Oxandrolone (Anavar) is known as a performance enhancer that delivers clean, steady results without the excessive side effects linked to stronger compounds. It is especially popular during cutting cycles and recomposition phases.

Key Benefits

• Lean muscle growth: Promotes modest but high-quality gains with minimal fat or water
• Enhanced fat loss: Improves metabolic efficiency and encourages a harder, leaner look
• Strength boost: Significant increase in strength without bulky mass → ideal for athletes in weight classes
• Muscle preservation: Helps maintain lean tissue while cutting calories
• Increased recovery: Faster healing from training stress and minor injuries
• No estrogenic side effects: No bloating, water retention, or gynecomastia
• Female-friendly: One of the few steroids women can tolerate at low doses

Expected Results for Men

Men typically see:

• 2–4 kg of lean muscle over a cycle
• Sharper muscle definition and vascularity
• Strength gains without mass that slows performance

Expected Results for Women

At low doses, women can expect:

• Noticeable fat reduction with preserved lean tissue
• Improved muscle tone without excessive bulk
• Enhanced strength and endurance

Side Effects & Health Risks

While Oxandrolone (Anavar) is considered one of the “milder” anabolic steroids, it is not free from risks. Side effects are usually dose-dependent and vary between men and women. Understanding these risks is essential for safe use and long-term health.

Liver Toxicity

Anavar is a C17α-alkylated oral steroid, which means it passes through the liver. Although less hepatotoxic than compounds like Winstrol or Anadrol, prolonged or high-dose use can still cause elevated liver enzymes, jaundice, or long-term liver stress.

Cholesterol & Cardiovascular Effects

• Lowers HDL (good cholesterol)
• Raises LDL (bad cholesterol)
• May increase risk of atherosclerosis and hypertension with prolonged use

Hormonal Suppression

Even though Anavar is mild, it still suppresses natural testosterone production. After a cycle, men may experience low libido, fatigue, and mood swings if no PCT is followed.

Androgenic Effects

Since Oxandrolone is derived from DHT, androgenic effects are possible but usually mild:

• Acne and oily skin
• Hair thinning in genetically predisposed men
• Increased aggression or irritability (rare)

Virilization in Women

At higher doses, women may experience:

• Voice deepening
• Clitoral enlargement
• Unwanted body hair growth
• Menstrual irregularities

These changes can be irreversible, which is why female users must stay with low-dose, short-duration cycles.

Kidney Stress

Unlike most orals, Anavar is primarily excreted by the kidneys. This means individuals with pre-existing kidney issues should avoid Oxandrolone or use it only under medical supervision.

Monitoring & Lab Work During an Anavar Cycle

To minimize risks while using Oxandrolone (Anavar), regular health monitoring is crucial. Bloodwork allows early detection of stress on the liver, cardiovascular system, and hormones.

Baseline Tests (Before Cycle)

• Liver function: ALT, AST, GGT, bilirubin
• Lipid profile: HDL, LDL, triglycerides, total cholesterol
• Hormones: Total & free testosterone, LH, FSH, estradiol
• Kidney function: Creatinine, BUN, eGFR
• Complete blood count (CBC): RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit
• Blood pressure & resting heart rate

Mid-Cycle Monitoring

After 3–4 weeks, check the following to ensure safe continuation:

• Liver enzymes: ALT, AST, GGT (detect hepatotoxicity early)
• Lipids: HDL, LDL, triglycerides
• Blood pressure: weekly monitoring at home
• Hormones: Total testosterone to confirm suppression

Post-Cycle Tests

About 3–4 weeks after finishing Anavar (and after PCT), re-check:

• Total & free testosterone, LH, FSH: verify recovery
• Liver enzymes: should return to baseline
• Lipid profile: HDL/LDL balance restoration
• CBC & blood pressure: cardiovascular normalization

Dosage & Cycle Guidelines

Oxandrolone (Anavar) is considered a mild anabolic steroid, but correct dosing is critical to balance results with safety. Dosages vary significantly between men and women, as well as beginners and advanced users.

Typical Dosages

Cycle Guidelines

• Do not exceed 8 weeks → higher risk of liver and lipid strain
• Split dosage: Take 2–3 times per day due to ~9–10h half-life
• Solo cycles: Good for beginners and women
• Stacked cycles: Advanced users combine with injectable testosterone, Primobolan, or Winstrol
• Liver support: NAC, TUDCA, or milk thistle throughout the cycle

Sample Cycles

Beginner Men (Lean Gains):

• Oxandrolone: 30 mg/day (split AM/PM)
• Length: 6 weeks
• Support: NAC 600 mg/day, Omega-3

Women (Cutting):

• Oxandrolone: 10 mg/day
• Length: 4–6 weeks
• Support: Antioxidants, cardio & resistance training

Experienced Men (Stacked):

• Oxandrolone: 50 mg/day
• Testosterone Enanthate: 300 mg/week
• Primobolan: 400 mg/week
• Length: 8 weeks
• PCT: Begins 2 weeks after last injection

Stacks & Combinations

Oxandrolone (Anavar) works well both as a standalone oral cycle and in combination with other anabolic steroids. Because of its mild profile and cosmetic effects, Anavar is usually stacked to enhance lean gains, cutting, and performance rather than bulking.

Popular Stacking Strategies

• With Testosterone: The foundation of most cycles. Adding low-dose Test ensures hormonal balance and prevents suppression-related issues.
• With Primobolan: Creates a very “clean” cycle for lean mass and cutting phases. Favored by athletes and physique competitors.
• With Winstrol: Maximizes hardness, vascularity, and fat loss — best for contest prep. Increases joint stress, so supportive care is needed.
• With Trenbolone: For advanced users seeking extreme recomposition and strength. Very powerful, but also riskier on cardiovascular health.
• With Fat Burners (Clenbuterol/T3): Anavar enhances fat loss synergy during cutting cycles. Works best in calorie deficit with structured training.

Example Cutting Stack (Intermediate Men)

• Oxandrolone: 40 mg/day
• Testosterone Propionate: 300 mg/week
• Primobolan: 400 mg/week
• Optional: Clenbuterol (on/off protocol)
• Length: 8 weeks

Example Recomp Stack (Advanced Men)

• Oxandrolone: 50 mg/day
• Testosterone Enanthate: 300 mg/week
• Trenbolone Acetate: 200 mg/week
• Length: 6–8 weeks

Women’s Stacking

Most women use Oxandrolone alone for safety. Some may add low-dose Primobolan (50–100 mg/week) for enhanced results, but this increases the risk of virilization.

Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) After Anavar

Although Oxandrolone (Anavar) is considered a mild steroid, it still suppresses natural testosterone production. Without PCT, recovery can be slow, leading to fatigue, low libido, mood swings, and muscle loss.

When to Start

Anavar has a relatively short half-life (~9–10 hours). PCT should begin about 2–3 days after the last dose.

Typical PCT Protocol (Men)

• Clomid: 50 mg/day (weeks 1–2), then 25 mg/day (weeks 3–4)
• Nolvadex: 20 mg/day for 4 weeks
• Optional: Natural testosterone boosters (Vitamin D, Zinc, Ashwagandha)

PCT for Women

Women generally do not require traditional PCT with SERMs. Instead, they focus on restoring hormonal balance naturally with diet, supplements, and time off-cycle. If menstrual irregularities persist, medical supervision is necessary.

Bloodwork After PCT

About 3–4 weeks after completing PCT, check:

• Total & free testosterone
• LH & FSH (pituitary recovery)
• Liver enzymes (ALT, AST, GGT)
• Lipid profile (HDL, LDL, triglycerides)

FAQ: Oxandrolone (Anavar)

Is Anavar safe for women?

Yes, Anavar is one of the few anabolic steroids considered relatively safe for women at low doses (5–10 mg/day). However, higher dosages can cause virilization such as voice deepening or unwanted hair growth.

Does Anavar cause liver damage?

Anavar is liver toxic as all oral steroids are, but it is less hepatotoxic than Winstrol or Anadrol. Using liver support supplements and limiting cycles to 6–8 weeks helps reduce risks.

Will I lose muscle after Anavar?

Without PCT, natural testosterone may remain suppressed, causing muscle loss. With proper recovery support, gains can be largely maintained.

Does Anavar burn fat directly?

Anavar does not “burn fat” directly but improves metabolic efficiency and helps preserve lean mass during a calorie deficit, making fat loss more effective.

How long does Anavar stay in your system?

The half-life of Anavar is about 9–10 hours. It clears quickly, which is why it requires multiple daily doses and allows fast PCT initiation.

Can Anavar be used for bulking?

Anavar is not ideal for bulking. It is best for cutting, lean muscle gain, and recomposition, rather than adding large amounts of mass.

Conclusion

Oxandrolone (Anavar) is one of the most versatile anabolic steroids, known for its clean, lean results, mild side effect profile, and suitability for both men and women. While it is less toxic than other orals, users must still monitor liver, cholesterol, and hormones carefully. Combined with proper diet, training, and recovery strategies, Anavar can deliver a polished, athletic physique.