Stanozolol (Winstrol) – Complete Guide: Oral vs Injectable, Dosage, Cycles, Results & Side Effects

What is Stanozolol (Winstrol)?

Stanozolol, best known under the trade name Winstrol, is a synthetic anabolic steroid derived from dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Since its introduction in the 1960s by Winthrop Laboratories, Winstrol has been one of the most recognizable compounds in both bodybuilding and athletics.

Key Characteristics

• Available forms: Oral tablets and injectable water-based suspension.
• Popular uses: Cutting cycles, contest prep, athletic performance enhancement.
• Main appeal: Produces a lean, hard, dry physique with minimal water retention.
• Non-aromatizing: Does not convert to estrogen, reducing risk of gynecomastia and bloating.

Why Athletes Use It

Winstrol is favored for improving strength, speed, and muscle definition without adding excessive bodyweight — a major reason it became popular in track and field, power-based sports, and bodybuilding. Unlike mass-builders like Dianabol or Anadrol, Stanozolol is valued more for quality over quantity.

Chemistry & Mechanism of Action

Stanozolol is a synthetic derivative of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Its structure is modified by adding a pyrazol group to the A-ring of the steroid nucleus, which makes it unique compared to most other DHT-based compounds. These structural changes give Winstrol a distinct profile of high anabolic activity with relatively low androgenic effects.

Key Chemical Features

• C17α-alkylation (oral form): Enhances oral bioavailability but increases liver stress.
• Non-aromatizing: Stanozolol cannot convert to estrogen, making water retention and gynecomastia rare.
• High affinity for androgen receptor: Stimulates protein synthesis and nitrogen retention in muscle tissue.
• SHBG suppression: Winstrol strongly reduces sex hormone-binding globulin, increasing levels of free testosterone and other circulating androgens.

Mechanism of Action

Winstrol enhances protein synthesis and nitrogen balance, which supports lean muscle preservation, especially in calorie-deficit phases. It also promotes red blood cell production, improving oxygen delivery and endurance. Because it does not aromatize, users often notice a dry, vascular, and hard appearance rather than the watery fullness associated with aromatizing steroids.

Pharmacokinetics

• Oral half-life: ~8–9 hours → requires daily dosing, often split into 2 intakes.
• Injectable suspension half-life: ~18–24 hours (particle size dependent) → injected daily or every other day.
• Detection time: Long — up to several weeks in anti-doping tests, depending on sensitivity.

Oral vs Injectable Winstrol – Practical Differences

One of the unique aspects of Stanozolol is that it exists in both oral tablets and an injectable water-based suspension. Both deliver the same active hormone, but their effects on the body and convenience of use differ significantly.

Benefits & Expected Results of Stanozolol (Winstrol)

Unlike mass-gaining orals like Dianabol or Anadrol, Winstrol is designed to deliver quality, not bulk. Its primary appeal is in the realm of cutting, recomposition, and performance enhancement. The results are cleaner, drier, and more sustainable — especially for athletes and bodybuilders preparing for competition.

1. Lean Muscle Preservation

Winstrol helps preserve muscle mass while in a calorie deficit. This makes it especially popular during cutting phases when the goal is fat loss without sacrificing size.

2. Muscle Hardness & Vascularity

Stanozolol is famous for creating a dry, vascular, and “granite-like” look. This is why it’s often used in contest prep or before photo shoots.

3. Strength & Power-to-Weight Ratio

Winstrol boosts strength, speed, and explosiveness without causing significant weight gain. Athletes in speed-based sports historically used it for this reason.

4. No Water Retention

Since Winstrol does not aromatize into estrogen, there is minimal bloating. The gains appear lean and aesthetic rather than puffy or watery.

5. Improved Endurance

By increasing red blood cell production, Winstrol improves oxygen delivery to muscles. This leads to better endurance, faster recovery, and enhanced training intensity.

6. Synergy with Other Compounds

Winstrol’s ability to lower SHBG increases the effectiveness of other steroids in a stack by making more hormones available in their active, “free” form.

Side Effects & Health Risks of Stanozolol (Winstrol)

While Winstrol is famous for its ability to harden the physique, it also carries serious health risks. Both oral and injectable forms share many of the same side effects, although the oral version is more hepatotoxic. Risks increase with higher doses and longer cycle durations.

1. Liver Toxicity

Oral Winstrol is C17α-alkylated, which makes it resistant to breakdown in the liver but also significantly increases liver strain.

• Elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST, GGT)
• Digestive discomfort, fatigue, appetite suppression
• In severe cases: cholestasis, jaundice

2. Lipid & Cardiovascular Issues

Winstrol is notorious for negatively impacting cholesterol balance and blood pressure.

• ↓ HDL (“good” cholesterol), ↑ LDL (“bad” cholesterol)
• Increased blood pressure
• Higher long-term risk of atherosclerosis

3. Joint & Tendon Discomfort

Because Winstrol dries out tissues, many users report joint pain and stiffness. This effect can make tendons more prone to injury.

4. Hormonal Suppression

Stanozolol strongly suppresses natural testosterone production, leading to:

• Low libido and erectile dysfunction
• Mood swings, low energy
• Muscle loss post-cycle without PCT

5. Androgenic Effects

Although Winstrol has lower androgenic activity than testosterone, side effects still occur:

• Acne, oily skin
• Accelerated hair loss (male pattern baldness)
• Increased body hair

6. Female-Specific Risks (Virilization)

For women, even low doses of Winstrol can cause virilization:

• Voice deepening (often irreversible)
• Facial and body hair growth
• Menstrual irregularities

7. Psychological Effects

Winstrol may affect the nervous system and mood regulation:

• Irritability or aggression (“roid rage” in sensitive individuals)
• Sleep disruption
• Post-cycle depression when hormones crash

Monitoring & Lab Work During a Winstrol Cycle

Safe use of Stanozolol (Winstrol) requires regular bloodwork and health monitoring. Both the oral and injectable forms can affect the liver, cholesterol, hormones, and cardiovascular system. Monitoring helps detect issues early and prevents long-term damage.

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
• Complete blood count (CBC): RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit
• Blood pressure & resting heart rate

Mid-Cycle Monitoring

After 3–4 weeks of use, check the following:

• Liver enzymes: ALT, AST, GGT (early hepatotoxicity detection)
• Lipids: HDL, LDL, triglycerides
• Blood pressure: at least weekly at home
• Hormones: Testosterone levels to confirm suppression

Post-Cycle Tests

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

• Total & free testosterone, LH, FSH: to verify recovery
• Liver enzymes: should normalize if no permanent damage
• Lipid profile: HDL should recover; if not, address with diet/supplements
• CBC & blood pressure: to ensure cardiovascular system is back in balance

Dosage & Cycle Guidelines (Oral & Injectable)

Both forms of Winstrol deliver the same hormone, but dosing strategies differ depending on whether you use oral tablets or the injectable suspension. The common theme: short cycles, moderate dosing, careful monitoring.

Oral Winstrol (Tablets)

• Half-life: ~8–9 hours → requires daily use, often split AM/PM
• Cycle length: 4–6 weeks (8 weeks max for experienced users)
• Beginner dosage: 20–30 mg/day
• Intermediate dosage: 30–40 mg/day
• Advanced dosage: 50 mg/day (higher risk, rarely justified)

Injectable Winstrol (Aqueous Suspension)

• Half-life: ~18–24 hours → requires frequent injections
• Cycle length: 4–6 weeks (same as oral)
• Standard dosage: 50 mg every other day (EOD)
• Advanced contest prep: 50 mg daily for 2–4 weeks before a show

Combined Use?

Some athletes attempt to run oral + injectable Winstrol together, but this doubles liver strain without significant benefit. It is not recommended.

Example Cycles

• Beginner Cutting (6 weeks): Winstrol oral 30 mg/day + Testosterone Propionate 250 mg/week
• Intermediate Contest Prep (6 weeks): Injectable Winstrol 50 mg EOD + Test Prop 300 mg/week + Masteron 300 mg/week
• Female conservative cycle (max 4 weeks): Oral Winstrol 5–10 mg/day

Stacks & Combinations with Winstrol

Stanozolol is rarely used on its own. Its best results come when combined with other injectable testosterone bases or complementary compounds. Below are some popular stacks depending on the athlete’s goals.

1. Winstrol + Testosterone

The foundation stack. Winstrol provides hardness and lean look, while testosterone maintains hormonal balance and prevents severe suppression-related issues.

• Cycle example (6 weeks): Winstrol oral 30 mg/day OR injectable 50 mg EOD + Testosterone Propionate 250–300 mg/week

2. Winstrol + Masteron

A contest-prep favorite. Both are DHT-derivatives and produce extreme hardness, vascularity, and a dry physique. Suitable only for lean athletes with low body fat.

• Cycle example (6 weeks): Winstrol injectable 50 mg EOD + Masteron Propionate 300 mg/week + Testosterone Propionate 200 mg/week

3. Winstrol + Trenbolone

An advanced stack for extreme cutting and recomposition. Delivers strength, hardness, and aggression in training, but also carries significant health risks.

• Cycle example (6 weeks): Winstrol oral 40 mg/day + Trenbolone Acetate 200–300 mg/week + Testosterone Propionate 200 mg/week

4. Athletic Performance (Low-dose)

Historically, some athletes used low-dose Winstrol (10–20 mg/day oral) to improve speed and strength without major weight gain. These protocols are risky and banned in professional sports.

5. Female Use (Highly Conservative)

For women, the only safe approach is extremely low doses, if used at all. Even then, the risk of virilization remains high.

• Cycle example (4 weeks max): Oral Winstrol 5–10 mg/day

Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) After Winstrol

Both oral and injectable Winstrol suppress the body’s natural testosterone production. Without proper PCT (Post Cycle Therapy), users risk prolonged low-testosterone symptoms, including fatigue, low libido, mood issues, and muscle loss. Because Winstrol clears the system quickly, recovery protocols can begin sooner than with long-ester injectables.

When to Start

Begin PCT approximately 3–5 days after the final Winstrol dose. This applies to both oral and injectable versions due to their short half-lives.

Typical PCT Protocol

• Clomid: 50 mg/day (weeks 1–2), then 25 mg/day (weeks 3–4)
• Nolvadex: 20 mg/day for 4 weeks

Supportive Supplements

• Liver recovery: NAC, TUDCA, milk thistle
• Cardiovascular health: Omega-3, CoQ10, citrus bergamot
• Hormonal support: Vitamin D3, Zinc, Ashwagandha

Bloodwork After PCT

About 3–4 weeks after finishing PCT, check:

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

FAQ: Stanozolol (Winstrol)

Is Winstrol better taken orally or by injection?

Both forms contain the same active hormone. Oral is more convenient but harsher on the liver, while injectable avoids some liver stress but requires frequent injections. Choice depends on personal goals and tolerance.

Does Winstrol cause gynecomastia?

No. Winstrol does not aromatize into estrogen, so estrogen-related side effects like gynecomastia are extremely rare.

Why do joints hurt on Winstrol?

Because Winstrol reduces water retention and “dries out” connective tissues, many users experience joint stiffness and discomfort during heavy training.

Can women use Winstrol?

Women sometimes use low-dose oral Winstrol (5–10 mg/day), but the risk of virilization is high. Signs like voice deepening or hair growth can be permanent.

What results can I expect from Winstrol?

Expect hard, dry muscle definition, vascularity, and moderate strength gains. Winstrol is not for bulking but for cutting, recomposition, and pre-contest conditioning.

When should I start PCT after Winstrol?

Begin PCT 3–5 days after the last dose. A typical Clomid/Nolvadex protocol lasts 4 weeks.

Conclusion

Stanozolol (Winstrol) remains one of the most popular cutting steroids thanks to its ability to enhance definition, vascularity, and strength without water retention. Whether in oral or injectable form, it offers clean, aesthetic results — but carries risks such as liver stress, lipid imbalance, and joint discomfort. Safe use requires short cycles, moderate dosing, bloodwork monitoring, and proper PCT.