Technical informations about Anavar
- [17b-hydroxy-17a-methyl-2-oxa-5a-androstane-3-one]
- Formula: C19H30O3
- Effective dose: (Men) 20-100mgs/day – (Women) 2.5-20mgs/day
- Active Life: 8-12 hours
- Detection Time: 3 weeks
- Anabolic/Androgenic Ratio (Range): 322-630:24
Oxandrolone, often recognized by the brand name Anavar, is a widely esteemed oral anabolic steroid known for its suitability for both male and female users and its reputation for minimal side effects. Despite being well-regarded for its safety and efficacy, some critics believe Anavar to be too gentle, expecting stronger results that align with more potent anabolic steroids. It’s important to realize that each steroid has distinct outcomes and suited uses.
Initially introduced in the 1960s under Anavar by G.D Searle & Co., Oxandrolone was celebrated for its potential in treating a wide array of health conditions. However, intensified regulatory scrutiny led to its market withdrawal by Searle in 1989, which also affected the availability of Oxandrolone worldwide due to Searle’s control over its production rights. The drug made a comeback with Bio-Technology General CORP (later Savient) in 1995 under the name Oxandrin, at which point the price skyrocketed due to BTG’s market monopoly. More affordable generic versions have since become available, primarily due to production by U.S. pharmacies like Watson, although Oxandrolone remains among the pricier steroids. Notably, the original brand name Anavar is no longer officially used in the pharmaceutical industry to market Oxandrolone.
Anavar, which is the trade name for the steroid Oxandrolone, is a modified derivative of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This modification comes from the addition of an oxygen atom in place of carbon at the second position in the A-ring, which enhances the steroid’s anabolic activity and prevents it from being broken down. The introduction of a methyl group at the 17th carbon position also allows the substance to be ingested orally, making Anavar a C17-alpha alkylated anabolic steroid.
Oxandrolone Utility and Characteristics:
Oxandrolone has a track record of effectiveness for numerous therapeutic applications. It’s often prescribed for stimulating weight gain following surgery, infection, or severe weight loss. Its efficacy is also noted in conditions treated with corticosteroids, for bone density improvement in osteoporosis, and to support growth in children with hormone deficiencies. Despite its proven success, Oxandrolone’s use in the U.S. is currently limited due to stringent regulations.
In the realm of sports and bodybuilding, Anavar’s low androgenicity and potent anabolic rating—three to six times the strength of testosterone—make it a favorite for enhancing performance. While its muscle-building prowess may not live up to its scientific rating during mass-gaining phases, it excels in cutting cycles and athletic performance enhancement due to its properties. These include promoting nitrogen retention in muscles, reducing sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and inhibiting muscle-wasting glucocorticoid hormones like cortisol. Moreover, Anavar is known for boosting red blood cell production, enhancing muscular endurance, and potentially supporting increased cardiovascular endurance. Unique among steroids, Anavar is cited for its ability to aid in fat burning, possibly due to its affinity for the androgen receptor and effects on thyroid hormone distribution, leading to more active use of the T3 hormone. However, the extent of its impact on fat loss is debated, with varying results across studies.
Impact and Applications of Oxandrolone:
[1] Muscle Development
Building Phase: Oxandrolone is distinguished by its inability to convert into estrogen, which means any muscle gain is pure and devoid of water retention. While it doesn’t match the efficiency of more potent bulking steroids, it allows for the accumulation of quality muscle, which is maintainable post-use. For females, the response to Oxandrolone is significantly higher, making it an ideal choice for subtle muscle enhancement.
Metabolic Advantages: Users will note an elevated metabolic rate during bulking phases, which helps in minimizing fat gain. The presence of free testosterone also amplifies the effectiveness of concurrent anabolic steroids, aiding in a more efficient growth period.
[2] Trimming Phase
Body Fat Reduction: Oxandrolone shines in the dieting phase, safeguarding muscle mass while facilitating fat loss. The presence of Oxandrolone ensures that the catabolic state induced by a calorie deficit is minimized, preserving lean muscle mass.
Physique Refinement: Users will notice a sharper, more chiseled appearance with improved vascularity and a tighter look due to its fat-burning and muscle-preserving properties.
[3] Sporting Advantage
Athletic Utility: Oxandrolone is valued for its strength-boosting capabilities without excessive weight gain, making it a preferred steroid for athletes who rely on speed and power without the disadvantage of added bulk or water retention.
[4] Performance Boosting
Priority on Recovery: Oxandrolone users experience enhanced recovery and muscular endurance. This allows for prolonged and more intense training sessions without increased fatigue, leading to improved overall athletic performance.
Anavar Adverse Effects:
[1] Estrogenic Concerns
Oxandrolone, due to its structure, presents no estrogenic effects, meaning it does not cause any water retention or risk of gynecomastia. It’s also not a progestin and doesn’t present related issues, reducing any risk of elevating blood pressure via fluid retention. Thus, Anavar is often chosen for those looking to avoid these specific side effects while achieving muscle gains.
[2] Androgenic Risks
While Oxandrolone does have androgenic potential, its impact is less pronounced, with reduced risks of acne, hair loss, and body hair growth. It is less affected by 5-alpha reductase inhibitors due to its DHT derivation. For women, the low virilization risk makes it a safer steroid option, with responsible use reducing the likelihood of virilization symptoms. If any such symptoms appear, ceasing use will usually reverse them unless they are ignored, which could make them permanent.
[3] Cardiovascular Effects
The primary cardiovascular concern with Anavar involves its potential to alter cholesterol levels, reducing HDL (good cholesterol) and increasing LDL (bad cholesterol). To mitigate this, individuals should maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle, limit certain fats and sugars, and monitor cholesterol levels closely when using Oxandrolone.
[4] Testosterone Suppression
Anavar can suppress natural testosterone production, though not as significantly as other steroids. It’s suggested that men include exogenous testosterone in their regimen to prevent a deficiency. Post-use recovery of natural testosterone is possible with proper post-cycle therapy, including SERMs and potentially HCG, for efficient hormonal restoration.
[5] Liver Toxicity
Oxandrolone’s classification as a C17-aa steroid means it poses a liver toxicity risk. However, its impact on liver enzyme values is less aggressive than other steroids in the same category. Proper use, avoiding excessive alcohol, limiting certain medications, and supporting liver health with detoxifiers are critical when using Anavar or similar anabolic substances.
Guidelines for Anavar Use:
Therapeutic Guidelines:
For medical purposes, Anavar dosages typically range from 5-10mg daily, with a ceiling of 20mg per day. These therapeutic regimens usually span from two to four weeks, followed by a short cessation before another course is started, as per medical necessity.
Male Athletic Dosing:
Athletes often begin with 20-30mg of Anavar per day for performance enhancement, though 40-50mg daily is more common for heightened efficacy. Some may venture as high as 80mg daily, but such high doses are linked to a greater likelihood of adverse effects. Standard cycles for men are suggested to last between six to eight weeks.
Female Athletic Dosing:
For female athletes, a daily intake of 5-10mg is typically adequate, with most not requiring beyond this range. Incremental increases to 15mg daily may be considered if previous doses were well-tolerated and further enhancement is desired, keeping in mind the elevated risk of virilization. Exceeding 20mg daily is highly risky. Female cycles are also suggested to be in the six to eight-week range.
Market Availability:
Anavar’s availability on the black market is variable, with legitimate Oxandrolone being scarce and costly. Counterfeit products are a significant issue, with many being under-dosed or mislabeled, sometimes with other substances like Dianabol to cut costs. Quality assurance requires diligent research into brands and suppliers before purchase to avoid subpar or harmful products.
The practical advice here is to thoroughly research and verify the authenticity and quality of Anavar before attempting to acquire it, whether for therapeutic or performance-enhancing purposes, due to the prevalence of falsified products on the market.