Oxandrolone (Anavar)

Oxandrolone is an oral anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) derived from dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and is commonly used to promote weight gain in conditions involving muscle wasting, severe burns, or chronic infections. It has a high anabolic-to-androgenic ratio of 10:1 (anabolic rating of 322–630 and androgenic rating of 24) making it effective for muscle preservation with relatively mild androgenic effects. This makes oxandrolone safe to use in women. Pharmacokinetically, oxandrolone is well absorbed after oral administration, reaching peak plasma concentrations within 1–2 hours. It has a prolonged half-life of approximately 9–14 hours, allowing for once or twice-daily dosing. Unlike many other anabolic steroids, oxandrolone is not extensively aromatized into estrogen, reducing the risk of estrogen-related side effects, and it is primarily metabolized by the liver and excreted in the urine as inactive metabolites.

Dosing:

The usual dosing options for oxandrolone vary based on the condition being treated, the patient's sex, and tolerance levels:

Men:

• Performance Enhancement / Muscle Preservation: 15–25 mg per day, sometimes up to 50 mg per day in advanced users.
• Medical Use (Muscle Wasting, Severe Burns, Recovery): 5–20 mg per day, divided into 2–3 doses.
• Cycle Duration: Typically 6–8 weeks to minimize liver strain.

Women:

• Performance Enhancement / Muscle Preservation: 5–10 mg per day, with 10 mg being the upper limit to avoid virilization.
• Medical Use: 2.5–10 mg per day, depending on the condition.
• Cycle Duration: Usually 4–6 weeks to minimize androgenic side effects.

Due to its hepatotoxicity, oxandrolone should be used with caution. Women should monitor for signs of virilization, such as voice deepening or excessive hair growth, and discontinue use if these occur.

Side effects:

Oxandrolone is considered a mild anabolic steroid, but it still carries potential side effects, especially at higher doses or with prolonged use. Common side effects include:

Hormonal and Endocrine Effects:

• Testosterone Suppression – Can lower natural testosterone production in men, requiring post-cycle therapy (PCT) in men not already on TRT.
• Virilization in Women – May cause deepened voice, facial hair growth, and menstrual irregularities at higher doses.

Cardiovascular Effects:

• Increased LDL ("Bad" Cholesterol) and Decreased HDL ("Good" Cholesterol) – Raises the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Potential Blood Pressure Elevation – Due to altered lipid profiles and water retention.

Hepatic (Liver) Effects:

• Liver Toxicity – As a C-17 alpha-alkylated steroid, oxandrolone can stress the liver, though it is milder than many other oral steroids.
• Elevated Liver Enzymes – Long-term or high-dose use can increase the risk of liver damage.

Psychological Effects:

• Mood Swings and Aggression – Can impact emotional stability, especially at high doses.

Other Effects:

• Acne and Oily Skin – Due to its mild androgenic properties.
• Hair Loss (in those genetically predisposed to baldness) – Since oxandrolone is derived from DHT, it can accelerate male pattern baldness.

To minimize risks, users should limit cycle duration, monitor lipid and liver health, and consider supportive supplements such as liver protectants (e.g., NAC, TUDCA) and heart-healthy supplements (e.g., omega-3s, CoQ10).

In short:

Oxandrolone can complement testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) by enhancing lean muscle retention, strength, and recovery without significant estrogen-related side effects, as it does not aromatize. Its high anabolic-to-androgenic ratio makes it effective for muscle preservation while minimizing the risk of excessive androgenic side effects such as hair loss or prostate enlargement. Additionally, oxandrolone can help improve body composition by promoting fat loss, making it a valuable addition for individuals on TRT seeking a leaner, more muscular physique.