Anavar — also known as Oxandrolone — is one of the most widely used oral anabolic steroids in bodybuilding. Marketed as a “mild” compound, it’s popular among men and women for cutting cycles, fat loss, and preserving lean muscle during a calorie deficit.
But despite its reputation for safety, Anavar is not risk-free.
Anavar is a synthetic, orally active anabolic steroid derived from dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It was first developed in 1962 by Searle Laboratories and approved by the FDA for medical use in treating weight loss associated with chronic illness, osteoporosis, and recovery from severe burns [FDA Label] .
Unlike testosterone, Anavar does not convert to estrogen, so users don’t experience water retention, bloating, or gynecomastia.
It has a high anabolic-to-androgenic ratio (3:1 to 13:1), meaning it promotes muscle growth with relatively low androgenic activity [Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism] .
Despite being prescription-only and classified as a Schedule III controlled substance in the U.S. and Europe, Anavar is widely used off-label in fitness circles — especially during cutting phases.
Anavar works through several key mechanisms:
A 12-week clinical trial on HIV-positive patients showed that Oxandrolone increased lean body mass by 2.6 kg compared to placebo, with minimal androgenic effects [NIH Study] .
However, even mild compounds like Anavar suppress natural testosterone production, especially at higher doses or longer durations.
Dr. Mike Israetel (PhD, RP Strength) explains: “There’s no such thing as a non-suppressive steroid. All AAS signal the brain to stop producing testosterone.” [RP Strength Podcast]
While Anavar is considered one of the mildest oral steroids, it still carries significant risks, particularly with prolonged or high-dose use.
Yes, Anavar is hepatotoxic because it is 17-alpha alkylated, allowing it to survive first-pass liver metabolism — but at the cost of liver stress.
Clinical evidence shows:
A case study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings reported acute liver injury in a 35-year-old man after 8 weeks of Anavar use (40 mg/day) [Mayo Clinic] .
Your Friendly Pharmacist warns: “Anavar is safer than Dianabol, but ‘safer’ doesn’t mean safe. Your liver processes everything you take — including this.” [YouTube: Your Friendly Pharmacist]
Best practices:
Anavar significantly lowers HDL (“good” cholesterol) and raises LDL, increasing cardiovascular risk.
In a controlled study, men taking 20 mg/day of Oxandrolone for 12 weeks experienced:
Greg Doucette shared: “I ran 60 mg/day for 8 weeks. My HDL went from 60 to 28. Took me 4 months to recover.” [YouTube: Greg Doucette]
Mitigation strategies:
Anavar suppresses natural testosterone production, though less than injectable steroids.
A study found that Oxandrolone at 20 mg/day reduced total testosterone by 35% after 4 weeks [Clinical Endocrinology] .
At 40–80 mg/day, suppression is near-total, requiring Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT).
Dr. Thomas O’Connor (“The Anabolic Doctor”) says: “Even mild orals shut down your HPTA axis. If you skip PCT, you’re gambling with your hormones.” [YouTube: The Anabolic Doctor]
Typical PCT after Anavar:
Although Anavar has low androgenic activity, it can still cause:
These effects are milder than with testosterone or Tren, but still present.
“I’ve never had acne, but on 60 mg/day of Anavar, I broke out badly on my back,” said a user on AnabolicMinds .
Note: Anavar does not convert to DHT, but it binds directly to androgen receptors, which can trigger hair follicle sensitivity.
Anavar is generally well-tolerated mentally — unlike Tren or Winstrol, it does not cause “roid rage” or severe mood swings.
Most users report:
However, some report insomnia or restlessness, especially at high doses.
Animal studies show Oxandrolone has minimal impact on serotonin and dopamine pathways, supporting its reputation for mental stability [Neurotoxicology and Teratology] .
Women are more sensitive to Anavar’s androgenic effects, even at low doses.
Common virilization symptoms include:
A review in Endocrine Reviews states: “No oral AAS has a safe therapeutic window for long-term use in women due to irreversible virilization risks.” [Endocrine Reviews]
Safe usage guidelines for women:
“I was on 10 mg for 6 weeks. My voice changed slightly and never went back,” shared a user on Steroidology Forum .
The risk of side effects increases significantly with dose and duration.
| Dose (mg/day) | Cycle length | Risk level | Common side effects |
| 10–20 | 6 weeks | Low | Mild acne, slight HDL drop |
| 40 | 8 weeks | Moderate | HDL < 30, elevated liver enzymes |
| 60+ | 10+ weeks | High | Jaundice risk, severe lipid imbalance, prolonged suppression |
Derrick from Geared Brain notes: “People think Anavar is harmless. But stack it with other compounds or run it too long, and you’ll pay the price.” [YouTube: Geared Brain]
Chronic or repeated use of Anavar can lead to:
A 2020 review in The New England Journal of Medicine found that long-term AAS users had 30% higher risk of heart attack and stroke, even after discontinuation [NEJM] .
Dr. Kyle Gillett (hormone specialist) warns: “Anavar may seem mild, but stacking it over years can silently damage your cardiovascular system.” [Gillett Wellness]
Based on expert advice and community feedback from Powerlifting to Bodybuilding (P2B) and Reddit r/steroids , here are science-backed safety practices:
Test before starting:
Repeat blood tests at week 4 and week 8 to catch issues early.
Use PCT if:
| Myth | Fact |
| “Anavar is liver-safe” | False– it’s 17α-alkylated and hepatotoxic |
| “It doesn’t suppress testosterone” | False– all AAS suppress natural production |
| “Women can use it long-term” | False– virilization risk increases with time |
| “It doesn’t affect cholesterol” | False– HDL drops significantly even at 20 mg/day |
| “You don’t need PCT on Anavar” | False– suppression is real, especially at higher doses |
Sources: Medscape , AnabolicMinds Forum , NIH
Anavar is detectable in urine for up to 3–4 weeks after last dose. Metabolites like 17β-hydroxy-17α-methylandro-2-oxa-3-one are screened using GC-MS in anti-doping labs [WADA Prohibited List] .
It is banned by WADA, USADA, and all major sports organizations.
“I tested positive 28 days post-cycle,” said a competitive athlete on MuscleMecca . “Assume it stays in your system.”
“Anavar is one of the mildest AAS, but mild doesn’t mean safe. Cholesterol and liver markers must be tracked — especially if you’re stacking.” [RP Strength]
“We see patients with permanent hormonal dysfunction after ‘mild’ cycles. There’s no such thing as risk-free steroid use.” [Men’s Health and Hormone Podcast]
“Anavar is the gateway drug of PEDs. It works, but it teaches bad habits — like ignoring blood work or skipping PCT.” [YouTube: Leo Longevity]
Yes, Anavar can accelerate male pattern baldness in genetically predisposed individuals. While it doesn’t convert to DHT, it binds directly to androgen receptors in hair follicles.
“I started thinning at the temples on 60 mg/day,” said a user on Reddit r/TRT . “I have a family history, so I should’ve expected it.”
Prevention: Use topical finasteride or minoxidil, consider low-level laser therapy (LLLT).
Yes, Anavar suppresses sperm production by lowering LH and FSH via HPTA axis suppression.
Recovery time varies:
Dr. Jordan Grant says: “Even ‘light’ orals can knock out fertility. If you’re planning kids, avoid AAS or plan recovery carefully.” [YouTube: Dr. Jordan Grant]
Anavar is safer than many steroids, but not safe for beginners.
Why?
Beginners should master diet, training, and recovery first — and consider TRT only under medical supervision if deficient.
“I started with Anavar. Felt great, but my labs were a mess. I should’ve waited,” admitted a user on Steroidology .
No, alcohol should be avoided during Anavar cycles.
Both substances stress the liver:
“I had a few drinks on cycle. My ALT went from 40 to 90,” said a user on AnabolicMinds .
Anavar doesn’t typically cause hypertension, unlike testosterone or Tren.
However, indirect increases can occur due to:
Monitor BP weekly, especially if stacking with other AAS.
Natural testosterone recovery takes 4–8 weeks after a standard 6–8 week cycle at 20–40 mg/day.
With proper PCT:
Without PCT, recovery can take 3–6 months or longer.
Blood work is essential to confirm recovery [Mayo Clinic on Hormone Testing] .
Anavar (Oxandrolone) is one of the mildest anabolic steroids available, but “mild” does not mean safe.
As Dr. Mike Israetel puts it: “The best steroid is the one you understand completely — including its risks, detection time, and recovery needs.” [RP Strength]
If you choose to use Anavar:
Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any hormone-based regimen.
