Introduction: Anavar Explained
Anavar (Oxandrolone) is an oral anabolic steroid that rose to popularity in the sports enhancement world because of its potency for building lean muscle, burning fat, and enhancing athletic performance. Chemically, it is a structurally altered form of the male hormone testosterone with an added oxygen atom to improve its anabolic potential.
First approved for medical use back in 1964, anavar has a high anabolic rating of 322-630 while having very low androgenic effects. This gives anavar a favorable side effect profile and made it an attractive performance enhancer for bodybuilders and athletes looking to get shredded.
So what exactly are the pros and cons of running an anavar cycle, especially for beginners new to steroids? Let‘s take a closer look.
How Anavar Works in the Body
To understand the benefits and risks of using any anabolic, it’s important to first learn how it works once it enters the body.
When anavar is consumed orally, it gets absorbed through the intestinal tract and enters the bloodstream. From there, it binds to androgen receptors located in muscle tissues and triggers a cascade for muscle protein synthesis while also inhibiting muscle breakdown.
Additionally, clinical research indicates that anavar increases red blood cell production and nitrogen retention in the muscles – both of which enable greater muscular endurance, stamina, and work capacity.
The fat burning effects of anavar can be attributed to it carrying strong binding affinity for the androgen receptor while having little to no aromatization to estrogen. This in turn energizes the metabolism to burn through adipose fat tissue instead of storing it.
Let’s now run through the key potential upsides and downsides of cycling anavar to change your physique.
Benefits of Anavar Cycle
There are several desirable benefits that accompany using an anavar cycle, especially for those looking to get lean, ripped and vascular:
Increased Muscle Definition & Hardness
Anavar is nicknamed the “aesthetic steroid” in bodybuilding circles because it helps reveal a dry, shredded physique look with each muscle showing increased vascularity and striations. Instead of looking big and bloated, your muscles appear rock hard with clear cut definition.
Enhanced Fat Burning & Weight Loss
As outlined earlier, anavar puts the body into a constant fat burning state making it perfect for cutting cycles. Reports of losing 10-15 pounds of body fat in 6 weeks are not uncommon when diet and training are dialed in. Keeping muscle while in a large calorie deficit is where anavar shines.
Raw Strength Gains
Despite being a cutting agent, anavar users often report notable boosts in strength levels even while dropping body fat. The increased ATP generation and higher nitrogen retention gives muscles a fuller appearance and better capabilities for lifting heavier loads. Grip strength in particular receives a nice uptick from oxandrolone cycles.
Increased Metabolic Rate
Studies have shown that anavar can bump up your resting metabolic rate thanks to increased muscle protein synthesis and lower thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) output. Your metabolism stays fired up promoting lean muscle growth and accelerated fat loss.
Side Effects & Health Risks
While considered one of the more beginner friendly anabolics, anavar still comes with potential adverse effects:
Testosterone Suppression
Like all anabolic steroids, anavar usage lowers your natural testosterone production which can negatively impact muscle growth, libido and erectile function. Most men will need a proper post cycle therapy (PCT) protocol after an anavar cycle.
Cholesterol Imbalances
Oxandrolone is notorious for lowering good HDL cholesterol levels in the bloodstream which may increase the risk for cardiovascular disease if not properly controlled. Getting blood work done while on cycle is important.
Liver Toxicity
When taken at high doses for excessive periods, anavar can raise liver enzyme values signaling stress on the organ. However keeping cycles at 8 weeks or less can mitigate hepatitis risks. Using liver support supplements is also advised.
Ideal Anavar Cycle Length, Dosage & Stack Choices
Here’s what you need to know about planning out an anavar cycle:
Typical Dosage Range
For male physique goals, it’s recommended to take 30-50mg per day which is enough to realize noticeable muscle hardening effects. Female athletes have dabbled in 5-10mg doses with cycles ranging from 4 to 6 weeks.
Cycle Duration
Anavar cycles among men usually last for 6-8 weeks to mitigate liver toxicity issues while still making progress. Any longer than this and estrogen rebound can become problematic requiring therapy. Shorter 4 week anavar cycles are common among women.
Stacking Considerations
Anavar pairs well with cutting stacks using the likes of winstrol, clenbuterol and human growth hormone. A testosterone base of at least 200 mg/week is recommended to counter low T issues. Milder SARMs like ostarine are also an option over traditional steroids when wanting to remain conservative.
Implementing Proper Diet & Training
To maximize your end results from an anavar cycle, having consistent and intense weight training sessions along with a high protein, lower carb diet is key. Being in a caloric deficit is when oxandrolone works its magic by accelerating fat burning while keeping lean mass. Up cardio if needing to break through plateaus.
In Closing: Assess Your Goals & Alternatives
While anavar will certainly aid muscle building and fat loss efforts, it may not be an ideal choice depending on your current situation and objectives. Long term health, training experience level and understanding proper steroid cycle protocols are all factors to carefully weigh.
Consider less harsh alternatives like SARMS if wanting milder performance enhancement or worried about shutdown side effects. Otherwise ensure to use on-cycle support, get blood work done, and plan post cycle therapy after running anavar.
And there you have it – a full rundown of the various pros/cons surrounding anavar cycles. Let me know if you have any other questions!