ANAVAR (OXANDROLONE), THE SAFE STEROID?
By: 3J
3J's Nutrition | Diet and fitness consulting to get you to the next level.
Introduction:
Oxandrolone, (also known as anavar, var, and oxandrin) is a dihydrotestoterone synthetic derivative first produced by Raphael Pappo. The drug was introduced to the US market in 1964. Its androgenic properties are weak while boasting a larger anabolic characteristic. It is a 17-alpha alkylated steroid and, thus, its footprint on the body is small. Being 17- alpha alkylated and a DHT derivative, anavar or var is mildly hepa-toxic (toxic to the liver) and does not aromatize (convert to estrogen). It was first used in humans who had diseases which would cause muscular atrophy (the loss of muscle) like those infected with HIV/AIDS. In low dosages (20mg a day) anavar has been shown to be mildly suppressive of the HTPA. When doses increase, anavar shows stronger suppression of the LH (lutenizing hormone, the hormone that communicates with the testies to create testosterone) due to a signal in the body that tells it there is too much endogenous testosterone production. As LH levels reduce testicular atrophy (shrinking of the testicles) becomes apparent.
Proper use:
Anavar (var) is one of the most popular introductory steroids for first time users due to its mild effect on the body and its lack of need for injections. Unlike other steroids that aromatize, the gains seen with the use of var are what we in the bodybuilding world call ***8220;true gain***8221; or gains that occur due to muscle growth and not water weight secondary to aromatization. The proper dosage for anavar varies, but anywhere from 20-80mg a day (in males, over an 8 week period) split into two doses has been shown to be effective. The drug should be taken on an empty stomach when possible. It should also not be taken late at night due to reports of insomnia.
Since anavar has a weak androgenic profile, it is also one of the most popular steroids for women. Its weak androgenic profile reduces the chances of virilization (the biological development of sex differences) in women. Women who take 5mg to 10mg daily over an 8 week period show favorable recomposition of their bodies. Though mild, there is still the possibility of virilization and females should take the necessary precautions when using any steroid.
With men, it is recommended that anavar not be used on its own due to the possible suppression of the HTPA and lowering of natural testosterone levels. As a golden rule, testosterone should be the base of all cycles. Those who do chose to run anavar on its own should also run the proper PCT (post cycle therapy) drugs like clomid to help return the balance of their HTPA and natural testosterone levels.
