Anavar and Winstrol are two of the most popular anabolic steroids used for performance enhancement and physique improvement. Both are potent androgenic drugs that boost muscle growth, strength, and fat loss. But they work in different ways and have unique effects.
This thorough comparison examines the key similarities and differences between Anavar and Winstrol to help bodybuilders understand which steroid is best suited to their goals and stacks. Read on for an in-depth analysis of Anavar vs Winstrol and how to get the most out of each PED safely and effectively.
How Anavar and Winstrol Work in the Body
First, it’s important to understand how Anavar and Winstrol produce their muscle-building, strength-enhancing, fat-burning effects in the body:
Anavar Mechanism of Action
- The active drug in Anavar is Oxandrolone, an anabolic steroid with mild androgenic activity.
- As an anabolic, Anavar stimulates protein synthesis and nitrogen retention in muscle tissue. This spurs lean muscle gains.
- It also promotes glycogenolysis, boosting strength by providing muscles with energy.
- Anavar increases red blood cell production, leading to enhanced muscular endurance.
- It binds only slightly to the androgen receptor, but still reduces body fat and aids cutting cycles.
Winstrol Mechanism of Action
- The active drug Stanozolol is the basis of Winstrol, also known as ‘Winny’.
- Winstrol is a synthetic anabolic steroid derived from testosterone, with high anabolic and moderate androgenic effects.
- It stimulates protein production and nitrogen retention in muscles for considerable gains in lean mass and size.
- Winstrol binds strongly to androgen receptors, significantly boosting strength.
- It aids cutting by preventing water retention and burning visceral and subcutaneous fat in the body.
While both work as anabolic steroids, Anavar produces less androgenic activity compared to the highly potent Winstrol. However, both enhance performance through increased protein synthesis, nitrogen retention, and fat loss.
Typical Cycles and Doses for Each Steroid
Anavar and Winstrol can each be used in bulking or cutting cycles based on the user’s goals, experience level, and tolerance. Here are typical cycles for novice, intermediate and advanced users:
Anavar Cycles and Dosages
Beginner Cycle
- 8 weeks
- 15mg daily dose
Intermediate Cycle
- 10 weeks
- 20mg daily dose
Advanced Cycle
- 12 weeks
- Up to 50mg daily dose
Since Anavar is very mild, it can be used safely for beginners in short 8-week cycles, gradually increasing the length and dosage based on individual tolerance. Advanced users may take higher doses for up to 12 weeks for optimal results.
Winstrol Cycles and Dosages
Beginner Cycle
- 6-8 weeks
- 25-50mg daily dose
Intermediate Cycle
- 8-10 weeks
- 50-75mg daily dose
Advanced Cycle
- Up to 12 weeks
- 100mg or higher daily doses
Due to its potency, Winstrol cycles should remain 6-8 weeks for novices. Intermediates can lengthen this to 10 weeks. Advanced bodybuilders may take very high doses of Winstrol for 12 weeks, though 8 weeks is ideal to avoid side effects.
For both oral steroids, men take higher doses than women. Post cycle therapy is essential after longer cycles to restart natural hormone production.
Muscle Growth, Strength Gains, Fat Loss and Side Effects
Here’s how the effects and results of Anavar vs Winstrol compare:
Anavar Effects and Results
Some bodybuilders run short Anavar cycles at the start or end of bulking cycles to amplify gains in strength and muscle. Beneficial effects include:
- Quality Lean Muscle — The added muscle appears denser and more impressive visually. Muscle to fat ratio improves.
- Enhanced Recovery — Better recovery from workouts minimizes injuries or overtraining when pushing heavy weights for new strength PRs.
- Increased IGF-1 — Anavar boosts levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 needed for gains in muscle size and strength.
- Pumps and Vascularity — More prominent vascularity gives the muscles pumped full appearance ideal for bulking periods.
Anavar stacks well with compounds like Dianabol or Deca Durabolin for rapid strength and size during off-season training. Total gains up to 15 lbs are possible on shorter 8 week cycles.
Winstrol Effects and Results
Winstrol helps bodybuilders break through new barriers in strength thanks to:
- Power and Speed — The performance enhancement significantly boosts power output, speed, and agility necessary for major strength gains.
- Muscle Preservation — Winstrol minimizes muscle wasting when training intensely on lower calories for lean bulking. Maintains strength.
- Enhanced Nitrogen Retention — Winstrol allows the muscles to store more nitrogen for the protein synthesis needed for continued growth.
- Joint Relief — The joint lubrication effect helps minimize injuries and pain from lifting bigger weights.
Winstrol stacked with compounds like Dianabol or Testosterone can support solid strength and size gains. But the real power lies in allowing bodybuilders to lift heavier and recover faster.
Impact on Health and Potential Side Effects
All anabolic steroids carry some health risks. But Winstrol is harsher than Anavar with more frequent side effects:
Anavar Health and Safety
Compared to most other orals, Anavar is tolerated extremely well by men and women. Side effects are moderate at appropriate doses. Risks include:
- Androgenic — Minimal androgenic side effects like oily skin and hormone imbalance in men. Masculinization risks in women.
- Estrogenic — Low aromatase activity means minimal estrogenic side effects like gyno or water retention.
- HPTA Axis — Anavar may suppress natural testosterone production moderately. PCT needed after cycles.
- Cardiovascular — Anavar won’t spike blood pressure much but can negatively alter cholesterol levels.
- Liver Toxicity — Only mild to moderate liver strain, especially at shorter cycle lengths.
Overall, Anavar is one of the friendlier oral steroids in terms of side effects, making it popular for beginners. It also recovers faster after cycles.
Winstrol Health and Safety
Winstrol has some overlapping but also more intense side effects compared to Anavar. Risks consist of:
- Androgenic — Significant androgenic side effects like oily skin, acne, body hair growth and male pattern baldness in those predisposed.
- Estrogenic — Does not aromatize so low estrogenic side effects. However, may impact SHBG levels.
- HPTA Axis — Winstrol suppresses natural testosterone production more harshly than Anavar. PCT is critical.
- Cardiovascular — A higher risk exists for cholesterol imbalance and hypertension. Stress on the heart.
- Liver Toxicity — Winstrol has a methyl group that increases liver strain much more than Anavar.
While powerful for physique enhancement, Winstrol must be cycled carefully to avoid the harsher side effects compared to Anavar.
Anavar vs Winstrol for Cutting Cycles
Now let’s compare these two steroids specifically for their cutting effects:
Anavar for Cutting
- Preserves lean muscle when eating at a caloric deficit
- Directly stimulates fat loss in the body
- Leads to vascularity and ultra-hard muscle definition
- Perfect for stack with Winstrol, Proviron, Trenbolone or Testosterone
Winstrol for Cutting
- Builds strength and muscle mass even in a calorie deficit
- Eliminates water under the skin for a dry, ripped look
- Maintains metabolically-active lean mass when losing fat
- Works well stacked with Anavar, Masteron, Equipoise or Testosterone
While both excel during cutting cycles, Anavar is arguably the ultimate cutting steroid due to its powerful direct fat-burning effects and muscle preservation.
Bulking and Strength Building Potential
Although used more often for cutting, both steroids can aid bulking cycles too:
Anavar for Bulking and Strength
- Boosts strength thanks to ATP production and glycogenolysis
- Slow but steady gains in high-quality lean muscle mass
- Keeps bloating and water retention at bay
- Mild mass gains, but excellent for strength and athletic performance
Winstrol for Bulking and Strength
- Significantly increases strength leading to heavier lifts
- Rapid acceleration of lean muscle growth possible with high protein diet
- Adds mass while keeping a lean and vascular appearance
- Powerful size and strength gains when stacked with testosterone or Anadrol
For pure bulking and strength gains, Winstrol is the clear winner. Its dramatic protein synthesis makes quick muscle growth possible. But some bodybuilders appreciate Anavar’s high-quality lean gains without water weight.
Anavar and Winstrol Cycles for Females
Due to their androgenic effects, most anabolic steroids are too dangerous for female use. However, here is how women may utilize Anavar or Winstrol cautiously:
Anavar for Females
- Taken in low doses of 5-10mg daily
- Cycle length 6-8 weeks maximum
- Gains in lean mass, fat loss, increased muscle definition
- Mild masculinizing side effects possible in sensitive women
Winstrol for Females
- Very low doses of 5-15mg per day
- Cycle length no longer than 4-6 weeks
- Boosts fat burning and athletic performance
- Higher risk of virilization effects than Anavar
While both steroids can be used very cautiously by women, Anavar is a better choice due to lower androgenic activity and virilization risks. Winstrol is simply too potent.
Legal Status and Where to Buy
Both steroids are classified as schedule III controlled substances in the United States, meaning possession is illegal without a prescription. Laws vary internationally. On the black market, prices range dramatically:
Anavar Legal Status and Cost
- Legally prescribed in some countries for medical needs
- Classified as Schedule III controlled substance in USA
- Black market price range: $50-150 for 30 x 10mg tablets
Winstrol Legal Status and Cost
- Legally prescribed in some nations, but not in the US
- Classified as Schedule III controlled substance in USA
- Black market price range: $50-150 for 30 x 10mg tablets
Pharmaceutical grade Anavar and Winstrol are scarce on the black market. Many products sold online are fake, underdosed or tainted. Laws should be followed to acquire authentic product legally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anavar or Winstrol better for cutting?
Anavar is the more powerful cutting steroid, directly enhancing fat loss and muscle definition. But Winstrol also effectively preserves lean mass and eliminates water retention.
Which is better for bulking up, Anavar or Winstrol?
Winstrol promotes greater increases in muscle size and strength. But Anavar results in steady lean muscle gains and athletic performance enhancement.
Which has worse side effects?
Winstrol has a worse side effect profile overall, including higher toxicity and increased risk of heart problems and male pattern baldness.
Can women safely use Anavar or Winstrol?
In very low doses for short cycles of 6 weeks or less, Anavar is a bit safer for women. But there are always virilization risks with any anabolic steroid.
Is Anavar or Winstrol illegal to buy?
Both are illegal Schedule III controlled substances in the United States, so buying without a prescription is prohibited. Laws vary in other countries.
Where can I legally buy real pharmaceutical Anavar or Winstrol?
These medications are only legally prescribed for medical needs like muscle wasting diseases, never for performance enhancement or bodybuilding.
Which steroid is more expensive to buy online?
Due to higher demand and scarcity, pharmaceutical grade Anavar generally costs $100-150 for 30 x 10mg tablets, while Winstrol costs $50-100.
Conclusion
Anavar and Winstrol offer impressive muscle-building, strength-enhancing and fat-burning effects. But they differ in key ways. For the ultimate in cutting, vascularity and safe female use, Anavar is the top choice. If massive gains in size and strength are the goal, Winstrol takes the lead.
Understanding each steroid’s unique profile enables bodybuilders to select the best compound to match their needs and stack for success. With smart use, Anavar and Winstrol can help experienced users make remarkable transformative improvements in their physique.