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Anavar (oxandrolone) is an anabolic steroid that simultaneously builds muscle and reduces fat mass. We have found Anavar to induce fewer toxic effects compared to other anabolic steroids. Both men and women have been known to cycle it.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized Anavar for the treatment of cachexia, with it increasing anabolism and decreasing toxicity during research.
Nevertheless, it is prohibited in most countries when utilized for cosmetic purposes, such as bodybuilding, due to its status as a controlled substance.
Anavar is also known as:
The following are five Anavar stacks that bodybuilders from our clinic have employed, along with their advantages and disadvantages.
Testosterone is an FDA-approved medication (1), which suggests that its side effects may be less severe when taken under the guidance of a qualified physician. Researchers have described testosterone-replacement therapy as “safe” in the context of treating hypogonadism (2). However, supraphysiological dosing will cause cardiotoxicity.
Anavar was also an FDA-approved medicine for the treatment of cachexia. However, in 2023, it was withdrawn from the US market due to safety concerns, specifically relating to potential risks of:
We have observed muscle gains of approximately 25–30 pounds when moderate doses of testosterone and Anavar are administered to novices.
Due to its mass-building capabilities, testosterone is generally regarded as a bulking steroid. Testosterone is the most optimal off-season compound due to significant anabolic effects, without high levels of cardiotoxicity.
However, testosterone does aromatize, which is why it is possible to experience transient increases in water weight during cycles. Fluid accumulation counteracts the diuretic effects of Anavar; thus, this stack is not optimal for a dry and lean appearance.
Anavar is an oral steroid, whereas testosterone is primarily an injectable steroid. Consequently, an alternative stack is more appropriate for individuals with trypanophobia who wish to avoid needles.
The inclusion of testosterone in this stack is not appropriate for women, as it is prone to induce virilization in research (3).
Common testosterone brand names include:
The cycle described above is commonly utilized by beginners who desire to achieve substantial results with fewer side effects. Nevertheless, inexperienced users typically encounter complications, particularly when administering high dosages of this stack, such as:
Intermediate bodybuilders who have previously used steroids and have adequately tolerated testosterone and Anavar in standalone cycles commonly administer the aforementioned protocol. The maximal testosterone dosage has been increased from 350 mg to 500 mg/week, and the cycle duration has been extended from 7 to 10 weeks.
These dosages are not aggressive by bodybuilding standards. However, it is necessary to conduct routine sphygmomanometry tests due to the likelihood of increased blood pressure.
If users experience puffiness in their nipples, Nolvadex (tamoxifen citrate or Soltamox), a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), has been beneficial for several of our patients.
In our testing, Nolvadex effectively treats early-onset gynecomastia by inhibiting estrogenic activity in the mammary glands (4).
Winstrol is also known as:
Similar to Anavar, Winstrol does not aromatize. Consequently, striations and muscle definition become more prominent, as well as vascularity. This is a consequence of the depletion of extracellular water retention, which is the fluid that accumulates between the epidermis and muscle.
In general, users often supplement with either Anavar or Winstrol rather than stacking them together. Users rarely take Winstrol and Anavar simultaneously to enhance:
Only intermediate or advanced users typically take the above stack due to Winstrol’s potential harsh effects. We have observed this duo produce notable fat loss and moderate increases in lean muscle mass, ranging from 10 to 20 pounds.
The only instance we have seen women avoid masculinization with this stack is by microdosing Winstrol. The addition of Winstrol in this stack can amplify overall anabolism and lipolysis.
However, masculinization is a common occurrence if a female increases the Winstrol dose or extends this cycle beyond six weeks.
Clenbuterol is also known as:
However, clenbuterol poses risks, such as cardiotoxicity and alterations to the central nervous system (CNS), resulting in:
Novices commonly take Anavar, an oral compound, due to its reduced toxicity compared to other steroids. In contrast, trenbolone is a severely toxic injectable, mostly administered by advanced steroid users.
Trenbolone is also known as:
Users will experience hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis (HPTA) dysfunction from trenbolone use. Consequently, testosterone deficiency typically lasts for several months.
Trenbolone will also raise LDL cholesterol levels, notably increasing the risk of hypertension (high blood pressure).
Due to the potential for trenbolone to trigger virilization, women do not commonly use this stack.
Methandrostenolone (Dianabol) and Anavar stacked together may seem like an unusual combination to some bodybuilders, as Anavar is often regarded as a cutting steroid with diuretic effects, and Dianabol is frequently perceived as a bulking steroid that promotes water retention.
Dianabol will also increase visceral fat storage, while Anavar decreases it. However, we have observed this unconventional stack to be an effective bulking protocol, with Dianabol increasing muscle mass and Anavar simultaneously decreasing fat accumulation.
Additionally, Anavar will reduce the risk of edema associated with Dianabol, which is caused by excess extracellular fluid.
Thus, Anavar provides a more aesthetically pleasing bulking experience when stacked with Dianabol, albeit at the cost of further:
If counterfeiters substitute Anavar with Dianabol, diuretic effects or reductions in visceral fat mass will not occur.
Dianabol’s high propensity to induce masculinization makes this stack potentially undesirable for females.
In order to reduce the effects of gynecomastia, a SERM such as Nolvadex may be utilized on-cycle when the nipples begin to swell.
Women typically have fewer Anavar stacking options; however, combining Anavar with clenbuterol or Winstrol is advantageous for reduced fat mass. We find that women who microdose with Winstrol can avoid virilization side effects.
There are more options for men when stacking Anavar, with the most common combinations being:
(2) Guo, C., Gu, W., Liu, M., Peng, B. O., Yao, X., Yang, B., & Zheng, J. (2016). Efficacy and safety of testosterone replacement therapy in men with hypogonadism: A meta-analysis study of placebo-controlled trials. Experimental and therapeutic medicine, 11(3), 853–863. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4774360/
(3) Havnes, I. A., Jørstad, M. L., Innerdal, I., & Bjørnebekk, A. (2021). Anabolic-androgenic steroid use among women: A qualitative study on experiences of masculinizing, gonadal, and sexual effects. International Journal of Drug Policy, 95, 102876. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0955395920302164
(4) Ghadjar, P., Aebersold, D. M., Albrecht, C., Böhmer, D., Flentje, M., Ganswindt, U., Höcht, S., Hölscher, T., Müller, A., Niehoff, P., Pinkawa, M., Sedlmayer, F., Zips, D., & Wiegel, T. (2020). Treatment strategies to prevent and reduce gynecomastia and/or breast pain caused by antiandrogen therapy for prostate cancer. Strahlentherapie Und Onkologie, 196(7), 589–597. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00066-020-01598-9
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized Anavar for the treatment of cachexia, with it increasing anabolism and decreasing toxicity during research.
Nevertheless, it is prohibited in most countries when utilized for cosmetic purposes, such as bodybuilding, due to its status as a controlled substance.
Anavar is also known as:
- Oxandrin
- Lonovar
- Lipidex
- Vasorome
- Oxanbolic
- Protivar
What is the Rationale Behind the Stacking of Anavar by Bodybuilders?
When administered on its own, Anavar often produces substantial outcomes. However, stacking Anavar with other anabolic steroids will enhance a user’s results.The following are five Anavar stacks that bodybuilders from our clinic have employed, along with their advantages and disadvantages.
1. Combined With Testosterone
We have found testosterone to be one of the most well-tolerated anabolic steroids, along with Anavar. Thus, the duo is a complementary stack, as adverse effects are typically more manageable when administered in therapeutic doses.Testosterone is an FDA-approved medication (1), which suggests that its side effects may be less severe when taken under the guidance of a qualified physician. Researchers have described testosterone-replacement therapy as “safe” in the context of treating hypogonadism (2). However, supraphysiological dosing will cause cardiotoxicity.
Anavar was also an FDA-approved medicine for the treatment of cachexia. However, in 2023, it was withdrawn from the US market due to safety concerns, specifically relating to potential risks of:
- Peliosis hepatis
- Atherosclerosis
- Hypercalcemia
- Prostatic hypertrophy
We have observed muscle gains of approximately 25–30 pounds when moderate doses of testosterone and Anavar are administered to novices.
Due to its mass-building capabilities, testosterone is generally regarded as a bulking steroid. Testosterone is the most optimal off-season compound due to significant anabolic effects, without high levels of cardiotoxicity.
However, testosterone does aromatize, which is why it is possible to experience transient increases in water weight during cycles. Fluid accumulation counteracts the diuretic effects of Anavar; thus, this stack is not optimal for a dry and lean appearance.
Anavar is an oral steroid, whereas testosterone is primarily an injectable steroid. Consequently, an alternative stack is more appropriate for individuals with trypanophobia who wish to avoid needles.
The inclusion of testosterone in this stack is not appropriate for women, as it is prone to induce virilization in research (3).
Common testosterone brand names include:
- AndroGel
- Depo-Testosterone
- Andronate
- Andriol
- Testim
- Vogelxo
- Duratest
- Delatestryl
- Omnadren
- Fortesta
- Axiron
- Jatenzo
- Kyzatrex
- Tlando
Beginner Stack
The cycle described above is commonly utilized by beginners who desire to achieve substantial results with fewer side effects. Nevertheless, inexperienced users typically encounter complications, particularly when administering high dosages of this stack, such as:
- Raised low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
- Increased risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack).
Intermediate Stack
Intermediate bodybuilders who have previously used steroids and have adequately tolerated testosterone and Anavar in standalone cycles commonly administer the aforementioned protocol. The maximal testosterone dosage has been increased from 350 mg to 500 mg/week, and the cycle duration has been extended from 7 to 10 weeks.
These dosages are not aggressive by bodybuilding standards. However, it is necessary to conduct routine sphygmomanometry tests due to the likelihood of increased blood pressure.
If users experience puffiness in their nipples, Nolvadex (tamoxifen citrate or Soltamox), a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), has been beneficial for several of our patients.
In our testing, Nolvadex effectively treats early-onset gynecomastia by inhibiting estrogenic activity in the mammary glands (4).
2. Stacked With Winstrol
An Anavar and Winstrol stack is one of the most effective cutting stacks a bodybuilder can utilize to reduce fat.Winstrol is also known as:
- Stanozolol
- Stanazol
- Stromba
- Androstanazol
- Androstanazole
- WIN-14833
Similar to Anavar, Winstrol does not aromatize. Consequently, striations and muscle definition become more prominent, as well as vascularity. This is a consequence of the depletion of extracellular water retention, which is the fluid that accumulates between the epidermis and muscle.
In general, users often supplement with either Anavar or Winstrol rather than stacking them together. Users rarely take Winstrol and Anavar simultaneously to enhance:
- Muscle growth
- Fat loss
Are There Any Adverse Effects?
The two major drawbacks of an Anavar and Winstrol stack are fluctuations in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) liver enzymes, in conjunction with LDL and HDL cholesterol alterations.Male Stack
We find the following stack is not typically utilized by women due to high incidences of virilization caused by Winstrol.
Only intermediate or advanced users typically take the above stack due to Winstrol’s potential harsh effects. We have observed this duo produce notable fat loss and moderate increases in lean muscle mass, ranging from 10 to 20 pounds.
Female Stack
The only instance we have seen women avoid masculinization with this stack is by microdosing Winstrol. The addition of Winstrol in this stack can amplify overall anabolism and lipolysis.
However, masculinization is a common occurrence if a female increases the Winstrol dose or extends this cycle beyond six weeks.
3. Anavar and Clenbuterol Stack
Clenbuterol is a β2-adrenoceptor agonist, not a steroid. However, due to its potent fat-burning effects, bodybuilders commonly supplement with it as a cutting agent, stacking it with Anavar.Clenbuterol is also known as:
- Spiropent
- Dilaterol
- Ventipulmin
- Hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol)
- Hypertransaminasemia (high liver enzymes)
- Hypogonadism (low testosterone)
- Gynecomastia (man boobs)
However, clenbuterol poses risks, such as cardiotoxicity and alterations to the central nervous system (CNS), resulting in:
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
Is Clenbuterol Cardiotoxic?
A notable side effect we have experienced with clenbuterol is the excessive stimulation of the CNS, causing an abnormally rapid heartbeat and cardiac arrhythmias.Male Stack
Female Stack
4. Combined With Trenbolone
Anavar and trenbolone are anabolic steroids that are vastly dissimilar; however, they are occasionally stacked together during cutting cycles.Novices commonly take Anavar, an oral compound, due to its reduced toxicity compared to other steroids. In contrast, trenbolone is a severely toxic injectable, mostly administered by advanced steroid users.
Trenbolone is also known as:
- Finajet
- Finaplix
- Parabolan
- Hexabolan
- Trenabol
- Building lean muscle
- Burning fat
- Diuretic effects
What Are the Potential Complications of Trenbolone?
Trenbolone is an extremely potent compound, and as a result, the anabolism of this stack is considerably stronger than an Anavar-only cycle. The less toxic nature of Anavar is almost certainly diminished by the introduction of trenbolone in this stack.Users will experience hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis (HPTA) dysfunction from trenbolone use. Consequently, testosterone deficiency typically lasts for several months.
Trenbolone will also raise LDL cholesterol levels, notably increasing the risk of hypertension (high blood pressure).
Due to the potential for trenbolone to trigger virilization, women do not commonly use this stack.
5. Anavar and Methandrostenolone Stack
Methandrostenolone (Dianabol) and Anavar stacked together may seem like an unusual combination to some bodybuilders, as Anavar is often regarded as a cutting steroid with diuretic effects, and Dianabol is frequently perceived as a bulking steroid that promotes water retention.
Dianabol will also increase visceral fat storage, while Anavar decreases it. However, we have observed this unconventional stack to be an effective bulking protocol, with Dianabol increasing muscle mass and Anavar simultaneously decreasing fat accumulation.
Additionally, Anavar will reduce the risk of edema associated with Dianabol, which is caused by excess extracellular fluid.
Thus, Anavar provides a more aesthetically pleasing bulking experience when stacked with Dianabol, albeit at the cost of further:
- Cholesterol alterations
- Hepatotoxicity
- Testosterone suppression
- D-Bol
- Methylboldenone
- Methandienone
- Methandrolone
- Dehydromethyltestosterone
If counterfeiters substitute Anavar with Dianabol, diuretic effects or reductions in visceral fat mass will not occur.
Dianabol’s high propensity to induce masculinization makes this stack potentially undesirable for females.
Will Dianabol Increase Toxicity?
When implementing the Dianabol and Anavar cycle above, it is important to regularly monitor ALT and AST liver enzymes, as both compounds are C-17 alpha-alkylated. In our experience, orals are more likely to result in hepatic injury.In order to reduce the effects of gynecomastia, a SERM such as Nolvadex may be utilized on-cycle when the nipples begin to swell.
Summary: Which Anavar Stack is the Most Advantageous?
The five compounds mentioned in this article are the most common Anavar stacks utilized by bodybuilders at our clinic.Women typically have fewer Anavar stacking options; however, combining Anavar with clenbuterol or Winstrol is advantageous for reduced fat mass. We find that women who microdose with Winstrol can avoid virilization side effects.
There are more options for men when stacking Anavar, with the most common combinations being:
- Anavar and testosterone
- Anavar and Winstrol
- Anavar and clenbuterol
Which Anavar Stacks Present the Most Risks?
Some of our patients have cycled other anabolic steroids with Anavar, such as:- Trenbolone
- Dianabol
- Anadrol (Anapolon, oxymetholone)
References
(1) Sizar, O., Leslie, S. W., & Pico, J. (2023, November 25). Androgen replacement. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534853/(2) Guo, C., Gu, W., Liu, M., Peng, B. O., Yao, X., Yang, B., & Zheng, J. (2016). Efficacy and safety of testosterone replacement therapy in men with hypogonadism: A meta-analysis study of placebo-controlled trials. Experimental and therapeutic medicine, 11(3), 853–863. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4774360/
(3) Havnes, I. A., Jørstad, M. L., Innerdal, I., & Bjørnebekk, A. (2021). Anabolic-androgenic steroid use among women: A qualitative study on experiences of masculinizing, gonadal, and sexual effects. International Journal of Drug Policy, 95, 102876. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0955395920302164
(4) Ghadjar, P., Aebersold, D. M., Albrecht, C., Böhmer, D., Flentje, M., Ganswindt, U., Höcht, S., Hölscher, T., Müller, A., Niehoff, P., Pinkawa, M., Sedlmayer, F., Zips, D., & Wiegel, T. (2020). Treatment strategies to prevent and reduce gynecomastia and/or breast pain caused by antiandrogen therapy for prostate cancer. Strahlentherapie Und Onkologie, 196(7), 589–597. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00066-020-01598-9