Anavar (Oxandrolone) is the most popular oral anabolic steroid in the world — and for good reason. It delivers significant strength increases, lean muscle gains and fat loss with a comparatively mild side effect profile. It's one of the few compounds that is widely used by both men and women.
This complete guide covers the ideal dosage for men and women, cycle length, what results to realistically expect, known side effects and how to run PCT afterwards.
What is Anavar?
Oxandrolone (brand name Anavar) is a synthetic anabolic steroid first developed by Searle Laboratories in 1964. It was originally designed for medical use in muscle-wasting conditions and burns. It has an anabolic rating of 322–630 compared to testosterone's 100, yet a very low androgenic rating of just 24 — meaning strong anabolic effects with minimal masculinizing side effects.
Benefits of Anavar
- Significant strength increases (often 10–20% within the first few weeks)
- Lean, dry muscle gains with minimal water retention
- Enhanced fat oxidation — promotes lipolysis directly
- Increased vascularity and muscle hardness
- Preserves muscle during caloric deficits (cutting cycles)
- Relatively mild on the liver compared to other orals
- One of the safest options for female athletes
Dosage Guide
Men — Beginner
30–50mg/day for 6–8 weeks. Split dose morning and afternoon to maintain stable blood levels throughout the day.
Men — Intermediate
50–80mg/day for 8 weeks. Often stacked with Testosterone Enanthate 300–500mg/week for enhanced results.
Women — Beginner
5–10mg/day for 4–6 weeks. This dose is highly effective for women with minimal virilization risk at this level.
Women — Experienced
10–20mg/day for 6 weeks. Monitor carefully for virilization symptoms — deepening voice, clitoral enlargement. Discontinue immediately if these appear.
💡 Anavar has a half-life of 9–10 hours. Split your daily dose into two equal doses (morning and early afternoon) to maintain stable blood levels and reduce liver stress from single large doses.
What Results to Expect
Weeks 1–2: Noticeable strength increases. Pumps in the gym become more intense. Minimal visual changes yet.
Weeks 3–5: Lean muscle starts to show. Body composition visibly improves — muscles look harder and more defined. Water weight stays low.
Weeks 6–8: Peak results. Vascularity increases. Strength gains are significant — expect 10–20% more than your natural baseline.
Men can expect 2–4kg of lean, keepable muscle gain per cycle. Women typically see 1–2kg of lean muscle with significant fat loss and body recomposition.
Side Effects
Anavar is one of the mildest steroids, but it is not side-effect-free:
- Liver toxicity: Mild but present (it is a C-17 alpha-alkylated oral). Avoid alcohol and other hepatotoxic substances. Use TUDCA or UDCA liver support.
- Testosterone suppression: Moderate suppression — PCT is required for men.
- Cholesterol impact: Can negatively affect HDL/LDL ratio. Cardiovascular exercise and omega-3 supplementation help.
- Hair loss: Possible in genetically predisposed men due to DHT conversion.
- Women — virilization: At doses above 20mg/day, risk of permanent masculinizing side effects increases significantly.
PCT After Anavar
Men must run PCT after an Anavar cycle as it suppresses natural testosterone production. Begin PCT 24–48 hours after your last dose (short half-life):
- Nolvadex: 40mg/day for 2 weeks, then 20mg/day for 2 weeks
- Or Clomid: 50mg/day for 3 weeks
Women typically do not require formal PCT due to the lower suppression at standard female doses, but a 4-week break between cycles is advised.
Shop Anavar
Pharmaceutical-grade Oxandrolone tablets available now from Beligas, Sixpex and Xeno Labs.
Browse Anavar →⚠️ Disclaimer: This article is for educational and research purposes only. Anabolic steroids are controlled substances in many countries. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. GOD MUSCLE GEARS does not provide medical advice.
