Profile (History, Chemical Structure, Characteristics)

History

Oxandrolone (also known under the trade names Anavar, Oksandrin, Vasorome, Anatrofill, etc.) is an oral anabolic steroid first created by Searle Laboratories Company, now Pfizer Inc., and released under the trade name Anavar in 1964.

Oxandrolone is a synthetic steroid (ring A represents a heterocyclic compound wherein the second carbon atom is substituted by an oxygen atom). Oxandrolone is well-known for its extremely low androgenic activity along with a high anabolic index.

Oxandrolone was originally developed for the treatment of debilitated HIV-infected patients, for persons with Turner syndrome, anaemia, for recovery from burns and bones strengthening. However, it soon became widely popular among bodybuilders, which ultimately resulted in Anavar's being categorized as a controlled substance.

Chemical Structure

The molecular structure of Oxandrolone is 5-alpha-androstan-2-oxa-17 alpha-methyl-17 beta-ol-3-one. To develop the formula, scientists synthesized the drug deriving its molecular structure from dihydrotestosterone. What makes Oxandrolone different is the fact that an oxygen atom replaces the methylation and 2 carbon in the 17 position, which was done through replacing oxygen with other elements ordinarily present in dihydrotestosterone. As a result, we have a steroid with one of the lowest number of androgenicity among synthetic steroids.

Characteristics

  • Anabolic activity index: 400% of testosterone
  • Androgenic activity index: 25% of testosterone
  • Aromatization (conversion into estrogen): no
  • Hepatoxicity: moderate / low
  • Method of Administration: oral (pills)
  • Active life: 8-12 hours
  • Detection time: 45 days

Effects

  • Increase in muscle relief and hardness - the main effect of Oxandrolone
  • Fat burning
  • Increase of growth hormone level
  • Increase in strength

Anavar is not advisable for gaining muscle mass. Anavar cycle is recommended for those who have abundant muscle mass with little to moderate body fat for increase in muscle relief and reduction of subcutaneous fat.

Side effects

Despite the fact that Anavar is a 17-alpha-alkylated steroid, it causes gentle toxic effect on the liver. Researches have shown that taking Anavar at 20 mg. per day for twelve weeks do not cause any important raise in AST and ALT (liver damage indicators). The first signs of liver damage are RUQ abdominal pain, pale stools, and dark urine.

As a DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) derivative, Oxandrolone does not aromatize (does not convert to estrogen which causes such side effects as gynecomastia and increased water retention).

At moderate dosages, Oxandrolone does not exhibit suppressive effect on the endogenous production of Testosterone by way of the Hypothalamic Pituitary Testicular Axis (HPTA) negative feedback loop. When dosages of Anavar are high, the human body reacts by reducing the production of gonadotropin after perceiving endogenous testosterone production as too high. This in turn eliminates further stimulation of Leydig cells in the testicles, causing testicular atrophy. When used 80 mg. Anavar per day, it suppresses testosterone level by 67% after 3 weeks.

The suppression of testosterone production is manifested in by reduced libido and weak erection. To eliminate this side effect Oxandrolone you should add gonadotropin into the course or take combined courses with androgenic drugs.

Also, sometimes there may occur such side effects of Anavar as loss of appetite, abdominal pains, nausea, headaches, rise in blood pressure and some others.

In general, side effects of Oxandrolone are rare. Anavar is one of the most save steroids.

Dosages and Uses

As it was mentioned above, the "solo" cycle of Anavar is taken to increase muscle relief. Total duration of the course is 6-8 weeks.

Start taking Oxandrolone at the dose of 20 mg. per day, divided into two intakes - in the morning and at the beginning of the second half of the day.

After a week, increase the dosage of Anavar to 40, maximum 80 mg. per day, divided into 3 intakes.

In case of the absense of side effects, continue the course during 5-6 weeks.

On the second day after the end of the course of Anavar, start the intake of Tamoxifen in the dose of 10 mg. per day for 1-2 weeks in order to restore natural testosterone production.

The cycle of Oxandrolone requires prior medical consultation to identify contraindications (prostate hypertrophy, liver disease, etc.).

To maximize the effectiveness of the course, take sports nutrition for the relief.

Cycles (Courses)

In order to prevent certain side effects of Oxandrolone (decreased libido, flaccid erection, toxic effect on the liver) and side effects of accompanying drugs, and also to get great results, it is recommended to include in the course of Anavar high androgen drugs.

  • Testosterone
  • Sustanon
  • Primobolan

It is also necessary to consider the following:

In combination with other drugs, the dosage of Oxandrolone should not exceed 40 mg. per day.

Combined cycles of Oxandrolone will not only provide muscle relief, but also the increase of the muscle mass.

For maximum effectiveness, take the complex of sport nutrition for the growth of the muscle mass and keep the diet for the growth of the muscle mass.