Oxandrolone vs Winstrol
Well Studied vs Well Studied
avoid Mechanism-based · 64% Both Oxandrolone and Winstrol carry hepatotoxic risk. Combining hepatotoxic compounds significantly increases liver damage potential. If unavoidable, include liver support (TUDCA/NAC) and monitor ALT/AST frequently.
Molecular Data
Oxandrolone Winstrol
Weight 306.44 Da 328.49 Da
Half-life ~9-10 hours ~9 hours (oral), ~24 hours (injectable)
Type 17-alpha-alkylated anabolic-androgenic steroid (C19H30O3) 17-alpha-alkylated anabolic-androgenic steroid (C21H32N2O)
Key Benefits
Oxandrolone
01 Promotes lean muscle mass gains with minimal water retention
02 Supports recovery of lost body weight following surgery, trauma, or chronic illness
03 Reduces bone pain associated with osteoporosis and improves bone mineral density
04 Does not aromatize to estrogen, avoiding estrogen-related side effects
05 Well-studied safety profile in women, children, and burn patients
06 Enhances nitrogen retention and protein synthesis during caloric deficit
07 Attenuates glucocorticoid-induced catabolism in post-surgical and burn patients
08 Lower androgenic potency compared to most oral anabolic steroids
Winstrol
01 Produces a dry, hard, and vascular appearance without water retention
02 Significant strength increases without proportional weight gain, favored in weight-class sports
03 Does not aromatize to estrogen, eliminating gynecomastia and bloating concerns
04 Potent suppression of SHBG, increasing free testosterone and enhancing the effectiveness of stacked compounds
05 Available in both oral and injectable formulations
06 High anabolic-to-androgenic ratio (320:30) relative to methyltestosterone
07 FDA-approved for hereditary angioedema prophylaxis
08 Enhances vascularity and muscle definition during caloric deficit
Dosing Protocols
Oxandrolone
20-50 mg/day (male), 5-20 mg/day (female) / Split into 2 doses daily (morning and evening)
Winstrol
25-50 mg/day (oral), 50 mg EOD (injectable) / Daily (oral) or every other day (injectable)
Performance - Standard Injectable 50 mg every other day Every other day (EOD)
Side Effects
Oxandrolone
HDL cholesterol suppression (dose-dependent, most significant lipid effect)
LDL cholesterol elevation
Mild hepatic stress (elevated liver enzymes ALT/AST)
Suppression of endogenous testosterone production
Mild headaches
Nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort
Changes in libido (increase or decrease depending on hormonal context)
Oily skin and mild acne
Winstrol
Severe HDL cholesterol suppression (winstrol is among the worst oral steroids for lipid damage)
Significant LDL cholesterol elevation
Joint dryness and pain, particularly in knees, shoulders, and elbows (notorious side effect)
Hepatic stress with elevated liver enzymes (ALT/AST)
Suppression of endogenous testosterone production
Hair loss and accelerated male pattern baldness (DHT derivative, particularly harsh on hairline)
Acne and oily skin
Tendon and ligament stress due to rapid strength gains combined with reduced joint lubrication
Dry, painful shin splints during cardiovascular exercise
Contraindications
Known or suspected prostate cancer
Breast cancer in males
Breast cancer with hypercalcemia in females
Pregnancy (Category X - known to cause fetal harm)
Nephrosis or nephrotic phase of nephritis
Hypercalcemia
Severe hepatic dysfunction or active liver disease
Hypersensitivity to oxandrolone or any formulation component
Known or suspected prostate cancer
Breast cancer in males
Breast cancer with hypercalcemia in females
Pregnancy (Category X - known to cause fetal harm)
Severe hepatic dysfunction or active liver disease
Nephrosis or nephrotic phase of nephritis
Pre-existing severe cardiovascular disease or dyslipidemia
Hypersensitivity to stanozolol or any formulation component
Research Evidence
Oxandrolone Winstrol
Status Well Studied Well Studied
References 5 studies 5 studies
Latest September 2023 June 2023
FDA Approved Yes Yes
This comparison is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.