The main differences between Anavar or Oxandrolone and Winstrol or Stanozolol, when to use them, how to use them, realistic results that can be achieved, and how they should be dosed.
This article is part of our readership series. We focus on athletic use.
We receive countless questions every day about Winstrol and Anavar Through our contact form or email—especially from those with less experience—it seems there’s a lot of confusion about what Anavar and liquid Winstrol actually are, so let’s try to make things as simple as possible. First of all both Winstrol (Stanozolol) and Anavar (Oxandrolone) THEY ARE NOT FAT-BURNERS! These are anabolic steroids. This “myth” stems from the fact that they are two very “clean” compounds that do not retain water (in fact, they tend to expel it if it’s not needed) and are therefore better suited for cutting/definition cycles. Please ask us this question more often: “Which is better for burning fat: Winstrol or Anavar?” 🙂
Is Stanozolol or Oxandrolone better?
As always, every product is better or worse depending on your needs, the goals you want to achieve, and how you use it.
The molecular structure of Stanozolol (the active ingredient in liquid Winstrol) and Oxandrolone (the active ingredient in Anavar) is quite similar. They are both modified forms of DHT and both have a methyl group attached to the 17-alpha carbon… very complicated terms that, in practical terms, help preserve the molecule’s structure once it is administered.
Both steroids show moderate anabolic strength and low androgenic activity. Anavar differs chemically by possessing an oxygen atom at the carbon 2 position. Chemistry discussion ends here.
Which is more potent, Winstrol or Anavar?
Here, too, the “potency” of an active ingredient—in this case, anabolic steroids—is highly relative. In absolute terms, Stanozolol (the liquid form of Dianabol, to be precise) is more potent. However, despite the minor chemical differences, in terms of purely aesthetic results, the two products work quite differently, especially in the eyes of the most experienced bodybuilders.
Since these are two steroids with very little conversion to estrogen (low aromatization), water retention is greatly reduced, creating a more pleasing visual effect in terms of definition. However, while Anavar tends to retain more intramuscular water, Winstrol dries out the muscle itself much more. Winstrol creates a dry look.
As always, let’s remember that we’re talking about anabolic steroids. Anavar or winstrol are compounds whose purpose is to preserve and build muscle. This isn’t widely understood in practical terms because both Winstrol and liquid Anavar are often used for cutting as part of a calorie-restricted diet, where muscle likely isn’t being built but is certainly being preserved despite the low calorie intake.
In some calorie-surplus tests, it was found that a cycle of liquid Anavar led to a gain of nearly 5 kilos, while Winstrol resulted in a gain of as much as 6–7 kilos. We’re talking about lean mass here. Clearly, there are specific agents for bulking cycles, such as Dbol and Anadrol, but the main point remains the same: they are steroids and are meant to build muscle, not burn fat.
Winstrol appears superior to Anavar at first glance, but side effects require careful evaluation.
Apparently, Winstrol is very similar to Anavar but is more potent, gives you a more chiseled look, and costs much, much less… so Winstrol is better than Anavar! Don’t jump to conclusions so quickly. The fact that Anavar retains water in the muscles means that the pump is extremely powerful, that the muscles are pushed against the skin to create a defined look, that nutrients are transported more effectively, and that strength is generally much greater. Liquid Winstrol dries muscle. Winstrol removes water from muscles and joints entirely. This dryness affects overall physical well-being and reduces training performance. And then there’s the fact that we’re talking about two anabolic steroids: on paper, Winstrol is more potent and therefore tends to disrupt natural testosterone production to a greater extent, with undesirable long-term consequences.
You should always consider what you want to achieve from a cycle, never lose sight of the ultimate goal, and—as always—”more is almost never better.” Anavar is good for some things and Winstrol for others: the two steroids are similar but not interchangeable.
Dosage, administration, and side effects.
Both Oxandrolone and Stanozolol are two steroids that can be taken orally; however, Winstrol, which is less granular, can also be injected in some cases as a suspension in sterile water (a very painful injection that yields no different results than oral administration). Although they are considered “mild” products (in very loose terms), they suppress natural testosterone production, so a post-cycle therapy is still necessary; above all, they must be taken alongside a testosterone base to avoid destroying libido. Many people use these testosterone-free products (as is the case with all oral supplements) and they’re WRONG!
The dosage depends largely on the athlete’s characteristics, gender, weight, age, diet, and goals. For both, you start with a base dose of 10–15 mg and then, if necessary, increase it.
The half-life of both products is approximately 8–9 hours, so it is best to divide the dose into at least two daily administrations, preferably with food.
As has been said time and again, Winstrol is more potent than Anavar in terms of anabolic effects: this also leads to a greater reduction in LH levels, which stimulates the production of endogenous testosterone (natural production). However, Anavar also has its own effects, albeit much milder than those of Winstrol. On a scale of 0 to 100, Stanozolol (Winstrol) ranks around 50 in terms of suppression of natural testosterone, while Oxandrolone (Anavar) ranks around 20–25 (other steroids like Dbol rank over 80–90). Both compounds need PCT. Both steroids are DHT derivatives, so in some individuals, continued use at high doses can lead, if they’re predisposed, to hair loss and possible mild enlargement of the prostate. Winstrol needs hydration.
