For decades, Anavar has been regarded by athletes and bodybuilders as a “mild” anabolic steroid, and this is largely true.
This steroid might seem like the “perfect” steroid, offering potent anabolic effects without undesirable side effects.
However, this is only partially true; while some side effects are less common than with other anabolic steroids, they still exist.
While no anabolic steroid is “perfect,” Oxandrolone comes quite close.
Estrogenic Side Effects
Anavar, or Oxandrolone, is a DHT-derived anabolic steroid, belonging to the DHT family, which means it cannot be aromatized into estrogen.
Consequently, Anavar exhibits no estrogenic activity and does not bind to the aromatase enzyme, so users will not experience side effects like water retention, bloating, fat gain, or gynecomastia.
Furthermore, Anavar contains no progestogenic activity, and an aromatase inhibitor is not required.
Androgenic Side Effects
Although Anavar is a drug with a lower androgenic rating than testosterone (Oxandrolone 24, Testosterone 100), androgenic side effects can still occur.
Female users have a low risk of these side effects, but risks such as increased sebum secretion, acne, body and facial hair growth, and male pattern baldness exist.
For women, virilization side effects (such as body hair growth, deepening of the voice, clitoral enlargement, and menstrual irregularities) may also occur.
Anavar does not interact with the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, so it is not converted into a stronger androgenic form.
HPTA and Endogenous Testosterone Production Side Effects
Anavar is generally known as a steroid that weakly suppresses the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular Axis (HPTA), but this only applies to low, medical-grade dosages (e.g., 5mg for children).
At bodybuilding dosages (e.g., 30mg or more per day), the suppression of endogenous testosterone becomes pronounced.
One study showed that administering 15mg daily for 5 days resulted in a 37% decrease in testosterone levels.
Therefore, since Anavar is a compound that strongly suppresses the HPTA, a robust Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) is necessary after a cycle.
The rumor of it being a “mild” steroid should be taken with caution, and all users must be aware of its suppressive effects.
Hepatotoxic Side Effects
Anavar’s side effects include liver toxicity, a characteristic of oral anabolic steroids.
Anavar is a C17-alpha alkylated compound, which allows it to withstand liver metabolism and enter the bloodstream at a high rate.
However, it is known to be less hepatotoxic than most other oral steroids.
Studies have shown that Anavar exhibits the lowest markers of liver strain compared to compounds like methyltestosterone, norethandrolone, and fluoxymesterone.
Nevertheless, it is not advisable to take it for more than 8-10 weeks, and the use of a liver support supplement is recommended.
Cardiovascular and Lipid Side Effects
Cardiovascular strain and negative cholesterol changes are among the side effects of Anavar.
This is common with all anabolic steroids, especially oral ones, causing a decrease in HDL (good cholesterol) and an increase in LDL (bad cholesterol).
This leads to an increased risk of arteriosclerosis, and the side effects worsen with higher dosages.
Oral anabolic steroids have a worse impact on cholesterol than injectables, and the changes are exacerbated as liver toxicity increases.
Therefore, using cardiovascular health supplements and maintaining a proper diet is crucial.
