Winstrol is the brand name for the anabolic steroid known as Stanozolol, a widely used injectable and oral anabolic steroid in both human and veterinary medicine.
It was introduced in 1959 by Winthrop Laboratories in the UK, patented by Sterling in the US in 1961, and launched on the US prescription market in 1962 under the Winstrol brand.
Initially, it was used for various treatments such as stimulating appetite, promoting weight gain, and strengthening bones, but its uses were narrowed down to treating osteoporosis and promoting growth due to FDA regulations in the 1970s and 80s.
Even amidst the anti-steroid sentiment of the 1980s and 90s, Winstrol continued to be produced, and its applications expanded to include treating anemia, angioedema, and breast cancer.
Although the manufacturer has since changed, Winstrol is still widely sold worldwide, though it is not currently sold in the United States.
Among athletes and bodybuilders, oral Winstrol is the third most popular anabolic steroid, following Dianabol and Nandrolone.
It particularly gained notoriety at the 1988 Olympics when Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson tested positive for Winstrol, although it is unknown whether he used the oral or injectable form.
Oral Winstrol: Effects and Characteristics
Oral Winstrol is chemically identical to its injectable counterpart, Winstrol Depot. It is a Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-derived anabolic steroid that has been modified to enhance its anabolic properties while reducing its androgenic functions.
As a DHT derivative, it does not serve as a substrate for the aromatase enzyme, meaning it does not convert to estrogen. This promotes muscle growth and strength gains without additional water retention or fat storage.
Oral Winstrol is highly popular among speed-based athletes like sprinters, boxers, and wrestlers because it minimizes weight gain and water retention.
It is also ideal for users who want to increase lean body mass and achieve a “hard and chiseled” physique without the side effects of aromatization, making it a staple in cutting and contest prep phases.
It can also serve as a useful ancillary compound in bulking cycles.
Winstrol has two primary chemical modifications.
First, C17-alpha alkylation allows it to survive liver metabolism, ensuring its effectiveness when taken orally.
Second, a pyrazole group attached to the A-ring enhances its anabolic capabilities and reduces its androgenic strength.
While the oral and injectable forms are chemically identical, oral Winstrol exhibits higher liver toxicity due to its C17-alpha alkylation and the fact that it must first pass through the liver.
The injectable form is less hepatotoxic than the oral version, but due to its C17aa modification, it still carries more liver toxicity than other injectable steroids.
Types of Oral Winstrol
Oral Winstrol was originally designed in 2mg tablets. Later, higher-dose tablets of 5mg and 10mg were manufactured.
Today, pharmaceutical-grade oral Winstrol is typically found in this range, although some Underground Labs (UGLs) produce 50mg tablets.
On rare occasions, even higher-dose tablets of 75-100mg are manufactured.
These high doses are designed primarily for athletes and bodybuilders and are not necessary for medical use.
More recently, liquid oral Winstrol products dosed at 25mg/ml have also become available.
Oral Winstrol Side Effects
Oral Winstrol does not convert to estrogen, so there are no estrogen-related side effects.
Androgenic side effects are less pronounced than with other steroids, but some users may still experience symptoms like acne or hair loss.
The primary side effect is its impact on the liver; due to its C17-alpha alkylation, it can be hepatotoxic.
It is advisable to monitor this and use liver support supplements such as NAC or TUDCA.
Additionally, Winstrol can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease by raising LDL and lowering HDL, so supplementing with Omega-3s and exercising caution is necessary.
HPTA suppression and shutdown can occur, making it crucial to follow a proper Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) protocol after a cycle.
