Winstrol is the trade and brand name for the anabolic steroid known as Stanozolol, available in both oral and injectable forms.
It ranks as one of the top three most popular anabolic steroids among bodybuilders and athletes, holding the #3 spot.
Number two is Deca Durabolin (Nandrolone Decanoate), and number one is Dianabol (Methandrostenolone).
Winstrol became widely known due to the Ben Johnson doping scandal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
Its origins trace back to 1959 when it was first introduced to the medical community. Winthrop Laboratories marketed Stanozolol as a prescription drug, and in 1961, Sterling in the U.S. launched it in the American market as Winstrol.
Since its release, Winstrol has been approved for various uses, including treating muscle-wasting diseases, osteoporosis, burn recovery, and growth failure, although it was not effective as a treatment for anemia.
Winstrol works by binding to androgen receptors, similar to Dianabol or Anadrol.
In addition to androgen receptors, it binds with low affinity to glucocorticoid receptors and has very low progestogenic activity.
A key characteristic of Winstrol is its ability to significantly lower SHBG levels, which helps testosterone and other hormones exert their anabolic effects more freely in the muscles.
It also has the ability to stimulate protein and collagen synthesis.
Chemical Properties of Winstrol (Stanozolol)
The chemical structure of Winstrol is significantly different from other anabolic steroids, but it is a DHT derivative.
It is characterized by a 3-2 pyrazole group attached to the first cycloalkane ring (the A-ring).
Looking at its chemical structure, the pyrazole group replaces the 3-keto group on the A-ring, which classifies Winstrol as a heterocyclic steroid.
This pyrazole group increases Winstrol’s strong binding affinity for the androgen receptor.
As a DHT derivative, Winstrol is more active in muscle tissue than DHT itself.
When DHT enters muscle tissue, it is deactivated by an enzyme, but Winstrol is designed to avoid this.
DHT derivatives like Winstrol, Anavar, Primobolan, and Masteron exhibit high activity in muscle tissue due to chemical modifications, whereas unmodified DHT does not survive.
The pyrazole structure enhances Winstrol’s anabolic effects and creates a clear separation between its anabolic and androgenic actions.
Winstrol is C17-alpha alkylated, meaning a methyl group is attached to the 17th carbon, which provides resistance to liver metabolism when taken orally.
Thanks to this structural modification, it remains effective even when passing through the liver.
Characteristics of Winstrol (Stanozolol)
Studies show that Winstrol’s primary action is achieved by binding to cellular androgen receptors, differing from non-receptor-mediated actions.
It also exhibits anti-progestogenic properties at the progesterone receptor, though this is not fully understood.
Winstrol has a low affinity for glucocorticoid binding sites and shows activity independent of the androgen receptor.
It has almost no progestogenic activity.
Winstrol has a strong binding affinity for SHBG, allowing more anabolic steroids to be available for muscle growth.
SHBG binds to sex hormones and inhibits their function; Winstrol prevents this and also suppresses SHBG production.
According to research, oral administration of Winstrol for three days resulted in a 48.4% decrease in SHBG levels.
As a DHT derivative, Winstrol does not bind with the aromatase enzyme, so there is no conversion to estrogen, allowing users to avoid water retention and related side effects.
Additionally, because it is a modified form of DHT, it does not interact with the 5-alpha reductase enzyme.
This modification gives the injectable form a half-life of about 24 hours and the oral form a half-life of 9 hours.
Compared to testosterone, Winstrol has an anabolic strength rating of 320, over three times that of testosterone, and a low androgenic strength rating of 30.
The injectable and oral forms are chemically identical, but the injectable version bypasses the first liver pass, causing slightly less liver toxicity.
However, both forms are C17-alpha alkylated and possess liver toxicity, so caution is needed regarding the duration of use.
Winstrol Side Effects
The main side effects of Winstrol are liver toxicity, HPTA suppression, and cardiovascular issues.
As a DHT derivative, it does not convert to estrogen, so estrogen-related side effects like gynecomastia or water retention are not a concern.
Although its androgenic strength is lower than testosterone’s, androgenic side effects such as oily skin, acne, increased body hair, male pattern baldness, and BPH can still occur.
5AR inhibitors are ineffective with Winstrol, as it does not convert to DHT.
HPTA suppression is a serious issue; just 10mg can reduce endogenous testosterone production by 55% within 14 days.
Liver toxicity is a problem, especially with the oral preparation, but the injectable form can also cause significant liver toxicity.
Winstrol should not be used for more than 6-8 weeks.
Cardiovascular side effects are also a concern.
Oral administration severely and negatively impacts blood cholesterol levels, and the injectable form also has a negative effect.
Even small amounts can potentially promote cardiac hypertrophy.
Winstrol Cycles and Uses
Winstrol cycles are used for fat loss and contest preparation, with the goal being low body fat and a defined physique.
While some claim to use it for bulking or strength gains, cheaper and more suitable steroids are generally preferred over Winstrol for these purposes.
Most Winstrol cycles are focused on fat loss.
A typical Winstrol cycle is run with Testosterone Propionate for 8-10 weeks.
Intermediate and advanced cycles might feature a stack of Testosterone Propionate, Trenbolone Acetate, and Winstrol (either oral or injectable).
Since the injectable form is less hepatotoxic than the oral, it can be used for 8-10 weeks, while the oral form should be limited to 6-8 weeks.
Winstrol Dosage and Administration
Winstrol is an anabolic steroid used for various purposes, and there is a significant difference in dosage between the oral and injectable forms.
For medical purposes, a dosage of 6mg per day is appropriate, typically recommended as three 2mg tablets daily.
The injectable version was prescribed at 50mg once every 2-3 weeks.
However, these medical doses are not effective for athletic purposes.
For athletic and physique enhancement, the injectable is administered at 50-100mg every other day, which equates to 200-400mg per week.
For the oral form, about 60mg per day is common, though lower doses (25-50mg) are also effective.
Since Winstrol is not suitable for bulking, dosages in this range are appropriate.
To avoid virilization side effects, women typically take 5-10mg of the oral version per day, while the injectable is recommended at 15mg every other day (approximately 60mg per week).
| Chemical Name | 17β-Hydroxy-17-methyl-5alpha-androstano[3,2-c]pyrazole |
| Molecular Weight | 328.49 g/mol |
| Formula | C21H32N2O |
| Manufacturer | Winthrop Laboratories |
| Half-life | 9 hours (oral), 24 hours (injectable) |
| Detection Time | 2 months |
| Anabolic Rating | 320 |
| Androgenic Rating | 30 |
