Fat loss and muscle definition are important goals for bodybuilders, which is why they undergo cutting cycles. Two anabolic androgenic steroids that top the list when it comes to cutting cycles are Anavar and Winstrol, both promoting fat loss and muscle definition. While both are used in cutting programmes, making the right choice between Anavar or Winstrol depends entirely on your specific goals, biological requirements, health status, and timeline.
Let’s take a deep dive into Winstrol vs Anavar and understand how they compare to each other.
Key Takeaways:
- Anavar is a mild anabolic steroid known for its ability to preserve lean muscle in calorie-deficient cutting cycles.
- Winstrol is a fast-acting, potent anabolic androgenic steroid that offers vascularity, strength gains, and a dry physique.
- Choose Anavar if you are a woman or want gradual gains and fat loss, with fewer side effects.
- Choose Winstrol if you want an aggressive increase in muscle definition, strength, and power output.
Cutting Cycles: A Bodybuilder’s Guide to Building Lean Mass
In terms of bodybuilding, a cutting cycle is a strategic, calorie-deficient phase designed to help reduce body fat while preserving muscle mass. During a cutting cycle, the person in question has to consume fewer calories than they burn.
This is achieved through a calorie-lean diet, an increase in training intensity, and taking the right supplements. The best exercise regimens for losing excess fat are cardio and weight training. However, these routines, when combined with a calorie-deficient diet, can lead to the loss of muscle mass.
Thus, many bodybuilders take the help of anabolic steroids when on their cutting cycles. These compounds support nitrogen retention and protein synthesis, while suppressing catabolic activity. Whether you purchase Anavar or Winstrol, it is important to understand what each anabolic steroid offers so that you can make an informed choice during your cutting cycle.
What is Anavar (Oxandrolone)?
Derived from dihydrotestosterone (DHT), Anavar is an oral synthetic anabolic steroid that was developed to treat muscle-wasting conditions and severe burns. When taken in a steroid cycle, Anavar facilitates protein synthesis and improves nitrogen balance, creating an anabolic environment. Through phosphocreatine synthesis, Anavar also significantly increases strength.
Being a highly anabolic but mildly androgenic compound, Anavar preserves lean muscle tissue with fewer virilising effects. Further, it does not aromatize to estrogen, which prevents conditions like water retention and gynecomastia.
Dosage Guidelines for Anavar
Before you purchase Anavar, it is important to obtain a prescription for it. Further, based on gender and experience levels, the following dosages of Anavar are prescribed:
- Men:
- Beginner: 20 – 30 mg/day for 6 weeks
- Advanced: 50 – 80 mg/day for 6 – 8 weeks
- Women (all levels): 5 – 10 mg/day for 6 weeks
Note: Since Anavar has a short half-life of 9 hours, the total daily dose can be split between 2 – 3 doses to maintain stable levels in the bloodstream.
What Does Anavar Do in Cutting Cycles?
When taken in a well-structured cutting cycle, Anavar’s benefits are as follows:
- Better metabolism and lipolysis that support visceral fat reduction.
- Slow, clean development of dense, dry muscle tissue.
- Significant increase in strength and training output due to phosphocreatine synthesis, ATP turnover, and neuromuscular coordination.
- Well tolerated by men and women alike due to the mild androgenic profile.
Potential Side Effects of Anavar
While considered mild, Anavar use is still associated with side effects:
- Acne and oily skin
- Increase in body or facial hair
- Male-patterned baldness in predisposed individuals
- Mild hepatotoxicity with prolonged cycles
- Elevated LDL and lowered HDL
- Mild testosterone suppression
What is Winstrol (Stanozolol)?
Also derived from DHT, Winstrol (Stanozolol) is another anabolic, androgenic steroid, available in both injectable and oral forms. Developed to treat anemia, severe inflammation, and hereditary angioedema, Winstrol became popular among the bodybuilding community because of its ability to increase strength, muscle density, muscle hardness, and athletic output.
Being a DHT derivative, Winstrol comes without the estrogenic side effects that occur as a result of aromatization. Winstrol triggers anabolic activity by binding to the androgen receptors. It also increases nitrogen retention, which is essential in a calorie deficit, and improves oxygen delivery to the muscles through an increase in RBC production.
Dosage Guidelines for Winstrol
The dosage for oral Winstrol is as follows:
- Men:
- Beginner: 20 – 30 mg/day for 4 – 6 weeks
- Intermediate: 40 – 50 mg/day for 6 – 8 weeks
- Advanced: 50 – 60 mg/day for 8 weeks
- Women: 5 – 10 mg/day for 4 – 6 weeks
Further, if you have been prescribed the injectable alternative, the recommended dosages are as follows:
- Men
- Beginner: 25 – 50 mg at EOD
- Intermediate: 50 mg at EOD
- Advanced: 50 – 100 mg at EOD
- Women: 20 mg on alternate days
What Does Winstrol Do in Cutting Cycles?
Among bodybuilders who are opting for a cutting cycle, Winstrol’s benefits are as follows:
- Reduces muscle catabolism and preserves lean muscle during a calorie-deficient phase.
- Leads to better speed, strength, and athletic output by improving neuromuscular performance.
- The lack of aromatization gives the users a dry, shredded look and zero bloat.
- Offers excellent muscle hardening and vascularity by reducing subcutaneous water.
Winstrol Side Effects
Winstrol is much harsher on the body than Anavar. Users must be hyper-vigilant of the following Winstrol side effects:
- Acne, oily skin, and male pattern baldness.
- Liver strain due to elevated enzymes like ALT and AST.
- Joint pain due to reduced collagen synthesis.
- Testosterone suppression and loss of libido.
- Increased aggression, mood swings, and depression.
- Insomnia, fatigue, and weakness.
- Headaches, nausea, and vomiting.
- Testicular atrophy and sexual dysfunction (in men).
- Voice deepening, hirsutism (excessive hair growth), and menstrual changes (in women).
Anavar vs Winstrol: A Detailed Comparison For Cutting Cycles
To truly answer the Winstrol vs Anavar debate, let’s compare them against the primary objectives of a cutting cycle:
1. Muscle Preservation in Calorie Deficits
Anavar is highly anabolic but minimally androgenic. Thus, it helps retain lean mass in long-term fat-loss cycles. Winstrol is an excellent compound when it comes to increasing muscle strength and hardness. However, its drying effect makes it a less forgiving alternative and can also lead to joint pains.
2. Accelerated Lipolysis (Fat Loss)
Winstrol acts fast when it comes to inducing fat loss, increasing metabolic activity and RBC production. Anavar promotes gradual fat oxidation but offers a better hormone profile and metabolic health.
3. Lean and Toned Physique
By choosing Anavar, you will get a lean, toned physique without excessive dryness that can look dehydrated. Winstrol offers a hard and vascular look fast, which is often favoured before shows and photoshoots.
4. Tolerance and Side Effects
Anavar has very little impact on cholesterol levels and offers low hepatotoxicity. Plus, it is only mildly androgenic and is tolerated well by both men and women. Winstrol is far more suppressive on natural testosterone, hepatotoxic, and leads to joint strain. This makes it unsuitable for long-term use.
Comparison Table for Winstrol vs Anavar in a Cutting Cycle
A feature-by-feature comparison of Winstrol vs Anavar is as follows:
| Feature | Anavar | Winstrol |
| Androgenic Strength | Mild | Moderate to high |
| Nitrogen Retention | Yes | Yes |
| Protein Synthesis | Yes | Yes |
| Fat-Burning Potential | Yes | Yes |
| Water Retention | Minimal | Active reduction and dryness |
| Gender Suitability | Both men and women | Ideally for men |
| Muscle Preservation | Excellent | Moderate |
| Fat Loss (Lipolysis) | Gradual | Fast |
| Physical Appearance | Lean and polished | Dry, hard, and vascular |
| Liver Toxicity | Low to moderate | High |
| Testosterone Suppression | Moderate | High |
| Side Effects | Mild | Moderate (liver toxicity, joint discomfort) |
| Ideal For | Long-term cutting and mass retention | Fast fat loss and competition prep |
Table 1: Anavar vs Winstrol tabular comparison.
Steroid Stacking: Combining Anavar With Winstrol
During cutting phases, many experienced bodybuilders follow a strategy of stacking Anavar and Winstrol with each other to maximize the effects. Since both are non-aromatizing compounds, there are very few chances of experiencing estrogen-associated side effects like water retention and gynecomastia.
However, stacking can increase the chances of liver strain and cholesterol imbalance, which is why consulting a doctor (to obtain guidance and a prescription) and proper cycle planning is a must. Some are also recommended liver support supplements to maintain liver health throughout the duration of the cycle.
A sample stack to follow is as follows:
- Anavar: 30 – 50 mg/day
- Winstrol: 25 – 50 mg/day
- Cycle Duration: 6 – 8 weeks
- Base: 100 – 150 mg/week Testosterone Enanthate (optional)
If you’d like to understand how Anavar can be effectively stacked with other steroids, explore our detailed guide in the dedicated blog.
Completing PCT: Recovering After Your Steroid Cycle
Whether you take Anavar or Winstrol, all anabolic steroids reduce the production of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This suppresses the production of endogenous testosterone, which causes:
- Fatigue
- Loss of libido
- Loss of gains
- Mood fluctuation
- Hormonal imbalance
As a result, completing PCT is a must. You may be prescribed Clomid (Clomiphene) or Nolvadex (Tamoxifen) for 4 to 6 weeks, to be started within 2 – 3 days of your last dose. In case you are stacking with a long-ester testosterone or injectable anabolic steroids, start PCT 10 – 14 days after your last dosage.
Ideally, it is best to get your bloodwork before, during, and after your cycle and PCT to accurately assess your health.
Wrapping Up
If you are looking for a milder anabolic steroid that offers excellent muscle retention and gradual fat loss, Anavar is the better option. If you wish to experience fast fat loss for a dry, hard, and vascular look, choose Winstrol as your compound. No matter your choice of anabolic steroid, please obtain a prescription from your doctor before procuring and starting your steroid cycle.
Making the Most Out of Your Cutting Cycle
Still wondering whether it is better to choose Anavar or Winstrol for your cutting cycle? Consult a doctor, discuss your goals, assess your health, and get an accurate prescription today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Anavar Directly Burn Fat?
While androgens like Anavar can help increase fatty acid oxidation, their primary role is to protect muscle mass, allowing you to maintain a higher metabolism while dieting. It is not a direct fat-burning compound like Clenbuterol. However, Anavar does support lipolysis, which leads to fat loss.
2. When is the Best Time to Take Anavar?
Anavar has a half-life of 9 to 10 hours. To maintain stable blood levels, it is best to divide the daily dosage into two or three doses throughout the day, often taken with food to reduce potential stomach discomfort.
3. Should I Choose Oral or Injectable Winstrol?
Both are effective, but oral (tablets) is more common due to convenience. The injectable form is a water-based suspension, which can be painful to inject. Oral Winstrol has a half-life of 9 – 12 hours, often requiring daily doses.
4. Do I Need to Stack Winstrol With Testosterone?
While it is not a must, it is highly recommended. Winstrol suppresses natural testosterone production. Stacking it with a base of testosterone (like Testosterone Enanthate or Propionate) prevents low testosterone side effects such as low libido and mood swings.
