Anavar (Oxandrolone) is a synthetic anabolic steroid. It is a version of testosterone, the main male sex hormone in our bodies. It is in a class of medications called androgenic hormones and works by increasing the amount of protein made by the body. This protein is used to build more muscle and increase body weight. There are several medical uses of Anavar to [1]:
- To cause weight gain in people who have lost too much weight due to surgery, injury, chronic (long-lasting) infections, trauma, or who are underweight for unknown reasons.
- To treat bone pain in people with osteoporosis.
- To prevent certain side effects in people who take corticosteroids used to treat inflammation or swelling.
It is often viewed as a “starter” steroid for those interested in bodybuilding— mild, safe, and beginner-friendly. But this is far from the truth.
The Legal Status of Anavar in the US
Anavar is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance under the Anabolic Steroid Control Act in the United States. As of June 2023, it is no longer FDA-approved due to a lack of evidence of efficacy and serious safety warnings. Licensed pharmacies in the US can no longer legally dispense it.
Oxandrolone is classified as an anabolic steroid with the potential for abuse, requiring legal oversight and medical justification for use. It is banned by most professional sports organizations, including the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB).
Demystifying the Anavar Cycle
In the world of bodybuilding, a steroid cycle is a period of planned use followed by a period of no use. Anavar is viewed as a “mild” steroid, so it’s attractive to use, especially by young men, but some women as well. In adolescents, steroids can cause premature ageing and stunted growth.
A cutting stack in bodybuilding refers to a combination (or “stack”) of supplements, dietary strategies, and exercise methods used during a “cutting” phase. The main goal of a cutting phase is to maximize fat loss in a calorie deficit, while preserving as much existing muscle mass as possible to achieve a lean, defined physique, enhanced vascularity (having highly visible, prominent veins), and increased strength.
Typical Anavar Cycle Structures for Men: Common dosages are 30-80 mg/day with a cycle length of 6-8 weeks. Typically, they are used in cutting stacks (often with testosterone or other compounds). Even “low doses” are supraphysiological or larger than what the body can produce on its own [2].
Typical Anavar Cycle Structures for Women: Much lower dosages of 5-20 mg/day and shorter cycles due to high sensitivity to virilization effects (development of adult male characteristics in a female), caused by excess androgens (male hormones). There can often be a rapid onset of side effects.
The Hidden Risks and Documented Side Effects
Anovars, despite claims of being “mild” steroids, bring a number of dangers.
The Cardiovascular and Hepatic Dangers
Liver Toxicity: Contrary to the “non-liver toxic” myth, Anavar is a C17-aa alkylated steroid, making it hepatotoxic, causing liver damage and, in rare cases, liver tumors or blood-filled cysts in the liver and/or spleen. These problems can be serious and lead to liver failure. There are risks of elevated liver enzymes and strain. This prompted the ban from the FDA [3].
Cholesterol Profile and Heart Disease: Anovar also has a potent negative impact on lipid profiles, significantly lowering HDL (“good” cholesterol) and raising LDL (“bad” cholesterol), increasing long-term cardiovascular risk.
Psychological Impact: Users may experience irritability, mood swings, and aggression, often called “‘roid rage.” Furthermore, the inevitable crash post-cycle, marked by plummeting natural testosterone, can lead to severe depression, anxiety, and a distorted sense of body image.
Endocrine and Physical Side Effects
There are further negative side effects of Andovar.
For Men: Andovar can cause testosterone suppression leading to low libido, fatigue, and depression, natural testosterone shutdown, the potential for infertility, and androgenic effects that stimulate or control the development and maintenance of male characteristics, in this case, acne and accelerated hair loss in certain individuals.
For Women: Virilization is the primary concern. Often, there can be irreversible effects: deepening voice, clitoral enlargement, body hair growth, and disruption of the menstrual cycle.
The Critical Phase: Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) and Recovery
Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) is non-negotiable. After a cycle of taking Anovar, the body’s natural hormone production is shut down. The goal of PCT is to restart the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis (HPTA). Certain compounds used in PCT stimulate hormone production to signal the testes to produce testosterone again. These should only be taken under medical supervision.
Anavar cycles can suppress hormone production to a significant degree. If you don’t properly do PCT, you may experience fatigue, muscle loss, fat gain, and hormonal problems lasting weeks or months.
PCT restores testosterone and other hormone levels. It also reduces inflammation and liver stress, and preserves muscle mass. Women often require different post-cycle support to restore estrogen, progesterone, and adrenal hormones.
To reduce liver strain and support overall health, avoid alcohol, liver-damaging drugs, and overtraining during recovery. This cannot be emphasized enough.
What Recovery Entails
Recovery involves blood work before, during, and after a cycle to monitor health markers (testosterone levels, liver enzymes, lipids). Recovery is slow, 6 to 12 weeks or more, for testosterone levels to return. There is a likelihood of losing a significant portion of gains post-cycle and the potential for long-term endocrine disruption, where natural testosterone levels may never fully return to baseline.
Weighing the Cost
While often perceived as a “safer” or “milder” option, Anovar carries substantial risks to the liver, heart, and endocrine system. When it was legal, medical supervision and regular health monitoring were important during use and recovery to minimize adverse outcomes.
Using Anavar is a trade-off between short-term physical enhancements and potential serious long-term health consequences. The recovery process is difficult, and it takes your body weeks to months to get back to making its own testosterone again. Plus, it is no longer legal. Legal Anovar derivatives may not be safe either.
Focusing on nutrition, training consistency, and recovery is best. Adolescents and young adults especially, should consult a medical professional or certified sports nutritionist. They can recommend natural, sustainable ways to achieve your fitness goals.
Withdrawal from Anavar can be incredibly challenging. Not only will you lose some of the changes to your appearance and performance, but you’ll also experience symptoms of low testosterone [4].
Professional help is recommended to deal with the psychological effects of withdrawal.
Seeking Help and the Path to Recovery at Northbound
At Northbound, we have extensive experience helping patients overcome their substance abuse addictions, and with a Christian faith-based track for those wishing to participate.
We offer a wide range of evidence-based therapies, counseling, and trauma-informed support to assist you in your healing. We personalize each treatment plan around the needs of our patients.
The first steps are detoxification and stabilization, under 24-hour medical supervision in our Withdrawal Management center for whatever time you may require.
Our inpatient residential program offers 24/7 live-in treatment for substance abuse. Our outpatient treatment provides a flexible step-down from our residential program, allowing you to live at home and participate for several hours a day.
For more than 30 years, Northbound Treatment Services in California has been at the forefront of providing lifesaving, compassionate residential care and specialized services to help people from all walks of life feel better, discover themselves, and live free from addiction.
We have facilities located throughout California to help guide you on your recovery journey. Reach out to our admissions team now.
Sources
[1] MedlinePlus. 2017. Oxandrolone.
[2] SWolverine Inc. 2025. Best Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) After an Anavar Cycle.
[3] Weiser P. Oxandrolone (Anavar, Oxandrin) – Uses, Side Effects, and More. WebMD.
[4] Healthy Male. What is Anavar and what are its side effects?. Healthymale.org.au
Author
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President, CEO & Founder at Northbound Treatment Network
Paul Alexander is the CEO, President & Founder of Northbound Treatment Network in Newport Beach, California. He believes wholeheartedly in transformational leadership, organizational health and effective, fully integrated substance use disorder and mental health treatment. With over 27 years of experience in behavioral healthcare, Paul has extensive knowledge of “in vivo” treatment modalities, clinical development, operations, strategy, marketing and financial planning. He has been widely recognized for his development of collegiate-based residential treatment programs for students in recovery and authored a research study at The University of California confirming this modality’s effectiveness.
Paul’s comprehensive professional experience, willingness to innovate, and emphasis on organizational health are vital factors in Northbound’s continued success. Paul received his Certified Addiction Treatment Specialist training at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, CA, and was awarded Outstanding Alumni Service Award in 2002. Paul holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology, Law and Society, Summa Cum Laude, from University of California, Irvine, and a Juris Doctorate degree from Loyola Law School of Los Angeles. Paul currently serves on The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) board. In addition, he serves on The Family Recovery Foundation board and The CarePossible board in Orange County; both organizations are committed to raising funds for family recovery and treatment for former military personnel. Paul is in recovery himself and lives in Orange County with his wife Silvana and his two young sons, Noah and Dean.
