Is it really safe for female use?

The androgenic ratio is low (24% vs testosterone), so virilization risk is lower than with other AAS. But NOT zero: above 10 mg/day and beyond 6 weeks, virilization (deep voice, hirsutism, clitoral enlargement) may be IRREVERSIBLE. Any virilization symptom requires immediate cycle stop.

Is it more hepatotoxic than Dianabol?

No, significantly milder. Anavar and Dianabol are both 17α-alkylated, but Oxandrolone ALT/AST elevation in clinical trials (Sheffield-Moore, Jeschke) is materially lower. Still, liver function monitoring every 4 weeks is mandatory.

Why is it so frequently faked?

Oxandrolone raw material is expensive, so UGL labs often substitute it with cheaper AAS (Dianabol, Winstrol) in the tablet. The only reliable verification is independent HPLC laboratory purity testing.

Does it suppress natural T production?

Yes, dose-dependently. At 20-50 mg/day after 6 weeks, 40-60% HPTA suppression is documented. PCT (Clomid/Nolvadex) is required for men; not relevant for female use.

How much does HDL drop on Anavar?

Per Hartgens & Kuipers 2004 (Sports Med) review, oral 17α-alkylated AAS can drop HDL by 30-50% within 6 weeks. Anavar has a "milder" reputation than Dianabol or Superdrol, BUT its HDL impact is often more severe than that of injected AAS (Testosterone, Nandrolone) due to hepatic first-pass plus lipoprotein lipase activation. Recovery in 8-12 weeks OFF, but never let it drop below baseline again on cycle. Long-term repeated use raises atherosclerosis risk.

Late-StageResearch compound

Anavar (Oxandrolone)

Name: Anavar (Oxandrolone)
Creator: MolekulaX

Oxandrolone, FDA-approved oral AAS for burn injury and HIV cachexia. Mildly hepatotoxic 17α-alkylated, often called a female-friendly steroid.

Available at

DRIADA-10% coupon: MOLEKULAX

PCTZONE-10% coupon: MOLEKULAX

The links above are labelled third-party affiliate links. MolekulaX does not sell and does not verify product quality.

WHAT IS ANAVAR (OXANDROLONE)?

Detailed overview

Anavar (Oxandrolone) is a DHT-derivative 17α-alkylated oral AAS synthesized by Searle in 1964. Anabolic:androgenic ratio 320:24, indicating high muscle-building and low androgenic side-effect profile. FDA-approved clinical indications: severe burn recovery, HIV-associated cachexia, Turner syndrome short stature, idiopathic osteoporosis. The 17α-alkylation causes hepatotoxicity (ALT/AST rise), but significantly milder than Dianabol or Superdrol. Does not aromatize, no E2 side effects. WADA-banned in sports.

Mechanism

AR agonist, 17α-alkylated, no aromatization

Anabolic:Androgenic

320:24

Half-life

9 hours

Onset

1-2 h (oral)

Legal status

FDA Rx (Oxandrin), WADA banned

Data console

Lab data

/lab/molecular-data.jsonLIVE
> Androgenic:Anabolic320:24
> AR bindingAR affinity moderate; low androgenic potential (24% vs test…
> Active half-life9 h
> Detection windowOxandrolone metabolites urinary 3 weeks. Short half-life and fast clearance give shorter window than injected AAS.
> AromatizationNo – 17α-alkylated steroid, NOT a CYP19 substrate; minimal estrogen conversion (Schänzer 1996 Clin Chem)
> HepatotoxicityHigh – 17α-alkylated structure metabolized via hepatic first-pass; dose-dependent transaminase elevation, cholestasis risk (Hartgens-Kuipers 2004)

Safety

Side effects, stop signs, contraindications

Side effects · 7

Severe lipid deterioration: drastic HDL drop (up to 30-50%) and LDL rise; oral 17-alpha-alkylated AAS hit lipids harder than many injectables, raising cardiovascular/atherosclerosis risk.
Hepatotoxicity: dose-dependent transaminase (ALT/AST) elevation and cholestasis risk from the 17-alpha-alkylated structure; milder than Dianabol or Superdrol, but liver monitoring is still mandatory.
HPTA suppression and reduced fertility: dose-dependent inhibition of natural testosterone production (40-60% after 6 weeks), suppressed spermatogenesis; PCT (Clomid/Nolvadex) may be needed for recovery.
Virilization in women: voice deepening, hirsutism, clitoral enlargement, menstrual disturbances; above 10 mg/day and beyond 6 weeks these can become IRREVERSIBLE, stop immediately at any sign.
Androgenic effects: acne-prone skin, increased sebum, and accelerated hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in genetically predisposed users, since oxandrolone is a DHT derivative.
Elevated blood pressure and altered glucose handling: AAS can cause hypertension; oxandrolone improves glucose sensitivity, which can cause hypoglycemia alongside insulin/antidiabetics.
Increased INR with warfarin: oxandrolone potentiates oral anticoagulants, with significant bleeding risk; dose reduction and close INR monitoring are required.

Contraindications · 7

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: virilization and teratogenic risk to the fetus, absolute contraindication.
Prostate or breast carcinoma (or breast cancer with hypercalcemia): androgenic stimulation can worsen hormone-sensitive tumors.
Pre-existing liver disease or elevated liver enzymes: hepatitis B/C, fatty liver, cholestasis, ALT/AST >2x normal; the 17-alpha-alkylation adds further hepatic injury.
Severe cardiovascular disease: uncontrolled hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure or pre-existing dyslipidemia, since Anavar further worsens the lipid profile.
Concurrent warfarin/oral anticoagulant therapy without close monitoring: unpredictable INR rise and bleeding hazard.
Planned fatherhood in the near future: HPTA suppression and reduced spermatogenesis, with recovery that can take months.
Severe renal impairment or hypercalcemia: AAS can cause fluid retention and calcium metabolism disturbance.

Related Performance Compounds

Same therapeutic category

Studies

Related research and clinical findings

J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1999;84(8):2705-11.

Short-term oxandrolone administration stimulates net muscle protein synthesis in young men

Sheffield-Moore M, Urban RJ, Wolf SE et al.

PMID: 10443664Open

AIDS. 1996;10(14):1657-62.

Oxandrolone in the treatment of HIV-associated weight loss in men

Berger JR, Pall L, Hall CD et al.

PMID: 8970686Open

Ann Surg. 2007;246(3):351-60.

The effect of oxandrolone on the endocrinologic, inflammatory, and hypermetabolic responses during the acute phase postburn

Jeschke MG, Finnerty CC, Suman OE, Kulp G, Mlcak RP, Herndon DN.

PMID: 17717439Open

Int J Pediatr Endocrinol. 2015;2015(1):18.

Effect of oxandrolone therapy on adult height in Turner syndrome patients treated with growth hormone: a meta-analysis

Sheanon NM, Backeljauw PF

PMID: 26322078Open

Endocr Rev. 2014;35(3):341-75.

Adverse health consequences of performance-enhancing drugs

Pope HG Jr, Wood RI, Rogol A et al.

PMID: 24423981Open

Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2003;284(1):E120-128.

Effects of an oral androgen on muscle and metabolism in older, community-dwelling men

Schroeder ET, Singh A, Bhasin S, Storer TW et al.

PMID: 12388137Open

Sports Med. 2004;34(8):513-554.

Effects of androgenic-anabolic steroids in athletes

Hartgens F, Kuipers H.

PMID: 15248788Open

Have a question about Anavar (Oxandrolone)?

Reach out to an advisor on Telegram. Performance compounds are presented with a harm-reduction approach, based on peer-reviewed evidence.

MolekulaX Editorial Team·Source-verified · PubMed · FDA · EMA

Updated: June 19, 2026

The information here is for educational and scientific purposes only. Performance-enhancing compounds (AAS, prohormones, stimulants, doping agents) are illegal without prescription in Hungary and most of the EU, and carry serious health and legal risks. WADA bans them in competitive sport. This is NOT a usage guide, and we do not encourage any illegal use. If you do use them, medical supervision and regular bloodwork are ESSENTIAL. Severe endocrine, cardiovascular, hepatic and psychiatric side effects are possible.