Winstrol (Stanozolol) and Anavar (Oxandrolone) are two popular anabolic steroids mainly used by bodybuilders for cutting. TRT online help in burning fat and building lean muscle tissue.
Beginners may wonder how these two compounds differ and often ask: Which one is better?
Which is the Stronger Steroid?
When it comes to the debate between Winstrol and Anavar, some bodybuilders prefer Anavar while others prefer Winstrol (for various reasons that we will address). However, when it comes to the benefits of each compound, most agree that Winstrol is stronger.
Winstrol builds more muscle mass and burns more fat than Anavar simply because it is a stronger compound. On paper, Anavar should bring about greater changes in body composition due to its anabolic rating of 630 compared to 320 for Winstrol.
However, in real-life scenarios, Winstrol usually comes out on top. The difference is not huge, but such results are easily noticeable for most bodybuilders.
Fat Loss
Users taking Winstrol or Anavar will notice a reduction not only in subcutaneous fat but also in visceral fat (which is a unique feature among anabolic steroids).
Most anabolic steroids result in a reduction of subcutaneous fat tissue but also increase visceral fat, leading to a bloated abdomen.
However, Anavar and Winstrol do not cause such a pronounced effect, keeping the waist as small as possible. This makes both steroids ideal for bodybuilders who prioritize aesthetics over mass.
The reason Anavar and Winstrol do not increase visceral fat can be attributed to their weak estrogenic effect (lack of aromatization).
Measuring fat loss on a scale may not be meaningful due to simultaneous muscle gain. Although users may observe a noticeable reduction in body fat in the mirror, scales may still show an increase rather than a decrease for both steroids.
Muscle Gains
Anavar users typically gain around 5 kg of muscle mass from a conservatively dosed first cycle.
However, Winstrol users will likely gain a few pounds more in comparison and be closer to around 8 kg.
The muscle-building potency of Winstrol and Anavar may not be comparable to potent steroids like Dianabol or Anadrol; however, their effects are still visually dramatic due to their synchronous muscle-building and fat-burning properties.
The lean muscle gains associated with these steroids are why competitive bodybuilders run them in cutting cycles close to a competition, knowing that water and fat retention will not be an issue.
They are also popular steroids among athletes looking to gain an advantage in terms of muscle power, strength, and endurance without dramatically fluctuating their weight.
Which is the Safer Steroid?
Although Winstrol is stronger in terms of results, Anavar is the more suitable choice when it comes to damage mitigation.
Generally, with anabolic steroids, the better the results, the worse the side effects.
This also applies to Winstrol and Anavar – with Winstrol having more devastating effects on cholesterol levels, liver toxicity, and testosterone suppression.
Anavar has only mild side effects, hence it has been successfully used in medicine to treat men, women, and children. However, at excessive dosages or prolonged cycles, Anavar can still be potentially harmful.
How Does Anavar Affect the Liver?
The weak hepatotoxicity of Anavar in relation to the liver is unique as it is an oral c-17 alpha-alkylated steroid. Such oral compounds are typically notorious for causing jaundice, hepatic peliosis, or liver failure. The mild toxicity of Anavar is attributed to the fact that the liver only partially metabolizes the drug.
Studies have shown that Anavar does not worsen liver values at a dose of 20 mg/day for 8 weeks. However, the same study concluded that high doses of 40 mg and 80 mg/day cause liver stress.
Liver support is often taken by bodybuilders during Winstrol cycles in the form of TUDCA, a bile acid known to minimize organ strain. It is highly recommended not to stack Winstrol with other oral steroids to avoid further liver damage.
How Does Winstrol Affect the Liver?
Unlike Anavar, less research has been conducted on the liver in relation to Winstrol. However, we know that very small doses (12.5 mg/day) have only minor effects on ALT/AST enzymes. While high doses of Winstrol have the potential to cause severe hepatotoxicity – even in healthy bodybuilders.
Summary
Winstrol vs. Anavar: Which is better? The answer depends on your personal goals.
However, if you are concerned about liver values soaring and want to make gains in a safe manner, Anavar is the superior steroid.
If you are preparing for a competition and tend to lose muscle fullness on stage, Anavar may be the better choice as it gives you fuller muscles.