❗ Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. Gilmore Health does not endorse the use of anabolic steroids without a valid medical prescription. The non-medical use of Winstrol is illegal and poses significant health risks.
Key Takeaways:
- Winstrol is popular for cutting, but has no strong clinical proof of performance benefits.
- Users often take 25–80 mg orally or 50–100 mg by injection, which increases health risks.
- Using Winstrol without a prescription is illegal and can damage your liver and hormones.
Uses And Side Effects of Winstrol
When talking about the most well-known steroid among bodybuilders, Winstrol is one of the names that will pop up. It is commonly used for boosting performance and promoting a ripped body with impressive vascularity.
Many of those who use it can swear by anything that it works. However, due to its risks and legal restrictions, stanozolol (Winstrol) is not recommended for non-medical use. This article is provided for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice or endorsement.
What is Winstrol?
Winstrol
Winstrol is an androgen and anabolic steroid (AAS) derived from dihydrotestosterone (DHT), just like Anavar (oxandrolone). This is actually a brand name of stanozolol. Although it has medical uses, the drug is more popular these days for its use by bodybuilders and athletes.
Stanozolol is a synthetic drug. It is a 17-alpha alkylated androstane steroid that comes from an alteration of 5-alpha DHT. The structural alterations that result in the compound include the attachment of a pyrazole ring to the A ring of the nucleus. There is also an addition of a methyl group at the 17th carbon position. This helps to boost its oral bioavailability.
Winthrop Laboratories developed the drug in the late 1950s. It was introduced into the American market in 1962 under the brand name “Winstrol.” This steroid is sold under the name “Stromba” in Europe.
Winstrol, like androgens such as testosterone and DHT, is an agonist of the androgen receptor. It is an already 5-alpha reduced steroid, which means it does not aromatize, which means that it is less likely to lead to water retention and other estrogenic effects.
As we noted, Winstrol is just a brand name of the generic stanozolol. The drug has a number of other unofficial names, including stanazol and stanazolol. Stanozolol has been marketed under numerous brand names, apart from Winstrol, including:
- Stanabolic
- Stanztab
- Stanol
- Menabol
- Anaysynth
Therapeutic Uses
Since its introduction, stanozolol has been used for the treatment of different medical conditions, although it’s no longer advised for some of these.
Historically, stanozolol was prescribed for conditions like hereditary angioedema, burn recovery, and muscle wasting. However, most of these uses have been discontinued due to safety concerns. The FDA has withdrawn approval for many of its indications, and it is not approved for cancer treatment. Today, it is rarely prescribed and only under strict supervision for niche cases.
In veterinary medicine, doctors use steroids to promote the formation of red blood cells in animals.
Although the FDA has prohibited further marketing of stanozolol as a pharma drug, it is still possible to get it in the U.S. The drug doesn’t appear to have lost its approval at any time.
Why Do Bodybuilders and Athletes Use Winstrol?
Stanozolol is one of those anabolic steroids that have attracted the most media attention.
Ben Johnson was arguably the person who brought the anabolic steroid to the consciousness of many people. The Canadian athlete tested positive for Winstrol after making easy work of huge favorite Carl Lewis to claim gold in the 1988 Summer Olympics.
That scandal, no doubt, made the U.S. government classify the drug as a Schedule III controlled substance.
But the deed had already been done. More people started to use Winstrol to boost their performance levels following the Johnson scandal. It also became popular for building rock-hard muscles.
The affinity of stanozolol for serum sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) in humans is very low. This ensures a greater supply of steroids in an unbound state. It helps to ensure there is more free testosterone.
Winstrol is often favored by athletes and bodybuilders during cutting cycles due to its reputation for promoting lean muscle retention, vascularity, and enhanced definition. Some users report improvements in strength and speed, which has contributed to its popularity in performance sports. However, these effects are largely based on anecdotal evidence, and there is a lack of well-controlled human studies validating their ergogenic benefits.
Importantly, emerging research suggests that Winstrol may actually compromise tendon health, potentially increasing the risk of soft tissue injuries, particularly when used in conjunction with high-intensity training. While it may support nitrogen retention and protein synthesis, Winstrol is not considered effective for significant muscle bulking, especially in men. Instead, its utility appears more limited to preserving existing lean mass during calorie-restricted phases.
Administration and Stacking
As a result of the presence of a 17-alpha methyl group, stanozolol is orally active. That means you can take it orally without noticing a significant difference in efficacy. It is also available in injectable form.
For therapeutic purposes, the usual daily oral dosage for men is about 6 mg, which may be divided into three doses. The typical amount for women is about 4 mg a day, but it may rise to 6 mg if considered safe. The injectable form is commonly administered once in 2 or 3 weeks at a dose of 50 mg.
Outside of medical supervision, Winstrol is often used at significantly higher dosages than those prescribed therapeutically. Reports from bodybuilding forums and underground sources suggest that oral doses commonly range from 25 mg to 80 mg per day, while injectable forms are used at 50–100 mg every other day. It is important to note that these dosages are not clinically approved, lack safety oversight, and increase the risk of adverse effects, especially liver toxicity and hormonal suppression.
Women are particularly vulnerable to side effects from anabolic steroids, including voice deepening, facial hair growth, and menstrual irregularities. Use without medical supervision can lead to long-term hormonal disruption and is not recommended.
Anabolic steroids are typically used in stacks to enhance their efficacy. The particular goal of a user will determine what other compounds to combine Winstrol with.
⚠️ Stacking Winstrol with other steroids like Trenbolone or Nandrolone increases health risks exponentially, including liver toxicity, suppressed testosterone, and cardiovascular complications. These practices are considered unsafe by medical experts.
Those interested in cutting – the main reason many bodybuilders use it – may stack it with Trenbolone. Winstrol can provide support to testosterone for muscle mass building. The combination with Nandrolone is popular among athletes, with a view to warding off potential joint pain.
Cycles of use typically range from 4 to 6 weeks.
Legality and Availability
While Winstrol may be obtained from compounding pharmacies for certain conditions, it is illegal for use by bodybuilders and athletes. The drug belongs to Schedule III controlled substances under the Anabolic Steroids Act.
Winstrol is not one of those steroids that are hard to get. Many black market suppliers carry the drug. However, it is important to note that purchasing or using Winstrol without a prescription is illegal under U.S. federal law. Unauthorized possession can lead to serious legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
Warnings
Talking about risks, the first affects the quality of the drug for purchase. It is important to be aware that there are many fake Winstrol versions on the market despite the relative ease of getting quality ones. In most cases, the price could serve as a sign of genuineness.
Those who use Winstrol for illegal purposes usually get their supply via the Internet. This puts them at risk of losing their money to some faceless individuals.
Do not forget that legal prohibition means you stand at risk of heavy fines and a prison sentence if found in possession of stanozolol without a valid prescription.
Common Side Effects of Winstrol Include:
- Acne and oily skin
- Mood changes, including aggression, anxiety, and depression
- Insomnia and fatigue
- Elevated LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular strain
- Suppressed natural testosterone production
- Testicular shrinkage and reduced fertility
- Liver stress, with risk of jaundice or hepatic tumors
- Increased risk of tendon rupture or joint pain
It can also cause liver damage, symptoms of which include nausea, fatigue, and yellowing of the eyes or skin. Winstrol is also believed to increase your risk of liver cancer.
FAQs About Winstrol (Stanozolol)
Is Winstrol legal to use?
Only with a prescription. Recreational use is illegal in many countries, including the U.S.
What’s the typical dose bodybuilders use?
Oral: 25–80 mg/day. Injectable: 50–100 mg every other day. These are not medically approved.
What’s the medical dose?
Therapeutic doses are usually 2–6 mg/day, much lower than what athletes take.
Does Winstrol build muscle?
It helps preserve lean mass, not bulk. It’s mainly used for cutting.
Can women use Winstrol?
Some do, but it raises the risk of voice deepening, hair growth, and hormonal problems.
What are the main side effects?
Liver damage, low testosterone, acne, mood swings, and high cholesterol.
How long is a typical cycle?
Most users do 4 to 6 weeks. Longer use raises health risks.
Can Winstrol be detected in drug tests?
Yes. It’s banned in sports and shows up on standard steroid panels.
Is oral or injectable Winstrol safer?
Neither is safe without medical guidance. Oral is harsher on the liver.
Where do people get it?
Mainly black market or online — both risky and illegal.
Conclusion
Based on the foregoing, you now understand why many professional bodybuilders and athletes use Winstrol. But its use poses serious risks to your health.
While Winstrol may remain popular in some fitness circles, its health and legal risks far outweigh the perceived benefits. Safer alternatives such as medically approved supplements, structured training, and evidence-based nutrition plans should be considered. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before considering hormone-altering substances.
⚠️ Final Reminder
Winstrol is a controlled substance and not approved for bodybuilding or athletic enhancement. Misuse can cause irreversible health damage and lead to criminal prosecution. This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
References
Ozcagli, E., Kara, M., Kotil, T., Fragkiadaki, P., Tzatzarakis, M. N., Tsitsimpikou, C., Stivaktakis, P. D., Tsoukalas, D., Spandidos, D. A., Tsatsakis, A. M., & Alpertunga, B. (2018). Stanozolol administration combined with exercise leads to decreased telomerase activity, possibly associated with liver aging. International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 42(1), 405–413. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2018.3644
Drugs.com. (2023, August 23). Stanozolol: Uses, dosage, and side effects. Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/stanozolol.html
