Anavar and Anadrol are two of the most popular oral anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs). While both serve a common purpose, i.e., muscle growth, how do you know which one delivers better results with fewer side effects? Anadrol is better suited for men with its high androgenic activity, while Anavar can be taken by both men and women for its high anabolic rating, but moderate androgenic activity.
Muscle gain is a primary goal for all bodybuilders; however, the desired result may vary. Some may choose a lean, defined look, while others may prefer bulk and strength gains. While both can be achieved with the help of oral AASs, not every medication will offer the same results
When the goal is muscle gains, strength, and performance enhancement, let’s check out what both Anadrol and Avanar have to offer.
Anadrol vs Anavar: A Quick Overview
Oxometholone, or Anadrol steroid, is a potent androgen that was originally used to treat anemia due to its ability to increase RBC production. This oral medication creates a highly anabolic environment when ingested, leading to increased protein synthesis, nitrogen retention, rapid muscle hypertrophy (muscle growth), and strength gain.
Oxandrolone, commonly called Anavar, is a synthetic derivative of testosterone and is popular among bodybuilders for its high bioavailability and mild androgenic activity. It binds to the androgen receptors present in the skeletal muscle tissue and facilitates nitrogen retention and anabolic activity.
Let’s understand both better with a detailed table:
| Feature | Anadrol (Oxymetholone) | Anavar (Oxandrolone) |
| Anabolic Rating | 320 | 322-630 |
| Androgenic Rating | 45 | 24 |
| Water Retention | High | Low |
| Muscle Gains | Rapid and substantial increase in bulk | Slower, dry, lean, and quality gains that last |
| Strength | Dramatic increase in a short period | Moderate increase |
| Endurance | Significant increase | Mild increase |
| Vascularity | Fuller but softer look | Dry aesthetic appearance |
| Suitable for Bulking? | Yes | Moderately (lean bulking) |
| Suitable for Cutting? | No | Yes |
| Best For | Offseason mass building | Cutting and recomp |
| Liver Toxicity | High | Mild to moderate |
| Common Users | Male bodybuilders | Men & women (preferred for women) |
| Legal Status | Prescription only in most areas | Prescription only in most areas |
Table: Basic Comparison Between Anadrol and Anavar
How Each AAS Works
The effects and benefits of both AASs are explained below:
What Does Anadrol Do?
On ingestion, Anadrol enters through the bloodstream into the muscle tissue and is transported to the steroid-receptor complex of the cell nucleus. Here, it binds to the androgen receptors, facilitating erythropoiesis (RBC production), protein synthesis, and rapid cell growth. This promotes muscle hypertrophy and increases endurance.
How Long Does Anadrol Stay In Your System?
Once present in the bloodstream, Anadrol can remain detectable for 48 hours (with blood tests) and for 8 weeks (with urine tests). Users may also face residual anabolic effects from taking the medication for several weeks even after discontinuation.
What Does Anavar Do?
When Anavar is ingested, it binds to the androgen receptors present and drives nitrogen retention and protein synthesis. This leads to lean muscle gain with minimal bloat. While it also increases RBC synthesis, this effect is milder compared to Anadrol.
How Long Does Anavar Stay In Your System?
Anavar stays detectable in the bloodstream for 40 to 72 hours and in urine for one week. For long-term users who take a higher dosage, this window can extend up to 2 to 3 weeks.
Anadrol and Anavar Benefits: What Does The User Gain?
With regular use, Anadrol offers the following benefits:
- Rapid muscle gain
- Significant strength gain and training intensity
- Increased muscle fullness and vascularity
- Faster recovery times
By taking Anavar, a bodybuilder can gain the following:
- Lean, dry look without water retention
- Increased strength and athletic performance
- Mild androgenic effects
- Improved RBC production and endurance
Muscle Growth: Bulk vs Lean Mass
Both Anavar and Anadrol lead to muscle growth, but their effects differ.
Anadrol delivers fast, significant mass gains, but much of it can be water weight. This makes it a better option for quick bulking, but not very effective in cutting or recomp cycles.
Anavar offers slower, more controlled lean muscle development with a harder physique. Thus, it is the best choice if you are planning to undergo a cutting or a recomp cycle.
Who Should Use Which: Men vs Women
Anadrol has a high androgenic activity with an anabolic to androgenic ratio of 9:1. Thus, it is best-suited to experienced male users due to its high androgenicity. Anavar has a moderate androgenic activity and a ratio of 10:1. This makes it popular among both men and women, especially for cutting and recomposition.
Anavar and Anadrol: Side Effects and Health Risks
Though Anadrol does not aromatise (turn to oestrogen once ingested), it still has high estrogenic activity. Thus, Androl’s side effects include:
- Bloating and water retention
- Gynecomastia (increase in breast tissue)
- Liver toxicity
- Elevated blood pressure
In comparison to the Anadrol steroid, Anavar comes with milder side effects that include:
- Liver strain
- Cholesterol issues
- Testosterone suppression.
For optimum results, both should be accompanied by on-cycle support and followed up with appropriate post-cycle therapy (PCT), using Clomid, Nolvadex, or other PCT medication (as prescribed).
How to Take Anavar and Anadrol: Cycle Duration, Dosage Guidelines, and Stacks
When taking Anadrol, a typical cycle lasts 4 – 6 weeks. Further, the dosage to follow is as given below:
- Beginner: 25 – 50 mg/day
- Intermediate/ Advanced: 50 – 100 mg/day
It also stacks well with Testosterone, Deca-Durabolin, and Trenbolone for bulking.
When to Take Anadrol Before a Workout?
The half-life of Anadrol is around 8 to 9 hours in the bloodstream, after which it is eliminated, making it a fast-acting drug. To maintain optimum levels in the blood and a consistent anabolic environment in the body, most bodybuilders split the dose and take it twice per day.
Anavar’s typical cycle lasts 6 – 8 weeks, and the dosage is as follows:
- Beginner (for men): 20 – 30 mg/day
- Intermediate/ Advanced (for men): 40 – 80 mg/day
- Women: 5 – 15 mg/day
For stacking, Anavar can be paired with Winstrol, Primobolan, and Testosterone for lean-cutting cycles.
When to Take Anavar Before a Workout?
Anavar comes with a biological half-life of 9 to 10 hours, within which the ingested dose will be metabolised. Thus, for balanced effects, bodybuilders split the total dose to be taken two to three times every day.
What to Avoid When Taking Anavar and Anadrol?
Both Anavar and Anadrol may interact with certain medications, which include:
- Antibiotics
- Blood thinners
- Blood pressure medications
- Anti-allergy medication
- Insulin
Thus, it is important to disclose all medications that you take and any medical conditions that you have to your doctor when seeking a prescription. Further, it is important not to take AASs in excess of their prescribed dose or stack them without medical advice. Additionally, all oral steroids are hepatotoxic (toxic to the liver) to a certain extent. Thus, they should not be taken for long durations, with the optimum cycle ranging approximately 6 weeks.
Procuring AASs is only legal when you have a valid prescription from your doctor. Further, they should be procured only from reliable sources, i.e., certified pharmacies and online stores. You may also opt for milder yet safer alternatives, such as supplements or SARMs.
Wrapping Up
If you want rapid bulk and serious mass gains, choose Anadrol. However, you may face more side effects. Anavar, on the other hand, is great for lean gains, better definition, and has fewer health risks, making it a safer choice, especially for women. With either choice, one should opt for proper planning, proper dosage, and cycle support.
Effective AAS-Aided Muscle Gains
Thinking of undergoing an AAS cycle soon? Consult a healthcare professional and get a prescription today.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I maintain liver health when taking AASs?
Monitor liver function periodically and do not extend your AAS cycle unless prescribed otherwise. You can also take milk thistle, N-acetylcysteine, and Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (with advice from your doctor) to improve liver function.
- Is Anadrol Good for Cutting or Bulking?
Anadrol is better for bulking, while Anavar is better for cutting. Choose carefully and seek medical advice.
- Do I need to consult a dietician as well when I take oral AASs?
While you may opt for a dietitian, it is not mandatory. You may also seek diet advice from your trainer.
- Where and how should I store my AAS tablets?
Do not refrigerate your AAS tablets; instead, store them in their original packaging, in a cool, dry place. Preferably, place them in a locked box or cabinet that is out of the reach of children and pets.
