Sustanon vs. Anavar: Which Works Better for Lean Gains?

While both steroids promote muscle development, their mechanisms, safety, and results differ dramatically. Sustanon (a blend of Testosterone esters) and Anavar (Oxandrolone) are two of the most effective anabolic androgenic steroids for lean gains.

In bodybuilding, lean gains refer to muscle growth achieved without excess fat or water retention. The result of undergoing lean gains is a shredded look and increased endurance, accompanied by strength gains. Often, the fastest, most effective way to achieve lean gains is by taking anabolic steroids, which help you cut back on excess fat and gain muscle without retaining water.

Here we take a look at two of the most effective steroid options for lean gains: Sustanon (a testosterone blend) and Anavar (Oxandrolone).

Understanding the Basics

The first step to learning whether Sustanon or Anavar is the best option for lean gains is to understand what they are and how they work.

What is Sustanon?

Sustanon is made up of a blend of four testosterone esters in the following amounts:

• Testosterone Propionate: 50 mg/ml
• Testosterone Phenylpropionate: 50 mg/ml
• Testosterone Isocaproate: 50 mg/ml
• Testosterone Decanoate: 100 mg/ml

The effectiveness of the Sustanon injection lies in its multi-ester design, which results in sustained and steady release of testosterone in the bloodstream. Sustanon’s half-life is dependent on the testosterone esters (ranging from 2 days to 2 weeks).

On injecting Sustanon, the testosterone esters with a short half-life offer an initial boost of strength and energy. The longer testosterone esters offer slow, consistent release of testosterone, which creates an anabolic environment in the body and supports muscle hypertrophy.

Sustanon’s dosage for bodybuilders is as follows:

• Men: 250 to 750 mg per week for 10 to 12 weeks.
• Women: 25 to 50 mg per week for 10 to 12 weeks with strict medical observation.

Sustanon benefits, when taken for bodybuilding and performance enhancement, are as follows:

• Steady muscle hypertrophy and strength gains.
• Increased erythropoiesis (RBC production), better endurance, and faster recovery times.
• Stable Testosterone release without hormone fluctuations.
• Effective for both bulking and cutting cycles.
• A diverse ester combination leads to convenient scheduling of the Sustanon injection.

What is Anavar, and What Does Anavar Do?

Derived from Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), Anavar is one of the most effective and safe oral anabolic steroids taken for lean gains in a cutting cycle. In fact, Anavar is one of the most sought-after steroids with its favourable anabolic-to-androgenic ratio and low hepatotoxicity. 

It is also popular among the bodybuilding community for its mild side effects and fat-burning benefits.

For bodybuilding, the following are the Anavar dosages:

• Men
  • Beginner: 20 to 30 mg/day for 6 weeks
  • Advanced: 50 to 80 mg/day for 6 to 8 weeks
• Women: 5 to 10 mg per day for 6 to 8 weeks.

Do note that Anavar cycles should not exceed 8 weeks since it is an oral steroid and can lead to liver stress and hepatotoxicity. 

When taking Anavar, the benefits you can experience as a bodybuilder are as follows:

• Lean muscle mass gain without water retention.
• ~10:1 anabolic-to-androgenic ratio, indicating fewer masculinising side effects.
• Notable increase in strength, endurance, and athletic output.
• Increase in RBC count.
• Cutting phase enhancement with improved vascularity.

Mechanisms of Action – How Each Promotes Lean Gains

Both steroids bind to the androgenic receptors present in the muscle tissue, creating an anabolic environment that promotes fat loss and muscle gain. 

Each mechanism of action and aspects related to both anabolic steroids are as follows:

Aspect	Sustanon	Anavar
Primary Function	Boosts testosterone levels for anabolic growth	Increases protein synthesis with mild androgenic effect
Water Retention	Moderate	Very Low
Muscle Density	Fuller, denser muscles	Harder, more defined look
Fat Loss	Indirect	Direct (enhances lipolysis)
Best Used In	Bulking or recomposition	Cutting or lean gain cycles
Aromatisation	Converts to oestrogen	Does not aromatise

Table 1: Comparison of Aspects Related to Sustanon and Anavar for Bodybuilding

Comparing Results and Cycle Efficiency

To compare, the results and efficacy of both Sustanon and Anavar are as follows:

Sustanon Results

Taking Sustanon injections leads to a notable size and strength increase within 4 to 6 weeks. However, a significant part of this can be due to water weight and aromatisation of testosterone to oestrogen. 

Though testosterone serves as the base of steroid stacks, Sustanon doesn’t since it contains multiple ester forms. However, this medication can be stacked with Deca or Dianabol for faster and more noticeable results.

Anavar Results

Those taking Anavar tablets observe noticeable change in muscle definition and tone in 3 – 4 weeks. This is a result of Anavar helping retain lean tissue during a calorie deficit, making it effective for cutting cycles.

Anavar is commonly stacked with Clenbuterol, Winstrol, Testosterone Enanthate, or Primobolan for fat loss, muscle definition, and endurance support for lean gains. 

Ideal Users and Cycle Goals

While both Anavar and Sustanon are highly effective anabolic steroids, it is important to learn your fitness goal and physiology before taking either. Based on user type and fitness goals, the choice between Anavar and Sustanon can be made as follows:

Goal / User Type	Better Choice	Why
Beginner (low risk)	Anavar	Mild on the liver and hormones
Advanced bulker	Sustanon	Greater testosterone surge
Cutting cycle	Anavar	Promotes fat loss and muscle hardness
Hormone replacement or mass gainer	Sustanon	Sustained testosterone release

Table 2: How to Decide Between Anavar and Sustanon as Per User Goals

Side Effects and Safety Considerations

Sustanon 250’s side effects in bodybuilders are listed as follows:

• Oily skin
• Acne
• Accelerated baldness
• Increased aggressiveness
• Cardiovascular issues
• Water retention
• Gynaecomastia (increase in breast tissue in men)

Thus, PCT is a must when you complete your steroid cycle.

The side effects of Anavar include:

• Liver strain (at high doses)
• Cholesterol imbalance
• Cardiovascular strain
• Hormone suppression
• Mood swings

To manage Anavar’s side effects, it is important to get your bloodwork done periodically, follow proper dosing, and complete post-cycle therapy (PCT).

Stacking Strategies for Lean Gains

For maximum efficacy, both Sustanon and Anavar can be stacked with other anabolic steroids. However, steroid stacking should be done only on medical advice and after a thorough health check.

Sustanon can be stacked with Trenbolone, with 600 mg per week Sustanon with 150 mg per week Trenbolone per week for 10 weeks. For Winstrol, a tentative dose of 20 mg/day of Winstrol with 200 mg/week of Sustanon can be prescribed. However, you need to refer to your doctor’s advice before stacking Sustanon. 

Anavar can be stacked with Testosterone Enanthate, with 40 – 60 mg/day of Anavar and 200 – 400 mg/week of Testosterone. Alternatively, you can also stack 25 – 50 mg/day of Winstrol with 30 – 50 mg/day of Anavar.

Further, Sustanon and Anavar can be stacked with each other for lean gains, with 200 – 500 mg/week of Sustanon and 20 mg/day of Anavar.

Cost and Availability

The cost and availability of Sustanon and Anavar are as follows:

Factor	Sustanon	Anavar
Cost per Cycle (Approx.)	Moderate	High
Availability	Prescription-based from certified and reliable pharmacies	Prescription-based from certified and reliable pharmacies
Value for Lean Gains	8/10	9/10

Table 3: Cost and Availability of Sustanon and Anavar

Summary and Key Takeaways

Both Sustanon and Anavar are effective for lean gains, but they cater to different goals. Sustanon is better for size and strength gain, and promoting fat loss. Anavar is better for lean, aesthetic, and defined muscle tone. For best results, follow proper training, nutrition, and medical guidance.

Effective Lean Gains with Safe Steroid Cycles

Trying to decide between Anavar and Sustanon for lean gains? Consult your trainer and doctor, list your fitness goals, and choose accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions