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Winstrol was created in 1959 and was one of the very first anabolic steroids, being derived from dihydrotestosterone. It was first released onto the market via UK company Winthrop Laboratories on prescription but went on to be acquired by Sterling for manufacture and distribution in the US.
Marketed as Winstrol, stanozolol was the active ingredient which the FDA had approved as safe for use within humans. During this golden age for anabolic steroids, stanozolol for sale (under the brand name of Winstrol) could easily be found.
However, changes were afoot and the FDA introduced more stringent standards which required the manufacturers to be able to prove the benefits that a number of drugs really provided, this steroid included.
By 1970 the FDA restricted the claims that could be made by the manufacturers of Winstrol, allowing it to be promoted only as an adjunct therapy for osteoporosis and dwarfism, finding there to be no basis for the other claims the manufacturers had made.
Despite further data being submitted by Sterling, the FDA refused to allow it to continue to be marketed for the previous medical conditions it had professed to treat, and by 1980 had removed it as a treatment for dwarfism too, due to the better growth medications which had become available.
By 1983, the license to use Winstrol tablets to treat osteoporosis and aplastic anaemia (a later addition) was also withdrawn.
The oral form of this drug could be bought up until 2010 where it was marketed for use to treat hereditary angioedema. By 2010, it was withdrawn completely by the last manufacturer to hold the license, Lundbeck.
The FDA has not removed the license for Winstrol to be used in the US when provided via a prescription.
Although it is no longer widely used in the US for humans, it remains a valuable drug for veterinary purposes and is used to stimulate appetite, promote muscle growth and increase the red blood cell count.
Can it be Taken on its Own?
It has some significant benefits when stacked with other drugs, but it can be also used in a Winstrol only cycle.
With no water retention and arguably some of the best results for performance enhancement and lean muscle definition, the effect of Winstrol alone in the cutting cycle can be excellent.
However, there are some negatives to using this steroid alone. In a stack, lower doses can potentially be used, thus reducing the possible toxic effects on the liver. When used by itself, there’s a much greater hepatic load and a greater risk of liver problems.
The other issue with a solo cycle is that the LDL in cholesterol can be significantly raised, and again, this risk is enhanced with greater dose levels. By using this compound on its own, cholesterol levels may be more adversely affected.
These potential side effects do not mean it should never be used alone, but caution must be exercised.
Stacking Info
Because of the potential damage to the liver, it’s essential not to stack Winstrol with any other C17 alpha alkylated anabolic steroid.
However, this doesn’t mean that it must only be used on its own; it can be stacked with other drugs to optimize the effects, providing you know which ones are safe.
Equipoise, Trenbolone, Arimidex and Testosterone work particularly well during a cutting cycle and combine for the best effects. Generally, any stack based on Testosterone and Equipoise with Winstrol will work well.
Females can stack with Primobolan and low doses of Equipoise if it can be tolerated without causing side effects.
How it is Administered
It is a particularly flexible anabolic steroid and provides different options for use. You can take this steroid both orally and via an injection to achieve optimal results.
The before and after results are considered to be identical for both the oral and injectable forms, and the side effects are similar too. There is, however, a difference in price, with the depot version being more expensive, around double the cost.
Most injectable steroids are oil based but depot Wini is water based; some reports suggest that this can make it quite painful compared to other injectable drugs.
There is also a liquid form of Winstrol but its efficacy isn’t entirely proven. Those who use this form of the steroid typically hold it under the tongue for up to 20 seconds as this is thought to heighten bio-availability. The injectable form which is presented as a liquid is not suitable for oral consumption.
Dosage Info
The dosage is much narrower than with other anabolic steroids, with far less variance.
Orally, Winstrol cycles typically start at around 50mg and this dose can be very effective. To squeeze the maximum results it’s possible to increase to 100mg, but to do this for the full six-week cycle is incredibly risky and likely to lead to hepatic side effects.
Some athletes combat this by taking Winstrol at 50mg for four weeks and then upping the dose to 100mg in the last fortnight of a cycle. This is especially beneficial for the purposes of competing.
Using this compound in this way maximizes the desired result for bodybuilders without substantially increasing the risk to the liver.
For women, the recommended dosage is much lower, just 10-20mg per day.
Athletes outside bodybuilding who are looking for an improvement in their performance without the associated muscle gains will also typically supplement at a much lower dose too.
Half-life Info
Winstrol has a very short half-life and doesn’t remain in the body for long. The oral variant has a half-life of just 8-9 hours while the injectable form is slightly longer at 18-24 hours.
Because of the longer effect of the depot Winstrol, there’s no need to split the dose to keep blood levels stable.
The oral dose can be split in order to prevent peaks and troughs; it’s generally better to take the pills before a meal to minimize any digestive disturbance.
Positive Effects
Winstrol for weight loss is undoubtedly one of the major benefits and achieves this in two ways. As well as helping to eliminate excess fat by creating additional lactic acid, it also acts as a diuretic, shedding unwanted water.
This is why the before and after pictures of users of this steroid are quite impressive.
But it does more than just define and sculpt the muscles, it is also great for enhancing performance by increasing strength and power, and building endurance.
Away from its athletic effects, Winstrol can help to boost the red blood cell count and strengthen the bones, which is why it was prescribed for osteoporosis and anaemia previously in the US.
Potential Side Effects
The side effects for men are often comparatively mild compared to other steroids, particularly given its potent results. It’s not an estrogenic compound making it a drug of choice for men who are particularly sensitive to any aromatizing effects.
Some of the potential side effects include:
• changes to libido – either increasing or decreasing
• headaches
• sleep irregularities – either falling or remaining asleep
• hair loss
• raised cholesterol
• acne and greasy skin
The latter tends to occur primarily in individuals who are already prone to this problem.
Hair Loss
Hair loss will only occur in individuals who were already at risk of developing male pattern baldness, but the effects may be irreversible. Therefore, if there is a history of male pattern baldness Winstrol may be best avoided.
Liver Toxicity
The benefits from this steroid are significant and for the most part, the side effects are relatively mild making this drug particularly attractive. However, the one exception is the potential liver toxicity.
As a C17-alpha-alkylated anabolic steroid, there is considerable toxicity to the liver so the recommended cycle should never be exceeded. It’s also essential not to use another C17-aa steroid in a Winstrol stack to avoid damaging the liver.
At its very highest doses, when taken for a prolonged period, it has been associated with malignancy and liver damage.
Providing the dosage is not too high, the advised cycle length is adhered to and there are no pre-existing problems such as liver disease or alcoholism, this steroid may be well tolerated.
Contraindications
For many athletes, gains can be achieved without any risk to their personal health. However, the question of “is Winstrol safe?” must be considered as a top priority, and for some individuals, pre-existing conditions mean the steroid shouldn’t be taken.
It may be contraindicated if you have, or have had, any of the following:
• breast cancer
• prostate cancer
• heart attack
• raised blood calcium levels
• raised cholesterol
• clotting or bleeding issues
• diabetes
• liver or kidney problems
• you take anticoagulants
In some cases, you may be able to take this drug but at a modified dose. If you have had, or currently have, any of the above you should not take it without first seeking qualified professional advice from a physician.
In addition, it has been shown to lead to birth defects so should not be taken by pregnant women. It’s not known whether it has the ability to pass through breast milk so is also not recommended for women who are breastfeeding either.
Is this Steroid Best Suited to Cutting, Bulking or Both?
Like many other steroids, good results can be seen during both the cutting and the bulking cycles. However, the side effects of Winstrol carry such a risk that it’s generally reserved for when it’s most effective: during the cutting cycle.
Fat loss from using this steroid is impressive, providing the individual with much more definition and leaner, harder muscle tissue. When taking this compound the weight loss can be significant, yet lean muscle tissue is still preserved, making it ideal for the cutting cycle. Because of these qualities, it’s highly sought after even though it is considered to be one of the potentially more toxic steroids.
There is some benefit to using it during the bulking phase too; the Winstrol effects allow the retention of lean muscle tissue, so it can be added to a stack. However, because it’s highly toxic, the majority of bodybuilders opt to hold it back to get the optimal impact, only using it during the cutting cycle.
Is it Safe for Women to Use?
Woman who use this steroid can expect some positive effects, such as, providing extra lean muscle tissue and hardness to the definition of the body.
Unlike some other anabolic steroids, the androgenic effect for Winstrol is relatively weak. This means it can be used much more safely for women without such a high risk of unwanted effects.
Nevertheless, there is a small chance that virilization will occur so any female taking Winstrol will have to be vigilant for signs such as facial hair growth, deepening of the voice, enlarged clitoris and changes to their menstrual cycle. It’s important to identify these changes as quickly as possible as intake will need to be immediately ceased to prevent a permanent reaction.
Type of PCT Needed After the End of the Cycle
Anabolic steroids such as Winstrol stop testosterone being produced at regular levels so when the drug is ceased, a course of PCT is necessary to return the body to normal. PCT is only required when all steroid therapy is being stopped for 12 weeks or longer.
The optimal way to re-balance the body is to combine a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) with HCG.
The half-life is relatively short so the HCG should be commenced three days after the last dose is taken. Take HCG for 10 days before switching to SERM for a further 4-6 weeks. The dose of the SERM should be reduced by half every two weeks.
Typical Cost to Buy
Because the drug isn’t legal to purchase for sporting and recreational use in the US, it’s only possible to buy Stanozolol from either the black market or from overseas sources.
This steroid comes in 2 forms: oral and injectable Winstrol. The price will depend on which you want to buy; both can be purchased readily online.
The tablet variant typically come in either 10mg or 50mg strengths. Oral Winstrol typically costs up to $150 for a full 6 week supply of 50mg. This works out as the much cheaper option when compared to the depot form.
Buying in its injectable form is more expensive and can cost up to $300 for the full 6-week cycle.
Where you buy it is very important because there’s a number of underground production factories which either manufacture it in unsanitary conditions or else don’t provide the full strength.
Looking for a cut-price offer is, therefore, a risky business and means you could end up paying for something which is worthless.
Stick to buying Winstrol online from sources that you trust and recognize to be sure you receive the maximum benefit.
Sports that Use it
The reviews for this steroid from bodybuilders have been consistently positive, with rave comments about the benefits that it brings including endurance, improved strength and maintenance of lean muscle tissue. For this reason, it’s been one of the most popular steroids in bodybuilding, particularly in cutting cycles for many years.
But the benefits have not just been recognized in bodybuilding; the effects mean that the steroid has been popular in other sports too.
Winstrol was at the centre of one of the biggest scandals to ever hit athletics: the Ben Johnson affair. The 100-meter sprint final in the 1988 Olympics was won by Canadian Johnson, beating the inform US superstar Carl Lewis but on testing, he was found to have taken this steroid.
Many experts suggest that this scandal was the tipping point for the FDA and prompted them to begin to classify anabolic steroids as a Class III controlled substance.
Although Johnson was arguably the highest profile case, athletics and other sports have been rife with examples of sportsmen and women who have been caught using it.
Field athletics events such as shot put as well as mixed martial arts, baseball, soccer, rugby and speed walking have all been linked with the use of this steroid at one point or another.
As well as being used within human sports, there are suggestions that horses are often given this drug in racing. This is because it ups the number of oxygen-carrying red blood cells and increases their muscle strength, giving them a competitive advantage over their rivals. It is however not legal and has been the centre of some horse doping scandals in the past.
Legality of Purchase and its Usage in the US
In the US, anabolic steroids are classified as Schedule III drugs under the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule III drugs are considered to have less potential for abuse than drugs named under Schedules I and II but still hold the potential for either psychological or physical dependence.
Anabolic steroids such as Winstrol, are legal in the US only when obtained via a physician for a legitimate medical cause. Recreational use, such as to improve muscle mass, would not be an accepted legal use in the US and a physician could not write a prescription on this basis.
In other countries, such as the UK, Winstrol is a Class C drug. This is similar to the US, except that although it is illegal to sell it, in the UK it’s legal to own it. The US stance is much stricter, making possession illegal too.
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