What are the side effects of Anavar?

What is Anavar?

Anavar, also known as Oxandrolone, is part of a class of drugs called androgenic-anabolic steroids (AAS), which are used to increase muscle mass. Medically, Anavar is prescribed to treat catabolic disorders, including certain cancers, Turner’s syndrome, and HIV/AIDS, as well as to aid in weight gain for individuals struggling to maintain a healthy weight.

However, Anavar is also widely used by bodybuilders, weightlifters, and athletes to enhance muscle mass, strength, and endurance—often illegally without a prescription. While Anavar can be effective for body composition and performance, it is important to understand both its potential risks. If you're looking to enhance sports performance through safer, legal alternatives, check out Welzo's Sports Performance products. 

What Are the Side Effects of Anavar?

Anavar is one of the most commonly used anabolic steroids in the fitness industry. Every year, millions of people take Anavar to support weight loss, muscle gain, and strength development. Medically, Anavar is FDA-approved for individuals recovering from surgery, chronic infections, or severe trauma, and it is also prescribed to help reduce osteoporosis-related bone pain.

However, when overused or misused, Anavar can have serious side effects, particularly on liver health and hormone balance. The extent of these side effects depends on several factors, including dosage, duration of use, and whether it is combined with other anabolic steroids. Those using Anavar should consider liver support supplements like SAN Liver Support Formula and Support Liver 90 Caps by Biomatrix to help protect against potential liver toxicity. Additionally, compounds like Swanson Berberine Plus with Bitter Melon & Milk Thistle may support liver detoxification and overall metabolic health.

One of the most common concerns with Anavar use is testosterone suppression, which can lead to low energy, reduced muscle gains, and hormonal imbalances. To counteract this, many users turn to Testosterone Supplements to support natural hormone production post-cycle. Additionally, athletes and bodybuilders monitoring their health can benefit from regular Bodybuilder Blood Work to check for any hormonal imbalances, liver stress, or cardiovascular risks associated with steroid use.

Before considering Anavar—or any performance-enhancing drug—it’s essential to weigh the risks and benefits and explore safer alternatives through proper supplementation and nutrition.

Headaches

Overdosing on Anavar may result in headaches. There are many ways in which steroids might result in headaches.

• Blood pressure: Anavar causes headaches by raising blood pressure. Since they are made of cholesterol, your body may readily turn them into fat, allowing them to accomplish this. When you consume meals like steak or butter that are heavy in saturated fats, your bloodstream will become overloaded with cholesterol, which can result in headaches.
• CSF production: By increasing CSF fluid production, Anavar can produce headaches. Headaches may result from the pressure that this increased CSF fluid production may exert on the brain's nerves.
• Vasoconstrictive role: Anavar is a vasoconstrictor. It can potentially impact the blood vessels in your head, resulting in headaches.

How long do Anavar-induced headaches last?

Even days or weeks after the use of the steroids is discontinued, Anavar might cause excruciating headaches. While some people may see effects immediately (within an hour of taking their medicine), others might not until they stop taking it altogether!

How can Anavar-induced headaches be avoided?

You can reduce the risk of anabolic steroid-related headaches by doing the following things:

• Try to take your prescriptions every day at the same time
• Drink many liquids, particularly water
• Get sufficient sleep
• Avoid headache-inducing triggers like bright lights, loud noises, and strong odours
• Make sure you take the right dosage of medications your doctor has prescribed

Acne and Skin problems

Acne is a skin disorder characterized by excess sebum, an oily substance secreted by the sebaceous glands. Sebum, bacteria, and dead skin cells combine to cause acne, which can result in clogged pores. Pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads may develop as a result. Acne is one of the possible side effects of Anavar. Any portion of the body with hair follicles can develop acne, ranging from moderate to severe diseases.

Kidney damage

The kidney mostly metabolizes Anavar. Therefore, it puts more pressure on them than on the liver. There is a chance that this will stress the kidneys and cause them to scar, a condition known as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. When the kidneys are overworked, this condition often develops.

The kidneys must filter blood more quickly due to severe gains in muscle mass, which puts harmful strain on these organs. Athletes using anabolic steroids should be aware of kidney complications, which might be quite serious.

Liver toxicity

Hepatic dysfunctions caused by Anavar use can include increases in liver function enzymes, Peliosis hepatis, chronic infection, and worries about hepatocellular cancer.

Peliosis Hepatis is a liver disease caused by Anavar that causes blood-filled cysts to develop in the liver and occasionally the spleen. The cysts can develop and build up inside the liver, taking the place of healthy liver cells and potentially causing liver failure and dysfunction. Withdrawing the drug may stop cyst growth and cyst regression.

Liver stress is normally quite tolerable because Anavar is a mild anabolic steroid, and the kidneys are also trying to process the substance. To stop further liver inflammation, users should not take Anavar with hepatotoxic drugs or alcohol. Additionally, individuals should avoid taking Anavar if they already have an inflamed or damaged liver. For most users, the liver's stress level from Anavar is typically not an issue because the organ is quite resilient, even under abusive conditions. After the cycle, ALT/AST enzyme levels usually return to normal within a brief period.

Infertility

The luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), essential for sperm production, are decreased by long-term anabolic activity. This can result in a decrease in sperm count and motility. Within 24 hours of starting anabolic steroid use, decreases in LH and FSH might be noticed, and infertility may follow within a few months. Infertility may usually be reversed within a year of quitting steroid usage, but it sometimes takes longer, especially in chronic users.

Impaired Glucose Tolerance

The use of anabolic steroids has been related to type 2 diabetes and has been demonstrated to alter the body's capacity to handle glucose. This can affect your health and raise your chances of kidney damage, heart disease, strokes, and blindness. Fasting blood sugar testing can help detect this early, before the onset of serious problems.

Blood Disorders

Anabolic steroids stimulate levels of haemoglobin (the proteins that carry oxygen in red blood cells) and haematocrit (the percentage of red blood cells in the blood). It leads to a disease known as sludging or polycythaemia. This makes the blood thicker, which in some people can cause the development of potentially fatal blood clots in the bloodstream.

Thyroid dysfunction

Anabolic steroids have been observed to affect thyroid function negatively. A thyroid hormone imbalance can result in various health problems, such as water retention.

Heart diseases

Multiple studies have examined how Anavar affects athletes' and bodybuilders' cardiovascular systems. The possibility of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and heart disease, including angina, heart attacks, and sudden cardiac death, is increased by using Anavar since it increases levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) and decreases levels of HDL (good cholesterol).

Anabolic steroid use raises C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels. CRP is an indicator of inflammation in the body, and there is evidence that persistently elevated levels may predispose people to cardiovascular disease.

Chronic steroid use can alter the heart muscle, leading to a disease called left ventricular hypertrophy. In this disease, the walls of the heart's main pumping chamber expand and thicken. As the heart muscle gets large, it becomes less elastic and may eventually stop pumping as forcefully as it should. Heart failure is a significant cause of death and disability in older people.

Some cases of potent anabolic steroid usage have been linked to high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol levels raising the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Mood swings, Anxiety, and Depression

According to research, consuming moderate to high doses of anabolic steroids is linked to several psychiatric conditions, such as anxiety, 'roid' rage (aggression), mood problems, sleeplessness, and extreme tiredness.

High doses of Anavar affect the brain’s serotonin and dopamine neurotransmitter systems. Dopamine is the chemical that makes you feel good and supports healthy habits like eating, exercising, and making friends. Serotonin regulates several physiological functions, including your emotions. Despite the ongoing study, several studies demonstrate that abusing steroids affects these systems and produces a variety of behavioural abnormalities and psychiatric illnesses.

Hair loss

As a Class 1 anabolic steroid, Anavar has a weak anabolic effect and little androgenic activity. Anavar is made from the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Hair loss is one of the negative hormonal effects of many anabolic steroids. Steroid use results in higher levels of dihydrotestosterone and testosterone production in the body. DHT overproduction is known to result in hair loss. It stimulates the hair follicles to contract, which results in a shorter anagen phase—the active growth phase—of the hair cycle. In parallel, the telogen period of rest is prolonged. These mechanisms cause hair thinning and hair loss.

Sexual changes

Anavar use has been observed to lower sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels. Lowering SHBG increases endogenous testosterone levels.

• For men, it may result in medical conditions like altered sex desires, frequent or extended erections, breast enlargement, reduced sperm count, and sterility.
• Women receiving Oxandrolone may develop male characteristics, excess testosterone production, decreased breast milk production, enlarged clitoris, excess facial hair, and irregular menstrual cycles.

Nausea and vomiting

Nausea is yet another negative side effect that you can encounter. Nausea is an uncomfortable feeling in the stomach and the wanting to vomit. If you overuse anabolic steroids, this could become a chronic side effect.

How does Anavar work in the body?

It works by increasing protein synthesis. This protein helps people gain body weight and develop more muscle. Moreover, it reduces bone and joint pain by improving bone mineralization and collagen formation. There are several ways that anabolic steroids affect the body:

• Heavy weightlifting causes minute microtears in the muscle fibres. In response, Anavar encourages the growth of bigger and newer muscle fibres. Due to the enormous doses people utilize, anabolic drugs frequently produce an extreme version of this reaction by also causing fat burning.
• Anavar stimulates growth hormone (GH), and GH, in turn, enhances IGF-1 (Insulin Growth Factor 1) synthesis. Every cell in the body is affected by IGF-1, but skeletal muscle, cartilage, and bone development are particularly affected.
• Cortisol, sometimes known as the stress hormone, is released during vigorous exercise and tears down muscle tissue. This breakdown is prevented by Anavar, producing an overall anabolic action.
• There is evidence that Anavar may boost cardiac output and oxygen uptake.
• By promoting aggression, Anavar can also enhance sports performance.

What Are the Common Benefits of Anavar Anabolic Steroids?

Anavar increases muscle growth and stops your body from protein catabolism (breaking down protein) without having the undesirable side effects of other anabolic steroids. The most common advantages are as follows:

• Accelerated muscle recovery – Anavar has qualities that can help your body recover from exercise more quickly. It increases androgen receptors in muscles, resulting in accelerated muscle recovery. Pairing this with sports supplements can help maximise performance and recovery.
• Increased nitrogen retention – After engaging in strenuous activity, nitrogen retention can promote a quicker and more complete recovery. Maintaining proper hydration and muscle function with electrolytes can further support endurance and recovery.
• Advanced tissue repair – Taking this drug can also speed up recovery from an injury or after surgery. If you're aiming for better muscle repair and maintenance, muscle pump supplements can improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to aid post-workout healing.

When Should You Not Take Anavar?

If you are allergic to it or have any of the following conditions, you should not use Oxandrolone:

• Prostate cancer
• Acute renal injury
• Excessive blood calcium levels (hypercalcaemia)
• Breast cancer (in men or hypercalcaemic women)
• If you are pregnant

Although Anavar is normally only given for short-term use, some individuals may develop an addiction to it. Unfortunately, most people, especially those who have taken Anavar for longer than recommended, are unprepared for the adverse effects that appear when they stop taking it.

Are There Any Safe Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Alternatives?

There are numerous risk-free, all-natural alternatives to achieve the performance, power, and bulk you desire:

• Consume a balanced and healthy diet rich in protein, fibre, and good fats. Include foods such as eggs, salmon, Greek yoghurt, and quinoa. For those looking to support muscle growth, protein supplements can be a great addition to ensure adequate intake.
• Focus on various muscle groups closely. During a single session, concentrate on muscle groups like the triceps, quads, or biceps. For the best long-term results, switch between different groups. Using sports supplements can help provide the necessary nutrients for sustained performance.
• Set up a regular workout schedule. Whether you aim to get fit, compete, or bulk up, using a fitness app or working with a personal trainer can help keep you on track. Ensuring your body has the right nutritional support is key, and electrolytes can help maintain hydration and prevent muscle fatigue.

By focusing on proper training, nutrition, and supplementation, you can achieve your fitness goals safely without the risks associated with anabolic steroids.

People Also Ask

Is Anavar bad for your stomach?

Anavar, also known as Oxandrolone, is an oral anabolic steroid commonly used to promote weight gain in various medical conditions. While it generally exhibits lower hepatotoxicity compared to other oral steroids, it can still cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in some individuals. These symptoms typically occur at higher doses or with prolonged use. It's essential to consult a healthcare professional if experiencing severe stomach issues while using Anavar.

Does Anavar make you lose weight?

Anavar is often sought after for its ability to promote lean muscle mass and reduce body fat, which can indirectly lead to weight loss in some individuals. However, it's important to note that the primary purpose of Anavar is not weight loss but rather muscle preservation and enhancement. The weight loss observed with Anavar is often attributed to its effects on metabolism and body composition. Individual responses to Anavar can vary, and weight loss outcomes may also depend on factors such as diet, exercise regimen, and overall health status.

What is the safest anabolic steroid?

When discussing safety in the context of anabolic steroids, it's crucial to recognize that all steroids carry risks, especially when misused or abused. However, some steroids are considered safer than others due to their lower potential for adverse effects. Among the safer options, Primobolan (Methenolone) is often cited for its mild nature and relatively low risk of causing serious side effects, especially when used responsibly and under medical supervision. It tends to have fewer androgenic effects compared to other steroids, making it a popular choice for both male and female athletes. Nevertheless, even with safer options like Primobolan, risks still exist, and individuals considering steroid use should weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks and consult with a healthcare professional.

Conclusion

Anavar helps make muscular tissue stiff and strong. Even the loss of stubborn belly fat can be enhanced by it. Unfortunately, many people do not know about the hazards mentioned above, and as a result, they have negative side effects. These side effects might harm your health in addition to being annoying. Another evil that could ruin your life is steroid addiction, which could result from this. By being aware of these dangers, you can find a safer solution for your bodybuilding demands and avoid using these oral steroids. Many countries, including Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom, consider anabolic steroids-controlled substances (illegal steroids). 

Disclaimer:

Anavar (Oxandrolone) is classified as a controlled substance in the UK, meaning it is illegal to buy, sell, or possess without a prescription. The use of anabolic steroids for performance enhancement is not permitted in professional sports and may result in serious health risks. Welzo does not endorse or promote the use of illegal substances. If you are considering muscle-building supplements, we recommend exploring safer, legal alternatives that support sports performance without the risks associated with anabolic steroids.