Anavar Side Effects and Toxicity
Anavar, a brand name for the synthetic anabolic steroid Oxandrolone, was developed in the 1960s as a way to help people gain weight after suffering from various medical conditions.[1, 2] It gained popularity for its mild nature and relatively low risk of adverse effects compared to other steroids.
Anavar gradually found its way into the world of athletics and bodybuilding due to its ability to enhance muscle growth and strength without excessive water retention. Despite its controlled status and potential for abuse, Anavar remains a controversial drug within the fitness and medical communities alike.
- Anavar, scientifically known as Oxandrolone, is an oral synthetic anabolic steroid developed primarily to treat muscle wasting, weight loss due to surgery or infection, and osteoporosis.
- Despite its medical applications, Anavar has gained attention in athletics and bodybuilding due to its muscle growth and strength-enhancing effects, albeit controversially.
- Anavar abuse can lead to various physical and psychological side effects, including liver toxicity, cardiovascular issues, hormone imbalances, mood disturbances, reproductive issues, skin problems, hair loss, and more.
What is Anavar?
Anavar, scientifically known as Oxandrolone, is an oral synthetic anabolic steroid that belongs to the class of androgenic medications. It was primarily created to treat various medical conditions such as muscle wasting, weight loss due to surgery or infection, and osteoporosis.[3]
Despite its medical applications, Anavar has also garnered attention in the realm of athletics and bodybuilding for its performance-enhancing effects.[4] Athletes and bodybuilders have been drawn to Anavar due to its ability to promote muscle growth and strength gains while often causing fewer androgenic side effects compared to other steroids. However, its use in sports is often controversial and subject to regulations due to concerns about unfair advantages and potential health risks associated with steroid abuse.
Like other anabolic steroids, Anavar carries potential risks and side effects as well, especially when used improperly or in high doses.[5] Common side effects may include liver toxicity, suppression of natural testosterone production, cardiovascular issues, and mood disturbances.
Additionally, because Anavar is often obtained through illicit means outside of medical supervision, users may be at risk of consuming counterfeit or contaminated products, further increasing the potential for adverse health outcomes.
Anavar Addiction and Abuse
Anavar, like other anabolic steroids, carries the potential for addiction and abuse, particularly in the context of athletic performance enhancement or bodybuilding. While Anavar may offer benefits in medical scenarios under proper supervision, its misuse for non-medical purposes can lead to dependence and adverse health effects.
People who abuse Anavar often do so to enhance their physical appearance, improve athletic performance, or accelerate muscle growth.[6] This misuse typically involves taking doses higher than those recommended by healthcare professionals or using Anavar in combination with other performance-enhancing substances, a practice known as stacking. The desire for rapid results and an ideal physique can drive people to exceed safe dosages and neglect the potential health risks associated with steroid abuse.
Anavar abuse can lead to various physical and psychological side effects as well. Physically, prolonged misuse of Anavar can contribute to liver damage, cardiovascular problems, hormone imbalances, and reproductive issues.[7] Psychologically, users may experience mood swings, aggression, irritability, and dependency on the drug to maintain their desired physique or performance levels.
It’s also important to note that Anavar addiction can develop due to the drug’s potential to induce euphoria and enhance self-esteem, leading individuals to develop a psychological dependence on its effects. Over time, this dependence can escalate into a full-blown addiction, characterized by compulsive drug-seeking behavior despite negative consequences on one’s health, relationships, and overall well-being.
Anavar Addiction
Anavar Quick Reference Chart
Drug Category
Anabolic Steroids
Commercial & Street Names
Juice, roids, stackers, steroids
DEA Schedule
Schedule III
Administration
Injection, oral
What Are the Common Anavar Side Effects Females and Males May Experience?
Anavar abuse can lead to various physical and psychological side effects, which may vary depending on factors such as dosage, duration of use, individual physiology, and any underlying health conditions.
Some common side effects associated with Anavar abuse include:[8]
Liver toxicity:
Prolonged or excessive use of Anavar can strain the liver and potentially lead to liver damage or dysfunction, manifested by symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain, and elevated liver enzymes.
Cardiovascular issues:
Anavar abuse may contribute to cardiovascular problems such as hypertension (high blood pressure), increased risk of heart attack or stroke, and adverse changes in cholesterol levels, including decreased levels of HDL (good) cholesterol and increased levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Hormone imbalances:
Anavar abuse can disrupt the body’s natural hormone production, leading to hormonal imbalances. In particular, Anavar may suppress the production of testosterone, which can result in symptoms such as testicular atrophy (shrinkage of the testicles), Anavar erectile dysfunction, and infertility. Anavar and libido function are also linked, and those who take it may experience a decreased sex drive.
Mood disturbances:
Anavar abuse may cause mood swings, irritability, aggression, and anxiety. These psychological side effects can negatively impact relationships, work performance, and overall well-being.
Reproductive issues:
In both men and women, Anavar abuse can disrupt reproductive function and fertility. In men, this may manifest as decreased sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm quality, while the Anavar side effects females may experience include irregular menstrual cycles, disruptions in ovulation, and changes in libido.
Acne and other skin issues:
Anavar abuse can exacerbate acne and other skin problems, including oily skin, cysts, and acne breakouts, particularly on the face, chest, and back.
Hair loss:
Anavar abuse may accelerate hair loss or male-pattern baldness, especially in individuals predisposed to genetic hair loss
Virilization (in women):
Female users of Anavar may experience virilization, which involves the development of masculine characteristics such as deepening of the voice, growth of facial or body hair (hirsutism), and clitoral enlargement.
How Does Anavar Make You Feel?
The effects of Anavar, both physical and psychological, can vary widely depending on factors such as dosage, duration of use, individual physiology, and any underlying health conditions. Initially, Anavar may produce a range of positive feelings and sensations, including increased energy, enhanced mood, and a sense of confidence.
Users may also experience improvements in strength, endurance, and muscle definition, which can contribute to feelings of accomplishment and satisfaction, particularly in the context of athletic performance or bodybuilding.
How Can Anavar Affect Libido?
Like any other anabolic steroid, Anavar can have varied effects on libido, depending on factors such as dosage, duration of use, your individual physiology, and any underlying health conditions.[9] In some cases, Anavar may positively impact libido by increasing feelings of confidence, energy, and assertiveness, which can contribute to a heightened interest in sexual activity.
However, it’s important to recognize that Anavar can also have adverse effects on libido, especially with prolonged or excessive use. One of the potential side effects of Anavar abuse is a disruption in natural hormone production, including a decrease in testosterone levels.
Testosterone plays a crucial role in regulating libido and sexual function in both men and women, so a decrease in testosterone levels can lead to a reduction in sexual desire and performance – including erectile dysfunction in men and virilization in women.
What Kinds of Treatment Are Available for Anavar Abuse?
Recovery from steroid abuse involves a comprehensive approach that addresses the physical, psychological, and social aspects of addiction.
Several treatment options are available to support you on the journey to healing and recovery, including:
Frequently Asked Questions About Anavar Side Effects and Toxicity
Does Anavar affect cholesterol levels?
Anavar use can indeed affect cholesterol levels. It often leads to a decrease in HDL (good) cholesterol and an increase in LDL (bad) cholesterol. This alteration in cholesterol levels can contribute to cardiovascular issues and increase the risk of heart disease, particularly when Anavar is used for an extended period or at high doses.
What are the risks of long-term Anavar use?
Long-term Anavar use poses several risks to your health. Chronic use can lead to possible side effects such as liver toxicity, cardiovascular issues such as hypertension and increased risk of heart attack or stroke, and more. Additionally, prolonged use of Anavar increases the likelihood of developing dependence or addiction to the drug, along with liver failure and an increased chance of prostate cancer.
How does Anavar toxicity compare to other steroids?
While Anavar is often considered to have a milder profile compared to many other steroids, it still carries the risk of toxicity, particularly with prolonged or excessive use. Anavar’s toxicity primarily affects the liver, leading to liver damage or dysfunction over time. Compared to some other oral steroids, Anavar may have a lower potential for liver toxicity, but it is still essential to monitor liver function regularly during Anavar use and to use the drug responsibly to minimize the risk of adverse effects.
Sources
[1,3] Oxandrolone: MedlinePlus Drug Information. (n.d.). Medlineplus.gov. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a604024.html on June 10, 2024
[2] PubChem. (n.d.). Anavar. Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Anavar#section=Therapeutic-Uses on June 10, 2024
[4] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2023, May). Anabolic Steroids and Other Appearance and Performance Enhancing Drugs (APEDs). National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/anabolic-steroids on June 10, 2024
[5] Talih, F., Fattal, O., & Malone, D. (2007). Anabolic steroid abuse: psychiatric and physical costs. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, 74(5), 341–344. https://www.ccjm.org/content/ccjom/74/5/341.full.pdf on June 10, 2024
[6] Dodge, T., & Hoagland, M. F. (2011). The use of anabolic androgenic steroids and polypharmacy: A review of the literature. Drug and Alcohol Dependence. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2010.11.011 on June 10, 2024
[7] Steroids. (2012). Vic.gov.au. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/steroids on June 10, 2024
[8] Cleveland Clinic. (2023, February 7). Anabolic Steroids. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/5521-anabolic-steroids on June 10, 2024
[9] Armstrong, J. M., Avant, R. A., Charchenko, C. M., Westerman, M. E., Ziegelmann, M. J., Miest, T. S., & Trost, L. W. (2018). Impact of anabolic androgenic steroids on sexual function. Translational Andrology and Urology, 7(3), 483–489. https://doi.org/10.21037/tau.2018.04.23 on June 10, 2024
