Stanozolol is a synthetic anabolic steroid derived from dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and modified through 17α-alkylation to allow oral bioavailability. Originally developed in the 1960s for medical and veterinary use, it was prescribed for treating anemia and hereditary angioedema, and later adopted in sports for its performance-enhancing and physique-defining effects.
Unlike many anabolic steroids, stanozolol does not convert to estrogen, which eliminates the risk of water retention or gynecomastia. It is primarily used during cutting cycles, where the goal is to preserve lean muscle mass and achieve a hard, dry, and vascular look.
Because of its mild anabolic yet strong cosmetic properties, stanozolol is favored by bodybuilders, track athletes, and fighters who need to maintain strength and speed without significant weight gain.
Main effects of stanozolol
💪 Increases muscle hardness and definition
🔥 Promotes fat metabolism and a “dry” physique
⚡ Enhances strength, endurance, and overall performance
🏋️ Boosts free testosterone by reducing SHBG levels
💧 Eliminates water retention for a leaner appearance
🧬 May show mild anti-estrogenic and anti-progestogenic activity
How to take stanozolol
Administration
Route: oral, taken with water
Frequency: daily, divided into 2–3 doses to maintain stable plasma levels
Half-life: 8–9 hours
Dosage
Men: 30–50 mg per day (3–5 tablets of 10 mg)
Athletes focused on endurance or speed: 10–20 mg per day
Cycle duration: 4–6 weeks
After the cycle, post-cycle therapy (PCT) with clomiphene citrate (25–50 mg/day for 2–3 weeks) is recommended to help restore natural testosterone production.
Possible side effects
Joint pain or stiffness due to reduced synovial fluid
Elevated liver enzymes (hepatotoxicity from 17α-alkylation)
Increase in LDL cholesterol and blood pressure
Androgenic reactions such as acne, oily skin, or hair loss
Suppression of natural testosterone production
Most users reduce these risks by stacking stanozolol with testosterone or nandrolone for joint support and hormonal balance.
Contraindications
Liver disease or elevated liver enzymes
Prostate or breast cancer
Cardiovascular conditions or high cholesterol
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Known hypersensitivity to anabolic steroids
How to store
Keep at room temperature (20–25 °C / 68–77 °F)
Store in a dry, dark place, away from sunlight and moisture
Keep out of reach of children
How does stanozolol work
Stanozolol exerts its effects by binding to androgen receptors in muscle and fat tissues, activating anabolic signaling pathways that promote protein synthesis and nitrogen retention. This mechanism supports lean muscle preservation during caloric restriction.
It also reduces sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) by up to 50%, thereby increasing the concentration of free, active testosterone in the blood. This amplification effect enhances the efficiency of other anabolic compounds taken alongside stanozolol.
Additionally, stanozolol displays anti-glucocorticoid activity, helping to prevent muscle breakdown, and may inhibit progesterone receptors, contributing to its “drying” and muscle-hardening effects.
Overall, stanozolol is one of the most versatile and reliable oral steroids for achieving a defined, aesthetic, and competition-ready physique, with rapid visible results and minimal estrogen-related side effects.
