One of the most popular androgenic and anabolic steroids (AAS), is Stanozolol, known by its pharmaceutical brand name Winstrol, and commonly referred to in the bodybuilding community as “Winnie”. Winstrol is one of the most powerful anabolic oral steroids to date, with nearly 22% more binding affinity than dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Studies have shown that anabolic steroids like Winstrol, with high tissue-selectivity to the androgen receptor, increase anabolism, without an equal increase in androgenic activity. We’re going to discuss what Winstrol or stanozolol does, how it works, the benefits, the side effects, and what the current research shows.

What Is Winstrol (Stanozolol)

Winstrol is a 17α-alkylated steroid. Stanozolol is an oral androgen derived from dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that has a 17-alpha methyl substituent.

In the 1940s, it was discovered that 17α alkyl substitution retards the presystemic metabolism of testosterone, extending its half-life and making it orally active.

Stanozolol was brought to market and made commercially available by Winthrop pharmaceuticals, under the name Winstrol and by pharmaceutical behemoth Bayer.

Stanozolol has a long and complex history, in its prescribed indications and use. Since the Kefauver–Harris Amendment or "Drug Efficacy Amendment" in 1962, in which the FDA introduced a requirement for drug manufacturers to provide proof of effectiveness and safety of their drugs before approval, Winstrol has gone through many acquisitions and indications of use.

Winstrol was originally indicated for treatment of osteoporosis, due to the bone-tissue selectivity, and increases in bone mineral density. The FDA required more data to support its efficacy, yet due to limited treatment options, was given extended periods of time to provide substantiated evidence and research. Since the 1980’s Winstrol has been acquired and sold by several different pharmaceutical companies. In 2010, the FDA withdrew the application and approval of Winstrol, by Novartis.

Winstrol was used for a myriad of indications, such as muscle wasting, severe burns, ulcerative colitis, anemia, and endocrine deficiencies.

Today, stanozolol is approved for use in the treatment of hereditary angioedema.

How Does Winstrol Work, What Does Winstrol Do

As an AAS, Winstrol is an agonist of the androgen receptor (AR). Unlike testosterone, Winstrol, is not a substrate for 5α-reductase, as it is already 5α reduced, therefore, it is not potentiated in androgenic tissues such as the skin, hair follicles, and prostate gland. This results in less virilizing effects, and a greater ratio of anabolic to androgenic activity.

17α-alkylated steroids, are non-aromatic and do not convert or aromatize to estradiol, which binds to the estrogen receptor (ER), and has no propensity for producing estrogenic effects, such as gynecomastia or fluid retention.

Activation of the androgen receptor stimulates protein synthesis, which increases muscle growth, lean body mass and bone mineral density.

Anabolic steroids are structural modifications or analogs of testosterone. These modifications are performed to minimize the androgenic effects associated with testosterone and to maximize the anabolic effects.

Androgens exert their effects in many parts of the body, including reproductive tissues, muscle, bone, hair follicles in the skin, the liver and kidneys, and the haematopoietic, immune and central nervous systems [R].

The androgenic effects of these hormones can be generally considered as those associated with masculinization – also called virilization, while anabolic effects as those associated with protein building in skeletal muscle and bone.

Thus, by using AASs, such as Winstrol, it will suppress natural testosterone levels, resulting in an unfavorable balance of estrogen and testosterone.

While structural modifications of AAS, will reduce androgenic effects, however, will not completely be removed.

Winstrol like other AAS, has an anticatabolic effect by interfering with glucocorticoid receptor expression.

Winstrol Stanozolol Benefits

Increases Lean Body Mass

AASs like Winstrol, have high tissue-selectivity for muscle and bone. Androgen receptor stimulation increases muscle protein synthesis and helps in nitrogen retention.

Studies have shown that Winstrol can increase lean body mass and levels of physical activity [R]. Winstrol has been shown to be 3x more anabolic than testosterone, with nearly 22% more binding affinity than dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Winstrol, Stanozolol Side Effects

First and foremost, winstrol will suppress natural testosterone levels.

The use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) suppresses the secretion of the pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH), sexual binding hormone binding glubulin (SHBG), and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). This effect results from negative feedback of androgens on the hypothalamic-pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis.

The proven adverse effects of AASs include suppression of the gonadal axis and infertility, hirsutism and defeminization in women, and erythrocytosis. Although, considering that winstrol has a high binding affinity for muscle and bone tissue, virilizing effects, will be minimized as compared to testosterone and other testosterone derivatives. Thus, Winstrol is a popular steroid used by women.

Winstrol is non-aromatic, and not aromatized to estrogen, which may cause a hormonal imbalance, between testosterone and estrogen.

Winstrol, is already 5α reduced, therefore, it is not potentiated in androgenic tissues such as the skin, hair follicles, and prostate gland. Although androgenic effects still exists, this is why it is referred to as an anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS). Anabolic steroid induced hypogonadism (ASIH), can also occur.

Winstrol has high liver toxicity, and can cause hepatoxicity, due to the oral nature and molecular structure.

Disclaimer: Swolverine does not condone the use or sell steroidal or non-steroidal SARMS or anabolics. The contents of this article are for informational purposes only. Winstrol is not for sale in the United States for off label use. Possessing, using, or distributing these substances may lead to serious legal consequences. Winstrol is on the WADA prohibited banned substance list and will cause a failed drug test.

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