What Is Anavar (Oxandrolone)? The Complete UK Guide (2025)

What Is Anavar?

Anavar (generic name: oxandrolone) is an oral anabolic steroid first synthesised in 1962 by Searle Laboratories. Developed originally to treat muscle-wasting conditions, burn victims, and osteoporosis, it quickly gained a reputation among athletes and bodybuilders for its remarkable ability to build lean, hard muscle with minimal side effects — a combination that remains rare in the world of performance enhancement.

Anavar has a moderate anabolic rating of 322–630 relative to testosterone (which is rated 100), yet its androgenic rating is only 24. This enormous anabolic-to-androgenic ratio is what makes it one of the safest oral steroids available and the most popular choice for women.

Anavar oxandrolone complete UK guide - dosage, cycles, side effects — Anavar: the gold standard oral steroid for lean muscle and cutting

What Does Anavar Do?

Anavar’s effects are distinctive compared to other oral steroids like Dianabol. Rather than adding large amounts of water-retaining mass, Anavar produces:

Lean, dry muscle gains: Increases nitrogen retention and protein synthesis for quality muscle with no water bloat.
Strength increases: ATP regeneration is enhanced, leading to significant strength gains disproportionate to the scale of muscle gained.
Fat loss: Anavar directly promotes lipolysis and is particularly effective at reducing visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat.
Muscle preservation: Strongly anti-catabolic — ideal for cutting phases where caloric restriction would otherwise cause muscle loss.
Pumps: Enhanced intramuscular creatine retention gives dramatic muscle pumps during training.

Anavar vs Other Oral Steroids

Compared to Dianabol, which is the quintessential bulking oral, Anavar sits at the opposite end of the spectrum. There is no aromatisation (conversion to oestrogen), meaning no gynecomastia risk and no water retention. Results are slower and more subtle but higher quality — and they stay after the cycle ends. For a direct comparison, see our Dianabol vs Anavar guide.

Anavar Dosage Overview

Anavar dosage by experience level - men and women mg per day — Anavar dosage varies significantly by gender and experience level

Dosing is one area where Anavar is notably different between men and women:

Women: 5–10 mg/day is the standard range. This produces excellent results with minimal side effect risk.
Men (beginner): 20–40 mg/day for 6–8 weeks.
Men (intermediate): 40–60 mg/day for 8 weeks.
Men (advanced): 60–80 mg/day for 8–10 weeks.

For complete cycle protocols see our Anavar Dosage & Cycle Guide.

Is Anavar Safe?

Relative to other anabolic steroids, yes — Anavar has one of the safest profiles available. Key considerations:

Liver: As an oral C-17 alpha-alkylated steroid, Anavar is hepatotoxic. However, it is significantly less liver toxic than Dianabol, Anadrol, or Winstrol. Liver support (TUDCA, NAC) is still recommended for cycles exceeding 6 weeks.
Testosterone suppression: Anavar suppresses natural testosterone production, so a proper PCT with Nolvadex or Clomid is required after male cycles.
Cholesterol: Can adversely affect HDL/LDL ratio. Omega-3 supplementation and regular cardio help mitigate this.
Women: At appropriate doses, virilisation risk is very low, making Anavar the preferred anabolic for female athletes.

Anavar Stacking Options

Anavar + Clenbuterol: The ultimate lean cutting stack. See our Clenbuterol guide.
Anavar + Testosterone: For men who want lean, quality gains with minimal oestrogen management required.
Anavar + Winstrol: A hardcore cutting combo popular pre-competition.
Anavar + SARMs: A milder stack for those wanting to stay closer to the SARM side of things. Our SARMs guide explains the options.