Winstrol (Stanozolol) is a DHT-derived anabolic steroid available in both oral and injectable (water-based) forms. Known for producing a hard, dry, and vascular physique, it is one of the most popular cutting and contest prep steroids. It gained mainstream notoriety through its association with Olympic sprinter Ben Johnson in 1988.
Notes
Winstrol is a powerful aesthetic and performance compound with a harsh side effect profile, particularly regarding joint health and liver toxicity. The joint-drying effect is not just cosmetic - it genuinely reduces synovial fluid production, increasing injury risk. This is especially dangerous when combined with the rapid strength increases the compound provides, as tendons and ligaments cannot adapt as quickly as muscles. Winstrol should NEVER be combined with other hepatotoxic orals. It is best used for short durations (4-6 weeks) at the end of a cutting cycle or contest prep. The injectable form is equally hepatotoxic as the oral form because stanozolol is c17-alpha alkylated regardless of administration route.
Stanozolol is a DHT derivative with a pyrazole ring attached to the A-ring, creating a unique heterocyclic structure. It binds to androgen receptors with moderate affinity and exhibits strong anabolic effects (anabolic rating: 320) with moderate androgenic activity (androgenic rating: 30). A key pharmacological property is its exceptionally potent suppression of SHBG, significantly increasing the fraction of free (biologically active) testosterone and other co-administered AAS. Stanozolol also has notable anti-progestational activity, making it potentially useful when stacked with progestogenic compounds like nandrolone. It does not undergo aromatization. Additionally, stanozolol has been shown to stimulate collagen synthesis while simultaneously reducing collagen cross-linking, which paradoxically weakens connective tissue integrity despite increasing collagen production.
Oral stanozolol is rapidly absorbed with peak plasma levels within 1-2 hours. The c17-alpha alkylation provides an oral bioavailability of approximately 90%. Hepatic first-pass metabolism is significant, contributing to hepatotoxicity. The terminal half-life of oral stanozolol is 8-9 hours, while the injectable aqueous suspension has a half-life of approximately 24 hours (due to microcrystalline suspension rather than an ester). Injectable stanozolol is still c17-alpha alkylated and passes through the liver, making it equally hepatotoxic as the oral form. Metabolism occurs via reduction and conjugation, with urinary metabolites detectable for 3-4 weeks (oral) or 2-3 months (injectable).
Typical Dose
25-50mg/day (beginner), 50-75mg/day (intermediate), 75-100mg/day (advanced)
Frequency
Oral: split into 2 doses daily; Injectable: daily or every other day
Administration
Oral (tablet) or injectable (water-based, can be taken orally)
Half-Life
Oral: 8-9 hours; Injectable: 24 hours
Contraindications
Begin PCT 1-2 days after the last oral Winstrol dose (if no long-ester injectables). If run alongside long-ester testosterone, follow the testosterone PCT timeline. Standard PCT: Nolvadex 20mg/day for 4-6 weeks, or Clomid 50mg/day for 3-4 weeks. Recovery is generally straightforward if the cycle was short (4-6 weeks). Prioritize liver recovery with NAC (1200mg/day) and TUDCA (500mg/day) for 4 weeks after cessation.