Oxandrolone (Anavar) for Lean Mass & Recovery — Anabolic Steroids
FDA-approved oral DHT derivative with the most favorable anabolic-to-androgenic ratio among clinical AAS.
Overview
Oxandrolone (brand name Anavar, Oxandrin) is an FDA-approved oral anabolic steroid with one of the most favorable safety profiles among AAS. Derived from dihydrotestosterone (DHT), it has a high anabolic-to-androgenic ratio, meaning it promotes lean tissue accretion with minimal virilization compared to other steroids. It is 17-alpha-alkylated for oral bioavailability but demonstrates less hepatotoxicity than most oral AAS due to its unique metabolism (primarily renal excretion rather than hepatic). Oxandrolone does NOT aromatize to estrogen, producing no water retention or gynecomastia. FDA-approved indications include weight recovery after surgery, trauma, chronic infection, and muscle wasting. It is one of the few AAS prescribed to women and children at appropriate doses due to its mild androgenic profile.
Indications
- Weight gain after surgery, severe trauma, or chronic infection (FDA-approved)
- Muscle wasting in HIV/AIDS (FDA-approved)
- Bone pain from osteoporosis (FDA-approved)
- Severe burn recovery and wound healing
- Turner syndrome in females
- Hereditary angioedema (adjunctive)
- Sarcopenia and age-related lean mass loss
- Body composition optimization with minimal androgenic effects
- Female androgen therapy at low doses
Mechanism of Action
Post-surgical weight loss, chronic illness wasting, burn recovery, or body composition optimization requiring oral AAS with minimal androgenic effects
Dosing
| Compound | Dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oxandrolone | 2.5-20 mg | 2-4 times daily | FDA-approved adult dosing range; typically 5-10mg twice daily |
| Oxandrolone | 5-10 mg | Twice daily | Low-dose body composition optimization; minimal side effects |
| Oxandrolone | 2.5-5 mg | Once or twice daily | Female dosing for lean mass support with minimal virilization risk |
Evidence Grade
GRADE B
Safety & Contraindications
- FDA-approved oral anabolic steroid with clinical indications
- 17-alpha-alkylated - monitor liver function (less hepatotoxic than most oral AAS)
- Schedule III controlled substance
- Does NOT aromatize - no estrogenic side effects
- Can suppress natural testosterone at higher doses - PCT may be needed
- Hepatotoxicity lower than other oral AAS but still present - avoid alcohol
- May alter lipid profile: decreased HDL, potentially increased LDL
- Monitor blood glucose - can affect insulin sensitivity
- Virilization risk in females at higher doses (>10mg/day)
- Safe for pediatric use at appropriate doses under medical supervision
- Primarily renally excreted - monitor kidney function in compromised patients