Bodybuilding Anabolic Steroids: Stanozolol - Winstrol (Oral) and Winstrol Depot (Intra-Muscular)

What is winstrol (stanozolol)?

Stanozolol refers to a synthetic anabolic steroid that is derived from testosterone. Testosterone is a male sex hormone that is responsible for the male sexual characteristics and the muscle structure. Stanozolol is generally available as winstrol (oral tablets) and winstrol depot (intramuscular injections). While oral tablets need to be taken on a regular basis, winstrol depot provides a bulk amount of stanozolol which delivered gradually into the blood after injecting a single dose. Anabolic steroids such as winstrol are commonly used by body builders to build the lean muscles in their body and burn the excess fat.
Stanozolol is generally prescribed to treat a condition known as hereditary angioedema which is characterised by occasionally recurring swelling in different parts of the body. This condition occurs due increased water retention in the body of the affected individuals. It has also been used to treat anaemia, a disorder characterised by decreased red blood cells in the body.

What is the effect of winstrol on the body?

Winstrol reduces the frequency of swelling in individuals suffering from hereditary angioedema. Winstrol prevents the retention of water in the body and thereby decreases the symptoms of hereditary angioedema. It has also been noted to increase the red blood cell production in the body. In case of animal studies it has been noted that winstrol improves muscle growth, increases bone density, improves the production of red blood cells and also stimulates the appetite.

How does winstrol help in fat loss?

Winstrol is used by bodybuilders and athletes to lose fat and retain lean body mass. The ability of winstrol to avoid water retention may be beneficial in this regard. Some amount of the hormone testosterone is able to get converted into oestrogen and thereby can result in water retention. However, the amount of testosterone in winstrol is considered to be quite minimal which does not produce such effects. It has also been believed that winstrol has a diuretic effect that is, it improves the excretion of water from the body. Further winstrol may have fat burning abilities wherein it helps in faster utilisation of fat cells in the body and help in overall reduction in fat mass in the body. Winstrol is believed to increase strength without increase in the body weight. Hence it is a favourite drug among bodybuilders and other sportspersons who aim to gain muscle mass and strength without increase in the fat content in the body.

How is winstrol used?

Winstrol is commonly used by the bodybuilders in a cutting cycle to preserve the lean muscle mass while increasing the utilisation of fat tissues. The aim of such cutting cycles is not to increase the bulk of the muscle mass but to preserve the lean mass and reduce the fat content in the body. Although the fat burning abilities are not completely proven winstrol is used generally for this property. Winstrol injections or oral tablets used in cutting cycles increases the amount of free testosterone levels in the body thereby helping the body to utilise more amounts of testosterone for preserving lean muscle mass and burn the excess fat tissues. It has also been noted that winstrol does not result in weight gain when used in the cutting cycles. Other anabolic steroids are used in the bulking cycle wherein their main aim is to build up muscle mass.

How is winstrol abused in sports and bodybuilding?

The synthetic anabolic steroid stanozolol (winstrol) has been approved for the use in humans by the FDA for medical reasons only. Any other use of stanozolol is banned in the United States. Winstrol has been commonly abused by individuals involved in bodybuilding and other sports. Winstrol is mainly used in the cutting cycles by the bodybuilders to preserve lean muscle mass and increase the utilisation of fat tissues. It is also preferred as it does not increase the weight on regular use. Furthermore, it has also been believed that the use of winstrol is not associated with the other anabolic effects of testosterone such as increase in the breast size in case of males and initiation of male characters (such as change in voice pattern and hair loss) in females. This makes winstrol a popular drug among athletes, especially female athletes as most of the other anabolic steroids result in such adverse effects. Furthermore it has also been noted to be used by athletes involved in fast sports such as track and field events which require a combination of strength and speed. Winstrol is believed to result in the development of lean muscles without the retention of fat and water in the body. The use of winstrol by sportspersons has been banned by the sporting authorities and many athletes have been stripped off their medals after being tested positive for the use of winstrol.

Why is winstrol popular among women?

Anabolic steroids are commonly associated with increased androgenic effects in women on regular use. While some of these effects may be reversible on discontinuation of the use of anabolic steroids, many changes are irreversible and hence are not preferred by many women. Winstrol does not have this property making it quite popular among female athletes. Winstrol is believed to provide the anabolic (muscle building) effects with very minimal androgenic effects. Thereby the androgenic effects such as deepening of voice and male pattern loss of hair is rarely observed with the use of winstrol in women. Additionally the ability of winstrol to reduce fat and increase the lean look also makes it a most preferred choice of anabolic steroid among women involved in bodybuilding and other sports.

What are the side-effects of winstrol?

The abuse or over-use of winstrol for prolonged duration has been associated with several side-effects. Most abusers generally consume winstrol in quite high quantities than that approved for regular use. Liver toxicity has been noted to be the most common adverse effect of prolonged use of winstrol. Other side-effects include pain in the joints, increased development of the breast tissues in men, and water retention. Winstrol is contraindicated in individuals suffering from different disorders such as prostate cancer, breast cancer and hypercalcemia (a condition characterised by high levels of calcium in the blood). A healthcare provider has to be consulted if one has a history of heart attacks, high cholesterol levels, and diabetes or is consuming medications for any other associated conditions.