Anadrol vs Anavar: The Ultimate Bodybuilder’s Guide

Before we get into this, I want to first say that we do not sell either of these on supplement warehouse and do not condone the use of any sort of steroid. We recommend playing it safe and legal, and running something such as Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals Anavar, which is a 100% legal (in the USA) prohormone.

A Basic Overview Of Each

Both Anadrol (Oxymetholone) and Anavar (Oxandrolone) are anabolic steroids. They are both illegal and can be harmful to the body if abused. Each of these compounds were formulated originally in the 1960's to combat muscle wasting and to help users recover faster. You can see why the bodybuilding world wanted to get involved.

Anadrol is more focused around size and mass gains. Users report huge increases in both areas. Anavar, on the other hand, is better for cutting and very lean, dry muscle gains. So if you are looking to get shredded, Anavar is the better compound for you compared to Anadrol.

The 1/2 life of each is very similar. Anadrol at 8-9 hours and Anavar at 9-10 hours.

The most common form and dosage is Anadrol at 50mg and Anavar at 10mg tablets.

Primary Purpose of Each Compound in Bodybuilding

• Anadrol:

  • Massive rapid weight and strength gains

  • Often used in bulking cycles

  • Works well for breaking strength plateaus

The mass gains reported with this compound are pretty insane. Many users say 15-25lbs is possible, though some of this is water weight. The muscle fullness will be dramatic though.

In terms of strength gains, you are going to see huge increases in strength. This is a reason Anadrol is very popular with powerlifters. Just be careful. Due to these dramatic increases, joint/ligament pain or injuries can happen.

Many users are concerned about estrogen. This compound can have high estrogenic side effects despite not converting to estrogen. Why? It is thought to act via progesterone/prolactin pathways.

With fat loss, Anadrol isn't the best for losing weight. Due to the water weight and retention, much of the lean muscle is hidden below. 

• Anavar:

  • Lean muscle retention during cutting

  • Enhances strength without large mass gain

  • Favored for recomposition and athletic performance

With Anavar, don't expect as much. You should see about 2-5lbs of lean, dry muscle gains, but you are going to shred as well. No water retention. A very dry look.

With strength, you won't notice the strength gains as fast, but they will happen, just takes a little more time. Safer because of that.

In  terms of estrogen with Anavar, there is no aromatization and very little water retention. Another reason users love this for cutting.

With fat loss, if combined with a low caloric diet, you will notice shredding of course, but Anavar will  help with muscle preservation too.

Detection Time (Drug Testing)

• Anadrol: 2 months

• Anavar: 3–4 weeks

These are just reported from users. If you are tested for these compounds, better to just not use them!

Side Effects

Side effects is a big issue with all anabolic steroids. And both of these compounds come with them. That's why again, we recommend running something like Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals Anavar instead first, to see the types of gains you get with almost no side effects.

Anadrol

• Severe liver toxicity (C17-alpha alkylated)

• High blood pressure risk

• Headaches, appetite suppression in some

• Possible gynecomastia via non-aromatizing estrogenic activity

• More likely to cause severe acne, hair loss in predisposed men

Anavar:

• Liver toxicity (less severe than Anadrol)

• Cholesterol disruption (low HDL, higher LDL)

• Much lower androgenic sides

• Rarely causes estrogen-related issues

Based on these observations, Anavar is definitely the safer choice, but still comes with issues. And the side effects with Anadrol, it's common with any sort of steroid that is more "wet" than "dry."

Hormonal suppression is also a side effect of any anabolic compound. Both of these steroids will cause it too. But...Anadrol will cause much more suppression than Anavar. Both will cause it though. To be safe, always run a PCT (post cycle therapy) supplement after your cycle. While we don't sell anything strong enough at Supplement Warehouse for these two compounds, if you end up taking the Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals Anavar, we recommend using Arimiplex for your PCT.

What About Female Users

Everyone knows Anavar is HUGE in the female bodybuilding industry. This is because Anavar isn't very androgenic, meaning the side effects for women are low. Even saying that though, I would never recommend a woman take Anavar or any other steroid.

Anadrol on the other hand should NEVER be used by women. It is very androgenic and can cause a wide range of issues for women.

Ladies, stick to non-hormonal muscle builders. One of our favorites is Turkesterone 650. Or, if you really want to test hormonal compounds, try a low-androgenic prohormone such as Decabolin.

Dosage, Cycle Length & Stacking

If you read online, you'll find a wealth of information and experts telling you how much of each to take. Again, while we don't recommend taking steroids, these are common dosages for each.

• Anadrol: 25–100 mg/day (common: 50 mg)

• Anavar: 20–80 mg/day (common: 40–60 mg men, 10–20 mg women)

In terms of the length of your cycle...

• Anadrol: Short, 4–6 weeks max (can strain the liver).

• Anavar: Often 6–8 weeks, sometimes up to 10 weeks.

In terms of what to stack with each.

• Anadrol:

  • This is commonly stacked with testosterone or injectable mass builders.

  • There is a rsk of heavy water bloat if paired with aromatizing compounds.

• Anavar:

  • Common to stack with testosterone in cutting cycles.

  • This pairs well with Winstrol or Masteron for dry look.

Costs

These type of compounds are not cheap. Another reason to run prohormones instead. 100% legal and much cheaper than Anavar and Anadrol. Also, Anavar is often faked due to the popularity, so you never know exactly what you are getting. Why put something into your body that you don't know what is?

Final Thoughts: The Choice is Yours

• Choose Anadrol if: You want rapid, dramatic size and strength, and don’t mind water bloat and heavier side effects

• Choose Anavar if: You want lean, slow gains, muscle preservation in a cut, or a steroid with a cleaner side-effect profile

• Choose Anavar Prohormone if: You want good gains, without the side effects, the legality issues or the credit card bill.

Author

Jeff has been in the fitness and supplement industry for almost 20 years. He is an avid bodybuilder and helps others with lifting techniques, as well as the best vitamins and supplements they should take for the goals they have. You can find him on LinkedIn and Youtube.

Jeff Moriarty