The active substance "Stanozolol" is primarily found in two products from the Zambon company in Spain, named "Winstrol" and "Winstrol Depot." It is available in both tablet and injectable form. In the case of the injection, the unusual fact is that it is water-soluble, not oil-soluble, and, like the tablet form, is 17-alpha alkylated, which makes it potentially harmful to the liver. Stanozolol has a weak androgenic effect and a moderate anabolic effect. The musculature built with this substance is solid and high-quality, and experience has shown that the newly gained muscle mass remains largely preserved after discontinuation. The strength gain achieved by using Winstrol is moderate but steady, meaning there are no rapid increases in strength; instead, constant progress is achieved over 3–4 months. If one is interested in rapid mass gain, Stanozolol is not the appropriate substance.
Since Stanozolol does not convert into estrogen, nor does it cause significant water retention, and furthermore possesses only a weak androgenic character, it is not surprising that Stanozolol is not used in the bulking phase. For this purpose, there are more suitable steroids, especially injectable Testosterone esters, Nandrolone Decanoate, Methandienone, and Boldenone Undecylenate. Adding Stanozolol makes no sense because the strongly osmotic effect of the steroids listed above would weaken the effect of Stanozolol. The main area of application for Stanozolol in bodybuilding is rather the pre-competition phase or the dieting phase.
Stanozolol is undoubtedly the most popular steroid used before competitions; it can definitively mean the difference between "hard" and "dry" musculature in athletes who already have a low percentage of body fat and are close to the required competition form. To avoid misunderstandings, it must be clearly stated that Stanozolol does not automatically reduce body fat and harden the musculature. The cosmetic effect of Stanozolol is fully visible only if the athlete adheres to an appropriate diet and the fat percentage hovers around 6%. However, for hobbyists with an average fat content, the properties of Stanozolol will not be visible. However, an effect on the skin is noticeable. The skin regenerates faster and also releases subcutaneous water. During the acute and often long dieting phase before competitions, Stanozolol, like most steroids, helps prevent muscle and strength loss.
A positive aspect of Stanozolol is that it does not convert into estrogen and does not lead to water retention. In practice, this gives athletes the option of experimenting with Stanozolol. Too high a dose will definitely not lead to a loss of form, but rather the opposite effect due to the increasing amount of androgens. Effective doses range from 50 mg every 2 days up to daily injections of 100 mg. The ideal dose during competition is 50 mg of Stanozolol daily. Amateurs who would like to have a defined muscle mass with emphasis on the abdominal muscles gladly use Stanozolol. Here, it supports the growth of high-quality musculature while simultaneously not causing excessive body mass gain. The minimum dosage in this case is considered to be a 50 mg injection every second day. A better solution, however, would be either 50 mg daily or 100 mg every two days.
Stanozolol can be used alone or in combination. In a milder combination, 200-300 mg of Methenolone Enanthate per week can be added. Those who want a stronger combination combine Stanozolol with Testosterone Propionate (50 mg every 1-2 days) or Testosterone Enanthate. Both combinations are, by the way, popular among beginners. Some bodybuilders use Stanozolol until the end of the cycle to preserve the gained mass. Regarding the side effects of Stanozolol, negative symptoms have been noted. Stanozolol affects blood values like no other steroid, but not in a positive sense. Bad cholesterol (LDL) increases, and good cholesterol (HDL) drops low. Even at a moderate dose of 50 mg every other day, a drop in HDL values from 30 to even 99% is possible. A low HDL value has a direct connection with a subsequent heart attack. A further negative point in the case of Stanozolol is the already mentioned 17-alpha alkylation. Stanozolol, especially the tablet version, constitutes a significant burden on the liver.
The injectable version is more liver-friendly, but this does not mean that it can be used without restrictions. The use of Stanozolol tablets should be limited to 4-6 weeks, while in the case of injections, a 6-8 week cycle should be considered the maximum. Stanozolol is certainly not a steroid for long-term use. Furthermore, it is typical for this substance that both joints and musculature slowly dry out, which can be very dangerous during heavy dumbbell training. This is a risk that is greater if Stanozolol is used as the only steroid or in combination with other non-osmotic substances such as Trenbolone, Oxandrolone, Drostanolone Propionate. However, the risk of injuries is slightly reduced by using Stanozolol together with Nandrolone Decanoate or, in preparation for competition, at least with Testosterone Propionate. A widespread myth about Stanozolol is that this substance promotes better growth of the injected muscle. Unfortunately, this theory must be refuted.
It is a fact that such a muscle will increase in volume, but it is also a fact that this is exclusively local muscle irritation and not growth of muscle fibers. Therefore, there can be no talk of local muscle growth. On the contrary, multiple injections into the same muscle increase the danger of muscle fiber tears during training. The triceps is particularly susceptible to this. Another misconception is that the injectable version of Stanozolol can be drunk, achieving the same effect as injection. The ampules can certainly be consumed, but experience has shown that the effect of ingested Stanozolol is half that of injected Stanozolol. Anyone who is afraid of injections is recommended to use the tablet form or choose another steroid. However, people who want to drink Stanozolol must know that besides the 50% loss of effectiveness, the burden on the liver is greater. Stanozolol is definitely the steroid that needs to be injected frequently. Since the half-life for injections is 1-2 days, one should inject every other day, but even better, daily. The half-life in tablet form is even shorter, so tablets should be taken 2-3 times a day. Taking tablets with meals minimizes gastrointestinal discomfort. In any case, the injection variant has a stronger effect than the oral tablet form and is less straining on the liver. However, the disadvantage of injections is that they leave many athletes with painful inflammation for several hours, sometimes even days.
Among women, Stanozolol is undoubtedly one of the most desired steroids. Women in the bulking phase can gain good-quality muscle mass or support their diet in preparation for competition. Regarding dosage, injections are used in the amount of 50 mg 1-2 times daily or alternatively 10-25 mg daily for tablets. It is interesting that Stanozolol is much more popular among women than among men. Dosing ranges between 25 and 100 mg per single application. Heavier athletes tend to take higher doses. However, the optimal effective amount should be tested individually. Some need a full 100 mg before sexual activity, while others only need 25 mg. It should be taken about 30 minutes before the act. The same applies to use before training or stepping onto the stage. According to the manufacturer, intake can occur once daily. Due to the short half-life of the injections, they should be administered every 1-2 days. The amount changes from 50 mg every two days up to 100 mg daily. For beginners, an injection of 50 mg every other day, or alternatively 30 mg daily in the case of tablets, divided into three single doses, is sufficient. Stanozolol can be used for up to 8 weeks in combination with either Methenolone Enanthate 200 mg weekly or Testosterone Enanthate 250 mg weekly. Hobbyists use 50 mg daily or 100 mg every other day. They usually do not take tablets.
