Anabolic steroidAndrogenAnabolic steroidDHT derivative17-alpha-alkylatedOralInjectable

Stanozolol (Winstrol)

Also known as Winstrol · Winny · Stanozolol · Stromba · Winstrol Depot

Written by enwyReviewed 15 Jul 20262 sources0 comments

Stanozolol ('Winstrol', 'Winny') is a 17α-methylated DHT-derived steroid with a fused pyrazole ring, available orally and as an aqueous injectable. It does not aromatise and produces a dry, hardened look with strength gains rather than mass, making it a classic cutting and athletic-performance compound. It notably lowers HDL, strains the liver and is associated with joint discomfort.

01 Overview

Stanozolol became widely known after high-profile doping cases in track and field. Its pyrazole-modified structure blocks aromatisation entirely, so it adds no water and is used to improve definition, vascularity and strength-to-weight ratio rather than bulk.

Users value the 'dry' aesthetic and preserved leanness, but the same properties bring downsides: strongly adverse effects on cholesterol, dry and achy joints reported by many, and meaningful hepatotoxicity even in the injectable form (which is still 17α-alkylated). It has a comparatively long detection window, a repeated factor in sports anti-doping sanctions.

02 Mechanism

Androgen-receptor agonist derived from DHT with a [3,2-c]pyrazole ring; cannot aromatise, and lowers sex-hormone-binding globulin, raising free fraction of co-administered androgens.

03 Dosing

Tier	Dose	Route	Notes
Light	10–20 mg/day	Oral	Entry range, often for women or definition work.
Common	20–50 mg/day	Oral	Typical male cutting range.
Heavy	50–100 mg/day	Oral	High dose; lipid and joint effects worsen markedly.

Ester comparison

Ester	Half-life	Injection freq.	Testosterone by mass

04 Effects

Effect	Magnitude	Evidence
Improved muscle definition and hardnessAdds no water, producing a dry, hard, vascular appearance.		Observational
Increased strength without weight gainImproves strength-to-weight ratio, valued in weight-class sports.		Observational
Joint dryness and discomfortMany users report dry, achy joints during use.		Anecdotal

05 Side effects

Effect	Severity	Frequency	Evidence
Adverse lipid changesSharp reduction in HDL and rise in LDL, worsening cardiovascular risk.	Moderate	Very common	Clinical
HepatotoxicityRaised transaminases; hepatotoxic even as the injectable form because it remains 17α-alkylated.	Moderate	Common	Clinical
HPTA suppressionSuppresses endogenous testosterone.	Severe	Universal	Clinical

06 Legal status

United States

Schedule III controlled substance

as of

United Kingdom

Class C controlled substance

as of

07 References

Stanozolol - DrugBank recordDrugBank

Anabolic Steroids - LiverToxLiverTox, NIH

08 Discussion0 comments

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This page is reference information, not medical advice. Doses and protocols are documented as they appear in the clinical literature and in practice — describing them is not a recommendation to use them. Countermeasures listed here are not a substitute for a physician. Legal status varies by jurisdiction and changes.