Stanozolol Depot (Aqueous Suspension)
The injectable microcrystalline aqueous suspension form of stanozolol, the DHT-derived oral/injectable steroid sold pharmaceutically as Winstrol Depot. Because stanozolol is not esterified, the aqueous suspension releases the same molecule found in the tablets, only via a slow-dissolving crystal depot. It is prized for lean, dry mass gains without aromatisation but retains oral-type 17-alpha-alkyl hepatotoxicity even by injection.
01 Overview
Stanozolol is a 17-alpha-alkylated derivative of dihydrotestosterone with a pyrazole ring fused to the A-ring, which prevents aromatisation. The injectable is a suspension of drug crystals in water rather than an oil-dissolved ester, so it must be shaken before use and often causes significant injection-site pain and inflammation. Dissolution from the crystal depot gives a longer effective duration than a tablet dose.
Unusually for an injectable, stanozolol keeps the 17-alpha-alkyl group responsible for oral bioavailability, so the injectable is still hepatotoxic and adversely affects lipids, unlike most oil-based injectables that bypass first-pass metabolism cleanly. It is used in cutting phases for its non-estrogenic, hardening effect and has legitimate veterinary and historical human medical use.
02 Mechanism
Stanozolol activates the androgen receptor to promote lean tissue while its pyrazole-fused A-ring prevents aromatisation; the 17-alpha-alkyl group confers oral activity and hepatic strain.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common | 100–350 mg/wk | IM | Often 50 mg every other day due to short pharmacologic half-life. |
| Subcutaneous (anecdotal) | 100–200 mg/wk | SubQ | Sometimes injected SC despite label; increases local irritation. |
Ester comparison
| Ester | Half-life | Injection freq. | Testosterone by mass |
|---|
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lean, dry mass gainsNon-aromatising profile gives a hard, dry look favoured in cutting phases. | Modest, no water weight | Observational | |
| Increased strength without weight gainUseful where athletes want strength without added mass. | Noticeable | Observational | |
| Lowered SHBGStanozolol strongly lowers SHBG, raising free levels of co-administered androgens. | Marked reduction | Clinical |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joint dryness and tendon strainUsers report dry, painful joints and increased tendon injury risk. | Mild | Common | Anecdotal | |
| HepatotoxicityThe 17-alpha-alkyl group causes liver enzyme elevation and, rarely, cholestasis even when injected. | Moderate | Common | Clinical | |
| Adverse lipid changesSharp drop in HDL and rise in LDL, raising cardiovascular risk. | Moderate | Very common | Clinical |