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Muscle & performance

Winstrol (Stanozolol)

The cutting steroid for the dry, hard look - DHT derivative, liver-loading.

1 min read 8 sources

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White tablet bottle with the black and red TPD label on a white podium, next to it a large blue 3D steroid molecule in a bright lab, symbolic image for stanozolol
Formerly approved · from 1962, no longer marketed today

Summary

At a glance

Sources checked on 26 Oct 2026

HDL cholesterol in 6 weeks
-33 %

11 weight lifters, on testosterone injections only -9%3

LDL cholesterol in 6 weeks
+29 %

same study, on testosterone LDL fell by 16%3

HDL in postmenopausal women
-53 %

10 women, 6 weeks, back 5 weeks after stopping4

With clearly lowered HDL
91 %

21 older people, up to 6 months, back after stopping5

Complaints in the long-term study
10 of 21

treatment over 20 to 40 years, receding with a lower dose1

  • Stanozolol is a synthetic, DHT-derived anabolic steroid with a methyl group at position 17 that makes it work as a tablet. According to ChEMBL it binds directly to the androgen receptor and activates it.84
  • The effect on blood lipids is the best documented: HDL fell by 33 to 53 percent in 6 weeks, LDL rose by 21 to 29 percent. After stopping the values returned.345
  • Testosterone as an injection lowered HDL by only 9 percent in a direct comparison. The authors attribute the difference to taking 17-alkylated steroids by mouth.3
  • Clinically stanozolol was long given for hereditary angioedema. In a long-term study over 20 to 40 years 10 of 21 people had complaints that receded with a lower dose.1
  • According to ChEMBL stanozolol has been approved since 1962 but is no longer marketed today. Everything here is the state of research, not a recommendation.8
Profile

Updated June 2026

How long does it stay in the body?

Share left after one dose, calculated with a half-life of ~9 hours

Half-life ~9 hours
After 18 hours: 25 %
Hour 9 · 50 %Hour 18 · 25 %Hour 27 · 12.5 %Hour 45 · 3.1 %

Simplified model without an absorption phase, half-life from the TPD lexicon.

Class
DHT derivative

oral, 17a-alkylated

Use
Oral

1-2x per day

Half-life
about 9 hours
WADA
banned

anabolic

Sizes
10 to 50 mg

3 sizes in the shop

Contents 12 sections
  1. At a glance
  2. What is Winstrol?
  3. How it works
  4. Use and dosing
  5. What the research shows
  6. Research status
  7. Side effects
  8. Storage
  9. Related compounds
  10. FAQ
  11. Glossary
  12. Sources

What is Winstrol?

Winstrol (Stanozolol) is an oral, 17a-alkylated DHT derivative - one of the best-known cutting steroids. It does not aromatize and gives muscle a very dry, hard look at low body fat. It also lowers SHBG, freeing up more available testosterone. Clinically stanozolol is still used for hereditary angioedema.

This information is for research and educational purposes only. No medical advice.

Comparison

One compound, three forms

Stanozolol and a related oral DHT derivative in the TPD lexicon, as described there. Tap a card to open its entry.

Tablet, 17-alkylated Winstrol (Stanozolol) AR
Oily solution Stanozolol Oil - Research Substance AR Aqueous suspension Stanozolol Water - Research Substance AR Other oral DHT derivative Anavar (Oxandrolone) AR

Simplified: all act on the androgen receptor. The form sets how the compound reaches the blood. 8

How it works

As a DHT derivative stanozolol does not aromatize - no estrogen water retention, hence the "dry" effect. It also lowers SHBG markedly, raising the fraction of free, active testosterone. The look is hard and defined but only visible at already low body fat.

Where it acts

Where stanozolol acted in studies

Tap a point or a card. Colour = androgen receptor, grey = observed in studies.

  1. Muscle and weight

    Weight gain similar to testosterone3

    AR
  2. Liver

    Hepatic lipase 123 percent higher, liver values temporarily raised in some3

    Observed in trials
  3. Blood lipids

    HDL down to -53 percent, LDL to HDL ratio from 2.5 to 6.84

    Observed in trials
  4. Hormone axis

    Suppressed the body's own hormones less than testosterone3

    Observed in trials
  5. Skin and hair

    Acne and increased hair growth in the long-term study1

    Observed in trials

Targets in the ChEMBL database8

Compound CHEMBL2079587: one recorded mechanism, agonist with direct binding to the human receptor.

Androgen receptor
Gene
AR
UniProt
P10275
ChEMBL
CHEMBL1871
Action
Agonist, direct binding
Blue 3D steroid molecules above glassy, striated muscle fibres, glass gripper arms hold one of them against the fibre
Stanozolol binds to the androgen receptor, for example in muscle. Symbolic image.

Use and dosing

Dosing

Dosing, titration and syringe

Loading the dosing information …

  • Getting started and stepping up, drawn as a staircase
  • Units on the U-100 syringe for every step
  • How long one vial lasts
White tablet bottle with the black and red TPD label, next to it a few round white tablets on a bright surface
Tablets in the bottle. Symbolic image.

What the research shows

Stanozolol has a real clinical data base: it has been used for decades as prophylaxis in hereditary angioedema, with long-term safety studied (Sloane et al., J Allergy Clin Immunol 2007). The AAS pharmacology is summarized in Kicman (2008).

Study results

What the trials measured

Interactive: switch tabs, tap points, show or hide arms. Arms are named relative to each other, no dosing advice.

Blood lipids after 6 weeks3

Change in percent, 11 weight lifters, stanozolol and testosterone one after the other (crossover)

HDL cholesterol3
Stanozolol, weight lifters -33%
Testosterone as comparison (injection) -9%
HDL2 (subclass)3 on testosterone only HDL3 fell
Stanozolol, weight lifters -71%
Apolipoprotein A-I3
Stanozolol, weight lifters -40%
Testosterone as comparison (injection) -8%
LDL cholesterol3
Stanozolol, weight lifters +29%
Testosterone as comparison (injection) -16%

Stanozolol as a tablet, testosterone as an injection into the muscle. Hepatic lipase rose by 123 percent on stanozolol. Both groups gained weight similarly.

Blood lipids after 6 weeks4

Change in percent, 10 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis

HDL cholesterol4
Stanozolol, postmenopausal women -53%
HDL2 (subclass)4
Stanozolol, postmenopausal women -85%
HDL3 (subclass)4
Stanozolol, postmenopausal women -35%
Apolipoprotein A-I4
Stanozolol, postmenopausal women -41%
LDL cholesterol4
Stanozolol, postmenopausal women +21%

Total cholesterol and triglycerides stayed the same, the LDL to HDL ratio rose from 2.5 to 6.8. All changes had reversed 5 weeks after stopping.

Glass model of a lower leg with foot in a glass display case on a white pedestal
Clinically stanozolol was used in hereditary angioedema and for leg ulcers, the studies were small. Symbolic image.

Research status

Where the research stands

ClinicalTrials.gov knows only one trial with stanozolol tablets, together with another agent in a blood disorder. Its status is unknown, it had last not yet started. It is not listed here. As of 26 Oct 2026. 7

  1. Preclinical Blood lipids and vessels in an animal model (rabbits)
  2. Phase 1 no registered trial
  3. Phase 2 no registered trial
  4. Phase 3 no registered trial
  5. Approval from 1962, no longer marketed today
Approved from 1962: ChEMBL lists stanozolol with phase 4 as the highest phase and today as no longer marketed.8

The approval predates today's trial registries, so the register shows no current trial for this form. 7

Side effects

  • Liver: 17a-alkylated, markedly liver-loading - limit cycle, liver support.
  • Joints: the "dry" effect can make joints dry and painful.
  • Lipids: lowers HDL strongly - one of the harshest steroids on cholesterol.
  • Androgenic (DHT derivative) - hair loss in predisposed individuals, acne.
  • HPTA suppression - PCT topic.

Tolerability

Frequency in two studies

Out of 100 participants, how many had the event. Two small studies with 21 people each, both with low-dose tablets.

91 of 100 Stanozolol
Event Stanozolol
HDL clearly lowered5 91%
Treatment-related complaints1 48%

In the long-term study: increased hair growth, weight gain, menstrual changes, acne and mood changes, all receding with a lower dose. Five people had low HDL, two raised triglycerides, liver values showed no lasting abnormality. In the 6-month study liver values rose temporarily in some.51

Storage

Store dry and cool, protected from light. Out of reach of children.

Three white tablet bottles on a bright shelf next to a folded light blue towel
Dry, cool and away from light. Symbolic image.

Related

Related compounds

Same receptors or a different path: all in the TPD lexicon.

Winstrol (Stanozolol)
Stanozolol Oil - Research Substance The same compound as an oily solution Stanozolol Water - Research Substance The same compound as an aqueous suspension Anavar (Oxandrolone) Also 17-alkylated, as a tablet Turinabol Another 17-alkylated oral Testosterone Enanthate Comparison in the blood lipid study Silymarin (milk thistle) Named as liver support in the lexicon, benefit unproven

FAQ

Common questions about Winstrol (Stanozolol)

Short answers, each backed by the sources below.

Is stanozolol approved?

It was approved: ChEMBL lists stanozolol with first approval in 1962 as a tablet and today as no longer marketed. The trial registry lists only one trial with unknown status. Everything here is the state of research, not a recommendation.87

How does stanozolol work?

According to ChEMBL it binds directly to the androgen receptor and activates it. Chemically it derives from DHT and carries a methyl group at position 17. This 17-alkylation makes it work as a tablet.84

What happens to blood lipids?

That is the best documented effect. In weight lifters HDL fell by 33 percent in 6 weeks and LDL rose by 29 percent. In postmenopausal women HDL fell by 53 percent, the LDL to HDL ratio rose from 2.5 to 6.8. In older people HDL fell clearly in 91 percent. After stopping the values returned.345

Why is the tablet worse for cholesterol than testosterone?

In a direct comparison in weight lifters HDL fell by 33 percent on stanozolol and only by 9 percent on testosterone injections. LDL rose on stanozolol and fell on testosterone. Hepatic lipase was 123 percent higher. The authors see the reason in the oral route of 17-alkylated steroids.3

How does stanozolol affect the liver?

The studies checked used low doses. In a placebo-controlled study over up to 6 months liver values rose temporarily in some and returned after stopping. In the long-term study liver values showed no lasting abnormality, ultrasound findings were not attributed to treatment.51

Which side effects appeared with long use?

In a study of 21 people who took stanozolol for 20 to 40 years for hereditary angioedema, 10 had complaints: increased hair growth, weight gain, menstrual changes, acne and mood changes. They receded with a lower dose and nobody had to stop.1

Why is stanozolol an issue in sport?

According to a pharmacological review anabolic steroids are the most common adverse finding in doping tests. Women face a high risk of virilisation. The review warns against feeling invulnerable to the risks.2

Glossary

Terms explained briefly

Dotted words in the text open these explanations directly.

17-alkylation
A methyl group at position 17 slows breakdown in the liver. The compound then works as a tablet but strains liver and blood lipids more.
Androgen receptor
Protein inside the cell that androgens bind to. Genes are then read, for example for muscle building.
Apolipoprotein A-I
The main protein of HDL particles.
Aromatisation
Conversion of an androgen to oestrogen by the enzyme aromatase.
DHT
Dihydrotestosterone, a strong androgen. Stanozolol is chemically derived from it.
HDL cholesterol
The cholesterol that carries fat from the vessels back to the liver. A low level is considered unfavourable for the heart.
Hepatic lipase
Liver enzyme that breaks down HDL. When it rises, HDL falls.
Hereditary angioedema
Inherited condition with recurring swelling of skin and mucous membranes.
Hormone axis (HPTA)
Hypothalamus, pituitary and testes together control the body's own testosterone production. Anabolic steroids from outside suppress this axis.
LDL cholesterol
The cholesterol that can build up in vessel walls. A high level is considered unfavourable.
SHBG
Sex hormone-binding globulin, a carrier protein that binds testosterone in the blood. Only unbound testosterone is active.
WADA
The World Anti-Doping Agency. What is on its list is banned in competitive sport.

Evidence

Sources

Show all 8 sourcesHide sources 6 Studies1 Trial registry1 Database checked 26 Oct 2026

Studies

  1. Safety of long-term stanozolol treatment in hereditary angioedema

    Sloane et al., Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2007

    DOI 10.1016/j.jaci.2007.06.037 PMID 17765757
    Checked 26 Oct 2026 via doi.org, Crossref, PubMed
  2. Pharmacology of anabolic steroids, review

    Kicman, British Journal of Pharmacology, 2008

    DOI 10.1038/bjp.2008.165 PMID 18500378
    Checked 26 Oct 2026 via doi.org, Crossref, PubMed
  3. Blood lipids on stanozolol and testosterone compared

    Thompson et al., JAMA, 1989

    DOI 10.1001/jama.1989.03420080085036 PMID 2915439
    Checked 26 Oct 2026 via doi.org, Crossref, PubMed (Titel, Heft und Seite, Datensatz ohne DOI)
  4. HDL drop on stanozolol in postmenopausal women

    Taggart et al., Metabolism, 1982

    DOI 10.1016/0026-0495(82)90166-4 PMID 6813637
    Checked 26 Oct 2026 via doi.org, Crossref, PubMed
  5. Liver values and blood lipids on stanozolol, placebo-controlled

    Carson et al., International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds, 2015

    DOI 10.1177/1534734614562276 PMID 25652757
    Checked 26 Oct 2026 via doi.org, Crossref, PubMed
  6. Stanozolol, blood lipids and vessels in rabbits

    Fogelberg et al., Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation, 1990

    DOI 10.3109/00365519009089189 PMID 2247776
    Checked 26 Oct 2026 via doi.org, Crossref, PubMed

Trial registry

  1. Trials with stanozolol on ClinicalTrials.gov

    ClinicalTrials.gov, U.S. National Library of Medicine

    Checked 26 Oct 2026 via ClinicalTrials.gov API v2

Database

  1. Mechanism and approval in ChEMBL

    ChEMBL, EMBL-EBI (CHEMBL2079587)

    Checked 26 Oct 2026 via ChEMBL

In the shop

Winstrol (Stanozolol) in the catalog

Sizes, prices and shipping times are on the product page.

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