Winstrol (Stanozolol 10 mg) | Unique Pharma

Chemical Profile

• Generic name: Stanozolol (commonly marketed as Winstrol)
• Chemical class: 17α-alkylated anabolic-androgenic steroid, DHT derivative
• Molecular formula: C21H32N2O
• Molecular weight: approximately 328.49 g·mol−1
• Physical form: oral solid dosage (tablets)
• Terminal elimination half-life: approximately 9 hours (oral)

Clinical Pharmacology

Winstrol (Stanozolol) is a synthetic anabolic steroid derived from dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It does not aromatize to estrogen, making it popular for cutting cycles where water retention is undesirable. The compound enhances protein synthesis and nitrogen retention while promoting a hard, lean appearance.

Applications

• Cutting cycles for lean muscle preservation
• Strength enhancement without significant weight gain
• Improved muscle definition and vascularity
• Athletic performance enhancement

Dosage Guidelines

Typical oral dosing ranges from 20-50mg daily. Due to hepatotoxicity concerns with 17α-alkylated steroids, cycle lengths are typically limited to 6-8 weeks. Liver support supplements are recommended. Always consult with a healthcare professional before use.

1. Description (Clinical summary)

Winstrol — active compound stanozolol — is a synthetic 17α‑alkylated derivative of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) with predominantly anabolic and reduced androgenic properties compared with testosterone. It has been used medically for a limited set of indications (historically for hereditary angioedema prophylaxis, certain wasting states and some anemias), but many therapeutic uses have been supplanted by safer or more effective agents. Stanozolol is available as oral tablets and as an intramuscular injectable formulation. Because it is a 17α‑alkylated steroid, it is associated with hepatic strain and is a controlled substance in many jurisdictions; use should be by prescription and clinical supervision only.

Approved/recognized clinical considerations

• Limited therapeutic indications (varies by country); historically used for hereditary angioedema, some anemia and catabolic/wasting conditions.
• Not recommended in pregnancy or lactation (teratogenic/virilizing effects).
• Should be used only when benefits outweigh risks and under close medical monitoring.

2. How does winstrol work? (Mechanism of action)

• Stanozolol is an androgen receptor (AR) agonist. By binding the AR it modulates gene transcription to produce androgenic and anabolic effects.
• Anabolic effects: promotes protein synthesis, nitrogen retention, and increases erythropoiesis (stimulates red blood cell production). These actions can support lean tissue maintenance.
• Androgenic effects: produces classical androgen-mediated effects (virilization, secondary sexual characteristic changes), but relative androgenicity is lower than testosterone for some endpoints.
• Little to no aromatization: stanozolol does not convert to estrogenic metabolites, so estrogen‑mediated adverse effects (gynecomastia, fluid retention from estrogen) are uncommon.
• Hepatic metabolism and 17α‑alkylation: the 17α‑alkyl group improves oral bioavailability but increases hepatotoxic potential (cholestasis, elevated liver enzymes).
• Secondary endocrine effects: exogenous stanozolol suppresses the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis, which can reduce endogenous testosterone production and spermatogenesis.

3. Dosage (medical and usage guidelines)

General principles

• Dosing must be individualized by a licensed prescriber according to indication, age, comorbidities, and laboratory monitoring.
• Because stanozolol is a controlled substance and associated with significant risks (notably hepatotoxicity and lipid disturbance), it should not be used for non‑medical purposes outside clinical supervision.
• Typical therapeutic dosing in approved indications is in the low‑milligram range; formulations and availability vary by country.

Formulations commonly available

• Oral tablets (commonly 2 mg and 5 mg strengths in markets where available).
• Injectable stanozolol (commonly 50 mg/mL for intramuscular use in some formulations), though availability differs by region.

Examples of medical dosing (illustrative; not a substitute for prescriber instruction)

• Prophylaxis for hereditary angioedema (historical/approved uses vary): low-dose oral regimens have been described (single-digit mg/day). Exact dose and schedule depend on local guidance and specialist recommendation.
• Other historical uses (anemia, catabolic states): therapeutic doses have generally been in the low‑mg daily range; regimens should follow current clinical guidelines where stanozolol is indicated.

Monitoring and duration

• Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with therapeutic goals.
• Baseline and periodic monitoring: liver function tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase), lipid profile (HDL, LDL, triglycerides), complete blood count (Hgb/Hct), blood pressure, and clinical assessment for androgenic/virilizing effects.
• Reassess therapy frequently; discontinue if significant hepatic injury, serious lipid abnormalities, or other adverse effects occur.

Important safety/legal notes about non‑medical use

• Dosages commonly reported in non‑medical bodybuilding/athletic contexts are substantially higher than therapeutic doses and are associated with markedly elevated risks (hepatotoxicity, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular events, endocrine suppression). Providing or following such regimens is unsafe and often illegal. If a patient reports non‑medical use, clinicians should counsel on risks and offer medical evaluation and support.

4. Side effects (common and rare adverse effects)

Common/expected adverse effects

• Hepatic: elevated liver enzymes; cholestatic liver injury is a particular concern with 17α‑alkylated steroids.
• Lipid changes: decreased HDL cholesterol and increased LDL cholesterol — unfavorable atherogenic profile.
• Androgenic effects: acne, oily skin, male pattern hair loss (in genetically susceptible individuals), increased body or facial hair.
• Virilization in females: voice deepening, clitoral enlargement, hirsutism, menstrual irregularities; some changes may be irreversible (notably voice deepening).
• Endocrine suppression: decreased endogenous testosterone production, reduced sperm count and fertility (reversible over time in many, but possible prolonged effects with heavy/long use).
• Fluid retention and hypertension (less than with aromatizable steroids but possible).
• Injection site reactions (with IM formulations).

Less common but serious/rare adverse effects

• Severe hepatotoxicity: cholestasis, hepatic necrosis, peliosis hepatis, and very rarely hepatic tumors (adenomas, hepatocellular carcinoma) with prolonged high‑dose use.
• Thrombotic events: increased hematocrit and prothrombotic changes may predispose to thrombosis in some patients.
• Cardiovascular disease: long‑term adverse lipid profile and other effects may increase cardiovascular risk.
• Psychiatric/behavioral: mood swings, irritability, aggression, depression, and other psychiatric symptoms.
• Allergic reactions: rare hypersensitivity to formulation excipients.

Contraindications and special populations

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: contraindicated (risk of virilization of female fetus and masculinization of infant).
• Known prostate cancer or breast cancer in males: generally contraindicated due to androgen stimulation of hormone‑sensitive tumors.
• Preexisting liver disease: use is generally contraindicated or requires extreme caution and specialist oversight.
• Children: stanozolol can accelerate bone maturation and impede final height — use in pediatric patients only under specialist guidance.

Drug interactions (selected)

• Oral anticoagulants (warfarin): stanozolol can potentiate or alter anticoagulant effect; monitor INR.
• Concomitant hepatotoxic drugs: additive liver injury risk.
• Drugs metabolized by hepatic enzymes: potential interactions through hepatic metabolism; monitor as clinically indicated.
• Antidiabetic therapy: anabolic steroids can alter glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity; adjustments may be needed.

Patient counseling points

• Do not use if pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
• Report symptoms of hepatic dysfunction (jaundice, abdominal pain, dark urine) immediately.
• Inform clinician about all medications (prescription, OTC, herbal) and supplements.
• Avoid alcohol and other hepatotoxic substances during therapy.
• Regular monitoring is essential — do not skip lab tests.

5. Storage (how to store it)

Oral tablets

• Store at controlled room temperature (generally 20–25 °C / 68–77 °F) unless the product label specifies otherwise.
• Protect from excessive heat, moisture, and light. Keep in the original container with the lid tightly closed.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Injectable formulations (intramuscular solution)

• Store at controlled room temperature as specified on the product labeling (commonly 20–25 °C / 68–77 °F).
• Protect from freezing and extreme heat. Do not use if the solution is discolored, cloudy (unless it is the intended presentation), or contains particulate matter.
• Maintain sterility: do not reuse needles or syringes; follow safe injection and disposal practices.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Disposal

• Unused or expired product should be disposed of in accordance with local regulations for controlled substances and pharmaceutical waste. Many areas provide drug take‑back programs or specific disposal instructions to prevent misuse.

Final clinical note

• Stanozolol (Winstrol) carries meaningful risks (especially hepatic and cardiovascular) and is a controlled substance in many jurisdictions. Use should be by prescription and under the supervision of a qualified clinician, with appropriate baseline evaluation and ongoing laboratory and clinical monitoring. If you are a patient with questions about indications, dosing, side effects, or safety, consult your prescribing physician or a specialist (endocrinologist, hepatologist) for personalized advice.

Description

Winstrol (active compound: stanozolol) is a synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) derived from dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Historically used in clinical practice for a limited set of indications — such as certain anemias, wasting syndromes, and hereditary angioedema — stanozolol is now infrequently prescribed in many countries owing to safer and better‑studied alternatives. It is available as an oral 17α‑alkylated tablet and as an intramuscular injectable formulation. Stanozolol is a controlled substance in many jurisdictions and is banned in competitive sport by most anti‑doping organizations.

This guide provides an evidence‑based clinical overview, mechanism, dosing considerations, adverse effects, monitoring, contraindications and storage recommendations. It is educational and not a substitute for individualized medical advice.

How does winstrol work?

• Stanozolol is an androgen receptor agonist. Binding to the androgen receptor in target tissues (muscle, bone, erythroid precursors) modulates gene transcription, promoting protein synthesis, nitrogen retention and erythropoiesis (red blood cell production).
• Compared with testosterone, stanozolol has relatively greater anabolic effects versus androgenic effects for some endpoints, but it remains an androgenic steroid and can produce masculinizing effects.
• It is a non‑aromatizing steroid (does not convert to estrogens), so estrogen‑mediated side effects (gynecomastia, water retention) are uncommon. However, it may have progestational activity in some contexts.
• Oral stanozolol is 17α‑alkylated to survive first‑pass hepatic metabolism; this modification increases oral bioavailability but also increases potential for liver toxicity (cholestasis, hepatic enzyme elevation, rare hepatic neoplasms).
• Other physiologic effects include suppression of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis (reduced endogenous testosterone production), reduction in sex‑hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and adverse effects on lipid profiles (reduced HDL, increased LDL).

Dosage

Dose must be individualized by indication, formulation, patient age, sex, comorbidities and product labeling. The information below summarizes commonly reported therapeutic ranges and clinical considerations. Always follow prescribing information and consult a licensed clinician.

General points

• Two formulations exist: oral (17α‑alkylated tablets) and intramuscular injection (aqueous suspension or oil).
• Oral stanozolol is associated with greater hepatic strain (due to 17α‑alkylation).
• Use in pregnancy is contraindicated (risk of virilization of a female fetus).

Approved/therapeutic dosing (historical and product‑label guidance)

• Dosing varies by indication and country. Product labels and local guidelines should be consulted for exact regimens.
• For approved indications historically reported in the literature:
  • Adult therapeutic ranges are generally low compared with doses reported for non‑medical use. Typical reported oral ranges in medical contexts have been in the low milligram range (for example, 2–6 mg per day given in divided doses). Injectable formulations historically were used at equivalent low doses, often administered several times per week.
• Pediatric dosing and dosing for specific conditions (e.g., hereditary angioedema) must be determined by specialists and per labeling.

Special populations and precautions

• Women: much lower doses are used when medically indicated; even low doses can cause virilization (deepened voice, clitoral enlargement, hirsutism). Discontinue if virilizing signs appear.
• Older adults: monitor cardiovascular and hepatic status closely.
• Renal or hepatic impairment: avoid or use only under specialist supervision; hepatic impairment substantially increases risk of severe toxicity.

Notes on non‑medical/performance use (harm‑minimization)

• Stanozolol is commonly misused for performance or physique enhancement. Non‑medical use is associated with higher doses, longer duration, polypharmacy (stacking with other AAS) and substantially increased risk of adverse outcomes.
• This guide does not endorse non‑prescribed use. If a patient discloses non‑medical use, clinicians should offer medical evaluation, screening (liver tests, lipids, blood pressure, hematocrit), counseling on risks, and assistance with cessation if desired.
• If a prescriber does treat someone using stanozolol, baseline and periodic monitoring (see Monitoring section) are essential.

Monitoring recommendations (typical for patients prescribed an AAS)

• Baseline and periodic liver function tests (ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin)
• Lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides)
• Complete blood count (hematocrit, hemoglobin) — stanozolol can increase red cell mass
• Blood pressure and body weight
• PSA in men >40 or with prostate disease risk
• Pregnancy test for women of childbearing potential before initiation
• Frequency: follow clinical judgment and product labeling; for patients receiving systemic AAS, check baseline, then within 4–12 weeks after initiation or dose change, and periodically thereafter.

Always counsel patients about drug–drug interactions (e.g., potential potentiation of oral anticoagulants such as warfarin) and to report symptoms such as jaundice, severe abdominal pain, chest pain, dyspnea, unexplained leg swelling or neurologic deficits.

Side effects

Adverse effects can be common, dose‑dependent, and in some cases severe or irreversible.

Common and expected effects

• Androgenic/masculinizing effects: acne, oily skin, increased facial/body hair, scalp hair loss in genetically predisposed men, deepening of the voice (in women).
• Menstrual irregularities in women.
• Suppression of endogenous testosterone production in men: decreased testicular volume, reduced spermatogenesis, infertility; may persist after cessation in some cases.
• Adverse lipid changes: decreased HDL, increased LDL — increases cardiovascular risk.
• Elevated hemoglobin/hematocrit (polycythemia), which increases thrombotic risk.
• Fluid shifts and blood pressure elevation are possible, although stanozolol tends to cause less pronounced fluid retention than aromatizable steroids.
• Hepatic enzyme elevations and cholestatic liver dysfunction (more likely with oral 17α‑alkylated formulations).

Less common but serious/rare effects

• Severe hepatotoxicity including cholestatic jaundice, hepatic adenomas, peliosis hepatis and rare cases of hepatocellular carcinoma with long‑term, high‑dose 17α‑alkylated steroid use.
• Myocardial infarction, stroke and other thromboembolic events — risk increased by negative lipid effects and polycythemia.
• Psychiatric/behavioral effects: mood swings, aggression, irritability, depression, and in rare cases psychosis.
• Injection‑related complications for intramuscular use: local pain, infection, muscle fibrosis.
• Allergic reactions (rare).
• In adolescents: premature epiphyseal closure leading to short stature.

Contraindications

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding (risk of fetal virilization).
• Known or suspected prostate or breast cancer in men.
• Severe hepatic disease or active liver dysfunction.
• Uncontrolled cardiovascular disease or severe hyperlipidemia.
• Hypersensitivity to stanozolol or formulation excipients.

Emergency signs requiring immediate medical attention

• Jaundice, dark urine, severe abdominal pain (possible hepatic injury)
• Chest pain, severe shortness of breath or neurologic deficits (possible thrombotic or cardiovascular event)
• Signs of deep vein thrombosis (leg swelling, pain)
• Severe allergic reaction (rash, difficulty breathing)

Storage

• Follow the product label/packaging for exact instructions. General safe storage recommendations:
  • Store at controlled room temperature unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer (commonly 20–25 °C / 68–77 °F).
  • Protect from excessive heat and direct sunlight.
  • Do not freeze oral tablets or injectable formulations.
  • Keep in original packaging to protect from moisture and light.
  • Keep out of reach of children and pets.
  • Store injectable vials in sterile conditions; do not use if the solution is discolored, cloudy when it should be clear, or contains particulate matter.
  • Dispose of unused or expired medication and used sharps (needles, syringes) according to local regulations or take‑back programs. Do not reuse needles or share injectable devices.
  • For controlled substances, secure storage (locked cabinet) is advised to prevent misuse or diversion.

Final notes

• Stanozolol (Winstrol) is a potent androgenic/anabolic steroid with documented therapeutic uses but significant potential for harm. Use should be limited to appropriate medical indications under close medical supervision with informed consent, baseline evaluation, and ongoing monitoring.
• If you or a patient is considering or using stanozolol outside a prescription, encourage a clinical evaluation to assess risks, perform baseline testing (liver tests, lipids, CBC, BP), and provide harm‑reduction counseling. For any acute symptoms suggestive of hepatic, thrombotic or cardiovascular complications, seek emergency medical care.