11 Anavar Side Effects (bodybuilding, male, female)

January 10, 2024 |

Posted By

Max Health Living is a reader-supported site. Purchases made through links may earn a commission. Learn more.

Key Highlights:
  • Anavar’s side effects in bodybuilding include oily skin and acne, liver toxicity and disease, nausea, decreased libido, headaches, increased blood pressure, severe mood swings, and depression.
  • Anavar can cause a decrease in sexual drive/desire and affect the body’s ability to produce testosterone naturally.
  • Anavar is illegal in the United States and banned in competitions, so using it can put you at risk of getting into trouble.
  • Due to these effects, I’ve been using a much safer, approved, and more effective alternative for the past 2 years.

>> Click here to learn more about this

Anavar’s (Oxandrolone) side effects are an unfortunate reality of anabolic steroid use.

Despite Anavar being the most common steroid used by women – based on our anabolic steroids statistics – most Anavar on the market is faked or cut with other drugs. This is one of the reasons why I’ll never recommend anabolic steroid usage for both males and females looking to build a lean muscle mass.

That’s a story for another day.

Although Anavar steroid has been used by many for years to build muscle and burn fat, it can come with some negative consequences if care is not taken.

In this article, I will explore the side effects of Anavar in bodybuilding, and weight loss, and how it affects the entire body before and after intake.

A little housecleaning first:

DISCLAIMER

Before we get started – know that we at MaxHealthLiving will never endorse the use of steroids in any way. First, it’s important to note that Anavar is a synthetic anabolic steroid, which means that it can have harmful side effects, despite its mild nature.

Second, there are much safer, approved, and more effective alternatives available. Finally, Anavar is illegal in the United States, Germany, Canada, Australia, and the UK and banned in competitions, so using it can put you at risk of getting into trouble. Up to 14 years imprisonment!

Illegal to possess steroids
(source)

This is why I’ve been using and highly recommend a legal, safer, and healthier replacement like Anvarol.

(Click the banner above to learn more)

11 Anavar Side Effects

Now, lets get an explanation of these side effects.

1. Oily Skin and Acne

The oily skin side effect caused by Anavar happens because Anavar increases estrogen levels, which can lead to an increase in acne and other skin-related side effects such as dryness, irritation, or excess oil production.

It is also thought that the steroid causes an increase in sebum production. This excess oil then clogs pores and leads to the growth of bacteria, resulting in inflammation and blemishes.

In some cases, the acne may be severe enough to require treatment with oral antibiotics.

For most people, though, the side effect is only temporary and will resolve once they stop taking Anavar. In the meantime, there are some steps that can be taken to help manage the condition, including using non-comedogenic cleansing products and avoiding unnecessarily touching the face.

2. Anavar Liver Toxicity and Disease

Liver disease is a serious condition that can be caused by a variety of factors, including alcohol abuse, viral infections, and certain medications. One of the latter is Anavar.

Although Anavar is not as hepatotoxic as other oral steroids, it can still cause liver damage, especially when used in high doses or for long periods. When taken orally, Anavar is metabolized by the liver, which produces a toxic byproduct that can damage liver cells.

In addition, Anavar can increase levels of enzymes that are harmful to the liver.

This is why it’s important to consult with a doctor before taking Anavar and to be aware of the signs and symptoms of liver disease, such as fatigue, dark urine, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. If you experience these symptoms while taking Anavar, stop immediately and get medical care.

3. Nausea

Another side effect of Anavar is Nausea.

Nausea is a common side effect of many drugs and supplements – including Anavar steroid – and it occurs when the stomach feels upset or nauseated. There are many different factors that can contribute to nausea, including the strength of the drug, the dosage, and the individual’s sensitivity to the drug. In most cases, nausea is temporary and will resolve on its own.

However, in some cases, it can be more severe and require medical treatment.

Nausea is most commonly caused by the sudden influx of hormones in your system when you start taking Anavar. This can upset the delicate balance of chemicals in your brain, leading to feelings of sickness.

Nausea can also be caused by the increased blood flow to your muscles when you’re working out.

This can cause your stomach to feel queasy.

Finally, some people simply have a sensitive stomach and can’t tolerate the high doses of Anavar required to see results. If you experience nausea while taking Anavar, try reducing your dose or taking it with food. You should also drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

4. Decreased Libido (low sexual urge)

It’s no secret that steroids can have a profound effect on sexual desire. After all, they are designed to increase testosterone levels, and testosterone is the hormone responsible for libido.

However, not all steroids have the same effect on sexual desire.

Some steroids can decrease libido. Anavar is one such steroid. While it can certainly increase testosterone levels, it can also lead to a decrease in sexual desire. Anavar has been shown to suppress the body’s ability to produce testosterone naturally.

Which may result in loss of libido (low sex drive).

The exact mechanism by which this occurs is not fully understood, but it is thought that Anavar may interfere with the body’s production of other hormones that are necessary for sexual desire.

As a result, users of Anavar may find that their sex drive decreases significantly while taking the drug.

For some people, this side effect may be undesirable. However, others may find that it leads to increased focus and intensity during sex. In any case, it is important to be aware of how Anavar can affect sexual desire before starting a cycle.

Other men fertility problems associated with Anavar include:

  • impotence
  • ejaculation problems
  • decreased amounts of semen
  • decrease in testicle size

5. Anavar Headaches

Headaches is one of Anavar’s side effect which is often reported by users. They typically begin within the first week of taking the drug and may last for several weeks.

And can sometimes be a result of overheating, dehydration, or lack of sleep.

The headaches are not an indication that the medication has stopped working since they tend to go away quickly once these factors have been addressed.

Headache as a side effect of Anavar steroid could be related to the drug’s effects on blood pressure and blood sugar levels. In most cases, the headaches are caused by the increased blood pressure that results from taking Anavar. The increased blood pressure puts pressure on the blood vessels in the head, which can lead to headaches

Sometimes using an ice pack on your head may also provide relief from the pain as well as applying a light heating pad when needed.

Pain-relieving medications should not typically be used without consulting with your doctor first because they could lead to serious health complications down the road if taken in excess amounts or for extended periods of time.

6. High Blood Pressure from Anavar usage

High blood pressure is an often reported side effect of Anavar.  It is rare in low doses but becomes more common as the dosage increases. The effects are typically temporary and can be treated with rest (rather than medication).

The exact mechanism by which Anavar causes high blood pressure is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to the way that the drug affects the body’s hormone levels. When used in large doses, Anavar can cause an increase in the body’s level of testosterone, which can lead to a rise in blood pressure.

Also, Anavar causes the body to retain fluid and salt, which can increase blood volume and lead to higher blood pressure readings. In some cases, this can also lead to headaches, dizziness, and other symptoms of hypertension.

An increase in blood pressure caused by Anavar happens in an acute (sudden) rather than chronic fashion.

If you are on the drug, it is important to monitor your blood pressure and notify a doctor or pharmacist immediately if an increase occurs.

7. Severe mood swings and Depression

Mood swings and depression can be very harmful to your physical and emotional health.

They can lead to a wide variety of problems, including difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things; changes in eating habits (overeating or not eating enough); problems with sleeping; anxiety, agitation, or feeling constantly on edge; thoughts of suicide or homicide; and self-harm (cutting oneself).

Additionally, these conditions can have a significant negative impact on your relationships with others.

As bad as we may have it – mood swings and depression are serious side effects of Anavar in male and female bodybuilders and athletes.

Anavar and most anabolic steroids are known to increase levels of testosterone, which can lead to increased aggressiveness and irritability. In addition, Anavar may also interfere with the body’s ability to produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood.

As a result, Anavar may cause users to experience sudden mood changes, as well as feelings of depression and anxiety.

8. Kidney Toxicity

Kidney toxicity is the occurrence of adverse effects in the kidneys as a result of exposure to a toxic substance. This can be due to either direct or indirect kidney injury and can range from mild to severe.

Kidney toxicity can occur as a result of exposure to heavy metals, chemicals, certain medications, and even some natural substances. Symptoms of kidney toxicity may include urinary frequency or urgency, back pain, kidney stones, blood in the urine, proteinuria, edema, and hypertension.

If left untreated, kidney toxicity can lead to renal failure and even death.

As we may have it, kidney toxicity is a serious side effect associated with the use of Anavar.

Kidney damage can occur when the body is unable to process and excrete the waste products of Anavar metabolism. These waste products can build up in the blood, causing damage to the kidneys.

In some cases, this damage can be irreversible. Kidney toxicity is more likely to occur when Anavar is used in high doses or for extended periods, out of the recommended cycle length.

Anyone experiencing unexplained fatigue, nausea, vomiting, or changes in urine output should seek medical attention immediately. Kidney damage is a potentially life-threatening negative effect of Anavar use, and it should be taken seriously.

9. Virilization in Women

Virilization is an anabolic steroid side effect characterized by changes to a woman’s physical appearance. Another female Anavar effect to be aware of.

Women who are administered this drug may experience, irreversible development of masculine features such as a deeper voice, hirsutism, menstruation abnormalities, increased body hair, and clitoral enlargement.

While Anavar is a well-tolerated steroid among women, it can cause masculinization if taken in prolonged cycles over 5 weeks or at high dosages above 10 mg per day. This virilization effect caused by Anavar happens because it binds to an androgen receptor.

For other women, Anavar is not a recommendable drug. else your doctor advises otherwise. This is why medical and fitness experts recommend Anavar for women who are intensively involved in sports.

10. Heart attack and disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America, and anabolic steroids have been shown to increase your risk for heart-related issues.

One study found that those who took an anabolic steroid like Anavar had a statistically significant increased chance of developing coronary artery disease. Another study concluded that there was “a clear dose-response associated with the duration of use.”

If you take an anabolic orogenic drug regularly, within three months you can expect to see changes in cholesterol levels and may even develop atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries).

This has serious consequences which include strokes, and chest pain during exercise because blood flow cannot reach all areas well enough due to plaque buildup; heart attack as clogged arteries may not be able to pump blood through an area.

(Click the banner above to learn more)

FAQs

Is Anavar liver toxic?

Yes Anavar (Oxandrolone) is liver toxic. Because it breaks down very easily in the body and can be processed by your liver. It also increases testosterone levels, but not as much as other steroids such as Dianabol.

This means those on an avian-based diet will find their liver more susceptible to damage from this drug than others since they won’t have a higher level of natural protection against xenobiotics (foreign substances).

Are Anavar tablets dangerous?

Yes, Anavar is dangerous. It is considered a mild steroid compared to Trenbolone and others, However, it also has several side effects (covered in this post) which can be harmful if not managed correctly.

Can Anavar make you tired?

Anavar can certainly make you feel tired and lethargic. This is because it slows down your metabolism and makes you feel less energetic. In addition, As a cutting and weight loss agent – Anavar also decreases your appetite, which can lead to fatigue and tiredness.

Can Anavar cause gyno?

Anavar doesn’t aromatize and does not cause estrogen conversion thereby not causing gynecomastia. However, some users have reported cases of gyno while using this steroid. These individuals may have been suffering from an underlying medical condition that caused the gyno and not the Anavar itself.

Nonetheless, it is always important to be vigilant when using any type of steroid and to immediately stop taking the drug if any signs of gyno develop.

Can Anavar cause cancer?

No, Anavar does not directly cause cancer. However, as with any steroid, there are potential side effects that could occur.

These include an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure. While these conditions can lead to cancer, the direct link between Anavar and cancer has not been established.

Also, some studies have shown that it can suppress the immune system, which could theoretically make someone more vulnerable to developing cancer. Additionally, one of the main risks of Anavar is liver toxicity, and liver damage has been linked to an increased risk of developing cancer.

So while Anavar itself doesn’t cause cancer, it could potentially increase your risk if you’re already predisposed.

Can Anavar cause headaches?

Headaches are one of the more common side effects reported with Anavar, but they typically only occur when the drug is taken in large doses. If you experience headaches while taking Anavar, lowering your dose may help alleviate them.

Can Anavar cause joint pain?

Joint pain is a very uncommon side effect of Anavar. Some people report relief from joint pain when taking Oxandrolone, but it is not common, according to my research.

Can Anavar cause constipation?

Well, to date, there have been no reports of constipation associated with Anavar usage. This is likely because Anavar is not a very constipating drug it’s quite the opposite.

Does Anavar cause hair loss?

Anavar does not cause hair loss. It is a mild steroid and does not have the same harsh effects on the body as others. Some medical conditions can cause hair loss, such as male pattern baldness (Androgenetic alopecia).

Does Anavar make you angry?

Anavar can sometimes cause anger or unwarranted rage as a side effect, but the likelihood of experiencing anger depends on several factors such as genetics, dosage, and overall health. That said, Trenbolone is particularly known to cause anger or aggression, commonly referred to as “Tren rage”.

Does Anavar increase testosterone?

Yes, Anavar can increase testosterone levels in men. However, it is important to keep in mind that Anavar is not a substitute for testosterone replacement therapy; it simply provides a boost to the body’s natural testosterone production. To maintain optimal testosterone levels, men will need to continue with regular TRT treatments even while taking Anavar.

Does Anavar make you lose weight?

While it is not a “true” weight loss steroid, Anavar might help with weight loss because it is a cutting steroid. When on a caloric deficit, Anavar can preserve lean muscle tissue while helping the body burn fat. However, athletes and other people looking to lose weight should also exercise and eat a healthy diet for the best results.

Does Anavar make you retain water?

No, Anavar cannot cause water retention. This is because Anavar is a diuretic, which means it helps to remove water from the body. Anavar is often used by athletes and bodybuilders to cut weight before competitions.

Does Anavar raise blood pressure?

Anavar can cause high blood pressure, especially when used in large doses. Anavar causes the body to retain fluid and salt, which can increase blood volume and lead to higher blood pressure readings. In some cases, this can also lead to headaches, dizziness, and other symptoms of hypertension.

Does Anavar make you pee a lot?

Anavar may cause increased urination as a side effect. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim, and it is not listed as a known side effect of Anavar by reputable sources. It is possible that any increased urination experienced by those taking Anavar is due to other factors, such as increased fluid intake or changes in diet.

Is Anavar a SARM?

There is a lot of confusion out there about what SARMs are and what they do. SARMs stand for selective androgen receptor modulators, and they are drugs that bind to androgen receptors in the body to produce certain effects.

Androgens are hormones like testosterone that bind to androgen receptors; when they do, they can promote muscle growth and other masculinizing effects.

Some people think that Anavar, which is also known as oxandrolone, is a SARM because it can promote muscle growth.

However, Anavar is an anabolic steroid, not a SARM. While it does share some similarities with SARMs, there are important differences between anabolic steroids and SARMs.

Are Anavar side effects permanent?

Anavar side effects can be permanent, but it depends on a variety of factors.

For example, if you abuse Anavar or take it in large doses, the chances of experiencing lasting side effects are much higher. Additionally, how long you take Anavar also plays a role in determining whether or not the side effects will be permanent.

In general, the longer you take Anavar, the greater the risk of developing permanent side effects. Finally, individual response to medication also affects whether or not Anavar side effects are permanent. Some people may be more susceptible to developing permanent side effects than others.

What’s better than Anavar (without side effects)?

The best legal alternative to Anavar is Anvarol by CrazyBulk.

You know, Anavar is an anabolic steroid.

An anabolic hormone, such as testosterone or anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), promotes protein synthesis in muscle cells and suppresses their natural tendency to break down proteins into amino acids after they have been used for growth.

When you take the drug, your body will start producing more of these hormones naturally because it recognizes them as being foreign bodies. This leads to a number of these unpleasant symptoms and bad effects we’ve discussed earlier.

And they can be very difficult to deal with if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Also, it is considered a controlled substance in the United States and can only be purchased in the United States through a licensed doctor or pharmacy.

This is why CrazyBulk invented an alternative supplement like Anvarol (Anvarol review here).

(Click the banner above to learn more)
  • No needles needed
  • No prescriptions
  • Legal and safer for men and women
  • Promotes fat loss faster
  • Helps preserve lean muscle while cutting calories
  • Boosts energy levels
  • Not liver toxic

Anvarol by CrazyBulk contains only the safest, naturally occurring ingredients and has been manufactured to ensure that it’s 100% safe for everyone.

Final Thoughts

From my personal experience using performance-enhancing drugs for over a decade, Anavar could be one of the mildest steroids available, earning it the nickname “the woman’s steroid” due to its relatively low risk of virilization and masculinizing side effects.

While it has been utilized by many individuals for years to enhance vascularity and promote fat loss, it is crucial to recognize that Anavar can result in various adverse consequences, including oily skin, acne, liver toxicity, nausea, decreased libido, headaches, high blood pressure, severe mood swings, and even depression.

Before considering the use of Anavar, it is of utmost importance to consult with a medical professional.

I’d advise one should remain vigilant regarding the signs and symptoms of liver disease. Furthermore, it is vital to be aware of the potential for mood swings and depression, and to seek medical assistance if such issues arise.

It is worth noting that there are safer, approved, and more effective alternatives available, such as Anvarol. This is what I use and recommend these days. No legality issues whatsoever.

Important Disclaimer: The information contained on MAX HEALTH LIVING is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Any statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA and any information or products discussed are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent any disease or illness. Please consult a healthcare practitioner before making changes to your diet or taking supplements that may interfere with medications.

Who We Are

We are a team of fitness, health, and supplement experts, and content creators. Over the past 4 years, we have spent over 123,000 hours researching food supplements, meal shakes, weight loss, and healthy living. Our aim is to educate people about their effects, benefits, and how to achieve a maximum healthy lifestyle. Read more.