Disclaimer: This article serves solely for educational purposes and does not endorse the use of illegal steroids. If you have any questions or concerns, Dr. Touliatos is available for consultation.
Winstrol (Stanozolol), commonly known as Winny, holds a significant place in bodybuilding due to its status as an oral steroid that delivers potent fat-burning and muscle-building effects.
Notably, its anabolic impact comes without a substantial increase in water weight, facilitating lean and aesthetic gains as opposed to a bulky, bloated appearance. Consequently, Winstrol finds applications both in the summer for achieving a shredded look and in the off-season for adding lean muscle mass.
Given its versatility, Winstrol is considered the second most popular oral steroid, trailing only behind Dianabol, a notable achievement considering the popularity of Anavar, a competing cutting steroid.
Here’s a roundup of the most favored Winstrol cycles embraced by local gym enthusiasts and even professional bodybuilders striving for a ripped physique.
Note: With the exception of the first cycle, these recommendations are not suitable for beginners due to Winstrol’s high toxicity. Novices looking to burn fat and build muscle are better off considering an Anavar cycle.
Cycle with Winstrol Only ( Designed for Beginners )
All Weeks:
Fish oil (4g/day)TUDCA (500mg/day)
PCT:
Nolvadex (Tamoxifen) 40mg x 45 Days
This Winstrol cycle gained popularity upon its release, featuring more conservative dosages, making it ideal for beginners. In today’s bodybuilding landscape, it’s considered a relatively ‘light’ cycle.
Users have reported significant gains in lean muscle—up to 10 lbs—alongside a substantial reduction in body fat percentage during the 45-day duration.
Winstrol was initially available in 2mg pill bottles, but today, 5mg and 10mg pills are more prevalent. In the latter case, a more practical dose for the first 2 weeks could be 7.5mg (taking 1.5 x 5mg pills).
To support liver health and reduce potential damage, TUDCA, a proven liver support supplement, is recommended (2). Fish oil helps manage cholesterol and blood pressure (3), countering the inevitable spike associated with Winstrol intake.
Nolvadex, a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM), is included to address low testosterone levels post-cycle (4). This has proven effective in restoring hormonal balance within several weeks of cycle cessation, a process that might otherwise take several months.
Given its versatility, Winstrol is considered the second most popular oral steroid, trailing only behind Dianabol, a notable achievement considering the popularity of Anavar, a competing cutting steroid.
Here’s a roundup of the most favored Winstrol cycles embraced by local gym enthusiasts and even professional bodybuilders striving for a ripped physique.
Note: With the exception of the first cycle, these recommendations are not suitable for beginners due to Winstrol’s high toxicity. Novices looking to burn fat and build muscle are better off considering an Anavar cycle.
For women interested in Winstrol usage, refer to this article.
Optimal Winstrol Cycle for Experienced Users
This Winstrol cycle is recommended for individuals who have prior experience with Winstrol or milder steroids like Testosterone or Anavar, given the higher dosages specified. While it promises enhanced muscle gains and fat loss, it’s important to note that the associated side effects may be more pronounced with this regimen.
Well-Balanced Bodybuilding Cycle for Dramatic Transformations
This meticulously dosed bodybuilding cycle has the potential to significantly alter a person’s body composition within a few weeks. It’s crucial to note that testosterone levels will experience more suppression, and there will be spikes in cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and liver values during this intermediate cycle. Managing these factors becomes essential as they constitute the primary side effects associated with Winstrol cycling.
Winstrol and Testosterone Cycle
All weeks:
- Fish oil (4g/day)
- TUDCA (500mg/day)
- Nolvadex (Tamoxifen) 20–40 mg/day or anastrozole 0.5–1 mg/day
PCT:
- HCG (2000 IU every other day x 20 days)
- Clomid (100 mg/day x 30 days)
The aforementioned cycle can serve both bulking and cutting purposes, delivering substantial muscle gains alongside noticeable fat loss.
Primarily favored for bulking, the addition of testosterone may induce some water retention. However, this combination significantly enhances strength and muscle gains. Testosterone’s milder nature doesn’t exacerbate Winstrol’s toxicity, but it introduces concerns like gynecomastia and lower endogenous testosterone post-cycle (5). To counter high estrogen side effects, users may employ an anti-aromatase inhibitor or a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM).
Anti-aromatase inhibitors, such as Anastrozole, inhibit testosterone conversion into estrogen, reducing water retention and gynecomastia risk. However, AIs may negatively impact blood pressure. Alternatively, SERMs block estrogen activity directly in breast tissue, addressing gynecomastia concerns. Still, water retention remains possible as estrogen circulates throughout the body.
Notably, testosterone is an injectable steroid, making this cycle less suitable for individuals averse to needles.
Considering the aggressive nature of this cycle, a more robust Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) is recommended to kickstart natural testosterone production. Dr. Michael Scally’s successful use of the Clomid and HCG duo in hypogonadism research supports this approach.
Winstrol and Anadrol Cycle
All Weeks:
- Nolvadex (Tamoxifen) 20–40 mg/day
- Fish oil (4g/day)
- TUDCA (500mg/day)
PCT:
- HCG (2000 IU every other day x 20 days)
- Clomid (100 mg/day x 30 days)
Combining Winstrol with Anadrol might seem surprising, given Winstrol’s reputation as a cutting steroid and Anadrol’s classification as a bulking steroid with potential fluid retention. However, bodybuilders have successfully cycled the two just before competitions, achieving a ripped, dry, and full look.
The key is to limit sodium intake to avoid Anadrol’s water-ballooning effect. Anadrol is estrogenic, so using it alongside a high-sodium diet can lead to water retention and less defined muscles. When managed carefully, Anadrol creates a substantial and full onstage appearance, especially noticeable when other competitors are glycogen-depleted.
Even during cutting phases with reduced calories, this stack can facilitate fat burning and muscle building. For those not in a cutting phase, significant mass and strength gains can be expected due to the potency of Anadrol.
Side effects
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the downsides of this cycle. It involves two of the most toxic oral steroids, adversely impacting cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and liver enzymes. Therefore, it’s not advisable for frequent use and is strictly recommended for experienced steroid users.
Gynecomastia becomes a concern with Anadrol, necessitating the use of a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) like Nolvadex to prevent the accumulation of breast tissue. Aromatase inhibitors are found ineffective against Anadrol-induced gyno, as it directly stimulates estrogen receptors instead of converting testosterone to estrogen.
Post-cycle, testosterone levels are likely to be suppressed, requiring a robust Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) to restore endogenous testosterone levels to normal.
Due to the harshness of this cycle, it’s advisable not to extend it beyond 6 weeks to maintain optimal long-term health.
Winstrol and Trenbolone Cycle
In our experience, Winstrol and Trenbolone cycles are highly toxic AAS and only suitable for advanced steroid users. In terms of gains, Winstrol and Trenbolone are two of the best steroids you can take for transforming your body in a short space of time (when used as a cutting or bulking cycle).
Trenbolone, like Winstrol, has muscle-building and fat-burning attributes, with it also creating a dry and grainy look to the muscles.
All Weeks:
- Fish oil (4g/day)
- TUDCA (500mg/day)
- Letrozole (1.25mg every other day) is optional and not suitable if blood pressure is high.
PCT:
- HCG: 2000 IU administered every other day for 20 days
- Nolvadex: 2 x 20mg for 45 days
- Clomid:2 x 50mg for 30 days
It’s important to note that this cycle is intense and requires careful consideration due to its high toxicity. It is strongly advised for those with advanced knowledge and experience with steroid use.
Winstrol/Trenbolone Bulking Cycle
When used as a bulking stack, Winstrol and Trenbolone form perhaps the most aesthetic steroid duo, delivering lean muscle gains, minimal water retention, and a reduction in body fat for users.
While both Winstrol and Trenbolone contribute to a dry and defined physique, the key difference lies in Trenbolone’s ability to pack on significantly more muscle. Trenbolone is recognized as an injectable steroid, making it harsher on the body and often considered more of a bulking steroid due to its remarkable anabolic effects.
This cycle is designed for experienced steroid users, with a duration of 6 weeks to minimize potential harm to the body. If well-tolerated, users may consider extending it to 8 weeks for additional gains.
The Trenbolone dose increases by 50% at week 5 to sustain substantial gains in the last 2 weeks. However, users should exercise caution and not increase the Tren dose if concerned about side effects by week 4.
Despite building similar muscle amounts as the Winstrol/Testosterone cycle, this cycle is associated with less water weight gain.
Side Effects:
- Tren/Winstrol cycles often lead to elevated LDL cholesterol and a significant increase in blood pressure.
- HPTA damage occurs, with testosterone levels shutting down post-cycle.
- Androgenic side effects like oily skin, hair loss, and acne are common.
- Possibility of progesterone-induced gynecomastia from Trenbolone.
- AIs (aromatase inhibitors) can help reduce progesterone-related side effects but may spike blood pressure.
- SERMs like Nolvadex might worsen progesterone-induced gyno, and regular nipple monitoring is advised.
- If gynecomastia occurs, letrozole can be taken, but blood pressure should be monitored before use.
Winstrol and Clenbuterol Cycle:
While Clenbuterol isn’t a steroid, it’s often cycled with cutting steroids like Winstrol for its potent fat-burning effects.
Clenbuterol’s effectiveness for building lean muscle in humans is uncertain, with varying results reported. Research in horses, however, has shown significant increases in lean mass.
The cycle incorporates a slightly lower dose of Winstrol (20mg instead of 25mg) due to increased heart risk from Clenbuterol. The cycle duration may extend to 8 weeks, but liver enzymes should be closely monitored.
All Weeks:
- Fish oil (4g/day)
- TUDCA (500mg/day)
PCT:
- Clomid (100mg x 30 days)
Clenbuterol and Winstrol Stack:
Users stacking Clen with Winstrol have reported rapid fat loss as their metabolism goes into overdrive. Clenbuterol, as a beta2-agonist, operates differently than steroids, eliminating risks of gyno, testosterone suppression, hair loss, acne, etc. However, significant increases in heart rate and blood pressure can occur, requiring users to exercise caution.
Regularly monitoring blood pressure is crucial during this cycle. Planned increases in Clenbuterol dosage should only proceed if blood pressure remains within normal levels. If blood pressure becomes too high, users should refrain from increasing the Clenbuterol dose or consider discontinuing the cycle if the elevation is severe. Some patients have experienced arrhythmia as a result of Clenbuterol use.
Winstrol and Anavar Cycle:
Anavar, an oral steroid used in cutting cycles, is quite similar to Winstrol, possessing fat-burning and muscle-building properties. While gains from Winstrol may be more noticeable, it also carries more substantial side effects.
Winstrol is notably more cost-effective compared to Anavar, with the latter often costing hundreds of dollars for a cycle. The primary advantage of Anavar over Winstrol, aside from its safety profile, is its suitability for women. Anavar poses a lower risk of causing virilization side effects in females, while Winstrol carries a higher risk in this regard.
Winstrol and Anavar Cutting Cycle:
When cycled together, the combination of Winstrol and Anavar elevates fat loss, muscle gains, and strength to new levels compared to a Winstrol-only cycle. This powerful cutting cycle is effective for rapidly reducing body fat without sacrificing muscle or strength.
A potential downside of Winstrol is muscle depletion due to a loss of intracellular fluid. Anavar can counteract this effect by increasing cellular volume, creating a full and pumped appearance in the muscles.
Side Effects:
- Anavar, despite being an oral steroid, does not significantly increase liver toxicity. The kidneys process much of the compound, and TUDCA should be sufficient to limit strain on the liver.
- Testosterone suppression is moderate when taking Anavar alone. When stacked with Winstrol, it may lead to complete shutdown, requiring a Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT).
- Cholesterol levels may rise slightly higher on this stack compared to taking Winstrol alone.
- Gynecomastia is not an issue, as neither of these steroids aromatizes.
FAQ:
Can you drink alcohol on Winstrol?
Consuming alcohol while taking Winstrol is not advisable due to the potential strain on the liver. Hepatotoxic oral anabolic steroids like Winstrol can significantly elevate AST and ALT enzymes, indicating hepatic inflammation. Alcohol consumption may exacerbate oxidative stress, although some individuals may tolerate small to moderate amounts.
Summary:
Winstrol, especially when stacked with other steroids like Anavar, is a potent cutting steroid that delivers impressive results. However, it’s important to recognize that Winstrol’s side effects are as potent as its benefits. Therefore, moderate doses of Winstrol should be cycled by intermediate steroid users who tolerate them well.
Always consult with a doctor before initiating a Winstrol cycle, and adhere to recommended liver, heart, and PCT supplements to prioritize overall health during and after the cycle.
There was a noticeable impact on my libido, and I’m considering post-cycle therapy to address any potential disruption in natural testosterone production.
Personally, I experienced a noticeable increase in strength while on Winstrol, allowing me to push harder and achieve more in my workouts.
Joint Discomfort: “I did face some joint discomfort during my cycle, which was unexpected. It felt like my joints were a bit stiff, possibly due to the dryness associated with Winstrol.
I noticed a significant boost in muscle definition during my Winstrol cycle, with veins becoming more prominent and muscles taking on a harder, more sculpted look
Workouts felt incredible with Winstrol – better pumps and increased endurance made each session more satisfying.