An anabolic steroid, Anavar (also known as oxandrolone) has many uses in the healthcare field. However, it also has some potentially harmful side effects and can be abused by those who want to put on bulk and muscle rather than treat a specific health condition. Knowing what it is used for, what an Anavar cycle looks like, and potential side effects can help you understand the benefits and risks if it’s been prescribed to you.
Here is what you need to know about Anavar to keep yourself safe and informed.
What is the Steroid Anavar Used For?
The steroid Anavar can be prescribed to help patients regain weight after losing it due to trauma, surgery, a chronic infection, or the long-term use of a corticosteroid like prednisone or hydrocortisone. It may also prescribed to help with bone pain and bone loss from osteoporosis. Like other anabolic steroids, Anavar works by mimicking certain hormones in the body.
What Are the Side Effects of Anavar?
The use of anabolic steroids such as Anavar can cause damage to the liver and spleen and lead to liver tumors. It may also increase ‘bad cholesterol’ and reduce ‘good cholesterol’, therefore increasing the risk of heart disease or stroke. It may also cause enlargement of breasts in both men and women, changes in sex drive or ability to have sex, and difficulty sleeping. Those who take steroids by also experience mood swings, increased aggression, and suicidal thoughts.
Symptoms of serious side effects include unusual bleeding or bruising, upset stomach, loss of appetite, vomiting and nausea, yellow eyes or skin, extreme fatigue, or pale and clammy skin. If you are taking an Anavar cycle and notice any of these symptoms, you should call your doctor immediately.
What Does an Anavar Cycle Look Like?
How often and how long you take Anavar will depend on the condition it is being used to treat. When you work with your doctor, he or she will go over the benefits versus the risks with you and determine how long you should take the steroid to treat your condition. It’s vital that you follow your doctor’s orders and continue to be vigilant about potential side effects to ensure your safety.
Can the Anabolic Steroid Anavar Be Abused?
As an anabolic steroid, Anavar can be abused when it is used for gaining muscle rather than treating a medical condition. It is often stacked with other anabolic steroids to enhance these muscle-building effects. It is also possible to become addicted to Anavar and to experience withdrawal symptoms—including weakness, joint pain, anxiety, weight loss, decreased sex drive, and trouble concentrating—when suddenly stopping the medication.
Understanding Your Anavar Cycle
If you have been prescribed Anavar—or if you’ve been taking it illegally—it’s important to look for signs of addiction as well as symptoms that could be signs of major health concerns. If you believe you are having negative health issues due to your Anavar usage, talk to your doctor immediately. If you believe you are addicted to Anavar or another anabolic steroid, reach out to a therapist or recovery center staff member who can evaluate you, answer your questions, and help you start on the road to recovery.
