Anavar (Oxandrolone) for Muscle

Anavar, the brand name for Oxandrolone, is an oral anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) derived from dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is renowned in bodybuilding and performance-enhancement circles for its ability to promote significant gains in lean muscle mass and strength with a lower incidence of androgenic side effects compared to many other steroids. Its primary mechanism is to increase protein synthesis and nitrogen retention in muscle cells, creating a highly anabolic environment conducive to growth. Unlike many other oral steroids, Anavar is relatively mild on the liver, although caution is still required. In a medical context, it has been used to help patients regain weight after surgery or chronic infection and to treat osteoporosis. From a biological age perspective, its ability to build and preserve lean muscle mass directly combats sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle, which is a key driver of metabolic decline and frailty. However, as an AAS, it suppresses natural testosterone production and carries significant health risks, requiring careful medical supervision and post-cycle therapy.