What is the recommended dosage of Anavar (oxandrolone) for preserving lean mass during a cutting cycle in bodybuilding?

Oxandrolone Dosage for Preserving Lean Mass During Cutting Cycles in Bodybuilding

For bodybuilders seeking to preserve lean mass during cutting cycles, the recommended dosage of oxandrolone (Anavar) is 2.5 mg to 20 mg daily, divided into 2-4 doses, with most bodybuilders typically using 10-20 mg daily for a 4-8 week cycle. 1

Dosage Guidelines

• The FDA-approved adult dosage range for oxandrolone is 2.5 mg to 20 mg daily, divided into 2-4 doses 1
• A typical course of therapy lasts 2-4 weeks, which can be repeated intermittently as indicated, though bodybuilders often extend cycles to 6-8 weeks 1
• Lower doses (5-10 mg daily) may be sufficient for beginners, while more experienced users may require higher doses (15-20 mg daily) for noticeable preservation of lean mass 1
• Doses should be adjusted to the lowest possible amount consistent with desired results to minimize side effects 2

Efficacy for Preserving Lean Mass

• Research shows that oxandrolone significantly increases lean body mass retention compared to placebo, with studies demonstrating 6.9 kg vs 3.8 kg lean mass gains when combined with resistance training 3
• Oxandrolone has been shown to help regain lean mass 2-3 times faster than nutrition alone in recovery scenarios 4
• The anabolic effects of oxandrolone on lean mass are maintained for at least 6 months after discontinuation of the drug 4
• Combining oxandrolone with resistance exercise produces substantially better results for lean mass preservation than oxandrolone alone 5, 6

Important Considerations and Side Effects

• Androgenic side effects are dose-dependent and include weight gain, acne, virilization in women, menstrual irregularities, and hepatic abnormalities 2
• Oxandrolone can significantly decrease HDL cholesterol levels (by approximately 0.25 mmol/L or 9.8 mg/dL) 3
• Monitoring of liver function is essential during oxandrolone use 2
• Female users should be aware that conception is still possible while taking oxandrolone, and additional contraceptive methods are recommended 7

Cycling and Post-Cycle Considerations

• Therapy should be intermittent rather than continuous to minimize side effects and maintain efficacy 1
• Post-cycle therapy should be considered to restore natural testosterone production
• The gains in lean mass achieved during oxandrolone cycles can be maintained with proper nutrition and continued resistance training after discontinuation 4

Optimizing Results

• Combining oxandrolone with resistance training produces significantly better improvements in lean mass and strength than oxandrolone alone 6
• Muscle quality (strength per unit of muscle area) does not improve with oxandrolone alone but improves significantly when combined with resistance training 6
• Adequate protein intake (1.6-2.2g/kg/day) should be maintained during cutting cycles to maximize lean mass preservation

Safety Warnings

• There are insufficient consistent clinical data to broadly recommend androgenic steroids like oxandrolone for increasing muscle mass 2
• Oxandrolone is a controlled substance and should only be used under medical supervision
• Long-term use increases risk of adverse effects including liver damage, cardiovascular complications, and hormonal disruption
• Doses used for bodybuilding purposes often exceed therapeutic recommendations and may significantly increase health risks

Remember that oxandrolone is a prescription medication and using it for bodybuilding purposes is not an FDA-approved indication. The safest approach to cutting would involve natural methods including proper nutrition and training.