Is it safe to use testosterone enanthate (testosterone) 250mg/week and oxandrolone (anavar) 30mg/day for cutting?

Safety Concerns with Testosterone Enanthate and Oxandrolone Use for Cutting

Using testosterone enanthate 250mg/week and oxandrolone 30mg/day for cutting purposes is not safe and poses significant health risks that outweigh any potential benefits.

Testosterone Enanthate Usage Concerns

• The FDA-approved dosage for testosterone enanthate in male hypogonadism is 50-200mg every 2 weeks or 50mg weekly, making 250mg/week significantly higher than therapeutic doses 1
• Testosterone enanthate injections are associated with greater risk of cardiovascular events, hospitalizations, and deaths compared to other testosterone formulations due to fluctuating serum testosterone levels with peaks and valleys 2
• The FDA required labeling changes in 2015 to warn about possible increased risk of heart attack and stroke with testosterone preparations 2
• Supraphysiologic testosterone levels are associated with erythrocytosis (elevated red blood cell count), which increases risk of thrombotic events 2

Oxandrolone Usage Concerns

• Oxandrolone (Oxandrin) is typically prescribed at 2.5-20mg/day for medical conditions, making 30mg/day higher than standard therapeutic doses 2
• As a 17α-alkylated androgen, oxandrolone can cause adverse effects including weight gain, virilization, acne, altered libido, muscle pains, headaches, depression, fatigue, hypertension, and alterations in lipid profile 2
• Oxandrolone can significantly decrease HDL-C (good cholesterol) and increase LDL-C (bad cholesterol), increasing cardiovascular risk 3

Combined Use Risks

• The combination of high-dose testosterone and oxandrolone amplifies risks of:
  • Cardiovascular complications due to unfavorable lipid profile changes 2, 3
  • Liver function abnormalities with elevated transaminases 4
  • Hormonal disruption with suppression of natural testosterone production 5
  • Psychological effects including aggression, hostility, and mood disturbances 6

Monitoring Recommendations (if use continues despite risks)

• Regular blood tests every 2-3 months to monitor:
  • Hemoglobin/hematocrit (target below 54%, withdraw if higher) 2
  • Liver function tests 1
  • Lipid profile 1
  • Testosterone levels (should be measured midway between injections, targeting 500-600 ng/dL) 2

Alternative Approaches for Cutting

• Focus on lifestyle modifications including caloric deficit through diet and increased physical activity 2
• Consider that weight loss through proper diet and exercise can naturally improve testosterone levels by 1-2 nmol/L 2
• If testosterone therapy is medically indicated, use standard therapeutic doses under medical supervision 1

Important Caveats

• Non-prescribed use of testosterone and anabolic steroids is illegal in many jurisdictions 7
• Discontinuation of these substances may lead to withdrawal effects including depression and hypogonadism 6
• Long-term use increases risk of dependence and more severe health complications 6, 7