The side-effects of Winstrol are for some quite concerning; after all, you've been conditioned to fear anabolic steroids like the bubonic plague. Of course, there are many others who don't give the side-effects of Winstrol a second thought, and such behavior is just as ridiculous as our friend who's draped in fear. When it comes to most anabolic steroids, it's always important to remember the adverse effects are possible, but it's also important to remember the word possible does not mean guaranteed. Sure, there are some side-effects some steroids carry that will carry a greater probability, and in some cases, such as with testosterone suppression 100% assurance, but all in all, side-effects should be looked at just as you would with anything else.
With the above in mind, we want to look at the side-effects of Winstrol. We've already looked at such effects in the profile page, but we want to go into more specific detail, and more importantly, we want to see if side-effect free supplementation is possible. For some, the idea of side-effect free supplementation is a novel idea, but we assure you, with responsible use it is a real possibility. In-order to reach this level of supplementation, you will find there are keys to success, and first and foremost is ensuring you're a healthy adult. Beyond health, you must supplement responsibly; if you supplement with no regard to your health you will open the door to potential problems with far greater probability. As is the case, there are five primary rules that must be followed; we'll go into more detail as we go along, but if you are to avoid the side-effects of Winstrol the following must be met:
1. You must be an adult - Winstrol is not for adolescents
2. You must have healthy cholesterol levels
3. If you are a male, you must have a healthy prostate
4. You must not supplement with high doses
5. You must not supplement for far extended periods of time
Dihydrotestosterone & the Side-Effects of Winstrol:
Winstrol is a dihydrotestosterone (DHT) derived anabolic steroid, and as a result, it will carry a few side-effects that are strongly related to DHT buildups. For most, such effects are easy to avoid, but due to specific genetic predispositions some may have a much harder time than others. Of course, even with a genetic predisposition there can be hope, but you must first recognize the potential problem if you are to stand a chance at combating it. The DHT related side-effects of Winstrol include:
Acne: those who are sensitive to acne will always be the first to have a problem. Of course, even if you're not sensitive, if your dosing goes to high you may find you have a problem. At any rate, in-order to ensure your skin stays as you desire, it is imperative that you keep it dry and clean at all times. When you become sweaty, if possible take a shower immediately; if this isn't possible, change into a clean dry shirt and shower as soon as you can. You may find you need an extra shower or two every day if you are sensitive, but if you are truly sensitive you may find you have to avoid this and all DHT based anabolic steroids.
Hair-Loss: when it comes to genetic predispositions, hair-loss is 100% dependent on this factor. Only those who are predisposed to male-pattern baldness will be at risk; such individuals were going to lose their hair anyway, but the Winstrol may speed up the process. If you are not predisposed, there's no concern, but if you are, you may need to avoid DHT steroids. If you are predisposed, concerned about your hair-line and still want to supplement with Winstrol, you'll need to consider the DHT suppressor Finasteride. Common Finasteride products such as Proscar and Propecia can offer a great deal of protection; however, you need to understand this protection is not guaranteed.
Prostate Enlargement: as eluded to above, if you already have prostate issues you should not touch this steroid; in truth, you shouldn't touch any anabolic steroid. For most men, if their prostate is healthy, if they supplement with responsible doses for responsible periods of time they will be fine; it takes a large DHT buildup to cause a problem. Even so, if problems do occur for any reason, you will need to discontinue use of all anabolic steroids immediately, and the use of Finasteride comes highly recommended. Six months of Finasteride therapy has been proven to significantly reduce prostate enlargement; in many cases completely.
The side-effects of Winstrol can include high LDL cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol; in-fact, Winstrol is well-known for being one of the harshest steroids of all on lipid profiles. This is why it is imperative you have healthy lipid profiles before you begin use, and just as important, that you live a lifestyle that promotes their continuation. Dosing will play a role, but the best thing you can do to protect yourself is to consume a healthy diet; a cholesterol friendly diet. If you do this, assuming there is no underlying issue such as a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol most will be fine. You will find ensuring your diet is rich in omega fatty acids to be advised as omega fatty acids will improve your levels. Omega fatty acids have been shown to increase HDL cholesterol levels, the good cholesterol, and this is beyond important as HDL regulates LDL cholesterol, the bad cholesterol.
Winstrol is an anabolic steroid that belongs to the C17-alpha alkylated (C17-aa) class, and this holds true with the oral and injectable form. This C17-aa nature refers to a structural change of the hormone at the 17th carbon position that allows it to survive the first pass through the liver; it is necessary to its survival, but it comes with a cost. Without this change, the hormone would largely be destroyed by the liver before the benefits could be obtained; however, while this protects the hormone it also makes it toxic to the liver. Of all the C17-aa anabolic steroids, Winstrol carries one of the stronger hepatotoxic natures, and with use your liver enzyme values are going to increase. Of course, an initial increase does not automatically mean damage has occurred, but your liver must already be in a healthy state if use is to be considered. At any rate, if you are to avoid the liver related side-effects of Winstrol, it is imperative you follow a few specific rules:
Over the Counter (OTC) Medications: it's often believed that if you can buy it over the counter then it is 100% safe; keep in mind, more than 16,000 Americans die every year due to the use of NSAID painkillers and these are all OTC meds. In any case, it is imperative you avoid all OTC meds when possible when using Winstrol or any C17-aa anabolic steroid; many OTC meds are just as if not more hepatotoxic than Winstrol. If you do not fully need the OTC med, do not use it.
Alcohol Consumption: excess alcohol consumption can be very damaging to the liver, and when you conjoin this with a C17-aa anabolic steroid the damage can be vast; it's simply more stress than the liver can handle. For this reason, it is imperative you avoid excess alcohol consumption; in-fact, we recommend you avoid all alcohol consumption. While Winstrol is used for therapeutic purposes, most who supplement will be doing so for the purpose of performance enhancement, and alcohol is the one thing on earth that is more damaging to performance than anything else.
Dosing & Duration: you must keep your total use at a responsible level, and this includes not only the total dosing but the total duration of use. High doses or long extended periods of use will burden the liver with enormous amounts of stress.
Virilization & the Side-Effects of Winstrol:
Winstrol is one of the few anabolic steroids that can be used safely by women; however, caution is advised. This is a steroid that carries a much lower virilization rating than most steroids; even so, the side-effects of Winstrol can include virilization which refers to the promotion of masculine like characteristics in women. Your genetic response to the hormone will play a role, but most women will be fine if they keep the doses low as well as the duration of use short lived. If you surpass responsible time frames or dosing, the odds of virilization will increase, but again, most women will be fine if they hold to responsible levels. In any case, if virilization symptoms begin to show for any reason, you are encouraged to discontinue use immediately. If you discontinue use at the onset of symptoms, they will fade away rapidly; however, if ignored they may very well become a permanent problem.