ORAL VS INJECTABLE WINSTROL, WHICH IS BETTER?
Winstrol (Stanozolol) is one of the most well-known anabolic steroids used by bodybuilders and athletes. It comes in both oral and injectable forms, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will compare oral and injectable Winstrol in terms of effectiveness, bioavailability, side effects, and overall impact on performance and health.
WHY WINSTROL SHOULDN'T BE RAN WITHOUT TESTOSTERONE
Before diving into the comparison, it’s crucial to establish that using Winstrol without a testosterone base is not a good idea. Winstrol suppresses the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular Axis (HPTA), leading to a decline in natural testosterone production. As testosterone drops, so does oestrogen, which is necessary for maintaining lipid profiles and cognitive function. Without oestrogen, HDL (good cholesterol) decreases, and LDL (bad cholesterol) increases, putting users at a much higher risk of cardiovascular disease. If you plan to use Winstrol, make sure you have a proper testosterone base to counteract these effects.
DIFFRENCES
1. Liver Toxicity and Bioavailability
Oral Winstrol is 17-alpha alkylated to survive the first pass through the liver, but this makes it more hepatotoxic than its injectable counterpart. It also undergoes glucuronidation, which reduces its bioavailability. While oral Winstrol has an estimated bioavailability of around 60-80%, injectable Winstrol offers nearly 100% bioavailability since it bypasses the digestive system and liver on the first pass.
This means that on a milligram-for-milligram basis, injectable Winstrol is more efficient. Additionally, oral Winstrol needs to be taken multiple times per day to maintain stable blood levels, while injectable Winstrol, with its longer half-life (24 hours vs. 9 hours for oral), requires less frequent administration.
2. Effects on Lipids
Both oral and injectable Winstrol significantly skew lipid profiles by increasing LDL and decreasing HDL. However, since oral Winstrol passes through the liver twice, it tends to have a more severe impact on cholesterol levels than the injectable version. Maintaining cardiovascular health requires mitigating these effects through strategies like dietary fibre intake, supplements (e.g., Citrus Bergamot, Red Yeast Rice), and using a testosterone base to maintain oestrogen levels.
3. Impact on Collagen and Joint Health
Winstrol negatively affects collagen synthesis, which can lead to brittle joints, tendons, and ligaments. This is one reason why users often experience joint pain when using Winstrol. Additionally, athletes looking to maximise skin thinning for competition may opt for an all-fish diet, which provides only Type I collagen while excluding other essential collagen types found in beef and chicken. However, this approach can further weaken connective tissue, increasing the risk of injury.
Injectable and oral Winstrol both contribute to collagen degradation, but due to the longer half-life and steady blood levels, injectable Winstrol may lead to a more gradual breakdown compared to the fluctuations caused by oral administration.
4. Injection Pain and Administration
A significant downside to injectable Winstrol is the post-injection pain. Unlike oil-based steroids, Winstrol is a water-based suspension, meaning it does not have an ester to slow its release. The steroid molecules remain at the injection site after the water dissipates, causing irritation and discomfort. To mitigate this, some users dilute their Winstrol injections with bacteriostatic water, injectable L-carnitine, or glutathione to reduce pain and inflammation.
While oral Winstrol eliminates injection pain, it comes at the cost of greater liver toxicity and a need for multiple daily doses.
5. Detection Time and Drug Testing
Due to its longer half-life, injectable Winstrol remains in the system longer than oral Winstrol. This is crucial for athletes who are subject to drug testing. If drug detection is a concern, oral Winstrol may be preferable due to its shorter half-life and faster clearance from the body.
6. Muscle Hardness, Strength, and Performance
Winstrol is known for increasing muscle hardness and vascularity by reducing subcutaneous water retention. It also enhances ‘mind-muscle connection’ making it a popular pre-contest steroid. However, injectable Winstrol appears to have a superior effect on muscle fullness and overall strength compared to its oral counterpart due to its higher bioavailability and stable serum levels.
It is sometimes combined, not necessarily with Anadrol, but with ‘wetter’ compounds in general in the off-season at a low dose of ~10mg to attenuate the excess retention potentially caused by said ‘wet’ compounds. However, if possible, avoiding orals of any sort in the off-season is usually best practice to minimise stress on the liver and lipid profile.
WHICH SHOULD YOU CHOOSE
If you’re looking for maximum effectiveness and fewer long-term health risks, injectable Winstrol is the better choice. It offers:
- Higher bioavailability
- Less impact on liver enzymes
- More stable blood levels
- Greater effectiveness per milligram
However, injectable Winstrol does come with significant post-injection pain, requiring careful administration and dilution strategies. If convenience and pain avoidance are your priorities, oral Winstrol may be a viable alternative, but at the cost of increased liver stress and a higher negative impact on lipids.
FINAL THOUGHTS...
Winstrol, whether oral or injectable, is a powerful compound that should be used cautiously. It can enhance muscle definition and performance but carries significant risks, especially regarding cardiovascular health and connective tissue integrity. If you plan to use it, ensure that your overall cycle includes proper testosterone support, lipid management, and joint care strategies to minimise potential harm.
TLDR
- Injectable Winstrol is more bioavailable and less hepatotoxic but causes severe injection pain.
- Oral Winstrol is more convenient but impacts liver enzymes and lipids more harshly.
- Both forms negatively affect collagen and joint health, requiring careful management.
- A testosterone base is essential to maintain healthy oestrogen levels and mitigate cardiovascular risks.
By understanding the pros and cons of each form, you can make a more informed decision based on your individual goals and health considerations.
DISCLAIMER
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content provided is based on research and personal insights but should not be used as a substitute for professional medical consultation. Nicholas Weir does not endorse or encourage the use of performance-enhancing drugs. The use of any substances mentioned carries potential health risks, and individuals should consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding supplementation or drug use. Nicholas Weir assumes no liability for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the application of information contained in this article.