When it comes to enhancing muscle growth and achieving fat loss, two names often emerge in the fitness community: Masteron and Anavar. Both compounds boast impressive results, but choosing between them can be a tough decision for athletes and bodybuilders alike. Masteron, known for its hardening effects and ability to promote a lean physique, contrasts strikingly with Anavar, which is celebrated for its muscle-building potential and versatility during cutting phases.

In this ultimate showdown, we’ll dive deep into the unique properties, benefits, and potential drawbacks of each option. Whether you’re looking to shred stubborn fat or amplify your muscle gains, understanding the nuances of Masteron and Anavar is essential for making an informed choice.

What is Anavar?

Anavar, or Oxandrolone, is an oral anabolic steroid developed in the 1960s to help patients regain weight after severe illness or surgery. Over time, its muscle-preserving and fat-burning effects earned it a spot in the fitness and bodybuilding world.

Its standout features include:

Mild androgenic activity

Minimal water retention

Effective lean muscle preservation

Popular use among both men and women

Anavar is commonly used during cutting phases to support fat loss without sacrificing muscle mass.

How Does Anavar Work?

Anavar increases protein synthesis and nitrogen retention, helping maintain an anabolic environment. It also boosts red blood cell count, improving oxygen delivery and muscular endurance.

“Oxandrolone increases lean body mass without significant weight gain, making it ideal for preserving muscle during a caloric deficit.”
— Shalender Bhasin, Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism

What is Masteron?

Masteron, or Drostanolone, is a DHT-derived injectable steroid developed to treat breast cancer. It has since become a favorite among physique athletes for its hardening effects and dry, vascular finish.

Masteron is:

Non-aromatizing

Anti-estrogenic

Ideal for final-stage cutting

Known for improving definition and density

How Does Masteron Work?

Masteron binds to androgen receptors, increasing nitrogen retention and protein synthesis. Its anti-estrogenic effects enhance muscle definition by reducing water retention and stimulating lipolysis.

“Drostanolone exhibits potent androgenic properties without estrogenic side effects, making it ideal for physique refinement.”
— C.D. Kochakian, Steroids

Muscle Growth: Masteron vs Anavar

Compound
Primary Muscle Benefit
Use Case

Masteron
Muscle hardening & density
Final weeks of cutting cycles

Anavar
Lean mass growth with minimal fat
Steady gains during cutting

Masteron is best for visual polish and physique refinement. Anavar supports actual muscle tissue growth with fewer side effects and greater endurance.

Fat Loss: Masteron vs Anavar

Compound
Fat-Loss Mechanism
Best For

Masteron
Anti-estrogenic water shedding + lipolysis
Physique prep, aesthetics

Anavar
Boosts metabolism and preserves lean muscle
Sustainable fat reduction

“Oxandrolone significantly reduces visceral fat in both male and female patients.”
— Anurag Gupta, Annals of Pharmacotherapy

Side Effects and Risks of Masteron

While Masteron is valued for its aesthetic benefits, it comes with potential side effects, particularly due to its androgenic nature.

Common Side Effects:

Acne and oily skin

Hair loss (especially in those prone to male pattern baldness)

Suppressed natural testosterone production

Adverse effects on cholesterol levels (↓ HDL, ↑ LDL)

“Dihydrotestosterone-based compounds like Masteron can significantly impact lipid profiles, increasing cardiovascular risk when used long term.” — Hoffman & Ratamess, Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research

Not recommended for women, as it can cause virilization, including deepening of the voice, clitoral enlargement, and increased facial hair growth.

Side Effects and Risks of Anavar

Anavar is often labeled a “mild” steroid, but that doesn’t make it risk-free.

Key Risks:

Liver toxicity (due to its 17-alpha alkylated structure)

Cholesterol imbalance (↓ HDL, ↑ LDL)

Suppressed testosterone production (especially with long-term use)

Virilization in women (though much lower than most steroids)

“Although Oxandrolone is considered hepatotoxic, it is less toxic than other oral anabolic steroids. Still, elevated liver enzymes can occur.” — Nieschlag et al., Endocrine Reviews

“Anavar significantly reduces HDL and increases LDL levels, which may increase atherosclerosis risk.” — Glazer, Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine

Women should still use Anavar cautiously, with low doses and short durations to avoid side effects.

Dosage Guidelines

Compound
Men (Typical)
Women (Typical)

Masteron
300–600 mg/week
Not recommended

Anavar
20–80 mg/day
5–20 mg/day

Always run Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) and consider health markers like cholesterol and liver enzymes.

Do You Need PCT After Anavar or Masteron?

Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) is a critical component of any steroid cycle, including those involving Anavar and Masteron. Even though both compounds are often considered “mild” in comparison to other anabolic steroids, they can still suppress natural testosterone production, which may lead to hypogonadism, mood changes, low libido, and muscle loss post-cycle.

Why PCT Is Necessary

Anavar is a 17-alpha-alkylated oral steroid. While its androgenic effects are relatively low, it still inhibits the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which can reduce endogenous testosterone levels over time. The extent of suppression varies by dosage and duration, but recovery can be delayed without PCT.

“Even low-dose Oxandrolone administered over 12 weeks significantly suppresses luteinizing hormone and testosterone levels in males.”
— Reid R.E., Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism

Masteron, although injectable and not hepatotoxic, is a DHT-derived androgen. It does not convert to estrogen, but it can still strongly suppress natural testosterone production when used over several weeks. Its suppression may not be as dramatic as that from compounds like Trenbolone or Deca, but it still warrants post-cycle hormonal recovery.

“DHT derivatives like Drostanolone, while less aromatizable, still exert negative feedback on the HPG axis, inhibiting endogenous testosterone.”
— William Llewellyn, Anabolics

Recommended PCT Protocol

Compound
Suggested PCT Start Time
Duration
Common PCT Agents

Anavar
1–3 days after last dose
4 weeks
Nolvadex (Tamoxifen), Clomid (Clomiphene)

Masteron
3–5 days after last injection
4–6 weeks
Nolvadex, Clomid; hCG (optional)

Basic PCT Example

Clomid: 50mg/day for 4 weeks

Nolvadex: 20mg/day for 4 weeks

More advanced users may opt to include hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) in the final weeks of their cycle or at the start of PCT to stimulate Leydig cells in the testes.

“hCG mimics LH and stimulates intratesticular testosterone production, accelerating recovery when used correctly.”
— Herbst K.L., Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity

Bottom Line on PCT

Even for “milder” steroids like Anavar and Masteron, PCT is highly recommended to:

Restore natural hormone production

Prevent testosterone crash

Retain lean muscle mass

Avoid long-term side effects

Skipping PCT increases the risk of estrogen dominance, low testosterone, and poor recovery outcomes.

For additional support, use Swolverine DHEA and Swolverine’s ZMT — a comprehensive sleep and testosterone support formula — during your recovery window to help optimize hormonal balance and sleep quality.

FAQ: Masteron vs Anavar

Q: Can Masteron and Anavar be stacked?
Yes. Many advanced users stack them for peak physique transformation—but only with strict cycle management and liver/cardiovascular support.

Q: Which is safer for women?
Anavar, due to its lower androgenic index. Masteron is rarely recommended for female users.

Q: Do they aromatize?
Neither compound converts to estrogen, reducing water retention and gynecomastia risk.

Q: Should I use liver support with Anavar?
Yes. While less toxic than other orals, Anavar still places stress on the liver. Supplements like Swolverine’s Liver Support+ can help protect liver function.

Comparison Table Masteron vs Anavar

Feature
Masteron
Anavar

Delivery
Injectable (DHT-derived)
Oral (17α-alkylated)

Estrogen Conversion
None
None

Primary Benefit
Definition, hardening
Lean mass, fat loss

Lipid Profile Risk
High
Moderate

Hepatotoxicity
None
Mild

Suppression of Testosterone
Moderate
Mild to moderate

Female Compatibility
Low
High (low doses)

Which Is Better for Your Goals?

If your goal is a dry, hard, stage-ready look—Masteron might be the better pick. Its zero aromatization and powerful anti-estrogenic effects make it ideal for pre-contest aesthetics.

If you’re looking for lean gains, fat loss, and improved performance with fewer androgenic risks, Anavar is the safer and more flexible choice. It’s especially suited for:

Women

Beginners

Athletes maintaining functionality and endurance

Individuals seeking long-term physique enhancement

“Oxandrolone is one of the few anabolic steroids suitable for both genders and is well-tolerated at moderate doses.”
— William Llewellyn, Anabolics

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

Both Masteron and Anavar are highly effective tools—but for different purposes:

Masteron: Best for experienced bodybuilders in a contest prep phase.

Anavar: Great for long-term recomposition, lean muscle preservation, and metabolic improvement.

But neither is a shortcut. Proper training, nutrition, recovery, and PCT are non-negotiable for success—and safety.

For trusted, clinical-grade supplements that support your cycle and help you retain gains, visit Swolverine. If you’re looking for a structured, expert-designed meal and training plan, check out The Swole Kitchen to take the guesswork out of your transformation.