Compound profile
Stanozolol
Also known as Winstrol, Winny, Winstrol-V
Last reviewed October 2026
Educational only. A summary of published research, not medical advice or a recommendation. No doses are listed.
Quick take
An oral and injectable steroid known for a lean, “dry” look, and for sharply lowering HDL (“good”) cholesterol.
- Class
- Anabolic steroids
- Status
- Previously approved
- Evidence
- Early or small human studies
- Half-life
- Not well documented
Mechanism fingerprint
What it acts on, and how. Each chip links to that pathway on the map.
A DHT-derived steroid that doesn't convert to estrogen. The tablet form is modified to survive the liver.
What makes it different
Comes as tablets and injections, can't convert to estrogen, and is known for sharply lowering HDL (“good”) cholesterol.
Compare side by side
Mechanism & pathways
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Agonist
Androgen receptor
Receptor for testosterone and DHT. Activating it builds muscle and drives male traits such as body hair and a deeper voice. Every anabolic steroid binds it.
Evidence overview
Early or small human studies
Older clinical studies in hereditary angioedema; no modern trials of performance use.
A breakdown into human, animal and cell studies hasn't been added for this compound yet.
Why it's used
Medically, it prevented swelling attacks in hereditary angioedema. Athletes and bodybuilders use it for strength and a leaner look without water gain.
Side effects & risks
Reported side effects
- Joint aches
- Acne
- Hair loss in people prone to it
- Lower HDL (“good”) cholesterol
Risks and warnings
- Oral 17α-alkylated steroid: can injure the liver, including cholestatic jaundice, blood-filled cysts (peliosis hepatis) and liver tumors.
- Lowers HDL (“good”) cholesterol and raises LDL, adding to heart disease risk.
- Long-term use is linked to high blood pressure, heart muscle damage (cardiomyopathy), heart attacks and early death.
- Shuts down the body's own testosterone production: testicles shrink and sperm counts fall, and recovery after stopping can take months or be incomplete.
- In women: masculinizing effects (deeper voice, facial and body hair, clitoral enlargement) that can be permanent.
- In teenagers, can close growth plates early and stunt final height.
- Underground-lab products are often mislabeled or contaminated, and non-sterile injections can cause abscesses and infections.
- Schedule III controlled substance in the US: illegal to possess without a prescription.
- Prohibited in sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
FAQ
Short answers taken from this profile.
What is Stanozolol?
An oral and injectable steroid known for a lean, “dry” look, and for sharply lowering HDL (“good”) cholesterol.
How does Stanozolol work?
A DHT-derived steroid that doesn't convert to estrogen. The tablet form is modified to survive the liver.
What receptors or pathways does Stanozolol act on?
androgen receptor (agonist).
How is Stanozolol different from similar compounds?
Comes as tablets and injections, can't convert to estrogen, and is known for sharply lowering HDL (“good”) cholesterol.
Is Stanozolol approved?
Approved in the US in 1962 to prevent attacks of hereditary angioedema; approval was withdrawn in 2010 and it's no longer sold for people in the US.
What has Stanozolol been studied for?
Medically, it prevented swelling attacks in hereditary angioedema. Athletes and bodybuilders use it for strength and a leaner look without water gain.
How strong is the evidence?
Early or small human studies. Older clinical studies in hereditary angioedema; no modern trials of performance use.
What are the main risks?
Oral 17α-alkylated steroid: can injure the liver, including cholestatic jaundice, blood-filled cysts (peliosis hepatis) and liver tumors. Lowers HDL (“good”) cholesterol and raises LDL, adding to heart disease risk. Long-term use is linked to high blood pressure, heart muscle damage (cardiomyopathy), heart attacks and early death. More are listed under risks and warnings.
Sources
- LiverTox (NIH): Androgenic steroids.
- Kicman AT. Pharmacology of anabolic steroids. Br J Pharmacol 2008.
- Pope HG et al. Adverse health consequences of performance-enhancing drugs: an Endocrine Society scientific statement. Endocr Rev 2014.