Available as both an oral compound and a water based, suspended injectable compound, Stanozolol has a reputation for use as a cutting product reported to refine an already lean physique by hardening the appearance of the muscles and increasing vascularity. The oral and the injectable versions of this product are practically identical and for the most part dosing, effects and side-effects are the same although the injectable version is reported as being more potent.

Even though stanozolol has a reputation as a cutting agent many users also employ it as a part of a bulking cycle stacked with other more powerful, more androgenic products like testosterone. It has been suggested that stanozolol has a powerful lowering effect on the Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG). Perhaps it is this property that makes stanozolol a good addition to a bulking stack by keeping more of your other stacked products unbound and active. One of the primary drawbacks for use of stanozolol during a bulking phase though is the large number of complaints regarding sore joints with extended use of the product.

Stanozolol is a dihydrotestosterone derived compound that exhibits a higher anabolic property (and less androgenic property) than DHT itself. For some users, stanozolol results in quality muscle gains with little or no bloat as compared to other alkylated oral products. Unfortunately, as a 17-alpha-alkylated substance the potential for liver toxicity (hepatoxicity) can be quite high. This compound can also have a negative impact on the LDL/HDL ratio. Hepatoxicity is less common with the injectable version of this compound because it does not enter the body via the liver but the product is still broken down there so the threat still exists. On the other hand, the low incidence of water retention (or bloat) seems to indicate a low affinity for stanazolol to convert to estrogen. As a result, few estrogen related side-effects are reported with stanazolol use further supporting the use of this compound during a "cutting" phase.

In general, shorter cycle times (6-8 weeks) are often followed while using stanozolol in order to minimize the potential for negative side effects. Doses are around 25-100 mgs per day for men and 5-25 mgs per day for women. Stanozolol is frequently reported as a popular choice for women, however, this compound can result in virilization especially at higher doses.

Stanozolol is produced by many reputable pharmaceutical companies such as DESMA/Zambon (Winstrol Depot), Geneza Pharmaceuticals (GP Stan 50), Sciroxx (Stanodex 50), Axiolabs (Stanaplex 50), British Dragon (Stanabol).