
Winstrol, the brand name for Stanozolol, is one of the most widely recognized anabolic steroids in the performance world — known for delivering a lean, dry, and vascular physique without the bulk or bloat associated with mass-building compounds like Dianabol or Anadrol.
But while Winstrol can enhance strength, speed, and muscle definition, its effectiveness and safety depend entirely on proper dosing.
Whether you’re using oral Winstrol for a cutting cycle or injectable Winstrol in a contest prep phase, your dosage — and how you tailor it to your goals — can make or break your results. Too little, and you’ll see minimal return. Too much, and you risk serious side effects like joint pain, liver strain, and lipid damage.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how much Winstrol to take per day, for both men and women, across oral and injectable formats. We’ll also cover goal-specific protocols, stacking strategies, side effect risks, PCT, and legal concerns — all backed by scientific literature and expert insights.
What Is Winstrol (Stanozolol)?
Winstrol is the brand name for Stanozolol, a synthetic anabolic steroid derived from dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Originally developed in the 1960s by Winthrop Laboratories, Winstrol was used clinically to treat conditions like hereditary angioedema and anemia. However, its reputation skyrocketed when elite athletes began using it for muscle preservation, strength gains, and physique enhancement — without the bulk or bloating common with other steroids.
Available in both oral (C17-α-alkylated) and injectable (water-based) forms, Winstrol is non-aromatizing, meaning it does not convert to estrogen — a major reason it’s favored in cutting cycles and contest prep.
“Stanozolol promotes protein synthesis and nitrogen retention, leading to lean tissue preservation without water retention or fat gain.”
— Evans, Clinics in Sports Medicine
Forms of Winstrol: Oral vs. Injectable
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Oral Winstrol (Stanozolol tablets): Most popular for convenience, typically taken daily due to its short half-life (~9 hours).
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Injectable Winstrol (Stanozolol suspension): Water-based and fast-acting; must be injected every other day or daily for consistent blood levels.
Unlike oil-based steroids, injectable Winstrol can be painful to administer due to its water suspension. Still, it’s favored for more stable blood levels and slightly improved liver safety.
“Oral Winstrol is hepatotoxic, requiring caution when dosed beyond 6–8 weeks. Injectable forms may reduce liver strain but increase injection frequency.”
— Llewellyn, Anabolics
Why Winstrol Is Popular Among Athletes and Bodybuilders
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Increases strength and speed without mass gain
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Enhances vascularity and muscle hardness
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No estrogenic side effects (e.g., no gynecomastia or bloating)
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Can improve muscle definition during caloric deficits
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Often used in combination with Testosterone, Anavar, or Masteron
Now that we’ve covered what Winstrol is, next we’ll break down how to determine the right dosage for your goals and cycle format.
Winstrol Dosage Overview
Winstrol dosing isn’t one-size-fits-all — it depends on several key variables:
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Form used: Oral vs injectable
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User experience level: Beginner, intermediate, or advanced
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Goals: Cutting, strength, recomposition, or contest prep
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Gender: Men and women require drastically different dosing thresholds
Both oral and injectable Winstrol deliver similar results, but differ in bioavailability, frequency of dosing, and risk of side effects.
Oral Winstrol
“Oral stanozolol is rapidly absorbed and requires multiple daily doses for consistent plasma levels. Hepatic toxicity is a concern with long-term use.”
— de Souza & Hallak, Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry
Injectable Winstrol (Stanozolol Suspension)
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Half-life: ~24 hours
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Injected daily or every other day (EOD)
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Slightly lower liver toxicity than oral
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Can cause post-injection pain due to water suspension
“Injectable stanozolol bypasses first-pass liver metabolism, but frequent injections are required due to its aqueous nature and short duration.”
— Hartgens & Kuipers, Sports Medicine
In the next section, we’ll break down specific Winstrol dosage ranges for men, including oral and injectable protocols by experience level.
Recommended Winstrol Dosage for Men
For male users, Winstrol can deliver noticeable improvements in strength, muscle hardness, and vascularity — especially during cutting phases. Dosage depends on form (oral vs injectable), experience, and whether it’s used solo or in a stack.
Oral Winstrol Dosage (Men)
Experience Level | Daily Dose | Cycle Length |
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Beginner | 20–30 mg/day | 4–6 weeks |
Intermediate | 40–50 mg/day | 6–8 weeks |
Advanced | 60–100 mg/day | 6–8 weeks (not recommended long term) |
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Split doses 2–3x per day for stability (e.g., 25 mg in AM, 25 mg in PM)
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Stack with Testosterone Enanthate to prevent suppression
“Stanozolol use in the range of 20–50 mg/day has shown performance benefits with manageable side effects, though higher doses dramatically increase hepatotoxicity.”
— Evans, Clinics in Sports Medicine
Injectable Winstrol Dosage (Men)
Protocol | Dosage | Frequency | Duration |
---|---|---|---|
Mild | 50 mg | Every Other Day | 6 weeks |
Standard | 50 mg | Daily | 4–6 weeks |
Advanced | 100 mg | Every Other Day | 4–6 weeks (high risk) |
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Often stacked with Masteron or Anavar for physique enhancement
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Injectable form is painful and best suited for short cycles or contest prep
“Injectable stanozolol requires frequent dosing due to its short half-life and water-based suspension. It’s most effective in short bursts.”
— Llewellyn, Anabolics
Sample Winstrol Cycle for Men (Cutting Focus)
Weeks 1–6
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Winstrol: 50 mg/day (oral)
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Testosterone Enanthate: 300–400 mg/week
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Krill Oil: 2 caps/day (lipid support)
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Greens + Reds: 1 scoop/day (micronutrient balance)
Recommended Winstrol Dosage for Women
Winstrol is one of the few anabolic steroids occasionally used by women due to its non-aromatizing nature and moderate anabolic rating. However, it still carries a high risk of virilization — especially at doses above 10 mg/day or when cycles exceed 4–6 weeks.
Oral Winstrol Dosage for Women
Experience Level | Daily Dose | Cycle Length |
---|---|---|
Beginner | 5 mg/day | 4–5 weeks |
Intermediate | 10 mg/day | 4–6 weeks |
Advanced (risky) | 15 mg/day | 4–6 weeks (not recommended) |
“Winstrol is highly androgenic and carries a risk of permanent masculinization in women, including voice deepening and clitoral enlargement.”
— Kicman, British Journal of Pharmacology
Injectable Winstrol for Women: Not Recommended
Due to its fast-acting nature and unpredictable absorption, injectable Winstrol is rarely appropriate for women. Even low doses (25 mg every 3–4 days) can trigger side effects within the first week of use.
Safer alternatives include:
“Primobolan and oxandrolone are preferred over stanozolol in female athletes due to lower androgenic index and reduced virilization risk.”
— Evans, Clinics in Sports Medicine
Monitoring and Side Effect Awareness
If any of the following occur, discontinue immediately:
Support supplements such as DHEA for Women and ZMT may assist in hormone balance post-cycle.
How to Adjust Dosage for Cutting, Strength, or Pre-Contest
Winstrol isn’t just about daily milligrams — your goals should dictate how you dose, for how long, and in what context. Winstrol is most effective when used to enhance lean tissue, vascularity, and athletic performance — not brute size or scale weight.
Here’s how to optimize Winstrol dosing based on your intended outcome:
1. Winstrol for Cutting
Cutting is Winstrol’s primary use case. Its ability to preserve lean mass while accelerating fat loss makes it a go-to during calorie deficits.
Recommended dosage:
Best results occur when stacked with Testosterone Enanthate and paired with a high-protein, hypocaloric diet.
“Winstrol is ideal for preserving lean muscle in a caloric deficit while enhancing definition and strength.”
— Hartgens & Kuipers, Sports Medicine
2. Winstrol for Strength Gains
Winstrol is highly valued in powerlifting and CrossFit circles for boosting explosive strength without excess mass. This is due to its ability to increase red blood cell production and nitrogen retention.
Recommended dosage:
For this goal, users often combine Winstrol with Anavar or Turinabol.
3. Winstrol for Contest Prep or Photoshoots
In the final 4–6 weeks before a competition or shoot, Winstrol enhances muscle hardness, dryness, and vascularity, helping you look more shredded on stage.
Recommended dosage:
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Oral: 50–60 mg/day (max 6 weeks)
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Injectable: 50–100 mg EOD (very advanced only)
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Stack with Masteron or Primobolan for maximum cosmetic effect
“Stanozolol is widely used in physique sports for its ability to harden muscle and reduce subcutaneous water retention, especially in contest prep phases.”
— Llewellyn, Anabolics
Stacking and Support Supplements
Winstrol is rarely used alone. It’s most effective when stacked with testosterone or other DHT-based compounds and supported with proper supplementation to mitigate its joint, liver, and cardiovascular risks.
Let’s break down what to stack with Winstrol — and how to protect your body during the cycle.
Popular Winstrol Stacks
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Winstrol + Testosterone
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Testosterone Enanthate: 300–400 mg/week
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Balances out androgenic suppression from Winstrol and supports libido, energy, and mood
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Winstrol + Anavar
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Winstrol + Primobolan
“Combining stanozolol with injectable testosterone mitigates suppression and optimizes anabolic output — especially for longer cycles.”
— Kochakian, Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
Liver, Joint, and Lipid Support
Because oral Winstrol is hepatotoxic and negatively impacts cholesterol, proactive support is crucial.
Recommended Swolverine Support Stack:
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Krill Oil:
Improves HDL/LDL ratios and supports joint lubrication -
CoQ10:
Enhances mitochondrial function and protects cardiovascular health -
Greens + Reds:
Balances inflammation and micronutrient load during stress -
Collagen Protein:
Supports connective tissue, ligaments, and joints -
Optional: NAC or TUDCA for advanced liver protection
“Winstrol use leads to sharp reductions in HDL and increases in LDL cholesterol. Omega-3s, antioxidants, and liver support supplements should be included in every cycle.”
— Maravelias et al., Toxicology Letters
Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) After Winstrol
Even though Winstrol doesn’t aromatize, it still suppresses natural testosterone production, especially when used at moderate to high doses over several weeks. Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) is critical to restore your hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, prevent muscle loss, and normalize libido and mood.
“Anabolic steroids like stanozolol suppress endogenous testosterone by inhibiting luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), requiring post-cycle intervention.”
— Rahnema et al., World Journal of Men’s Health
When Is PCT Required?
✅ Required:
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Oral Winstrol at 30 mg/day or more for 4+ weeks
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Injectable Winstrol at 50 mg EOD for 4+ weeks
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Any Winstrol use stacked with other suppressive AAS
❌ Possibly not required:
Recommended PCT Protocol After Winstrol
4-Week SERM Protocol (Standard)
Support Supplements
“Combining SERM therapy with DHEA and micronutrient support can significantly improve post-cycle recovery and reduce the duration of testosterone suppression.”
— Kanayama et al., JAMA
PCT should start 24–48 hours after your last dose of oral Winstrol or 4–5 days after your last injectable. Bloodwork is recommended 4–6 weeks post-cycle to assess full recovery.
Is Winstrol Legal?
While Winstrol (Stanozolol) may still appear in veterinary and underground circles, it is illegal for human use without a prescription in the United States and many other countries. Classified as a Schedule III controlled substance, Winstrol possession or distribution without proper authorization is a federal offense.
“Anabolic steroids such as stanozolol are classified as Schedule III controlled substances under the Anabolic Steroid Control Act.”
— U.S. Department of Justice, DEA
Is Winstrol Banned in Sports?
Yes — Winstrol is on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List, and its use is banned by nearly all major sports leagues and athletic federations. The drug gained notoriety when Olympic sprinter Ben Johnson was stripped of his 1988 gold medal after testing positive for Stanozolol.
“Winstrol remains prohibited in-competition and out-of-competition. It is detectable in both blood and urine for extended periods.”
— WADA, Prohibited List
Detection Times
Even short-term use can trigger a positive result on anti-doping panels due to the presence of long-lived metabolites.
Risks of Underground Winstrol Products
Because legitimate pharmaceutical-grade Winstrol is no longer widely produced, most available products are sourced from underground labs (UGLs), which carry several risks:
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Under-dosing or overdosing
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Contamination with bacteria or solvents
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Mislabeling — e.g., swapping in Testosterone Cypionate or low-grade methandrostenolone
“Illicit steroid products may contain dangerous contaminants and are often misrepresented — presenting significant health risks to the user.”
— Evans, Clinics in Sports Medicine
Risks of Incorrect Winstrol Dosage
While Winstrol can deliver impressive results when used appropriately, taking too much — or using it for too long — significantly increases the risk of side effects. These risks can affect your liver, cardiovascular system, joints, hormones, and more.
1. Liver Toxicity (Oral Winstrol)
Oral Winstrol is C17-alpha alkylated, a chemical modification that allows it to survive digestion — but at the cost of liver stress.
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Elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST) are common
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Prolonged use (6+ weeks) increases risk of liver strain or damage
“Stanozolol is one of the most hepatotoxic oral steroids, even at moderate doses. Regular liver function monitoring is essential.”
— Maravelias et al., Toxicology Letters
2. Cholesterol Imbalance and Heart Strain
Winstrol is notorious for crashing HDL (good) cholesterol while raising LDL (bad) cholesterol — sometimes dramatically. This increases your long-term risk for heart disease, especially when stacked with other orals.
“Stanozolol use caused a 70% reduction in HDL cholesterol in healthy volunteers, highlighting its cardiovascular danger.”
— Glazer, Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine
3. Joint Pain and Injury
Due to its drying effects (reduced water retention in joints), Winstrol often causes joint discomfort, stiffness, and even injury — especially in leaner athletes or during aggressive training cycles.
“Winstrol decreases synovial fluid retention, leading to increased friction in connective tissues and higher risk of tendon injury.”
— Evans, Clinics in Sports Medicine
4. Testosterone Suppression and Shutdown
Despite not converting to estrogen, Winstrol still suppresses natural testosterone production via HPTA inhibition. High doses or prolonged use (6+ weeks) can lead to:
“All anabolic steroids, regardless of aromatization, exert suppressive effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.”
— Rahnema et al., World Journal of Men’s Health
5. Virilization in Women
In women, Winstrol use above 10 mg/day significantly increases the risk of permanent masculinizing effects, including:
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Voice deepening
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Body hair growth
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Clitoral enlargement
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Menstrual irregularities
To minimize these risks, always use the lowest effective dose, cycle for no more than 6 weeks, and integrate support supplements like Krill Oil, CoQ10, and ZMT.
Final Thoughts on Winstrol Dosing
Winstrol (Stanozolol) is a powerful tool when used correctly — especially for cutting, strength training, or contest prep. But its benefits come with caveats: short cycle windows, strict dosing, and serious health risks when abused.
The key to getting the most from Winstrol is not to chase high doses — it’s to dose strategically based on your goals and support your body with recovery protocols.
🔑 Winstrol Dosing Principles Recap:
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Men (oral): 30–50 mg/day for 4–6 weeks
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Men (injectable): 50 mg EOD or 50 mg daily (4–6 weeks max)
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Women: 5–10 mg/day (oral only, 4–5 weeks max)
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PCT: Always follow up with Clomid, DHEA, and ZMT
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Stack smart: Include testosterone and support supplements like Krill Oil, Greens + Reds, and CoQ10
“The most effective Winstrol users are those who pair disciplined dosing with smart training, a clean diet, and a recovery plan that protects their long-term health.”
— Swolverine, Winstrol Cycle Guide
If you’re unsure how to structure your Winstrol cycle, consider working with a qualified coach — or exploring safer alternatives like Anavar or Primobolan.
Here’s the final FAQ section and SEO Meta Description to complete the article:
FAQ: Winstrol Dosage
Can you take Winstrol every day?
Yes — oral Winstrol is typically taken daily due to its short half-life (~9 hours). Injectable Winstrol is usually administered every other day, though some advanced users inject daily for stable serum levels.
Is 100 mg of Winstrol too much?
For most users, yes. Doses above 50–60 mg/day dramatically increase the risk of liver toxicity, joint pain, and lipid imbalance. 100 mg/day is generally reserved for short-term use by advanced competitors under supervision.
How long should a Winstrol cycle last?
Most cycles last 4–6 weeks. Beyond 6 weeks, the hepatotoxicity and suppression risks increase sharply — especially if you’re not running proper PCT or support supplements.
Can you take Winstrol alone?
You can, but it’s not ideal. Winstrol suppresses testosterone, so stacking it with Testosterone Enanthate is recommended to maintain hormonal balance and performance.
Is Winstrol safe for women?
It can be used safely at 5–10 mg/day for no more than 4–5 weeks, but virilization is still a risk. Safer alternatives include Anavar for Women and Primobolan for Women.
When should I start PCT after Winstrol?
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Oral Winstrol: Begin PCT 24–48 hours after your last dose
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Injectable Winstrol: Begin PCT 4–5 days after final injection
Use Clomid, DHEA, and ZMT to support recovery.