Stanozolol is a derivative of dihydrotestosterone, chemically altered so that the hormone’s anabolic (tissue-building) properties are greatly amplified and its androgenic activity minimized. Stanozolol is classified as an “anabolic” steroid, and exhibits one of the strongest dissociations of anabolic to androgenic effect among commercially available agents. It also cannot be aromatized into estrogens. Stanozolol is the second most widely used oral steroid, succeeded in popularity only by Dianabol (methandrostenolone).lt is favored for its ability to promote muscle growth without water-retention, making it highly valued by dieting bodybuilders and competitive athletes. Stanozolol is a modified form of dihydrotestosterone. It differs by the addition of a methyl group at carbon 17alpha to protect the hormone during oral administration and the attachment of a pyrazol group to the A-ring, replacing the normal 3-keto group (this gives stanozolol the chemical classification of a heterocyclic steroid).When viewed in the light of 17-alpha methyldihydrotestosterone, the A-ring modification on stanozolol seems to considerably increase its anabolic strength while reducing its relative androgenicity.

Although classified as an anabolic steroid, androgenic side effects are still common with this substance. This may include bouts of oily skin, acne, and body/facial hair growth. Anabolic/androgenic steroids may also aggravate male pattern hair loss. Women are also warned of the potential virilizing effects of anabolic/androgenic steroids. Stanozolol is a c17-alpha alkylated compound. This alteration protects the drug from deactivation by the liver, allowing a very high percentage of the drug entry into the bloodstream following oral administration. e17-alpha alkylated anabolic/androgenic steroids can be hepatotoxic. Prolonged or high exposure may result in liver damage. Studies have shown that taking an oral anabolic steroid with food may decrease its bioavailability. This is caused by the fat-soluble nature of steroid hormones, which can allow some of the drug to dissolve with undigested dietary fat, reducing its absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. For maximum utilization, oral forms of stanozolol should be taken on an empty stomach.