About Oxandrolone (Anavar)
Oxandrolone, commonly known as Anavar, is an anabolic-androgenic steroid that can be taken orally or sublingually. There are benefits to each route of administration and this is important to keep in mind when considering the goals of treatment.
While oxandrolone is highly bioavailable this medication can cause stress on the liver, so there can be significant benefits to sublingual delivery.
This does not mean that sublingual delivery is always best because there are benefits to oral administration (such as lowering sex hormone binding globulin) that sublingual (troche) delivery cannot match. Here we will discuss the pro’s and con’s of each delivery method that must be considered before taking oxandrolone.
Benefits of Oxandrolone (Anavar)
Oxandrolone is an orally available anabolic-androgenic steroid that was first created for medical use in 1964. It is derived from dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and oxandrolone administration can cause many of the same side effects associated with this hormone.
However, oxandrolone is much less potent than other anabolic steroids, lowering the risk of side effects and making it ideal for medical use. For example, oxandrolone has been shown to be effective in treating burns, connective tissue disorders, COPD, cancer, HIV, and osteoporosis.
Oxandrolone can also be used to promote weight gain following surgery or trauma, and to offset protein catabolism caused by long-term corticosteroid therapy. Additionally, oxandrolone administration has been shown to increase strength without causing significant gains in body mass, making it ideal for athletes and bodybuilders looking to improve their performance without adding weight.
An often overlooked benefit of oxandrolone that makes it an excellent tool for hormone replacement is that oxandrolone lowers sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). The potent effect of oxandrolone on lowering SHBG is due to it’s high binding affinity as an androgen, and the fact that this medication is taken orally. Upon oral administration oxandrolone is subjected to first-pass metabolism in the liver, where up to 10% of the medication is metabolised and another portion is bound by SHBG (dependent on an individuals SHBG levels).
This unique combination of attributes significantly reduces systemic SHBG levels, allowing other hormones, such as testosterone, DHT and estrogen, to circulate and properly function within the body and target tissue.
Oral Oxandrolone (Anavar)
Benefits of Oral Oxandrolone (Anavar) Administration
The first and most obvious benefit to oral oxandrolone administration is the ease of use. Tablets or capsules can be easily swallowed with water and this is the preferred method of delivery for most people.
Oxandrolone is also very stable in pill form, so it has a long shelf life. Another significant advantage to oral oxandrolone administration is that it does not require as frequent dosing as sublingual oxandrolone, so it may be more convenient for some people.
In addition, as mentioned above, oral oxandrolone is subjected to a first-pass in the liver. This means that when oxandrolone is absorbed by the intestines it is shuttled directly to the liver before entering systemic circulation.
Although, first-pass metabolism in the liver has downsides, in this case the first-pass in the liver enhances the effect of oxandrolone on lowering SHBG.
The unique profile of oxandrolone as an orally formulated anabolic-androgenic steroid hormone that is capable of lowering SHBG (even with small doses) often makes this the drug of choice for doctors (and individuals) when augmenting therapy treating symptoms of androgen deficiency (low testosterone).
Disadvantages of Oral Oxandrolone (Anavar) Administration
One downside to oral oxandrolone administration is that the liver must process the medication before it can be used by the body.
Although oxandrolone (anavar) is considered to have only mild to moderate effects on the liver the fact that it puts extra stress means it may not be suitable for people with liver conditions.
Oral oxandrolone (anavar) is also more likely to cause gastrointestinal side effects such as indigestion and nausea.
Sublingual (Troche) Oxandrolone (Anavar)
Benefits of Sublingual Oxandrolone (Anavar) Administration
Sublingual oxandrolone (anavar) administration bypasses the liver and enters the bloodstream directly. This has a number of advantages, the most significant of which is that sublingual oxandrolone is much easier on the liver than oral oxandrolone (anavar).
The fact that sublingual oxandrolone has less impact on the liver has the great benefit of making this medication a viable option for patients with liver issues, or even for patients without liver issues that need a higher dose for long periods of time (up to years of continuous use).
Additionally sublingual delivery will prevent the estimated 10% metabolisation that occurs in first-pass metabolism, making doses taken sublingually significantly stronger than a tablet taken orally.
Another notable benefit to sublingual oxandrolone (anavar) is that it is absorbed more quickly than when taken orally. The rapid absorbtion of a sublingual dose so it can be used as needed (such as before exercise) rather than being taken on a set schedule.
This makes sublingual oxandrolone (anavar) an excellent tool for getting the most precise results when combined with traditional hormone replacement therapy (testosterone).
Disadvantages of Sublingual Oxandrolone (Anavar)
Administration
One downside to sublingual oxandrolone (anavar) administration is that it can be tricky to dose properly. This is because the oxandrolone (anavar) must be placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve completely before swallowing.
If any oxandrolone is swallowed it will be processed by the liver and may cause liver stress similarly to oral administration. Another disadvantage of sublingual oxandrolone (anavar) administration is that it can cause local irritation to the soft tissue in the mouth over time.
The biggest issue found with sublingual oxandrolone (anavar) is that, if the patient is using this medication to decrease SHBG, sublingual delivery will have reduced effect compared to oral administration. This reduced effect of oxandrolone (anavar) on lowering SHBG is found to occur due to skipping first-pass in the liver.
SHBG is found in high concentrations in the liver, and oxandrolone (anavar) is found to bind with high affinity to this binding protein. Sublingual oxandrolone (anavar) will still have a significant impact on lowering SHBG, however this is a consideration that must be taken by your clinician in choosing dose and delivery method.
Which Route of Administration is Best?
The best route of administration for oxandrolone (anavar) depends on the individual’s goals and medical conditions. For people who want the most convenient or need to lower sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), oral oxandrolone is probably the best choice.
However, for people who are concerned about liver toxicity or who need a more rapidly absorbed medication, sublingual oxandrolone is a better option. Your clinician can help you decide which route of administration is best for you, based on your individual goals and medical conditions.
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