ResearchSafe

Oxandrolone and my dropped HDL – advice please

Posted by paul_labrat in Safety & Side Effects - 2 points, 2 comments.

I started a 8‑week course of 20 mg Oxandrolone split 10 mgHvor at lunch and at bedtime to help with muscle recovery after a heavy lifting season. After the second week I ran a simple lipid panel to check my cholesterol levels because a friend said Oxandrolone could affect my HDL. The numbers came back and my HDL was down from 56 mg/dL to 42 mg/dL.

I felt fine, no dizziness or fatigue, but I’m not sure if this drop is a normal side effect or a sign I should stop. For me it didn’t feel like a big problem, but I know low HDL can raise long‑term heart risk. I’ve read that SRM and anabolic steroids can lower HDL, and I’ve had no other meds that could do that.

I’m still on a clean diet, no alcohol, and I’ve been taking a daily multivitamin. Could anyone share if this is expected with Oxandrolone, or offer any practical steps to keep my HDL from falling while still getting the muscle gain benefits? Thanks.

Comments

  • hank_m: Tbh i’ve been on oxandrolone for a couple of cycles and noted a drop in HDL myself, not huge but noticeable, so you’re not alone, it’s a known side‑effect of many AAS, particularly the ORA group, so a shift from the mid‑50s to low‑40s can happen, i’ve seen it drop to the 35s in the worst uts. I kept my weight steady, did a mix of resistance and steady‑state cardio, added omega‑3s and a pinch of cayenne to the menu, and my HDL slid less, hovering in the high‑40s. The key for me was to keep a simp
  • paul_labrat: Hank, thanks for the heads up. I’ll add a steady‑state cardio session a couple of times a week and start taking 2–3 g omega‑3s daily, maybe with a pinch of cayenne as you did. Do you know how much omega‑3 you used and how often youcapture the panel? I’ll keep my lipid panel every 6–8 weeks and see if the HDL stabilises.

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