Oxandrolone vs Testosterone Cypionate
A side-by-side research comparison of Oxandrolone and Testosterone Cypionate across mechanism, dosing, half-life, benefits, side effects and research status.
Comparison table
| Attribute | Oxandrolone | Testosterone Cypionate |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Oxandrolone (Anavar) | Testosterone Cypionate (Depo-Testosterone) |
| Category | Hormone Replacement | Hormone Replacement |
| Status | FDA Approved (Schedule III) | FDA Approved (Schedule III) |
| Mechanism | Binds androgen receptors with high anabolic:androgenic ratio (~10:1). Does not aromatize to estrogen. Increases nitrogen retention, protein synthesis, and phosphocreatine resynthesis while reducing SHBG. | Exogenous testosterone binds androgen receptors in muscle, bone, brain, and reproductive tissues. The cypionate ester provides slow release from the injection depot, maintaining physiologic levels between doses. |
| Molecular weight | 306.44 Da | 412.61 Da |
| Half-life | ~9 hours | ~8 days |
| Bioavailability | ~97% oral | ~100% (intramuscular) |
| Typical dose | 10-20 mg (therapeutic); 20-50 mg (performance) | 100-200 mg |
| Frequency | Split 2x daily | Weekly or split biweekly |
| Route | Oral | Intramuscular or subcutaneous injection |
Oxandrolone reported benefits
- Lean muscle gain without water retention
- Increased strength
- Fat loss (visceral)
- Wound healing acceleration
- Minimal estrogenic effects
- Improved bone density
Testosterone Cypionate reported benefits
- Restored libido and sexual function
- Increased lean muscle mass
- Improved bone density
- Enhanced mood and cognitive clarity
- Reduced visceral fat
- Improved energy and motivation
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Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.