- Nearly all anabolic steroids lower HDL (“good”) cholesterol and many raise LDL, within weeks.
- Oral steroids are the worst offenders, especially Winstrol and Anavar; injectable testosterone at moderate doses has a smaller effect.
- Cholesterol usually recovers within a few months of stopping, but repeated long use adds up.
- A lipid panel every few months on cycle is one of the most valuable tests you can get.
Cardiovascular disease is the most important long-term health risk of anabolic steroid use, and cholesterol changes are a big part of it. They’re silent, easy to measure and partly preventable. This guide explains what happens to your lipids on steroids, how to read your results, and what helps.
What steroids do to cholesterol
- HDL falls. Androgens increase hepatic lipase, an enzyme that breaks down HDL. Drops of 20% to over 50% are reported, and the largest come from oral steroids.
- LDL often rises, particularly with orals.
- The ratio worsens, which matters more than any single number.
Over time, a poor lipid profile contributes to plaque in the arteries. Combined with higher blood pressure and thicker blood, that’s how steroid use raises the risk of heart attack and stroke at younger ages.
Which compounds are worst
| Compound | Effect on HDL |
|---|---|
| Winstrol (stanozolol), oral | Very large drop |
| Anavar (oxandrolone), oral | Large drop, even at moderate doses |
| Other 17-alpha-alkylated orals | Large drop |
| Trenbolone | Large drop |
| Testosterone at replacement doses | Small change |
| Testosterone at higher doses | Moderate drop |
Aromatase inhibitors can make HDL worse, because estrogen helps support it. See our anastrozole guide.
Reading your lipid panel in Canada
Canadian labs report cholesterol in mmol/L. General reference points:
- HDL: above 1.0 mmol/L for men and 1.3 mmol/L for women is typically considered desirable
- LDL: targets depend on your overall risk; many healthy adults aim below about 3.5 mmol/L
- Non-HDL cholesterol and apoB: Canadian guidelines use these as alternative targets, and they capture risk well when triglycerides are high
- Triglycerides: below about 1.7 mmol/L fasting
Your report shows the lab’s reference ranges; your doctor can interpret them against your overall risk.
When to test
Get a baseline before any use, recheck a few weeks in, and test again two to three months after stopping to confirm recovery. Ask your family doctor or book at LifeLabs or Dynacare.
What helps
- Choose compounds and doses that are easier on lipids; avoid running orals for long periods
- Regular cardio: aerobic exercise raises HDL modestly
- Fibre, oats, legumes and less saturated fat to lower LDL
- Omega-3 fats from fish to lower triglycerides
- Don’t smoke, and limit alcohol
- Time off: lipids generally recover within a few months of stopping
Supplements can’t fully offset the HDL drop from oral steroids. If your numbers stay poor, the effective change is the drug, the dose or the duration.
Frequently asked questions
Do steroids raise cholesterol?
They typically lower HDL and often raise LDL, worsening the overall profile.
Which steroid is worst for cholesterol?
Oral steroids, particularly Winstrol and Anavar, and trenbolone cause the largest HDL drops.
How long does cholesterol take to recover after steroids?
Usually within a few months of stopping, though repeated long use adds cumulative risk.
What HDL level is good in Canada?
Labs report mmol/L; above about 1.0 mmol/L for men and 1.3 for women is generally desirable.
This article is general information for adults in Canada, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using any prescription drug, anabolic steroid or research compound, and get bloodwork done. If you’re in crisis, call or text 9-8-8 (Suicide Crisis Helpline) any time.
