- Winstrol is stanozolol, a DHT-derived steroid best known in Canada as the drug that cost Ben Johnson his 1988 Olympic gold.
- It’s used for a dry, hard look while cutting, because it doesn’t convert to estrogen.
- It’s one of the harshest steroids on cholesterol, often cutting HDL dramatically, and many users report dry, aching joints.
- The oral form is 17-alpha-alkylated, so liver enzymes need monitoring.
Few steroids have a bigger place in Canadian history than stanozolol. When Ben Johnson tested positive for it at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, it led to the Dubin Inquiry and reshaped drug testing in Canadian sport. Today it’s one of the most popular cutting orals. This guide covers what stanozolol is, what it does, why its side effects deserve respect, and what to know before buying it in Canada.
What is Winstrol?
Stanozolol is a modified form of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), developed in the early 1960s and sold as Winstrol in tablets and as an injectable suspension. Medically it was used to prevent attacks of hereditary angioedema (a rare swelling disorder) and to treat some anemias. It doesn’t convert to estrogen, and its anabolic effect is strong relative to its androgenic effect.
The Ben Johnson story
On September 24, 1988, Ben Johnson won the 100 m final in Seoul in a world-record 9.79 seconds. Three days later, his urine sample tested positive for stanozolol and he was stripped of the gold. The federal government’s Dubin Inquiry that followed exposed widespread steroid use in Canadian athletics and led directly to stronger anti-doping programs, now run by the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES). Our article on steroid use in Canadian sport covers what has changed since.
What users report
- A drier, harder, more defined look when body fat is already low
- Strength gains without much weight gain
- Muscle retention while dieting
Clinical reference doses
For hereditary angioedema, the usual starting dose was 2 mg three times a day, then reduced to the lowest dose that prevented attacks, often 2 mg a day or less. That’s a fraction of what’s used for physique purposes. There’s no approved dose for bodybuilding.
Side effects
Cholesterol
This is Winstrol’s biggest risk. Studies of stanozolol show large drops in HDL (“good”) cholesterol and rises in LDL within weeks, among the largest of any steroid. See our guide to steroids and cholesterol.
Liver
Oral stanozolol is 17-alpha-alkylated, which strains the liver. Raised liver enzymes are common; serious liver damage is rarer but documented with this class of drugs. See our liver health guide.
Joints and tendons
Many users describe dry, achy joints. The mechanism isn’t fully understood, and tendons that are strong in muscle but stiff can make injuries more likely when lifting heavy.
Hair, skin and suppression
- Hair loss in people prone to it
- Acne
- Lower natural testosterone and sperm production
Women
Stanozolol is more androgenic in women than Anavar. Voice deepening, facial hair and clitoral enlargement can occur and may be permanent.
Bloodwork in Canada
A lipid panel and liver enzymes are essential before, during and after use, along with blood pressure, testosterone and a complete blood count. Ask your family doctor or book privately at LifeLabs or Dynacare.
Is Winstrol legal in Canada?
Stanozolol is an anabolic steroid, listed in Schedule IV of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Possessing it for personal use isn’t an offence; trafficking, importing and exporting without authorization are.
Buying Winstrol in Canada
We stock Zionova Winstrol (20 mg tablets, 50 per bottle) and Winstrol Genetix Pharma. Check each product page for current specs and prices; the oral steroids page compares cost per tablet live and has a cost-per-day calculator. Deciding between Winstrol and Anavar? Read Anavar vs Winstrol.
Frequently asked questions
What steroid did Ben Johnson use?
He tested positive for stanozolol (Winstrol) at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
Is Winstrol hard on the liver?
The oral form is 17-alpha-alkylated and commonly raises liver enzymes, so liver bloodwork is important.
Why does Winstrol make joints hurt?
Joint dryness and aches are widely reported. The cause isn’t fully known, but it’s a reason to be careful with heavy lifting.
Winstrol or Anavar for cutting?
Both are DHT-derived cutting orals. Anavar is milder overall; Winstrol is harsher on cholesterol and joints.
Is Winstrol legal in Canada?
It’s Schedule IV under the CDSA. Personal possession isn’t an offence; trafficking, importing and exporting without authorization are.
Products mentioned in this guide
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.
