Description

Winstrol (Stanozolol) is a synthetic androgenic anabolic steroid used to treat hereditary angioedema (HAE), anemia, and certain types of breast cancer.

An anabolic androgenic steroid is a compound that acts like the male hormone testosterone. Unlike corticosteroids, which are hormones that act on the immune system, anabolic-androgenic steroids play a role in muscle development (anabolics) in addition to male sex characteristics (androgens).

Stanozolol was discovered in 1959. The United States Food and Drug Administration approved it under certain conditions in 1962 under the brand name Winstrol. Bodybuilders and other athletes realized that it could help them gain weight or compete better, and they started using it. But sports federations subsequently banned it as a performance enhancing drug.

Its approval has changed as the regulation of the pharmaceutical industry has evolved. Winstrol was withdrawn from the US market in 2010 and is now only available by prescription for the treatment of hereditary angioedema, anemia, and breast cancer.

How Winstrol Works

Most cases of HAE are caused by mutations in the SERPING1 gene, which contains the information needed to generate a protein called C1 esterase inhibitor (C1INH). People with HAE produce insufficient or non-working amounts of C1INH, which causes the body to swell spontaneously. Due to C1INH deficiency, C4 protein levels are also almost always low in HAE patients.

Winstrol increases the levels of C1INH and C4 proteins in the blood by improving its production. Raising the levels of these two proteins near the normal range helps prevent HAE attacks. Although the exact mechanism of its effect on protein production has not been fully understood, Winstrol is a proven treatment for controlling HAE.