Liothyronine (T3) vs Oxandrolone (Anavar)

Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.

Liothyronine (T3)Oxandrolone (Anavar)
CategoryHormonesHormones
Standard DoseResearch indicates 5-20 mg/day orally for therapeutic/recovery applications. Clinical burn protocols use 0.1 mg/kg twice daily.
TimingSplit into 2 doses (morning and evening) due to 9-hour half-life. Take with food to reduce GI discomfort.
Cycle DurationTypical therapeutic cycles: 6-12 weeks. Clinical burn protocols have extended to 1 year+ with liver monitoring. Limit cycle length to minimize hepatic stress.
Evidence LevelStrongstrong_human

Mechanism

Synthetic triiodothyronine that directly raises active thyroid hormone signaling.

Contraindications

  • Cardiac arrhythmia risk
  • Do not use without thyroid labs

Mechanism

Oxandrolone is a synthetic 17-alpha-alkylated dihydrotestosterone (DHT) derivative with a modified A-ring (replacement of C2 with an oxygen atom) that confers high anabolic-to-androgenic ratio (~10:1). It enhances protein synthesis by activating the androgen receptor while strongly binding sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), increasing free testosterone fraction. Oxandrolone directly stimulates phosphocreatine synthesis in skeletal muscle and has demonstrated anti-catabolic effects through cortisol receptor antagonism. In burn patients, it reverses catabolism by restoring the IGF-1/IGFBP-3 axis.

Standard Dosing

Research indicates 5-20 mg/day orally for therapeutic/recovery applications. Clinical burn protocols use 0.1 mg/kg twice daily.

Timing

Split into 2 doses (morning and evening) due to 9-hour half-life. Take with food to reduce GI discomfort.

Cycle Duration

Typical therapeutic cycles: 6-12 weeks. Clinical burn protocols have extended to 1 year+ with liver monitoring. Limit cycle length to minimize hepatic stress.

Side Effects

  • Hepatotoxicity (dose and duration dependent — mild with therapeutic doses)
  • Lipid profile disruption (significant HDL suppression, LDL elevation)
  • Suppression of endogenous testosterone (dose dependent)
  • Virilization in females at higher doses
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Potential hair loss in genetically susceptible individuals

Contraindications

  • Prostate cancer
  • Breast cancer in males
  • Hypercalcemia
  • Severe hepatic impairment or active liver disease
  • Nephrotic syndrome
  • Pregnancy (Category X)

Best Stacking Partners

Testosterone (to maintain hormonal base)BPC-157 (recovery synergy)NAC or TUDCA (liver support)Creatine (synergistic phosphocreatine loading)

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