
Originally Posted by
johnsomebody
This isn't the same study since it's Var only vs placebo but it brings up the HDL/LDL probs:
http://www.jaids.com/pt/re/jaids/abstract.00126334-200603000-00006.htm;jsessionid=EJOO9ysK3RH9V5q4sMPMFInQHVteH S7MJcXUs5JdmxpHvBhoT8uz!329698451!-949856144!9001!-1?index=1&database=ppvovft&results=1&count=10&sear chid=1&nav=search
In reference to the above study:
"The randomized, double-blind trial among 262 HIV-positive men was the largest study of its type on men with HIV-associated weight loss, according to the study authors.
For the first 12 weeks of the trial, the men were randomly assigned to receive daily doses of either 20, 40, or 80 milligrams of the anabolic steroid oxandrolone or a placebo. They were allowed to receive open-label oxandrolone for the second 12-week period.
Grunfeld says the adverse effects of the steroids were clear-cut within the first 12 weeks. "HDL plummets. LDL goes up. This predisposes people to an increased risk of heart attack. Furthermore, we found grade III and grade IV liver toxicity in some men, which means a very significant risk of serious liver damage." The men's testosterone levels were also depressed. These effects were not seen in men taking placebo, according to Grunfeld.
The researchers observed that in men with the most wasting, the 20 milligram dose was more effective than higher doses in promoting weight gain. Subjects who weighed more and were healthier – and were therefore more like athletes who use the drugs, observes Grunfeld – required higher doses to gain weight. This is significant, he says, because it demonstrates in healthy people, "you need a higher dose to get a benefit – and the higher the dose, the more the toxicity."
Based on observed changes in HDL and LDL, Grunfeld estimates that heart attack risk would be increased 58 percent among men taking 20 milligrams of oxandrolone per day, two-fold with a 40 milligram daily dose, and three-fold with 80 milligrams."
I'll dig around more for the deca v Var one, since it pointed out that deca is way better for HDL/LDL levels by comparison.
Keep in mind I've done 40mg/wk Var myself for 12 weeks, which is when I was doing the research I mentioned before.