A 2005 study examined the gains made by Oxandrolone (Anavar) users at 6 weeks versus 12 weeks. The results were shocking, as greater than 90% of the gains were made by week 6 – with the following 6 weeks being responsible for <10% of the total gains. Of course, Oxandrolone is a fairly weak steroid, and it’s also a fast acting oral medication – one could only speculate what would happen if a long acting testosterone ester were used instead.

However, the results of this study provide good reason to utilize orals in a cycle for no more than 6 weeks – which is what most people do anyway. This study also provides greater support for the short cycle camp, who espouse cycles of 6 weeks or less, followed by time off.