What Happened When I Added Anavar to TRT for a Summer Cut

Spoiler: I didn’t turn into a monster — but I did get leaner, drier, and more confident.

There’s always that moment—usually sometime in late spring—when you realize summer is around the corner and your body isn’t quite ready for the beach, the pool, or that annual friends’ trip. For the past couple years, I’ve been on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and feeling great overall: stable energy, better workouts, improved mood.

But this year, I wanted to take things up a notch. Not in a reckless way, but just enough to finally get the lean, athletic look I’ve always wanted. Something that would sharpen me up for the summer season without putting my health at risk. After talking with my provider and doing plenty of my own research, I decided to run a short, low-dose cycle of Anavar (Oxandrolone) alongside my TRT protocol.

Here’s how it went.

The Game Plan: Keep It Clean, Keep It Smart

The goal wasn’t to become a bodybuilder or suddenly jump two shirt sizes. I just wanted to cut down a bit—shed the layer of fluff that had stubbornly stuck around despite clean eating and consistent training. I kept the Anavar dose at 20mg per day, ran it for six weeks, and didn’t change my TRT dose.

I also stayed dialed in on the basics:

• High-protein, moderate-carb, low-fat diet
• Strength training 4–5x per week
• Fasted morning walks 3x per week
• No alcohol (okay, maybe one weekend exception)

No “dirty bulk.” No crazy stimulants. Just a slight pharmacological edge to help me maximize a cut I was already committed to.

What I Noticed — And What I Didn’t

Week 2 is when things started to shift.

Leaner and Drier

Water weight dropped off fast. I didn’t lose a ton of scale weight (maybe 4–5 pounds total), but visually, I looked like I’d lost twice that. My waist tightened, and muscles started to show through more cleanly, especially around the shoulders and abs.

Strength Maintained (Even Improved Slightly)

This surprised me. Normally on a cut, my lifts suffer. Not this time. I wasn’t breaking PRs, but I was maintaining weight on my compound lifts and even gained a little on accessory work—shoulders, arms, and calves in particular popped.

Minimal Sides

This was a big one. I was ready for the worst—acne, aggression, back pumps, whatever. But honestly? None of that showed up. I kept liver support in my stack (TUDCA + NAC), stayed hydrated, and monitored bloodwork. Everything stayed well within range. Libido was steady, mood stable. If anything, I felt more “on”—but not in a jittery or unmanageable way.

The Confidence Boost

Let’s be honest—this was the real reward. Walking into summer events without constantly adjusting your shirt or avoiding poolside photos is underrated. I felt sharp. Clothes fit better. Even my posture improved. It wasn’t just physical. There was a quiet confidence that came from knowing I’d put in the work and added a smart boost—not a reckless shortcut.

The Takeaway: Not a Magic Pill, But a Noticeable Edge

Anavar didn’t transform me into a Greek statue overnight. But it did help me get leaner, stay stronger, and feel more confident without any major downsides. For anyone already on TRT, a modest, well-managed Anavar cycle can be a safe and effective tool for a summer cut—if (and only if) you’re already handling the basics: nutrition, training, sleep, and consistent TRT.

If you're considering this route, talk to your provider. Make sure it's the right fit for your goals, labs, and lifestyle. And remember: the best results come when you're already doing 90% of the right things. Anavar might only add that final 10%—but sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.

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At AlphaMD, we help men take ownership of their health—with honesty, precision, and support. If you’re interested in exploring your options, we’re here to guide you through every step of the TRT journey—and beyond.