Dianabol (Methandrostenolone) Steroid Profile

OVERVIEW AND HISTORY OF DIANABOL / METHANDROSTENOLONE

Dianabol is the trade name for Methandrostenolone. This is the most popular anabolic oral steroid of all time that impacts the market. While almost always found as an oral tablet, Dianabol can be found as an injectable solution, but the tablets represent the primary route of administration.

In many ways, it gave birth to the age of modern performance enhancement. It was not the first anabolic steroid used for that purpose, that would belong to testosterone, but Dianabol would open the door to a new wave of steroid use that has grown beyond what anyone expected.

Methandrostenolone was first reported in the literature in 1955 and soon released in 1958 by Ciba Pharmaceuticals to the US prescription market under the drug name Dianabol.

Originally developed alongside Dr John Ziegler, a physician for US Olympic teams, in hopes of reducing competition to Russia who was already utilizing testosterone with their athletes, Methandrostenolone introduced a new dynamic as a compound with lower androgenicity but with retained anabolic properties, soon causing advancements in competitive sports. However, within 5 years the compound was beginning trending a new wave in steroid abuse in sports with many athletes disregarding the initial prescription guidelines of 5-15mg.

Dianabol represents one of the only anabolic steroids that was developed for the sole purpose of performance enhancement. The compound did carry listed therapeutic uses at one time, but the performance seems to be the exact reason this steroid was given life. Through the 1940s and 50s, the Soviet Union had begun dominating the Olympic games, and the use of testosterone by many of its athletes left the rest of the world lagging far behind. During this time, U.S. Olympic team Dr. John Ziegler would learn of the U.S.S.R.’s steroid use, and quickly would aid in ensuring his athletes would match up. In 1958, with the help of Dr. Ziegler, Ciba Pharmaceuticals released the first batches of Methandrostenolone under the trade name Dianabol.

However, in a short while after its release the U.S. FDA would begin putting a lot of pressure on Ciba in an effort to push the company to list true medical benefits of the steroid. Since that time Dianabol has been legally unmanufactured in the United States, but is still manufactured heavily all over the world.

It in addition carries an added methyl group at the 17th carbon position that allows the hormone to survive oral ingestion, officially classifying Dianabol as a C17-alpha-alkylated steroid. The end result delivers us an anabolic steroid with an androgenic rating of 40-60 with a considerably lower binding affinity to the androgen receptor compared to testosterone. However, it will equally share a relatively weaker relationship for serum binding protein, which results in an extremely potent anabolic steroid. 

This steroid will primarily provide its anabolic benefits by enhancing protein synthesis, nitrogen retention and glycogenolysis. While in many ways these traits are reasonably simple, they are capable enough to make Dianabol a remarkably powerful anabolic steroid. Another salient trait of Dianabol and perhaps one of the most important of all endure the relationship it shares with other anabolic steroids.

CHEMISTRY BEHIND DIANABOL / METHANDROSTENOLONE

Chemical Name: 17a-methyl-17b-hydroxy-1,4-androstadien-3-one
Synonyms: Dianabol (D-bol), Methandienone, Nerobol
Active Half Life: 3 – 6 hours
Anabolic: Androgenic
Ratio: 1:1–1:8 (1:1 Testosterone as standard in rodents)

The addition of a methyl group at the 17α position of the D cyclopentane ring slows First Pass Metabolism in the Liver to allow it to remain in circulation longer than testosterone. The double bond between C1 and C2 of the A cyclohexane ring reduces the androgencity of the compound with a weaker relative binding affinity for the androgen receptor (AR) than testosterone.

The metabolism of Methandrostenolone is chiefly in the liver by 6β-hydroxylation, 3α- and 3β-oxidation, 5β-reduction, 17-epimerization, and conjugation among other reactions with excretion occurring via urine.

Human mitochondrial steroid hydroxylating enzymes CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 (non liver native) have also been shown to be capable of metabolizing the compound leading to the formation of 11β-hydroxy and 18-hydroxy metabolites. Unconjugated, beta-glucuronidated and sulfated metabolites have also been observed in the urine. Long-term use of Methandrostenolone at high dosages can lead to the appearance of unmetabolized drug in the urine.

Effects of dianabol are, in fact, it is more than possible for the individual to gain as much as 20lbs of mass in only a few weeks of Dianabol use. During this phase of use, the individual should also expect his strength to increase significantly. Dianabol is actually one of the most potent strength-increasing steroids on the market and along with mass can produce this result rapidly.

The effects of Dianabol are also genuinely appreciated by many athletes; however, it is not as familiar as it once was in athletic enhancement circles. Due to the possible rapid increases in mass, many athletes will opt for steroids like Anavar or Winstrol, but it principally depends on the purpose of use. Due to the rapid and pronounced increases in strength, which can translate into more power and speed, this can be a solid athletic enhancer. We wouldn’t call this the best athletic enhancing steroid due to other options, but if strength is the wholly valid concern, it could be a decent option. Such retention can be regulated, and the ability of this steroid to maintain strength can be appreciated, but there are better options.

SIDE EFFECTS DIANABOL / METHANDROSTENOLONE

ESTROGENIC

Dianabol is a relatively potent estrogenic anabolic steroid due to the moderate level of aromatase activity it carries. This can make side effects like gynecomastia and water retention absolutely possible with this steroid; in fact, they can appear seemingly overnight. Heavy water retention can also promote elevated blood pressure, which Dianabol is notorious for causing. You consider two choices in anti-estrogens, Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERM) like Nolvadex (Tamoxifen Citrate) and Aromatase Inhibitors (AI’s) like Femara (Letrozole). However, AI’s will be far more effective as they will directly inhibit aromatization and reduce serum estrogen levels. However, SERMs, while not always as effective will indeed promote healthier cholesterol levels due to their estrogenic-like activity in the liver.

ANDROGENIC

Dianabol is not an extremely androgenic steroid, its androgenicity has been structurally reduced, but androgenic side effects are nevertheless possible. Such side effects of Dianabol use include acne, accelerated hair loss in those predisposed to male pattern baldness and body hair growth. Although the odds are in your favor, such effects are brought on by Methandrostenolone being metabolized by the 5-alpha reductase enzyme. Despite its reduced androgenicity, Dianabol can promote virilization symptoms in women. It is possible for some women to use this steroid without virilization symptoms with extremely low doses, but the odds are unfavorable.

Whilst technically an Anabolic steroid, Methandrostenolone until now has androgenic side effects; commonly oily skin and acne (due to sebaceous gland androgenic effects), and body/facial hair growth. Women should take note of its potential virilizing effects like deepening on the voice, irregularities in the menstrual cycle, facial hair growth and clitoral enlargement alongside.

THYROID

Thyroid Binding Hormone Globulin (THBG) levels have been shown to be affected by as little as 10mg resulting in potentially higher levels of free circulating thyroxine and triiodothyronine.

CARDIOVASCULAR

Managing cholesterol during Dianabol use will be extremely important. It’s also extremely significant to keep in mind the very possible additional strain on cholesterol brought on by the use of an AI when supplementing with Dianabol as total estrogen reductions will have a negative effect.

Methandrostenolone possesses a reported history of causing elevated serum total cholesterol due to elevations in LDL (bad) cholesterol; as well as causing issues with decreased HDL (good) cholesterol.

This reduction in serum HDL is mediated by hepatic triglyceride lipase, an enzyme that regulates serum lipids. Oral C17-α alkylated stimulates hepatic triglyceride lipase, resulting in decreased serum HDL.

Dianabol can on top carry out a negative role in blood pressure, which can be controlled by controlling water retention in most cases. You don't supplement with this steroid if you already suffer from high blood pressure or cholesterol. You don't supplement with this steroid if you already suffer from high blood pressure or cholesterol. By all means, it is more than possible to supplement with Dianabol without the high blood pressure and cholesterol, but you must put in the effort.

TESTOSTERONE SUPPRESSION WITH DIANABOL

Most men are encouraged to include some form of exogenous testosterone with their Dianabol use. HPTA suppression is observed at moderate dosage due to negative feedback to the Hypothalmic Pituitary Testicular Axis (HPTA); either as a result of elevated estrogen or elevation in serum testosterone level.

The percentage of sperms with standard configuration decreased significantly both in one and two months, from 73 ± 8% to 65 ± 5% and 42 ± 23%, respectively. The percentage of sperms with amorphous heads increased about 100% during two months of use.

Once the use of Dianabol is complete and all the exogenous steroidal hormones have cleansed your system, natural testosterone recovery will begin again. Spontaneous recovery assumes no prior low testosterone condition. It also assumes no damage was caused to the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular-Axis (HPTA) due to improper anabolic steroid use.

In females, Methandrostenolone has been shown to cause menstruation issues, resulting in irregularities of the menstrual cycle.

HEPATOTOXICITY OF LIVER

Dianabol is a C17-alpha-alkylated anabolic steroid, and as a result, carry a hepatotoxic nature. However, its total toxicity doesn't lead to liver damage if responsible use is followed and the liver was healthy, to begin with. To avoid damage, use should be limited to 6 weeks of total use.

There should in addition be at least 6 weeks of no C17-aa use before commencing a new course. When consuming a C17-aa steroid like Dianabol, it is extremely substantial that you avoid excess alcohol consumption, as excess will promote tremendous liver stress. Beyond alcohol, you should also avoid all over the counter (OTC) medications when possible. Many OTC medications carry strong hepatic natures, and in some cases, far more pronounced than many anabolic steroids.

CYCLES AND USAGE OF DIANABOL / METHANDROSTENOLONE

Further clinical uses for Methandrostenolone focused on reporting increases in nitrogen retention and subsequent decrease in nitrogen excretion (30 % lower) and increase in serum protein values aiding in tissue repair and decreasing healing time after surgery, burns, fractures, or skin grafts.

There are several reports on its use in geriatric states, debilitation, and after chronic infections (tuberculosis) as well as aiding in calcium retention in osteoporosis and increasing red blood cell count in anemic patients.

The most initial report of Methandrostenolone being used for physical enhancement was of a dosage of 5mg taken for 3 weeks resulting in a 2.48 kg (5.45 lb) increase in lean muscle mass tissue and has been demonstrated to support maintenance and recovery of strength following a 12-week de-trained period.

Standard Dianabol doses will vary tremendously depending on experience and individual desires. Despite internet rumors and myths, a quality Dbol tablet will produce notable results with as little as 15mg per day.

50mg per day would remain the further step up, and that’s a big Dianabol dose, but manageable for the experienced anabolic steroid user. Dianabol carries a half-life of 3-5 hours, and many recommend splitting the daily dose into 2-3 small doses per day in an effort to maintain peak blood levels.

However, indeed with 3 equivalent doses per day, you will still experience highs and lows in blood levels. Further, the maximum peak blood level will be considerably lower than it could have been if the total dosing was taken all at once.

Consuming the total daily dose at once will give you a higher peak level that you can time around your training and maximize during the crucial timing window that follows the training.

The most familiar point of use is as a kick-start to a new off-season mass gaining cycle. This type of use will also result in the most impressive gains in weight. Due to the hepatotoxicity of Dbol, and due to the fact that most cycles will fall in the 8–12-week range, most will merely use Dianabol for one of those purposes during a single cycle.

However, in hardcore bodybuilding cycles that frequently extend well past the 12-week mark, it would be possible to implement both phases of use with necessary C17-aa breaks. Regardless of the type of use, dose or timing schedule you use, you will find Dianabol stacks well with all anabolic steroids. Initially, dosages of 0.1-0.3 mg/kg were prescribed for children in the treatment of muscular dystrophies.

In males, 5mg as a daily dose was the initial prescribing guidelines with no more than 6 weeks consecutive use. This was initially an effective dose but today, in physique enhancement and performance, a dosage of 30-50 mg is routinely observed producing very noticeable and rapid results. For females, a dosage of 2.5mg was originally prescribed for osteoporosis.

HOW TO BUY DIANABOL / METHANDROSTENOLONE

Dianabol is one of the most widely available anabolic steroids. This includes all online steroids suppliers and should include any local gym dealer. A final note on the availability of Dianabol, while there is an abundant amount of high-quality Dbol, counterfeits do exist.

Researching your supplier is imperative before making a purchase. This research should also include digging up all information on the Dbol brand of your choice before making a purchase.

Most gym dealers are buying Dianabol online themselves and then passing it on to you. The laws regarding anabolic steroids can vary greatly depending on the country in question. However, most countries will frown on online purchasing.

However, Methandrostenolone is readily available without a prescription in certain countries as well as also being manufactured in Asia and many East European countries in Black Market Underground Pharmaceutical Facilities like Alpha Pharma (India) and Balkan Pharmaceuticals (Moldova).