PubChem Open Chemistry Database
PubChem 1-Testosterone Cypionate CID 16219612 monograph
NIH PubChem
EmergingResearch compound
DHB (Dihydroboldenone)
1-Testosterone (Δ1-DHT) Cypionate, injectable designer AAS. 5α-reduced analog of Boldenone. Never licensed as Rx, UGL market only. Does NOT aromatize, NOT 17α-alkylated, low hepatotoxicity – but notorious for severe PIP (injection site pain).
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WHAT IS DHB (DIHYDROBOLDENONE)?
Detailed overview
DHB (Dihydroboldenone, or 1-Testosterone) is a designer anabolic steroid: the 5α-reduced analog of Boldenone (Equipoise), chemically 1-testosterone (17β-hydroxy-androst-1-en-3-one). Available exclusively in UGL underground market format, typically cypionate-esterified as an oily IM suspension (DHB-Cyp 100 mg/ml). Never licensed for human or veterinary Rx – no FDA/EMA approval whatsoever. Anabolic:androgenic ratio ~200:100 (high anabolic, high androgenic). NOT 17α-alkylated → low hepatotoxicity. NOT a CYP19 substrate → does NOT aromatize (Boldenone aromatizes, but DHB is already 5α-reduced, so does not). Notorious for extreme severe injection site pain (PIP) – high crystallinity is the classic cause, often causing 3-5 days of local swelling and pain. Limited peer-reviewed evidence: most clinical pharmacology data is extrapolated from Boldenone and Methenolone class data (Pope-Kanayama 2014 designer AAS review). WADA-banned year-round.
Mechanism
AR agonist, 1-Testosterone (Δ1-DHT), NOT aromatized
Anabolic:Androgenic
200:100
Half-life
8-10 days (Cypionate ester)
Onset
48-72 h (IM)
Legal status
UGL only, no Rx approval. WADA-banned.
Data console
Lab data
/lab/molecular-data.jsonLIVE
> Androgenic:Anabolic200:100
> AR bindingHigh AR affinity (~200% vs testosterone in vitro, extrapola…
> Active half-life~24-36 h (depot-driven, free 1-testosterone after hydrolysis)
> Detection windowDHB metabolites (1-androstene-3,17-dione + 1-testosterone metabolite family) urinary 6-9 months (extra long detection due to Cypionate ester, USADA designer-steroid-alert data). WADA-accredited LC-MS/MS.
> AromatizationNo – 5α-reduced structure, NOT a CYP19 substrate; the parent Boldenone aromatizes, but DHB is already reduced → clinically no E2 elevation expected (Pope-Kanayama 2014 PMID 24423981 designer AAS review, extrapolated Boldenone-Methenolone data)
> HepatotoxicityLow – parent steroid, NOT 17α-alkylated; injected form bypasses first-pass. Hepatic profile similar to Masteron-Primobolan class (extrapolated, DHB-specific peer-reviewed data missing; Hartgens-Kuipers 2004 PMID 15233599 c17-non-AA injectable AAS class data).
Safety
Side effects, stop signs, contraindications
Side effects · 7
- Severe post-injection pain (PIP): DHB is notorious for extreme local swelling and aseptic inflammation lasting 3-5 days, often preventing training of the injected muscle.
- Strong androgenic effects: oily skin, acne, and accelerated male-pattern hair loss in those genetically predisposed (DHT-structural analog; finasteride does NOT protect as it is already 5a-reduced).
- Adverse lipid profile: significant HDL drop (around 20-30%) and LDL rise; more cumulative than Masteron/Primobolan due to high androgenic activity – cardiovascular risk.
- HPTA suppression: shutdown of endogenous testosterone (LH/FSH), testicular atrophy, reduced libido and fertility; PCT (Clomid + Nolvadex) needed for recovery.
- Elevated blood pressure and possible rise in hematocrit/red blood cell count (AAS class effect), increasing thrombosis and cardiovascular strain risk.
- Prostate stimulation: high androgenic activity can promote prostate enlargement and aggravate pre-existing prostate conditions.
- Unknown long-term safety: a designer AAS never clinically tested – pharmacology is extrapolated from the Boldenone/Methenolone class, so rare or serious effects cannot be excluded.
Contraindications · 7
- Female use: risk of virilization (deepened voice, hirsutism, clitoral enlargement) is extreme and partly irreversible – absolutely contraindicated.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: teratogenic/virilizing to the fetus – absolutely contraindicated.
- Prostate or breast carcinoma, or prostate hypertrophy: androgenic stimulation may worsen these – contraindicated.
- Existing cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension, or adverse lipids (LDL >130 / HDL <40 mg/dL): contraindicated due to HDL suppression and blood pressure rise.
- Androgenetic alopecia (family/personal history): high androgenic activity accelerates hair loss and finasteride offers no protection – strongly contraindicated.
- Anticoagulant therapy (e.g. warfarin): AAS can potentiate the anticoagulant effect – contraindicated without INR monitoring.
- First-cycle or inexperienced users: DHB is never a standalone entry AAS; not advisable for beginners due to severe PIP and unknown safety profile.
Related Performance Compounds
Same therapeutic category
Studies
Related research and clinical findings
Endocr Rev. 2014;35(3):341-75.
Adverse health consequences of performance-enhancing drugs: an Endocrine Society scientific statement
Pope HG Jr, Wood RI, Rogol A, Nyberg F, Bowers L, Bhasin S.
PMID: 24423981Open
Sports Med. 2004;34(8):513-554.
Effects of androgenic-anabolic steroids in athletes
Hartgens F, Kuipers H.
PMID: 15248788Open
Clin Chem. 1996;42(7):1001-20.
Metabolism of anabolic androgenic steroids
Schänzer W.
PMID: 8674183Open
Addiction. 2009;104(12):1966-78.
Anabolic-androgenic steroid dependence: an emerging disorder
Kanayama G, Brower KJ, Wood RI, Hudson JI, Pope HG Jr.
PMID: 19922565Open
Andrology. 2015;3(2):150-5.
Designer steroids - over-the-counter supplements and their androgenic component: review of an increasing problem
Rahnema CD, Crosnoe LE, Kim ED
PMID: 25684733Open
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MolekulaX Editorial Team·Source-verified · PubMed · FDA · EMA
Updated: June 19, 2026
The information here is for educational and scientific purposes only. Performance-enhancing compounds (AAS, prohormones, stimulants, doping agents) are illegal without prescription in Hungary and most of the EU, and carry serious health and legal risks. WADA bans them in competitive sport. This is NOT a usage guide, and we do not encourage any illegal use. If you do use them, medical supervision and regular bloodwork are ESSENTIAL. Severe endocrine, cardiovascular, hepatic and psychiatric side effects are possible.