Dianabol
Methandrostenolone, 17α-alkylated oral AAS. Classic "kickstart" bulking steroid with high hepatotoxicity.
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WHAT IS DIANABOL?
Detailed overview
Dianabol (Methandrostenolone) was the first mass-marketed oral AAS, synthesized by John Bosley Ziegler in 1955 for the US weightlifting team. A 17α-alkylated oral compound, it produces rapid water-retentive muscle gain. **"Wet gain" myth revision**: most of the weight gained on Dianabol is not subcutaneous extracellular edema but INTRAMUSCULAR glycogen storage plus cell volumization (intracellular hydration). Cell swelling itself is an anabolic signal (Häussinger hypothesis: cell-volume rise activates mTOR signaling and stimulates protein synthesis), so behind the "wet" appearance lies a real productive anabolic process. "Kickstart" use is 4-6 weeks alongside longer-acting injectable AAS. It aromatizes, causing E2 rise + gyno + water retention risk – BUT Dianabol also forms an unusually potent **anastrozole-resistant 17α-methylestradiol metabolite** via aromatase catalysis, so gyno risk remains high even on AI, and classical AI titration (anastrozole 0.5 mg EOD) is less effective than on Testosterone. Hepatotoxicity is high (ALT/AST rises significantly) due to 17α-alkylated first-pass metabolism.
Mechanism
AR agonist, 17α-alkylated, aromatizes
Half-life
3-6 hours (oral) / 1-2 days (oil)
Anabolic:Androgenic ratio
40-60:90-210 (testosterone=100:100)
Legal status
USA: Schedule III. EU: restricted Rx. WADA: banned.
Data console
Lab data
Safety
Side effects, stop signs, contraindications
Side effects · 8
- Hepatotoxicity: as a 17α-alkylated oral steroid it causes marked liver strain, ALT/AST elevation 3-5x, cholestatic jaundice, rarely peliosis hepatis and hepatic tumors with prolonged use.
- Severe lipid derangement and cardiovascular risk: HDL drop up to 50%, raised LDL, hypertension, left-ventricular hypertrophy, increased thrombosis and myocardial infarction risk.
- Strong aromatization: estrogen-mediated gynecomastia and pronounced water retention; Dianabol also forms a potent, anastrozole-resistant 17α-methylestradiol metabolite, so gyno risk stays high even with an AI.
- HPTA suppression and impaired fertility: endogenous testosterone shuts down, LH/FSH drop, testicular atrophy, reduced sperm count and fluctuating libido; without PCT, prolonged hypogonadism.
- Androgenic effects: acne, oily skin, increased body hair, accelerated androgenic hair loss in predisposed men; prostate stimulation in older users.
- Mood and psychiatric effects: irritability, aggression, sleep disturbance; low mood on cessation, withdrawal symptoms after performance-enhancing drug use.
- Water-retention driven blood-pressure elevation and renal strain; edema, bloating, increased hypertension risk during the cycle.
- Form-specific: oral tablet = highest liver strain (first-pass), TUDCA/NAC support needed; rare in-oil IM form (Reforvit-B) = painful injection (PIP) and abscess risk, reduced BUT not zero hepatotoxicity.
Contraindications · 7
- Any pre-existing liver disease or elevated baseline ALT/AST: absolute contraindication due to 17α-alkylated hepatotoxicity.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: virilizing, teratogenic effect on the fetus, absolutely prohibited.
- Women: strong virilization (voice deepening, hirsutism, clitoral enlargement), partly irreversible, therefore not recommended.
- Cardiovascular disease, hypertension, dyslipidemia: the HDL crash, water retention and blood-pressure rise worsen the existing condition.
- Prostate or breast carcinoma, or high prostate risk: contraindicated due to androgenic stimulation.
- Concurrent alcohol, NSAID or paracetamol: additive liver damage, strictly to be avoided during the cycle.
- Adolescents (open growth plates): risk of premature growth-plate closure and lasting HPTA damage.
Related Performance Compounds
Same therapeutic category
Studies
Related research and clinical findings
Effects of methandienone on the performance and body composition of men undergoing athletic training
Hervey GR, Knibbs AV, Burkinshaw L et al.
Distinct phenotype of hepatotoxicity associated with illicit use of anabolic androgenic steroids
Robles-Diaz M, Gonzalez-Jimenez A, Medina-Caliz I et al.
Anabolic steroid cardiovascular toxicity
Baggish AL, Weiner RB, Kanayama G et al.
Effects of androgenic-anabolic steroids in athletes
Hartgens F, Kuipers H.
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.
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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.