This is due to the steroid’s impacts on the Hypothalamic Pituitary Testicular Axis (HPTA) because of the artificial inflation of circulating testosterone and an increase in estrogen. Another reason why many people do regular blood work while using Dianabol is to keep on top of its effects on the liver. Not all C17-aa steroids are equally toxic, and Dianabol can be considered moderate in this regard. These are the underlying mechanisms of androgenic side effects in Dbol. If you’re seeking science-backed strategies for muscle gain, fat loss, or hormone support, professional coaching through The Swole Kitchen can help you reach your goals safely and sustainably. Dianabol (methandrostenolone) is a Schedule III controlled substance in the United States and many other countries. ? Bloodwork 2–4 weeks post-PCT is highly recommended to confirm recover Because Dianabol suppresses your natural testosterone production—even at moderate doses—PCT is non-negotiable for recovery. "High-dose methandrostenolone has demonstrated consistent elevation of ALT, AST, and hepatic stress in multiple trials."— Sader et al., Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism This would make sense considering some of our bodybuilders report less muscle and strength gains when stacking Dianabol with Proscar (finasteride), a DHT inhibitor. SERMs are capable of restoring testosterone levels post-steroids, with tamoxifen and clomiphene being the most effective options in our experience. Research has shown natural testosterone levels recover to normal levels in 67% of male steroid users after 6 months and 90% of males after 12 months (21). This is relatively common in AAS (anabolic-androgenic steroids) use, particularly Dianabol, due to its estrogenic nature. Studies have found that prolonged use of AAS (anabolic-androgenic steroids) can cause a 100% increase in LDL cholesterol and a 90% reduction in HDL cholesterol (6). The severity of these side effects will depend on the dose, duration of the cycle, genetics, and other steroids stacked with Dianabol. If you’ve used any other steroids previously, you will have some idea of what to expect with Dianabol. Our genetics significantly influence how Dianabol’s androgenic activity will promote these side effects11. Prolonged water retention can raise blood pressure to dangerous levels, another side effect of which Dbol is well-known. This bloating can come on very suddenly – often overnight – and provides a telltale sign to other people that you’re using steroids. It’s pretty basic in what it does – but we’re bodybuilders, and gaining mass and strength is our priority. Since a Dianabol cycle should run for no longer than six weeks, you can expect serious changes and results within that short period. With the proper dedication to your training and diet, achieving substantial size gains in 20 pounds is more than possible within mere weeks. There are several other milder steroids more suited for female use, such as Anavar and Winstrol. Dianabol is not a suitable steroid for females to use because of its potency, which results in severe virilizing effects. Many guys find that 10-20mg daily is enough to gain exceptional gains in strength and excellent results, while others will boost the dose to 50mg. Elite female bodybuilders can take high doses of 10–20 mg; however, such users can expect to experience masculinization effects. Today, a dose of 15–30 mg per day is standard for bodybuilders wanting to experience significant changes in muscular strength and size. However, users today seeking bigger improvements in muscle hypertrophy often take a higher dose. Thus, women who aren’t competing and want to keep their femininity intact will opt for steroids such as Anavar (oxandrolone), which is less likely to cause the above side effects. Dianabol is somewhat androgenic; thus, it’s not a common steroid taken among women, mainly due to virilization symptoms occurring. Some people in bodybuilding believe that roid rage is a myth; however, research shows that 60% of steroid users experience an increase in aggressive behavior (28). Dianabol was designed to have reduced androgenic activity compared to testosterone, with an androgenic rating of around 60, while having a much higher anabolic effect that can potentially be twice that of testosterone. Dianabol is the most well-known brand name for the anabolic steroid Metandienone6. Therefore, Dbol can be considered a true performance-enhancing androgen and anabolic steroid that has well-known and studied benefits3 going back decades. Dianabol has a reduced androgenic nature compared with testosterone due to a slight alteration to the chemical structure of the hormone, but it still retains a highly anabolic effect. Creatine causes considerable water retention (37, 38); therefore, the combination of creatine and Dianabol will cause the body to hold even more fluid. A bodybuilder’s goal when cutting is often to achieve maximum muscle definition and a small waist; thus, Dianabol will counteract this. Furthermore, Dianabol causes significant extracellular water retention, causing bloating and a loss in muscle definition. We have seen users abstain from lifting weights and still see noticeable improvements in body composition (being sedentary) from Dianabol use. Strength gains will be through the roof (Dbol is, after all, one of THE premier strength-boosting AAS). Once you start stacking with testosterone and other AAS compounds like Deca, you can see gains in the 30 lbs realm. I’ve heard of guys using Dianabol for longer cycles, but you better watch out for your liver values closely.
