Profile (History, Chemical Structure, Characteristics)

History

Methandrostenolone (slang name: Methane) is a peroral anabolic steroid originally synthesized by Dr. John Ziegler and released in the US in the early 60’s by the company Ciba. Initially, methandrostenolone was used for faster recovery, burns treatment and even as a tonic for women. Soon it became a frequent practice to resort to the drug in bodybuilding for muscle mass gain, until it was banned by the FDA.

The product is also called Dianabol, Danabol, Nerobol, Naposim, DBOL, Methandienone and in bodybuilding it is known under the slang name “Methane”.

Chemical structure

Dianabol Methandrostenolone is an anabolic steroid, a derivative of testosterone. It contributes to muscle mass gain and decrease of fat deposits. Androgenic activity of the drug is somewhat lower than that one of testosterone. Regular use of the drug results in a positive nitrogen balance, stimulating the development of male secondary sexual characteristics.

Entering the cell nucleus, Dianabol methadrostenolone boosts synthesis of structural proteins, RNA and DNA, activating cell genetic apparatus, and increases tissue respiration, activating enzymes of tissue respiration chain. Activation of anabolic processes results in visible muscle mass gain and considerable decrease in body fat. The drug effect lasts for 14 hours.

Characteristics

  • Anabolic activity – 200% of testosterone
  • Androgenic activity – 50% of testosterone
  • Aromatization (conversion into estrogen) – Yes (low)
  •  Toxicity to the liver – moderate
  • Mode of administration – oral, injection
  • Drug effect – 6-8 hours
  • Detection time – up to 3 months

Effects

  • Dianabol Methandrostenolone is most effective in muscle mass gain due to the activation of glycogenolysis synthesis.
  • Better power performance
  • Growing appetite
  • Slight fat-burning effect
  • Strengthened skeleton
  • Dianabol Methandrostenolone has relatively weak androgenic activity (50% of that one of testosterone), yet, it can take place in vivo.
  • Studies have shown that most often side effects are caused by overdose (more than 30mg of Danabol per day)

Side effects

  • Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia occurs when a part of methandrostenolone is converted into estrogens – methylestradiol, which has 30% higher affinity to the estrogen receptors. To prevent this side effect aromatase inhibitors are applied. In most cases they help to avoid the development of gynecomastia.

  • Toxicity to the liver

Since methadrostenolone has a methyl group in 17-α position, the drug produces a moderate toxic effect on the liver. The methyl group prevents Dianabol destruction in the liver, so that the drug can be taken by mouth (orally). Besides, it reduces the binding of Dianabol to globulin, which binds sex hormones. There are also used cholagogue drugs such as Liv52.

  • Fluid retention

It is another quite common side effect of methandrostenolone related to estrogens. Water retention occurs mostly in the muscles, creating impression of bigger muscles. As soon as the cycle is finished, the excess fluid leaves the body, and you lose weight up to 10-50%. It is not observed in case of aromatase inhibitors application.

Other side effects of Dianabol methandrostenolone

  • Increased blood pressure. The problem can be solved by taking aromatase inhibitors during the course.
  • Increased libido during the course and temporally low sex drive after the course.
  • Testicular atrophy occurs in case of long cycles with high doses of Danabol.
  • Acne during the course.
  • Heartburn, discomfort, fever heat, burning sensation in the chest, spreading upwards from the upper abdomen (epigastric region) along the esophagus. Heartburns have periodic character.
  • Alopecia (hair loss)
  • Masculinization in women.
  • In case of overdose or genetic disposition there is a possibility of myocardial hypertrophy development.
  • Hypocoagulation state with hemorrhagic tendency, leukemoid syndrome (leukemia, pain in the long bones), iron-deficiency anemia.
  • The progression of atherosclerosis (increased LDL and decreased HDL concentrations), peripheral edema.

Dosages and Uses

Practice shows that a 6-week cycle of methandrostenolone with a dose of 30mg per day can increase the muscle mass by 8-10kg with the subsequent loss of 2-5kg (so called the rollback phenomenon). Provided that the administered course is correct, the rollback phenomenon can be minimized.

Cycles (Courses)

The following course of Dianabol methandrostenolone works best for men over 21 for the muscle mass gain in the absence of contraindications (high blood pressure, heart diseases, prostate hypertrophy, liver disorders etc.).

Do not exceed the recommended daily dose of 30 mg. It should be divided into 2-3 intakes (e.g. 20mg in the morning and 10mg in the afternoon). Methane (methandienone) is toxic to the liver, that’s way the drug should better be taken after meals.

The course of Dianabol methandrostenolone starts with 10 mg and in 2-3 days the dose can be gradually increased up to 20-30mg per day (to check the tolerability). The cycle usually lasts for 6 weeks.

In a week time it is recommended to include aromatase inhibitors into the course. For example, you can take 0.5mg of Anastrozole every third day. It will suppress estrogen conversion and what is more important – eliminate the problems of fluid retention and edema.

In 2-3 days after the course PCT should take place: 20mg of tamoxifen for 2-4 weeks. During the last week the dosage is gradually reduced until the drug withdrawal.

Blood pressure needs monitoring. In case of increased blood pressure, you should reduce the dosage or start taking hypotensive drugs (e.g. 5 mg of Enalapril).

Each course can be followed by 3-4 weeks of testosterone booster cycles for the faster recovery of testosterone secretion in the body and the prevention of the rollback phenomenon.

Mind that anabolic steroids administration must take place under medical supervision, since steroids may have contraindications.

To achieve the best possible results and to minimize the muscle mass loss after the course it is recommended to take sport supplements and to stick to the muscle mass gain diet.

There are also non-traditional ways of Methane administration: intermittent method, interval method, etc. Each of them has its own tasks. For example, intermittent method is supposed to work in the way that the drug has no negative impact on the endogenous testosterone production, but in fact it has, so the testosterone level is reduced anyway. The idea of the interval method is that it allegedly doesn’t build up a tolerance to the active ingredient and reduces the “pressure” on the liver. In practice, most often these methods are ineffective due to a number of reasons, so these methods are not recommended. Methane is not an appropriate drug to take between courses.

Combined courses of Dianabol methandrostenolone

Taking into account the high frequency of methandrostenolone side effects and small range of positive effects, many authors recommend taking this drug in combination with other anabolic steroids. The dosage of methandrostenolone can vary between 10-30mg. Combined cycles increase effectiveness and decrease side effects frequency due to different pharmacodynamics of drugs.

For muscle mass gain Dianabol methandrostenolone should be combined with:

  • Nandrolone
  • Testosterone
  • Sustanon
  • Trenbolone
  • Primobolan

Mind that Dianabol methandrostenolone administration must be always accompanied by at least therapeutic doses of testosterone. Remember that every combination presupposes strictly defined doses of both drugs and a special mode of administration. The safest courses of anabolic steroids can be found in the article Best Steroid Courses.