What is Dianabol
Dianabol, or methandrostenolone, is an oral anabolic steroid suitable for bulking and lean bulking cycles. Athletes choose Dianabol because of its effects on strength, endurance, and muscle mass.
Dbol can be used on a cutting cycle to retain lean muscle mass and increase strength stats. However, it’s an aromatizable compound, so it can cause unwanted water retention, making it harder to evaluate the results right after the cycle’s end.
Dianabol Benefits
Some of the Dianabol’s benefits include:
- Increased muscle gains: an athlete can put on up to 20–25 lbs of muscle mass. Some users report gaining 30–35 lbs throughout the cycle, although it’s not “dry” muscle (always remember about water weight);
- Enhanced strength: you can increase your working weight on all lifts by 25–45 lbs;
- Improved endurance: whether it comes to reps quantity and quality, or the recovery process, you’ll see the difference.
Bodybuilders also report increased libido, motivation, and euphoric feelings. You’ll feel more confident, strong, and pumped.
Unlike some oral steroids, Dbol doesn’t cause joint discomfort but provides additional support. And let’s be honest, it feels great when your joints don’t act like they’re surrounded by sand.
Dianabol Side Effects
Dianabol can cause the following side effects:
- Testosterone suppression;
- Water retention;
- Gynecomastia;
- Hypertension;
- Acne and oily skin;
- Hair thinning;
- Mood swings;
- Virilization effects;
- Closure of growth plates (in minors);
- Insulin resistance;
- Liver disease;
- Prostate enlargement;
- High cholesterol levels.
Dianabol is prone to estrogen conversion; therefore, without an aromatase inhibitor, users may experience extreme bloating and fluid retention. Moreover, there is a risk of gynecomastia development (man boobs; first symptoms include puffy nipples, itching, and small lumps).
Contraindications and Precautions
Dianabol can’t be used by women, as it can cause virilization effects. For example, deepening of the voice, irregular menstruation, and facial hair growth.
It’s better to avoid Dianabol if you have one of the following pre-existing medical conditions:
- Severe cardiovascular disorders: arrhythmia, atherosclerosis, hypertension, CAD, or cardiomyopathy;
- Renal dysfunction: CKD, polycystic kidney disease, nephritis, or acute kidney disease;
- Liver diseases: fatty liver disease, hepatitis, or cholangitis;
- Cancer: specifically breast or prostate cancer (suspected, diagnosed, or treated).
Always undergo baseline testing to evaluate hematocrit, hemoglobin, HDL, LDL, electrolyte levels, creatine, AST, ALT, and bilirubin.
Dianabol Dosage
The recommended Dianabol dosage varies between 20–60 mg/day, with a cycle length of 6 to 10 weeks. If it’s your first Dbol cycle, it’s better to start with 15–20 mg/day to evaluate your body’s reaction and give it some time to adapt:
|
Week
|
Dianabol, mg/day
|
Clomid, mg/day
|
|
1–2
|
15
|
―
|
|
3–6
|
20
|
―
|
|
7
|
―
|
Off-cycle gap
|
|
8–9
|
―
|
40
|
|
10–11
|
―
|
20
|
Dosages from 40 to 60 mg/day are considered high. You’ll amplify your strength and muscle gains, but the side effects can become more potent. One of the main concerns is the compound’s hepatotoxicity.
How to Take Dianabol
Dianabol should be taken once or twice per day. It’s recommended to split the dosage to maintain a stable serum concentration and reduce hepatotoxic side effects.
You can add TUDCA (400-500 mg/day) to avoid putting too much pressure on the liver.
Best Bulking Cycles with Dianabol
Dianabol is a perfect compound for a bulking cycle. It can be stacked with:
|
Compound
|
Dosages
|
Benefits
|
|
Testosterone Enanthate
|
Test E: 400–600 mg/week;
Dbol: 15–30 mg/day
|
- Increased muscle mass;
- Strength gains;
- High libido
|
|
Anadrol
|
Anadrol: 50 mg/day;
Dbol: 20–40 mg/day
|
- Great muscle gains;
- Pumps, muscle fullness;
- Increased vascularity
|
|
Deca Durabolin
|
Deca: 300–400 mg/week;
Dbol: 20–30 mg/day
|
- Increased muscle mass;
- Improved strength stats;
- Enhanced endurance
|
All of those cycles can cause an elevation in your estrogen levels. To mitigate the risks of gyno and other estrogen-related side effects, you’ll need to use Arimidex (0.5 to 1 mg/EOD).
Common Questions About Dbol
Does Dianabol Increase Appetite?
Dianabol can slightly increase your appetite, but it’s not a guarantee. However, users report no appetite suppression, which is great for those on a bulking cycle.
Should I Take Dianabol on Rest Days?
Yes, you should use Dianabol every day for 6–10 weeks. If you avoid taking the compound on the rest days, you won’t be able to maintain a stable compound concentration.
Did Arnold Take Dianabol?
There is a chance that Arnold Schwarzenegger did use Dbol with Testosterone to increase his muscle mass. It doesn’t mean that you’ll be able to achieve the same physique. Results will depend on your genetics, diet, and training regimen.