Anabolic Steroids Profile: Dianabol (methandrostenolone)

By Leigh Penman – This is part of a continuing series provided exclusively by MuscleSport Mag giving information on a variety of performance-enhancing drugs for educational purposes. While it is apparent that people are going to use these substances regardless of the health and legal risks involved, quality information is necessary and learning as much about them as possible can only assist an adult making a decision either way.

Dianabol is one of those drugs that seem to have gained a ‘cult’ following over the years. Originally introduced in 1960, it soon gained the tag “Breakfast of Champions”. Whether this tag is deserved or not, Dianabol still remains one of the most popular bodybuilding staples to this day.

Similar to testosterone and Anadrol 50, Dianabol is a powerful substance with a great effect on protein metabolism. It also promotes calcium storage in the bones and is believed to have a strengthening effect on the whole system. A weight gain of 2-4 pounds per week in the first six weeks is usually observed which is accompanied by significant strength gains.

On the down side, it does have fairly noticeable side effects. Being quite estrogenic, gynecomastia (growth of female like breast tissue in males) could be a concern and water retention can become pronounced. For this reason sensitive individuals may wish to add an anti-estrogen such as Nolvadex or preferably Arimadex when using this drug. Androgenic side effects are also common and may manifest as bouts of oily skin, acne, body/facial hair growth as well as aggression.

Due to its androgenic effects, Dianabol is really only popular with male athletes. However, women who choose to experiment with it usually find low doses (5mg/day) produce significant gains in muscle growth.

For men a daily dosage of 4-5 tablets (20-25mg) is enough to produce dramatic results. Some do go higher than this but it must be noted that the higher the dose the higher the incidence of side effects.

It should also be noted that Dianabol has a relatively short half-life (only 3-5 hours) which means that you should split your dose and take it twice a day in order to keep blood levels more constant (this option is strictly up to the individual).

STACKING TIPS: Dianabol stacks well with a number of steroids, however it has been known to mix particularly well with Deca-Durabolin. In fact, legendary steroid ‘guru’ Dan Duchaine once said, “If you can’t grow on Deca and Dianabol you’re not going to grow at all!”

DIET TIPS: Dianabol (along with most steroids) relies on quality protein intake in order to exhibit maximum results. It has a particular affinity with steak, so be sure to include lean red meat in your diet.

LIVER ALERT: As a c17 alpha alkylated steroid, Dianabol does give your liver a lot of extra work to do. With this in mind you might want to monitor your liver enzyme values (achieved by regular blood testing by a physician) and take liver protecting supplements such as milk thistle and NAC.

Leigh Penman, in addition to be a staff writer at MuscleSport Mag, has been writing for bodybuilding magazines, websites and nutritional supplement companies since 1985. Whilst residing in the UK, she earned the reputation of being one of the top female writers in bodybuilding-related media. Her credits included being a contributing editor on all the magazines in production as well as filling the shoes of Ladies Editor and Showbiz Editor on two publications (the later being on Arnold’s sanctioned magazine, ‘Bodypower’). During this time she also competed successfully on four occasions (placing in the top four in all contests).

Relocating to New York in the late 1990s she focused her writing attention to crystal healing techniques and metaphysics – however, she still maintained a five day workout schedule during this time and gained her personal training certificate.

Having also studied pharmacology in relation to sports performance, her writing began taking her in that direction until the present day which sees her embarking on a return to the magazine world, as well as extending her web-related work in the bodybuilding and fitness field.

Leigh has been working out for close to thirty years so she is clearly a writer who ‘walks her talk.’
She can be contacted personally at zeal2heal@yahoo.com or you can also check her out at New York’s favorite metaphysical store www.stickstoneandbone.com.

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