This information is for research and educational purposes only. No medical recommendations. Products are not approved for human use. For health questions, consult a doctor.

Lexicon

Muscle & performance

Dianabol (Methandrostenolone)

The oral classic - fast mass and strength, water retention, liver-loading.

1 min read 2 sources Titration Updated June 2026
Class
Oral anabolic (17a-alkylated)
Use
Oral, 2-3x per day
Half-life
about 3-5 hours
WADA
banned (anabolic)

Getting started

Typical dosing (research context)

Per-day figures in mg, oral. Short half-life, often split across 2-3 doses. 17a-alkylated - liver-loading.

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What is Dianabol?

Dianabol (Methandrostenolone, Dbol) is probably the best-known oral anabolic - developed in the 1960s and the classic "kickstart" for building cycles ever since. It works fast and strong: marked mass and strength gains within a few weeks, but with a lot of water retention and, as a 17a-alkylated substance, liver-loading.

This information is for research and educational purposes only. No medical advice.

How it works

Methandrostenolone activates the androgen receptor and strongly raises protein synthesis and glycogen storage - hence the fast "full" look. It aromatizes to estrogen, which explains the marked water retention. Estrogen management (AI) is a topic at higher doses.

Use and dosing

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What the research shows

Methandrostenolone is one of the longest-used anabolics. AAS research (Hartgens & Kuipers 2004; Kicman 2008) documents the fast strength and mass gains of oral 17a-alkylated steroids as well as their liver and lipid effects.

Side effects

  • Liver: 17a-alkylated, ALT/AST rise - limit cycle, liver support.
  • Estrogen: aromatizes strongly - water retention, gyno risk, AI needed.
  • Blood pressure: rises markedly from water retention.
  • Lipids: HDL drops markedly.
  • HPTA suppression - PCT topic.

Storage

Store dry and cool, protected from light. Out of reach of children.

Evidence

Sources

  1. 1 Effects of androgenic-anabolic steroids in athletes. Hartgens & Kuipers, Sports Med, 2004
  2. 2 Pharmacology of anabolic steroids - comprehensive review. Kicman, Br J Pharmacol, 2008

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