Dianabol (methandrostenolone metandienone)
What is Dianabol and how does it work?
Dianabol, having Methandrostenolone as the active ingredient, is a steroid primarily used for bulking up. Like other steroids in the market meant for bodybuilding activities, this too is a form of testosterone with slight modifications. It has a methyl group and a double carbon bond in its chemical formation. The added methyl group allows the drug to pass through the liver without getting destroyed while the carbon bond prevents the conversion of testosterone to estrogen, hence improving the performance of the drug.
When the drug was launched in 1960, it was suggested in cases which required protein synthesis or in cases of osteoporosis. It was also thought to be a mood enhancing drug. Various studies were conducted on the use of the drug in treating osteoporosis, with several coming out with positive results.
According to a study done, a dosage of 2.5 mg of Dianabol everyday for 9 months proved to be beneficial in stopping in osteoporotic activity than calcium. It has been through studies that Dianabol increases the amount of calcium in the body and also the levels of potassium in the blood, thus improving muscle growth in the body.
Another interesting study on the drug concluded it to be beneficial in treating laryngeal cancer as it was found to make the laryngeal cancer cells more responsive to radiotherapy. However, today, the drug largely remains as an anabolic drug. It is known to increase anaerobic glycolysis in the body which in turn produces lactic acid in the body. Lactic acid increases anaerobic metabolism in the body, thus providing muscles the necessary energy to grow and hence, helping individuals in bulling up.
Side effects of Dianabol
Although Dianabol is found to be beneficial in bulking up cycles, it is known to have various side effects in the body. Some common side effects of Dianabol include severe acne, male pattern baldness, mood changes and insomnia. The drug is also known to cause virilization in women because of the presence of androgens.
Since the female body contains little androgens, thus, the introduction of androgens in the female body can lead to male characteristics such as hoarseness of voice and increased facial hair. The drug is also known to interfere with the menstrual cycle in women and thus, lead to complications related to pregnancy and birth.
In men, apart from acne and baldness, the drug is also known to increase the level of estrogens which can lead to water retention. Increased water retention can lead to high blood pressure and heart diseases which can also be fatal if not treated at the right time. Dianabol is also known to adversely affect the liver and cause liver damage.
When to contact the doctor
Although some side effects of Dianabol go away after stopping the use of the drug, there are some which require immediate medical attention. These include signs of vomiting, yellowing of the skin and decreased appetite which signal damage to the liver. Liver damage can be fatal if not treated at the right time.
Dosage of Dianabol
Dianabol is available in the form of tablets as well as injection. The usual starting dose of Dianabol is 15 mg daily which can go upto 40 mg daily for a period not more than 4 weeks. Professional bodybuilders are known to take 50 mg of the drug daily for 4 weeks. Anything above 50 mg is known to increase the risk of side effects of the drug and decrease the beneficial effects of the drug.
How to take Dianabol
Different people take Dianabol in different cycles and the cycle should be decided upon after due consultation with a doctor and a gym trainer. The usual cycle of Dianabol is 10-30 mg two hours before work out and another 10-20 mg in the morning or evening.