Dianabol (generic name - Methandrostenolone) is a very popular steroid

In a manner of speaking Dianabol (D-bol) can be considered the grandfather of all anabolic steroids, and most bodybuilders who have used steroids got their first start with D-bol. The drug was originally formulated by Dr John Ziegler and released by the Ciba Corporation in the late 1950s. Dr Ziegler developed the steroid after talking to some Russian weightlifting coaches after the Russian weightlifters suddenly started dominating the sport in the early 1950s.

Methandrostenolone was all the rage in gyms during the 1970s. In fact numerous stories are still told of the little blue tablets being sold at the main counters of the bigger bodybuilding gyms. D-bol is probably the most popular steroid ever created and most pro bodybuilders, who are willing to talk, have admitted to using it in their cycles.

The popularity of Dianabol was ironically the key to its downfall. During the 1980s, Ciba discontinued the original D-bol when the FDA decided that its therapeutic uses were minimal compared to the rampant use by bodybuilders and the dosages that some bodybuilders were taking. But generic methandrostenolone has never been out of production. Its reported that the Russians became quite fond of D-bol and Russian D-bol is now one of the popular versions of the drug on the black-market.

Why so popular?

Methandrostenolone is without a doubt one of the most effective steroids for bodybuilders and other athletes trying to pack on the most amount of muscle mass in the shortest time possible. Users routinely report muscular body weight gains of 2 to 4 pounds a week. Among the drugs much desired effects are

* promotes drastic increase in protein synthesis

* enhances glycogenolysis (restores glycogen stores after exercise)

* stimulates strength gains in a very direct and fast-acting way.

The drug is not recommended for those in aerobic events, as there is some evidence to suggest that it may diminish cell respiration. D-bol is often used at the beginning of cycles that also contain injectables since the effects produced by injectables usually take 10-15 days to first be observed. But the effects of methandrostenolone are virtually immediate.

Side Effects?

As steroids go, Dianabol has a rather weak androgenic component and a very strong and visible anabolic component. This means that the drug has less depressive effects on natural testosterone levels than some of the more androgenic steroids. This means that one worry users of D-bol, especially in the short term, needn't fear is the dramatic shutdown of natural hormone production. Of course like most side effects the degree of testosterone shutdown is dose-dependent. But rest assured methandrostenolone still has mild androgenic effects and in high doses (30-40+ mg daily) such androgen-related side effects as acne, male pattern hair loss, and aggression, may be noticed.

Like many oral steroids D-bol is 17-carbon methylated to reduce its breakdown by the digestive system and liver. Of course this chemical modification brings with it a certain degree of toxicity. For this reason users shouldnt stay on the drug for more than 6 to 8 weeks at a stretch. And even then only under supervision of a medical professional who can monitor your liver values.

Although popular as an off-season mass-building drug, Dianabol is rarely used in pre-contest drug cycles. This is because it heavily aromatizes to estrogen making fat loss difficult. The drug is also known to cause a great deal of fluid retention another property that makes it unpopular as a contest drug. To get around this bodybuilders usually stack it with other steroids such as nandrolone or one of the testosterones (i.e., propionate).

The average dosage used by bodybuilders is around 15-40mg/day (three to eight, 5mg tablets). Beginners do not need more than 15-20mg per day since their steroid receptors have not been exposed to the drug before and will experience dramatic results using small dosages over a 6 to 8 week period. When the effects begin to slow down (mostly because the steroid receptors have become saturated), and the individual wants to continue the cycle, the dosage should NOT be increased. Instead an injectable such as Deca-Durabolin or Primabolan-Depot may be added to the cycle. Beware of the long arm of the law!

As of 1991 anabolic steroids and their derivatives are classified as controlled substances in the United States. Many other countries have passed similar legislation. Please read up on and become knowledgeable about your states or countrys steroid laws.