It is a derivative of Testosterone exhibiting strong anabolic and moderate androgenic properties. In effect it is often compared to other strong compounds like Testosterone and Oxymetholone, and it is likewise a popular choice for purposes of adding body mass. It promotes drastic protein synthesis and calcium deposits in the bones, enhances glycogenolysis (repletion of glycogen after exercise), enhances endurance and stimulates strength in a very direct and fast-acting way. Methandienone often provides a good sense of overall well being.
Dosage used varies from 20 to 40mg per day. Given that Methandienone has a half-life in the blood of 3-5 hours, to regulate its concentration this is often split into multiple daily doses. Due to the possibility of some aromatisation, some individuals may prefer to use an anti-estrogen. In this case a low dosage of Tamoxifen Citrate would be appropriate.
Similar to Testosterone and Androlic, Methandienone (Dianabol) is a potent steroid, but also one which brings about noticeable side effects. For starters methandienone is quite estrogenic. Gynecomastia is likewise often a concern during treatment, and may present itself quite early into a cycle (particularly when higher doses are used). At the same time water retention can become a pronounced problem, causing a notable loss of muscle definition as both subcutaneous water and fat build. Sensitive individuals may therefore want to keep the estrogen under control with the addition of an antiestrogen such as Tamoxifen Citrate (Nolvadex®) and/or Provironum®.
In addition, androgenic side effects are common with this substance, and may include bouts of oily skin, acne and body/facial hair growth. Aggression may also be increased with a potent steroid such as this, so it would be wise not to let your disposition change for the worse during a cycle. With Methandienone there is also the possibility of aggravating a male pattern baldness condition. Sensitive individuals may therefore wish to avoid this drug and opt for a milder anabolic such as Nandrolone Decanoate (Deca-Durabolin®). While Methandienone (Dianabol) does convert to a more potent steroid via interaction with the 5-alpha reductase anzyme (the same enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone), it has extremely little affinity to do so in the human body. The androgenic metabolite 5 alpha dihydromethandrostenolone is therefore produced only in trace amounts at best. The benefit received from Finasteride (Proscar®/Propecia®) would therefore be insignificant, the drug serving no real purpose.
Being moderately androgenic, Methandienone (Dianabol) is really only a popular steroid with men. When used by women, strong virilization symptoms are a possible result. Some women do however experiment with it and find low doses (5mg) of this steroid extremely powerful for new muscle growth. Whenever administered, Methandienone will produce exceptional mass and strength gains. In effectiveness it is often compared to other strong steroids like Testosterone and Anadrol, and it is likewise a popular choice for bulking purposes. Additionally. Methandienone adds well with a number of other steroids. It is noted to mix particularly well with the mild anabolic such as Nandrolone Decanaote (Deca). Together one can expect exceptional muscle and strength gains, with side effects not much worse than one would expect from Methandienone alone. For all out mass, a long acting Testosterone ester like Testosterone Enanthate can be used. With the similarly high estrogenic/androgenic properties of this androgen, side effects may be extreme with such a combination however. Gains would be great as well, which usually makes such an endeavor worthwhile to the user. As discussed earlier, ancillary drugs can be added to reduce the side effects associated with this kind of cycle.