Dianabol is a synthetic steroid very similar in structure to testosterone. It is one of the oldest anabolic steroids on the illicit drug market. The anabolic properties of the drug were quickly realized soon after it was manufactured. It was first synthesized in 1958 at a time when the toxicity of steroids was not appreciated.

Infact, it was first marketed as a muscle growth agent and widely used in the 60s and 70s. Over the next decade, the drug proved to be a success for many athletes and bodybuilders, but soon the side effects of the drug became apparent.

All over the globe, bodybuilders complained of serious side effects and there were many cases of liver damage reported. Soon the drug acquired a bad reputation and in medicine its use only lasted a couple of decades. The drug was tried out as a treatment of infertility, muscle wasting and some resistant anemias. In the early 90s, the FDA finally banned the drug for use in humans. The drug is no longer manufactured anywhere in North America and most of Western Europe. The majority of Dianabol available today is manufactured in Mexico, SE Asia and China. The quality and purity of the preparations remain unknown.

Pharmacology

Dianabol has been widely used by many athletes, professional movie stars and bodybuilders. In the 60s and 70s, there were no laws to prevent anyone from using this drug. The drug does have decent anabolic activity when used for short periods. At high doses, it also possesses androgenic activity. It rapidly leads to build up in protein mass and strength over a few months; it has been found to act on the liver, kidney, brain and even the heart. Studies indicate that it enhances exercise performance by retaining oxygen in the red blood cells and decreasing cellular respiration. The drug is also metabolized by the aromatase enzyme in the fatty tissue to estrogen. While it has some beneficial effects like increasing muscle mass, its effect on the heart muscle can lead to excessive enlargement of the heart. This often leads to heart failure or a heart attack.

Bodybuilders

Dianabol is still widely used by athletes in all sports. The drug is combined with a variety of other drugs to augment the body building process. The dose of dianabol ranges from 10-100 mg/day for 4-6 weeks. Most individuals see a result after 4 weeks. However, it is recommended that the drug not be used for more than 4 weeks at a time. It is often combined with other anabolic hormones like Equipose, Anavar or Winstrol to potentiate the effects.

The starting dose for a novice bodybuilder should be 10mg/day and this should only be gradually increased during the 2nd cycle. The drug is also converted to estrogen at high doses.  During the washout phase, some bodybuilders add Clomid or Nolvadex to the regimen to maintain the testosterone levels to a high. The addition of Clomid also minimizes the breast enlargement and water retention.

The weight gain is gradual and despite what is claimed on the internet, there is no acute gain in weight. The early weight gain is usually from the water and sodium retention and not build of protein.  To see benefits from dianabol, one has to take the drug for at least 4-8 weeks. Dianabol should not be taken in season because it has pronounced side effects. The drug should be started slowly during off season and continued at low doses.

The most important thing to remember when taking any anabolic steroid is to compliment the diet with high calories. Some of the weight gain seen with dianabol is due to water retention. Most bodybuilders will add 10-20 pounds in weight over 4 weeks when the diet is rich in protein.