What Is Dianabol?
Dianabol is an effective anabolic steroid which increases strength and hypertrophy. Due to its powerful effects, Dianabol has become one of the most commonly prescribed oral anabolic steroids used by bodybuilders since Arnold Schwarzenegger became one of its biggest advocates during its use during his reign as governor of California in the 1970s.
Why Beginners Choose Dianabol
Beginners often turn to Dianabol as their first cycle of steroids because it produces results quickly. However, due to its potential side effects on liver enzymes and cholesterol levels, Dianabol may be better suited for intermediate users of steroids rather than absolute beginners.
Before and After: Dianabol Results in a First Cycle
Our experience shows that users experienced size gains comparable to what beginners should expect from moderate doses (15mg–20mg per day taken for five or six weeks). Dianabol results may not be as noticeable for intermediate users who have previously used anabolic steroids like testosterone; their bodies have already adjusted to such compounds, though Dianabol remains more potent than testosterone and still leads to measurable muscle mass gains.
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Dianabol Journey
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s transformation is often cited as a classic example of Dianabol’s effects. According to Frank Zane’s training journal, Arnold’s dosage was estimated at 15mg per day. His results illustrate how Dianabol works synergistically with other compounds, such as testosterone and other anabolic agents.
However, it’s important not to mistake Arnold’s final physique as a direct outcome of Dianabol alone. He was an accomplished natural bodybuilder with exceptional genetics, discipline, diet, and training. His progress was the result of years of hard work combined with Dianabol use—not just the steroid itself. Golden Era bodybuilders used genuine pharmaceutical-grade methandrostenolone prescribed by physicians. Today, black market Dianabol products often suffer from dilution, meaning daily doses may only deliver around 5mg, making 15mg per day considered a low dose by modern standards.
Expected Weight Gain and Water Retention
Our experience shows that Dianabol can lead to up to 30 pounds of weight gain in beginners, with approximately 10 pounds attributed to water retention and the remainder to lean muscle growth. This temporary water retention can cause bloating and an inflated appearance, making muscles look larger but obscuring definition.
Because of this effect, Dianabol is often prescribed off-season when individuals wear more clothing compared to beach season. It should be used primarily for mass gain, not for optimizing physical appearance.
Strength and Fat Loss Benefits
Dianabol boosts muscular strength significantly. Users have reported adding 40–50 pounds to exercises such as bench press, squat, and deadlift. These strength gains tend to be sustained even after discontinuing the cycle.
Additionally, Dianabol contains exogenous testosterone, which acts as a fat-burning hormone. Studies have demonstrated its positive effects in reducing subcutaneous fat storage. Fat loss depends heavily on diet, but Dianabol can help users build muscle while burning fat by maintaining maintenance calorie intake levels—offering a dual benefit.
Side Effects: Water Retention and Fat Accumulation
While Dianabol reduces subcutaneous fat, it may increase visceral fat due to insulin resistance caused by elevated estrogen levels. This can lead to an inflated midsection or “bloat.” However, careful dosing prevents significant visceral fat accumulation. Classic bodybuilders like Arnold were able to maintain small waists because they used moderate doses and disciplined lifestyles.
Maximizing Dianabol Results
Dianabol results can be maximized through:
- Optimized training frequency and consistency
- Proper nutrition and caloric intake
- Adherence to a structured cycle protocol
Training and Nutrition
For maximum effectiveness, users should increase training frequency and regularity while avoiding overtraining. Classic bodybuilders trained for several hours daily without exhaustion. For best results, follow a standard bodybuilding split that targets each muscle group 1–2 times per week.
Consume enough calories to support anabolism—typically 500+ calories above maintenance when using Dianabol. However, if body fat increases significantly, maintenance calories may be preferable.
Liver Health and Supplementation
Alcohol is known to be toxic to liver tissue (Wilder, 1962). When the liver becomes overworked, appetite often decreases—a defense mechanism as the body struggles to process food. Dianabol users may experience reduced hunger due to acute liver stress, negatively impacting results.
We recommend using TUDCA (Tauroursodeoxycholic acid) to reduce hepatic damage and inflammation. Studies have shown its effectiveness in protecting liver function (De Miguel et al., 2019a). TUDCA is commonly used by patients and researchers alike when stacking Dianabol with other anabolic agents.
Stacking Dianabol for Better Results
For new users, the ideal approach is to start with Dianabol alone and gradually increase dosage as tolerance builds. Once comfortable, those seeking to bulk can add Deca Durabolin or testosterone for enhanced results.
Adding Deca Durabolin or testosterone to a Dianabol cycle can result in an additional 10 pounds of gain. These injectable steroids are less hepatotoxic than oral agents, making them safer for long-term use.
According to recent research, testosterone, Deca Durabolin, and other injectables have minimal effects on cholesterol levels (Vieira et al., 2008b), making them safer for cardiovascular health than many oral anabolic steroids.
Why Avoid Certain Stacks?
While trenbolone and Anadrol may deliver exceptional strength and muscle gains, stacking them with Dianabol is not advised due to increased risk of adverse side effects:
- Anadrol can cause severe liver damage.
- Trenbolone may also contribute to liver stress and cardiovascular strain.
Risks and Safety Concerns
Dianabol can be dangerous in high doses, particularly regarding liver toxicity and cholesterol levels. When combined with other anabolic steroids, it has been linked to hypertension in some individuals.
Dianabol stands out as one of the most liver-toxic oral anabolic steroids. It should be avoided by individuals with pre-existing liver conditions.
Men often experience hypogonadism after moderate Dianabol cycles. Endogenous testosterone levels usually rebound within months. However, chronic abuse can lead to long-term testosterone deficiency and infertility.
Due to its virilization effects, Dianabol is not widely used among female athletes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Dianabol safe? It can be safe when used responsibly, in moderation, and with proper cycle protocols. However, it is not suitable for beginners due to risks of liver enzymes and cholesterol elevation.
Do I need a prescription? Yes. Anabolic steroids like Dianabol are prescription-only medications used to treat conditions such as osteoporosis and cachexia. They should not be used without medical supervision.
How can I reduce toxicity? Experienced users can minimize risks by:
- Using lower doses (e.g., 15–20mg/day)
- Limiting cycle length (6–8 weeks)
- Using liver protectants like TUDCA
- Allowing sufficient rest between cycles
Conclusion
Dianabol is a powerful anabolic steroid that can deliver rapid strength and muscle gains, especially for beginners. However, its potential side effects—especially liver strain and cholesterol impact—make it better suited for intermediate users with experience and proper precautions. When used responsibly, with proper diet, training, and liver support, Dianabol can be an effective tool for mass gain and performance enhancement.
References
- De Miguel C, Sedaka R, Kasztan M et al. Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), a metabolite of TDCA, reduces renal inflammation and injury caused by chronic high-salt intake. Acta Physiol (Oxf). 2019;226(1):e13227. Link
- Vieira RP, Franca RF and Damaceno-Rodrigues NR (2008). The dose-dependent response of liver to subchronic administration of nandrolone. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2008 40(5):842-847. Link
- Wilder EM. Methandrostenolone-induced liver failure can lead to death. Canmed Assoc J. 1962;87(14):768-769. Link