Dianabol (Methandrostenolone)
17α-methyl-17β-hydroxyandrost-1,4-dien-3-one. Anabolic Androgenic Steroid (AAS), oral 17α-alkylated.
This page describes what Dianabol (Methandrostenolone) is and its known risks. It is not medical advice and not a guide to using it. Many of these substances are prescription-only or illegal to use without a prescription. Speak to a doctor.
- Class
- Anabolic Androgenic Steroid (AAS)
- Legal status
- Schedule 4 (South Africa) / Schedule III (USA)
- Half-life
- 3-6 hours
- Liver strain
- High
- Kidney strain
- Low-Moderate
- Converts to estrogen
- High
- Suppresses natural hormones
- Yes
Medical uses
- Muscle wasting (historical)
- Osteoporosis (historical)
What it does in the body
Anabolic
- Rapid muscle mass gain (water retention)
- Significant strength increase
- Enhanced protein synthesis
- Increased nitrogen retention
- Improved recovery
- Increased glycogenolysis
Androgenic
- Moderate androgenic activity
- Increased libido
- Increased aggression
Forms, half-life and detection
| Form | Half-life | Reported detection window |
|---|---|---|
| Oral | 3-6 hours | 5-6 weeks |
Side effects and health risks
Estrogenic
- Gynecomastia (high aromatization)
- Significant water retention
- Increased blood pressure
- Bloating
Androgenic
- Acne
- Oily skin
- Hair loss (moderate)
Heart and blood vessels
- Significant LDL increase
- Significant HDL decrease
- Increased blood pressure
Liver
- Hepatotoxic (17α-alkylated)
- Elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST)
- Cholestasis risk
Hormones and fertility
- Testosterone suppression
- Testicular atrophy
Mood and mind
- Increased aggression
- Mood swings
Blood tests worth monitoring
From its known properties, these are the markers doctors commonly check. Getting blood work before, during and after is how problems are caught early.
- Androgens tend to lower HDL, raise LDL and thicken the blood: HDL Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol, Hematocrit, Hemoglobin
- Aromatisation: High: Estradiol (E2)
- Liver strain: High: ALT (SGPT), AST (SGOT), GGT, Bilirubin
- Shuts down natural production (PCT needed): Total Testosterone, LH, FSH
Related compounds
Questions
What is the half-life of Dianabol (Methandrostenolone)?
About 3-6 hours. Half-life is the time for the level in the blood to fall by half.
How long is Dianabol (Methandrostenolone) detectable?
Testing windows of 5-6 weeks are reported, depending on the test and the person.
Is Dianabol (Methandrostenolone) legal?
Schedule 4 (South Africa) / Schedule III (USA). Laws differ by country and change; check the rules where you live.
What blood tests matter with Dianabol (Methandrostenolone)?
Based on its properties, these markers are commonly monitored: HDL Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol, Hematocrit, Hemoglobin, Estradiol (E2), ALT (SGPT), AST (SGOT), GGT, Bilirubin, Total Testosterone, LH and FSH. A doctor can order and interpret them.
What are the side effects of Dianabol (Methandrostenolone)?
Estrogenic: gynecomastia (high aromatization), significant water retention and increased blood pressure. Androgenic: acne, oily skin and hair loss (moderate). Heart and blood vessels: significant ldl increase, significant hdl decrease and increased blood pressure.
For information only, not medical advice. MyoStats is a tracking tool used at your own discretion. Speak to a doctor before changing your training, diet, medication or anything you take.