Dianabol is the brand name for methandienone or methandrostenolone. It is an androgen and anabolic steroid medication. Methandienone was previously approved for androgen replacement therapy to treat hypogonadism in men. Methandrostenolone, a testosterone molecule, was created in 1955 by CIBA and marketed in the US and Germany. It became one of the most well-known steroids in bodybuilding within a short period. It is now a controlled substance in Western Europe and the US. Non-medical uses of methandienone include physique and performance enhancement by athletes, bodybuilders, and powerlifters.
Anabolic steroids
Dianabol steroid is an anabolic steroid but what exactly is an anabolic steroid? In short, an anabolic steroid is a drug created to recreate the hormone testosterone. As a performance-enhancing drug, they are used to build muscle mass and lose fat. Dianabol is an anabolic steroid that is taken orally, however, other anabolic steroids can also be used as creams. Anabolic steroids are a C-class drug and do come with side effects that can be dangerous, so it is always smart to speak to a doctor before considering building muscle mass with an anabolic steroid.
Mechanism of action of Dianabol (methandienone)
Methandienone binds to the androgen receptor. It increases muscle strength, protein synthesis, and glycogenolysis. It is metabolized by 5α-reductase into a more potent androgen methyl-1-testosterone.
Side effects of Dianabol
Dianabol, like many other steroids, can cause side effects that range from mild to severe.
Mild side effects of Dianabol
It may cause gynecomastia (breast enlargement) in males. This effect is caused by oestrogen aromatizing, which causes an increase body’s oestrogen level. Gynecomastia is preventable in most cases by using an aromatase inhibitor or Selective Oestrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) medication.
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It may cause body fluid and water retention. The retention of sodium causes body fluids and water to get retained. As a result, people might see an increase in their weight.
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It may cause bloating because of estrogenic effects. It is preventable by using aromatase inhibitor medication.
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Chronic use of Dianabol will cause excessive hair growth. It causes hair growth in the area where none existed previously. Oestrogen stimulates hair in those areas with receptors that signal cells to grow more hair.
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It may cause oily skin or acne. Steroids disrupt the hormone level in the body resulting in an imbalance in oil and sebum production. It stimulates sebaceous glands and causes acne on the face, neck, shoulder, chest, and back.
Moderate side effects of Dianabol
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It may result in virilization due to the overproduction of hormones. It results in more muscle mass and hair growth. Women who have taken Dianabol for a long time might experience this side effect.
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Dianabol may lead to high blood pressure and low cholesterol(HDL). Omega fatty acids might help in increasing HDL levels.
Severe side effects of Dianabol
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Chronic use of Dianabol may have hepatotoxicity side effects. Being 17-alpha methylated, Dianabol is harmful to the liver. Thus, without appropriate precautions, it should not be taken. People with liver problems should avoid using Dianabol as it increases the risk of hepatic failure.
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Due to an increase in LDL cholesterol and a decrease in HDL cholesterol, there is an increased risk of stroke and heart attack.