Dianabol Cycle: How to Maximize Gains and FAQs – Inside Bodybuilding

A Dianabol cycle is a common bulking cycle among bodybuilders.

Dianabol (methandrostenolone) first appeared in bodybuilding during the Golden Era, where bodybuilders would cycle it in the offseason.

Dianabol was first created in 1955 by Dr. John Ziegler to help the American Olympic team defeat the Soviets. Dr. Ziegler created a steroid that would change athletics and bodybuilding, despite the Americans’ inability to defeat their Russian counterparts.

Dianabol is among the most potent anabolic steroids when it comes to building significant amounts of muscle and strength. It is an oral steroid and is more regularly utilized by novices who are less inclined to administer regular injections.

In this article, we’ll reveal the exact doses, cycle length, stacking options, and post-cycle therapy recommendations for Dianabol. This will help to minimize the harmful effects of Dianabol.

Disclosure: We do not accept any form of advertising on Inside Bodybuilding. We monetize our practice via doctor consultations and carefully chosen pharmaceutical recommendations, which have given our patients excellent results.

Dianabol-Only Cycle

A Dianabol-only cycle is typically run after someone’s already taken testosterone or Anavar. The latter are less toxic compounds and better tolerated by novices.

Users wanting significant gains during their first cycle sometimes cycle Dianabol by itself; however, testosterone is a less cardiotoxic and hepatotoxic choice for beginners seeking muscle gains. Thus, testosterone won’t strain the liver or increase cholesterol levels as much as Dianabol.

We have seen first-time users of Dianabol gain up to 30 pounds in weight, combined with strength gains of 50 pounds or higher on compound lifts.

Dianabol-Only Cycle (For Beginners)

This cycle is common for first-time steroid users seeking significant muscle gains but who do not want to inject (thus opting for Dianabol over testosterone).

The above protocol consists of conservative dosages to minimize side effects in novice users. Despite lower doses being administered, we typically observe beginners gain large amounts of muscle hypertrophy.

Dianabol-Only Cycle (For Intermediates)

This is a common follow-up cycle to the beginner protocol; thus, it is utilized by bodybuilders who’ve previously taken Dianabol before.

In this cycle, slightly higher dosages are consumed. Consequently, we see muscle and strength gains being more prominent, with side effects also being more pronounced.

If users tolerate these dosages without excessive hepatic or cardiac damage, they can increase their dosage to 30 mg per day for continued results. However, this comes with a higher risk of adverse effects.

Advanced users who’ve taken Dianabol and other potent anabolic steroids may opt for higher dosages (going up to 50 mg/day) while increasing the cycle length to 8 weeks. Such cycles are performed by bodybuilders looking to add large amounts of hypertrophy. Such dosages can be considered deleterious and high-risk for users based on our experience.

Liver Support

Due to Dianabol being a C-17 alpha-alkylated steroid and thus metabolized by the liver, it causes significant hepatic strain.

We have found TUDCA (tauroursodeoxycholic acid) to be an effective liver support supplement to reduce hepatotoxicity from Dianabol.

TUDCA is a natural bile salt that aids liver function by improving bile flow. Natural TUDCA present in the liver exists only in small quantities, hence the need for additional supplementation.

In research, patients who took 500 mg of TUDCA per day for 3 months experienced a 44% and 49% reduction in AST and ALT enzymes, markers of liver stress (1). Our patients have experienced similar drops in their LFTs (liver function tests).

Milk thistle is another liver support supplement we have utilized with some success. Milk thistle is a plant that contains silymarin, a potent antioxidant that reduces free radicals in the body while detoxifying the liver. Although milk thistle has demonstrated hepatoprotective effects in rats (2), further research is needed to establish similar success in humans. Anecdotally, we find TUDCA to be the more efficacious supplement, with milk thistle being a backup for our patients.

Post-Cycle Therapy

• Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG): 2,000 IU administered every other day for 20 days

Dianabol will cause low endogenous testosterone levels (3). This is due to the presence of exogenous testosterone, and thus the testes will signal to cease natural production.

Consequently, when a person stops taking Dianabol, their testosterone levels shut down. This can result in decreased:

1. Immunity
2. Energy
3. Libido
4. Mood
5. Sexual performance

Low testosterone levels can create a catabolic environment, meaning users may retain less of the results made from a cycle.

We find that effective post-cycle therapy can help to alleviate catabolism and accelerate testosterone recovery.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone medication we regularly utilize to treat hypogonadism (4), helping to restore a male’s testosterone levels and sperm count while reducing the risk of infertility.

A post-cycle therapy may begin when Dianabol has fully exited the body. This can be calculated by taking Dianabol’s maximum half-life of 6 and multiplying it by 5.5.

Thus, post-cycle therapy for Dianabol may begin 33 hours after the last dose.

Estrogen Control

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Dianabol is a wet steroid, meaning it can cause water retention and bloating. Thus, some bodybuilders choose to cycle it in the off-season.

Dianabol causes fluid retention due to aromatization (the conversion of testosterone into estrogen). Another side effect of high estrogen levels is gynecomastia, i.e., the accumulation of breast tissue, otherwise known as manboobs (5).

To reduce the risk of gynecomastia, our patients take an AI (aromatase inhibitor) or a SERM (selective estrogen receptor modulator).

An aromatase inhibitor works by blocking the conversion of testosterone into estrogen, thus reducing estrogenic side effects. However, aromatase inhibitors can increase cholesterol levels and blood pressure and thus aren’t optimal from a cardiovascular perspective.

SERMs work by blocking estrogen levels directly in the breast tissue (6), rather than blocking the conversion of testosterone into estrogen. This way, estrogen levels do not decrease, stabilizing cholesterol while significantly reducing the risk of gynecomastia. Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) and clomiphene (Clomid) are the two primary medications we use to prevent Dianabol-induced gynecomastia.

Blood Pressure Control

Dianabol causes a notable rise in LDL cholesterol, a reduction in HDL cholesterol, and significant water retention. These three factors (combined) spike blood pressure.

Research shows that 3 g of omega-3 fatty acids, taken each day for 8 weeks, can reduce blood pressure (7), compared to a placebo group.

However, fish oil should not be taken by individuals prone to low blood pressure, as it can exacerbate this condition.

Dianabol/Deca Durabolin

This cycle can cause significant mass and strength gains. This stack has been administered since the 1970s, when Golden Era bodybuilders would cycle it during the offseason.

Deca Durabolin is a complementary steroid to Dianabol, being a milder injectable that does not pose additional liver toxicity.

We find the addition of Deca Durabolin further increases strength and hypertrophy gains, at the expense of:

• Lower testosterone levels post-cycle
• Additional water retention
• Increased risk of gynecomastia

This cycle is one of the most beneficial we have seen for hair follicle retention, with Dianabol and Deca Durabolin producing fewer androgenic effects (thus DHT levels will not rise excessively). However, testosterone suppression is significant in our experience.

Dianabol/Deca Durabolin (for Intermediates)

This cycle is commonly utilized by users who have taken steroids previously, including Dianabol, without experiencing excessive deteriorations in health. The inclusion of Deca will increase the severity of side effects, however, less so compared to other anabolic steroids. More aggressive post-cycle therapy may be required to restore sexual function and testosterone levels.

Prolactin Control

• Dostinex: 0.5–1 mg per week

Impotence can be an issue from the early stages of this cycle and onward. This is due to Deca Durabolin significantly increasing prolactin, a protein hormone. High levels of prolactin in the bloodstream (hyperprolactinemia) can cause erectile dysfunction, low libido, and gynecomastia (8).

To combat these adverse side effects in a Dianabol and Deca Durabolin cycle, users may supplement with Dostinex (cabergoline), a dopamine agonist medication used in the treatment of hyperprolactinemia.

Some bodybuilders will buy Dostinex via the black market before their prolactin levels rise (and take it at the beginning of their Deca Durabolin cycle).

We typically prescribe Dostinex with dosage instructions of 2 x 0.25–0.5 mg per week.

Estrogen Control

Liver Support

Blood Pressure Control

PCT

• HCG: 2000 IU administered every other day for 20 days
• Clomid (clomiphene): 2 x 50 mg for 30 days

A more aggressive post-cycle therapy is adopted here, compared to the Dianabol-only cycle.

Dianabol/Testosterone 

Dianabol and testosterone are similar compounds, with Dr. Ziegler being tasked with formulating a superior steroid to testosterone so the American Olympic team could defeat the USSR (who were known to be injecting testosterone).

Dr. Ziegler created Dianabol, a compound that is more anabolic than testosterone and less androgenic. Thus, prostate issues were less of a concern, as were male pattern baldness and acne vulgaris on Dianabol.

Dianabol proved more potent for building muscle due to its higher anabolic rating. However, testosterone remains a comparable muscle builder, adding almost equal amounts of lean muscle and strength as Dianabol. Thus, when these two steroids are stacked together, users can expect to build substantial amounts of size.

We have found the addition of testosterone to exacerbate low testosterone levels post-cycle while increasing the risk of gynecomastia and water retention.

Thus, aggressive post-cycle therapy and controlling estrogen are essential for an optimal hormonal profile.

We typically see blood pressure levels rise significantly via this cycle due to elevated LDL cholesterol levels. Users can limit sodium and carbohydrate intake while performing regular cardiovascular exercise to reduce the risk of left ventricular hypertrophy. Also, fish oil supplementation is recommended. Although these methodologies may have some reductive effect on blood pressure, it is safer to avoid anabolic steroids for optimal cardiac health.

The two most common testosterone esters are cypionate and enanthate. This is because these forms of testosterone are cost-effective and do not require daily injections due to extended half-lives.

Additional Supplements:

1. TUDCA: 500 mg/day (liver)
2. Fish oil: 3 g/day (blood pressure)
3. Nolvadex: 30 mg/day (estrogen control)
4. HCG: 2,000 IU administered every other day for 20 days; and Clomid: 2 x 50 mg for 30 days (PCT).

Dianabol/Anadrol

This cycle is only typically utilized by advanced steroid users.

Dianabol and Anadrol are two of the most powerful steroids for gaining mass. We have observed exceptional strength gains from this duo.

Anadrol is an oral compound, like Dianabol, so injections are not required. Due to Anadrol’s high toxicity, the side effects from this stack are commonly deleterious. Thus, we do not recommend this cycle from a health standpoint. We have observed liver values becoming imbalanced and blood pressure reaching hypertensive levels.

Additional Supplements

1. TUDCA: 500 mg/day (liver support)
2. Fish oil: 3 g/day (blood pressure)
3. Nolvadex: 30 mg/day (estrogen control)
4. HCG: 2,000 IU administered every other day for 20 days; and clomid: 2 x 50 mg for 30 days (PCT).

FAQ

Is Dianabol Safe?

Dianabol is not FDA-approved and thus is not safe for human consumption. There are risks when taking Dianabol and other anabolic steroids, particularly to the heart, liver, and testes.

Despite Dianabol having potential medicinal advantages for cachexia, it poses high toxicity to users, especially for novices, due to its potency.

The more cycles a person completes and the more years they remain on steroids, the greater the risk of cardiac and hepatic complications.

Is Dianabol Banned in the US and UK?

Anabolic steroids are classified as Schedule 3 controlled drugs in the US and class C drugs in the UK. Therefore, it is illegal to sell or purchase them without a prescription from a doctor.

Dianabol is not FDA-approved for medicinal use, and thus physicians are not able to prescribe it, making it illegal to purchase or possess.

In comparison, testosterone cypionate can be prescribed to treat hypogonadal men, and thus possession of this steroid is legal when accompanied with a prescription.

Dianabol Summary

Pros

• Significant increases in muscle hypertrophy
• Significant improvements in muscular strength
• Convenient form of administration (oral)
• Cost-effective

Cons

• Hepatotoxic
• Cardiotoxic
• Suppresses testosterone
• Illegal to purchase in some countries

The three most utilized Dianabol cycles are:

1. Dianabol-only
2. Dianabol/Deca Durabolin
3. Dianabol/testosterone

Harsher steroid combinations than this produce undesirable levels of toxicity in our experience.

Bodybuilders who utilize Dianabol or other anabolic steroids should have regular checkups to monitor their heart, liver, and long-term testosterone function. Certain supplements such as TUDCA or fish oil may be beneficial; however, they will not completely negate the toxicity of Dianabol and other steroids.

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