Dianabol

Dianabol is a commonly used trade name for the methandrostenolone drug. It was initially released in US in 1958 as a prescription only drug. Over the years, it has gained popularity as an anabolic steroid used for enhancing performance and the general physique. It was also noted that bodybuilders and athletes were able to achieve muscle gains by using the drug. Dianabol thus rose in popularity as an anabolic steroid, which led to its use in a number of other sports such as weightlifting, track & field, wrestling and football.

Dianabol could be referred to as methandrostenolone or Methanderone depending on the brand. It is known to be a derivative of dihydrotestosterone and shares a similar structure with this hormone. The compound was initially developed in Germany by chemists Karl Junkmann, Alfred Eichler and Heinrich Hörster. It was designed for the purpose of treating various ailments such as chronic anemia, osteoporosis, muscle wasting diseases and some forms of cancer. Dianabol was also given to soldiers in the Soviet army at a time they were participating in the space program in USSR.

In Russia, athletes participating in the World Championships in 1953 used testosterone with positive results. The significant side effects, however, prompted Dr. Zeigler who was working for the weight lifting team from USA to collaborate with Ciba Pharmaceuticals in coming up with an altered form of testosterone. The aim was to modify its chemical structure so as to change the way it metabolizes in the body. Dianabol was the result of this collaboration, and it quickly made a name for itself as an effective oral steroid.

It was produced in a variety of forms such as tablets, capsules, injections and patches. Dianabol’s activity was initially tested on the laboratory rats. The results were promising as the researchers noted that it caused increases in muscle mass and strength. This was important because the team needed to perform their own testing to make sure that this steroid does not cause any side effects to the users. Researchers would later test its effects on a variety of other animals including gorillas, chimpanzees and dogs. They also conducted tests on humans during clinical trials during the 1950s. The results were very positive as they found that it had no adverse side effects when injected or taken orally by humans.

The field of bodybuilding quickly welcomed this anabolic steroid, and in the 1960s and 70s it was widely used for enhancing performance. At some point, all the participants in any given match were using one form of anabolic steroid or the other. Even high profile bodybuilders admit that steroids were a key part of their career. Dr. Zeigler recommended that 5mg of Dianabol per day was enough for athletes. It initially brought huge success to participants and helped them advance their careers. 

Dianabol's use in sports was not as popular as its use in bodybuilding. Popular sports for its use include weightlifting, track & field, wrestling and football. Some athletes were successful when they used it but the majority of them suffered from adverse side effects. It was also noted that bodybuilders who used Dianabol at doses lower than 5mg per day were still able to achieve notable gains and muscle mass. It was also discovered that higher doses of Dianabol led to adverse effects on the liver and kidneys. The drug's popularity despite its adverse effects is attributed to its improved results compared with other steroid alternatives in bodybuilding competition.

Unfortunately, cases of misuse soon became rampant with athletes ignoring the required dosage in order to have an edge in the competitions. Some athletes were reported to be taking up to 20 times more than the required dosage. Dr. Zeigler was quick to voice his opposition to the misuse of Dianabol in sports, and the FDA was also taking notice. The drug was finally withdrawn from the US market in 1983. It remains on sale in other countries or in the black market. It continues to be in use in other countries such as Russia, India, Eastern Europe, Asia and South America.

Many athletes who have used Dianabol during their careers claimed that it was the best steroid they have ever worked with. It still remains popular among athletes as it does not exhibit any adverse effects like many other steroid alternatives. However, instructions on how to use it safely must be followed. Athletes should also read the detailed instructions for the drug so as to avoid taking unnecessary doses. Dianabol is marketed in various forms such as tablets and capsules, while oral injections are also available in some markets especially for bodybuilders.

Dianabol is found in tablet or injectable formats. Current brands have 5 or 10mg of steroids in each tablet. The tablets are taken after meals to prevent stomach upsets. Every Dianabol cycle lasts from 4-6 weeks, meaning that the tablets are taken daily in this period. The dosage recommended currently has risen to about 30mg daily, which significantly increases the strength and size of muscles. Taking a much higher dosage equals to abuse and has more harm than good. Its side effects can be severe when abused. It can lead to acne, hair growth on the body and oily skin.

Prolonged exposure to such anabolic steroids can further lead to liver problems and in extreme cases the damage to the liver is serious and life threatening. Water retention and increased fat levels are also common side effects. In women, there is a possibility of experiencing irregular menstrual periods and an unusually deep voice.

Despite of these facts, Dianabol is still as popular and many beginners welcome the idea of taking a steroid orally as opposed to injections. it is also relatively cheap. Most of the forms found today are illegitimate and are mostly found in South America, Asia and Europe. Users are required to take as many as 5,000 calories on a daily basis so as to build maximum muscle mass.

• Dianabol is often utilized by bodybuilders in between cycles of other drugs in an effort to preserve their muscle mass.
• It is usually administered at the dosage of 50 milligrams per day with a minimum of five days on and two days off. 
• The most benefit comes from applying it without any breaks, but users usually take 6-8 weeks visiting both the on and off phases. 
• It can be stacked with testosterone among other "gains" that are provided through its use, but this is not recommended by many experts as testosterone should only be taken in small doses for long periods and with proper precautions against side effects like prostate enlargement.
• Dianabol is generally not a first choice of drugs as a bulking agent due to its lack of efficiency and its tendency to cause water retention, which makes the muscles appear smooth. 
• The drug does provide a significant boost in the metabolism, however, and therefore can be utilized in small doses for short periods, especially by users who are overly concerned with fat gain.
• Dianabol has also been used successfully by women to increase their levels of strength. 
• It has been shown that women are able to gain 1-2 pounds of lean muscle without gaining excess fat, but it should still only be used under medical supervision.