Dbol Side Effects
Dianabol (Dbol) is well known for having certain side effects despite its various features, including its low androgenic strength compared to testosterone.
We mentioned earlier that Dianabol's chemical structure has been altered, resulting in a lower androgenic strength, but this does not mean that it has no androgenic activity at all.
It is also important to understand that the low androgenic strength does not mean that you should take this product lightly or underestimate the potential for these side effects to occur.
While all anabolic steroids share a universal list of side effects across the board, certain anabolic steroids have side effects that are unique to that particular compound.
While anabolic steroids generally do not have unique side effects, they do have the potential to cause side effects that are common to all anabolic steroids.
These common universal side effects include cardiovascular side effects, hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis (HPTA) suppression side effects, androgenic side effects, and estrogenic side effects.
Estrogenic Side Effects of Dianabol
Dianabol interacts moderately with the aromatase enzyme (the enzyme that converts androgens to estrogen, as mentioned earlier).
Therefore, estrogenic side effects are likely to occur.
The first side effect associated with Dbol is gynecomastia (breast tissue development).
Gynecomastia is a common side effect reported and experienced by users, and has been shown to increase in frequency and severity with higher doses.
These side effects may be intensified when used in conjunction with other aromatizing anabolic steroids such as testosterone.
Estrogenic side effects can be quite problematic if Dbol is run without the addition of a secondary aromatase inhibitor or at least a SERM (selective estrogen receptor modulator) that blocks the activity of estrogen in breast tissue.
For this reason, it is recommended that you at least stack an aromatase inhibitor or SERM when using this steroid.
SERMs such as Nolvadex or Toremifene effectively block estrogen from attaching to and activating receptors in breast tissue, but they do not lower total plasma estrogen levels in the body.
Therefore, certain estrogenic side effects, such as bloating, may still remain after using SERMs to treat gynecomastia.
Using an aromatase inhibitor, such as Aromasin (aka Exemestane) or Arimidex (aka Anastrozole), acts on the aromatase enzyme, effectively neutralizing the enzyme and preventing the conversion of androgens to estrogen.
In this sense, using an AI can effectively lower total estrogen levels in the body and address other estrogenic issues caused by Dianabol's conversion to estrogen, such as water retention, which cannot be addressed by using a SERM.
Androgenic Side Effects
Much has already been said about the androgenic strength of Dianabol, but it's important to note that Dianabol has a much weaker androgenic strength than its parent hormone, testosterone, and was actually designed with this intention in mind.
However, that doesn't mean it's a free ticket for potential users to underestimate its androgenic nature or minimize the associated risks.
Androgenic side effects are real, and they can appear on a regular basis.
The typical androgenic side effects commonly experienced are the same as most other anabolic steroids, including increased sebum secretion (oily skin), acne (associated with increased sebum production), the potential for male pattern baldness if the user carries the gene that causes male pattern baldness, and hair growth.
If used by women, these side effects are still present, along with other masculinizing symptoms (development of masculine traits, deepening of the voice, clitoral growth, hair growth, etc.
Androgenic side effects are not as big a concern as those caused by hormones like testosterone or trenbolone, but they can still be noticeable.
Those who experience androgenic side effects from Dianabol and find them intolerable can use a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (5AR inhibitor) such as Finasteride or Proscar.
These compounds work by inhibiting the 5AR enzyme, similar to how aromatase inhibitors work on aromatase, effectively blocking the enzyme's ability to convert to androgenic metabolites.
However, it is well known that Dianabol does not have a very high binding affinity for the 5AR enzyme [1].
Therefore, androgenic side effects that may be caused by Dianabol itself (and not its metabolites) can be treated to a limited extent with topical androgenic blockers such as Nizoral shampoo.
Applying this shampoo to the affected area (the scalp to prevent male pattern baldness, or an area of the body that is prone to androgen-related acne) can effectively block androgens from binding to receptors in that area.
Hepatotoxicity side effects
Liver toxicity can be an issue with Dianabol due to its nature as a C17-alpha alkylated oral anabolic steroid.
While the C17-alpha alkylation allows for effective absorption of Dianabol via the oral route of administration, it can put a strain on the liver.
In the worst case scenario, high doses or excessive prolonged use can lead to severe liver damage and/or complications.
To limit the hepatotoxic effects and allow the liver to recover, Dianabol use should be limited to a period of no more than 6 weeks.
It is highly recommended that all users of oral anabolic steroids use a proven liver support supplement/complex such as UDCA/TUDCA for liver health and maintenance.
Studies have shown that bromosulfalane levels (a marker of increased liver burden) are elevated at doses above 15 mg/day, while liver burden is minimized at doses below 10 mg/day [2].
Cardiovascular Side Effects of Methandrostenolone
Dianabol side effects include cardiovascular strain, which is common to all anabolic steroids.
This includes a decrease in HDL, the good cholesterol, and an increase in LDL, the bad cholesterol.
As a result of these changes, the risk of atherosclerosis increases, and the degree to which these changes are exacerbated is generally dose dependent (higher doses increase the negative changes and risk).
Other factors that influence these negative cholesterol changes include duration of use and route of administration.
In terms of route of administration, oral anabolic steroids are known to have the worst negative effects on cholesterol compared to injectable anabolic steroids.
This is because the liver is essentially the body's cholesterol processing and production center, and increased hepatotoxicity is associated with negative cholesterol changes.
In this case, it is important for all anabolic steroid users, regardless of the formulation (oral or injectable), to take great care to properly adjust their dietary habits to favor positive cholesterol maintenance and changes, especially when running an anabolic steroid cycle.
HPTA and Endogenous Testosterone Production Side Effects
Finally, all anabolic steroids are known to suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis (HPTA), which inhibits or completely stops endogenous natural testosterone production.
This is one of the reasons why cycles should be kept as short as possible, as the longer the cycle, the harder it is to restore endogenous hormone production.
Dianabol is known for its potent suppressive properties, and one study in particular showed a 69% decrease in average plasma testosterone levels when taken at a low dose of 15mg per day for 8 weeks[3].
After a cycle, it is very important to participate in a post cycle therapy (PCT) program, which involves the use of a testosterone stimulating compound (e.g. Nolvadex) for 4-6 weeks to fully restore endogenous production of testosterone and related hormones.
Without a proper PCT program, users are at risk of impaired or disrupted HPTA for the rest of their lives.
Medical references
[1] The relative importance of 5-alpha reduction on the androgenic and HL-inhibitory activities of delta-4-3-ketosteroids, Steroids 29 (1997):331-48.
[2] Anabolic Steroids in Clinical Medicine. Liddle GW, Burke Jr. HA Helvetica Medica Acta, 5/6 1960:504-13.
[3] Effect of an anabolic steroid (metandionon) on the response of plasma LH-FSH, testosterone, and LRH to intravenous administration. Holma P. Adlcroates Acta Endocrinol (Copen) 1976 Deca;83(4):856-64
