While the rate of aromatization is reduced relative to that for testosterone or methyltestosterone, the estrogen produced is metabolism-resistant and hence metandienone retains moderate estrogenic activity. As such, 5α-reductase inhibitors like finasteride and dutasteride do not reduce the androgenic effects of metandienone. Estrogenic side effects such as gynecomastia and fluid retention can also occur. Androgenic side effects such as oily skin, acne, seborrhea, increased facial/body hair growth, scalp hair loss, and virilization may occur. Dianabol became the first commercially available oral steroid and played a pivotal role in the early era of anabolic performance enhancement. Dianabol, also known as Methandrostenolone, is an oral anabolic steroid originally developed in the 1950s by Dr. John Ziegler. Known for its ability to deliver rapid size and strength gains, it has long been used by athletes looking to make fast progress in muscle mass and gym performance. Some users have experienced jaundice, peliosis hepatitis, hepatic tumors, hepatocellular adenomas, and elevated liver enzymes….while others have reported no adverse-effects at all. Another exception to the rule of alpha alkylating steroids for oral use is Primobolan tablets (methenolone acetate). But this is exactly where most oral steroids end up. Thus, a Dianabol cycle is likely to cause an increase in visceral fat and a decrease in subcutaneous fat. This is why they often have a more bloated look to their physiques, despite being under 4% body fat on stage. Visceral fat is a disadvantageous type of fat that collects around the vital organs, such as the stomach, liver, and intestines. Firstly, Dianabol causes noticeable water retention due to aromatization. The laws regarding anabolic steroids can vary greatly depending on the country in question. Regardless of the type of use, dose or timing schedule you use, you will find Dianabol stacks well with all anabolic steroids. Many OTC medications carry strong hepatic natures, and in some cases, far more pronounced than many anabolic steroids. We have had users report strength gains of 25–30 lbs on their bench press (and other compound exercises) during the first week of administration (2). Dbol also increases intracellular water retention, which is proven to increase muscular strength and functional performance (1). This is due to the compound causing an initial surge in free testosterone levels, protein synthesis, and glycogenesis. If a person is found selling steroids, the maximum punishment is 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. However, it is legal to obtain Dianabol (and other steroids) today in countries such as Mexico, where they can be bought over the counter at a nearby Walmart store or local pharmacy. It became illegal in the US for non-medicinal reasons, due to a new understanding of the steroid’s potential to cause severe side effects. However, a large proportion of this muscle loss can be attributed to them having stopped lifting weights. A solid post-cycle therapy protocol, as outlined in the PCT section, will help minimize your catabolic state post-cycle and help retain more of your gains. Thus, a significant proportion of the results are permanent should users continue lifting weights. We have found that when a user comes off Dianabol, they will typically lose anywhere from 20–50% of their muscle size. Furthermore, bodybuilding pros recommend Crazy Bulk’s products, including Ramsford Smith (former Mr. Britain, Mr. Europe, and ex-Mr. Universe finalist). However, some of our patients have responded well to this compound (in regard to anabolism). Females have only a fraction of a male’s endogenous testosterone level; thus, only small dosages of steroids are needed to produce notable results and improvements in body composition. To accelerate the recovery of endogenous testosterone levels post-cycle, our patients utilize PCT (post-cycle therapy). However, oral steroids typically cause more cardiovascular strain due to their stimulation of the hepatic lipase enzyme in the liver, causing more significant fluctuations in cholesterol. While almost always found as an oral tablet, Dianabol can be found as an injectable solution, but the tablets represent the primary route of administration. While estrogen plays an important role in muscle growth and joint health, excess levels can lead to unwanted effects. Unlike injectable steroids, Dianabol is C17-alpha alkylated, a chemical modification that allows it to be taken orally without being destroyed by the liver during digestion. Dianabol carries a range of side effects that are often downplayed or misunderstood, from liver strain and estrogenic bloating to testosterone suppression and cardiovascular concerns. Hepatotoxicity of anabolic steroids. "Prior reports of anabolic steroid-induced hepatotoxicity based on elevated aminotransferase levels may have been overstated, because no exercising subjects, including steroid users, demonstrated hepatic dysfunction based on GGT levels. But within this set of oral steroids, there is a great deal of disparity in their effect on the liver. Gynecomastia occurs when a man’s hormones become imbalanced and estrogen levels (the female sex hormone) rise excessively. If bloating or water retention becomes excessive, users should lower the dose or discontinue use. However, we have seen such protocols decrease strength gains due to the removal of intracellular fluid (inside the muscle cell). We have found regular cardiovascular exercise to be the most beneficial protocol for lowering high blood pressure in patients. As your body retains more fluid and your weight increases, so does your blood pressure (9).