Methandienone (also known as Dianabol or Methandrostenolone) is a steroid substance classified as an AAS (anabolic-androgenic steroid). It originated in the 1950s in the USA (Dr. John Ziegler, Ciba-Geigy) as an oral alternative to injectable testosterone. The first preparation was named **"Dianabol"**, which quickly became a cult favorite in strength sports, earning the nickname **"Breakfast of Champions"**. Official production of Dianabol was discontinued in 1982 due to abuse, but numerous chemical variations are still produced today and dominate the black market.

Chemical Modification (C17-alpha Alkylation): To prevent oral testosterone from being broken down in the liver (where 98% of the molecule is destroyed), Methandienone is modified with a methyl group at the C17 carbon atom. This modification protects the compound from metabolism but simultaneously **significantly increases toxicity to the liver**.

Methandienone is one of the most potent steroids in terms of both anabolic and androgenic properties. Its high effectiveness stems from several mechanisms:

• Mass and Strength Gain: Through the activation of the androgen receptor (AR), intense protein synthesis, and glycogenolysis.
• IGF-1 Stimulation: Methandienone stimulates the production of Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) locally in muscle cells and in the liver.
• Anti-Catabolic Effect: It reduces the endogenous production of **Cortisol** by 50–70%. Less cortisol means less muscle breakdown, which further supports mass gain.

Methandienone aromatizes quickly and strongly, resulting in the accumulation of an extremely large amount of water and fat, which explains the rapid initial mass gain.

Toxicity and Cycle Duration:

• Since Methandienone is 17-alpha alkylated, it places **extreme stress on the liver**.
• It is recommended to use this substance for **no longer than 4–6 weeks**, as receptors quickly adapt to its effects, and results plateau.
• Doses exceeding 45–50 mg daily are considered unnecessary and potentially health-destructive.

Estrogenic Issues:

Methandienone does not convert into estradiol, but into **17-alpha methylestradiol**, which is an even more potent estrogen. Many users struggle with increased water and fat retention, as well as **gynecomastia**.

• Prevention: It is necessary to use aromatase inhibitors (e.g., **Anastrozole**) or zinc.
• Treating Gynecomastia: If gynecomastia appears, **Tamoxifen** (20–40 mg for 2–4 weeks) is recommended, as it acts directly on breast tissue glands.

Other Side Effects: Due to its high androgenicity, individuals with predispositions may experience oily skin, acne, increased hair loss, and increased body hair.

Due to its short half-life (about 3.5–4.5 hours), Methandienone should be dosed at **least three times a day** in equally divided portions. Tablets should be taken with meals to minimize potential gastrointestinal issues.

Usage Guidelines:

• For Beginners: 10–15 mg daily for 4–6 weeks.
• For Advanced Users: 15–45 mg daily. The 45 mg dose is considered the absolute upper limit for health. Professional bodybuilders rarely exceed 40–50 mg.

Stacking: Methandienone is most often used as a **cycle kickstarter** with long-acting injectable steroids to quickly induce mass and strength gains. This prevents the loss of all newly acquired mass upon discontinuation. Favorite combinations include Methandienone with **Nandrolone Decanoate** (a classic stack) and various types of **Testosterones**.

Injectable Version: An injectable form of Methandienone also exists (e.g., veterinary "Anabolikum 2.5%"). Users often report greater effectiveness from the injection at a dose **40% lower** compared to the tablets, due to the lack of the First-Pass effect in the liver and better tolerance, which minimizes the load on that organ.

Post Cycle Therapy (PCT): Due to the rapid suppression of the HPTA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis), PCT is necessary after discontinuation, consisting of **Clomiphene** and/or **Tamoxifen**. Continuing the cycle with other injectable steroids is also recommended to avoid rapid loss of gains.