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Muscle & performance

Dianabol (Methandrostenolone)

The oral classic - fast mass and strength, water retention, liver-loading.

1 min read 10 sources

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White tablet bottle with a black TPD label on a white podium, next to it a large glossy blue 3D steroid molecule in a bright lab with flasks and a microscope, symbolic image for methandienone
Formerly approved · withdrawn in 1982

Summary

At a glance

Sources checked on 26 Oct 2026

Body weight in 6 weeks
+3.3 kg

11 men in strength training, compared with the placebo period, only in the lean part1

Weight in weightlifters
+2.3 kg

7 weightlifters, 6 weeks; according to the authors not normal muscle tissue2

Dropouts due to side effects
3 of 13

Weightlifters in a double-blind trial, blood pressure rose significantly3

Trials in the registry
0 trials

no trial with methandienone on ClinicalTrials.gov, as of 26 Oct 20269

  • Methandienone is an old 17-alpha alkylated anabolic steroid taken by mouth. It acts on the androgen receptor and was withdrawn from the market in several countries in 1982 because of misuse.10
  • In two small double-blind trials with athletes and daily dosing body weight rose by 3.3 and 2.3 kg in 6 weeks. In the first, the gain was confined to the lean part of the body.12
  • Whether this is real muscle remained open: the authors found too much potassium and nitrogen for normal muscle tissue and also considered stored fluid possible.12
  • A review of anabolic steroids in athletes reports roughly 5 to 20 percent more strength and 2 to 5 kg more body weight, along with higher blood pressure and lower HDL cholesterol.7
  • On methandienone blood pressure rose in one trial and 3 of 13 weightlifters stopped because of side effects, in another natural testosterone fell. On the liver there is a case report and animal data. Everything here is the state of research, not a recommendation.3156
Profile

Updated June 2026

How long does it stay in the body?

Share left after one dose, calculated with a half-life of ~4 hours

Half-life ~4 hours
After 8 hours: 25 %
Hour 4 · 50 %Hour 8 · 25 %Hour 12 · 12.5 %Hour 20 · 3.1 %

Simplified model without an absorption phase, half-life from the TPD lexicon. The lexicon gives 3 to 5 hours, we calculate with the middle.

Class
Oral anabolic

17a-alkylated

Use
Oral

2-3x per day

Half-life
about 3-5 hours
WADA
banned

anabolic

Sizes
10 to 20 mg

2 sizes in the shop

Contents 12 sections
  1. At a glance
  2. What is Dianabol?
  3. How it works
  4. Use and dosing
  5. What the research shows
  6. Research status
  7. Side effects
  8. Storage
  9. Related compounds
  10. FAQ
  11. Glossary
  12. Sources

What is Dianabol?

Dianabol (Methandrostenolone, Dbol) is probably the best-known oral anabolic - developed in the 1960s and the classic "kickstart" for building cycles ever since. It works fast and strong: marked mass and strength gains within a few weeks, but with a lot of water retention and, as a 17a-alkylated substance, liver-loading.

This information is for research and educational purposes only. No medical advice.

Comparison

Methandienone and relatives

The same compound in another form and related 17-alpha alkylated steroids, as described in the TPD lexicon. Tap a card to open its entry.

Oral methandienone Dianabol (Methandrostenolone) AR
Methandienone as oil Dianabol Oil (Methandrostenolone) AR 17-alpha alkylated, DHT derivative Anadrol (Oxymetholone) AR 17-alpha alkylated, DHT derivative, does not aromatize Anavar (Oxandrolone) AR 17-alpha alkylated testosterone Methyltestosterone AR

How it works

Methandrostenolone activates the androgen receptor and strongly raises protein synthesis and glycogen storage - hence the fast "full" look. It aromatizes to estrogen, which explains the marked water retention. Estrogen management (AI) is a topic at higher doses.

Where it acts

One receptor, several organs

Tap a point or a card. Colour = receptor, grey = effect seen in trials.

  1. Skeletal muscle

    Muscles got bigger, weight only in the lean part1

    AR
  2. Testes

    Blood testosterone fell, cortisol rose1

    Observed in trials
  3. Heart and circulation

    Systolic blood pressure rose significantly3

    Observed in trials
  4. Blood lipids

    HDL cholesterol fell (anabolic steroids in general)7

    Observed in trials
  5. Liver

    Case report: cholestasis with jaundice after 8 weeks of oral use5

    Observed in trials
  6. Kidney

    Same case: acute kidney injury5

    Observed in trials
  7. Pancreas

    Same case: acute inflammation5

    Observed in trials
  8. Bone

    In osteoporosis no clear gain in bone mass over 24 months4

    Observed in trials

Targets in the ChEMBL database10

Compound CHEMBL1418176: one recorded mechanism, agonist with direct binding to the human receptor.

Androgen receptor
Gene
AR
UniProt
P10275
ChEMBL
CHEMBL1871
Action
Agonist, direct binding
Glossy blue 3D steroid molecules float above transparent twisted fibre bundles full of blue beads, one sits in a glass capsule on a fibre strand
Methandienone acts through the androgen receptor. Symbolic image.

Use and dosing

Dosing

Dosing, titration and syringe

Loading the dosing information …

  • Getting started and stepping up, drawn as a staircase
  • Units on the U-100 syringe for every step
  • How long one vial lasts
White tablet bottle with a black TPD label, a few round white tablets in front of it, two light blue dumbbells and a folded white towel in the background
Symbolic image.

What the research shows

Methandrostenolone is one of the longest-used anabolics. AAS research (Hartgens & Kuipers 2004; Kicman 2008) documents the fast strength and mass gains of oral 17a-alkylated steroids as well as their liver and lipid effects.

Study results

What the trials measured

Interactive: switch tabs, tap points, show or hide arms. Arms are named relative to each other, no dosing advice.

Weight gain in 6 weeks12

Gain in kg, two double-blind trials with a placebo period (crossover)

Trial 19761 11 men in strength training
Methandienone daily (highest study dose, 100 mg per day) +3.3 kg
Trial 19812 7 weightlifters
Methandienone daily (highest study dose, 100 mg per day) +2.3 kg

1976 compared with the placebo period, only in the lean part; strength and performance did not rise more than on placebo. In 1981 weight, muscle size and leg strength and performance rose only on the drug.

Rise in total body potassium12

Gain in mmol, same trials

Trial 19761
Methandienone daily (highest study dose, 100 mg per day) +420 mmol
Trial 19812
Methandienone daily (highest study dose, 100 mg per day) +436 mmol

Potassium is used as a measure of cell mass. In 1981 total body nitrogen also rose by 255 g. Both were too large for the weight gain, the authors conclude a nitrogen-rich substance rather than normal muscle tissue.

Glass figure of a flexed upper arm between petri dishes with light blue liquid, two pipettes and a glass dumbbell on a white surface
The human trials are old and small. Symbolic image.

Research status

Where the research stands

Methandienone predates today's trial registries, the human studies date from 1975 to 1981. As of 26 Oct 2026. 9

  1. Preclinical Liver cells and mice
  2. Phase 1 no registered trial
  3. Phase 2 no registered trial
  4. Phase 3 no registered trial
  5. Approval withdrawn in 1982
Formerly approved as a drug. According to ChEMBL withdrawn in 1982 in France, the USA, the UK and Germany because of misuse.10

The approval predates today's trial registries, so the register shows no current trial for this form. 9

Side effects

  • Liver: 17a-alkylated, ALT/AST rise - limit cycle, liver support.
  • Estrogen: aromatizes strongly - water retention, gyno risk, AI needed.
  • Blood pressure: rises markedly from water retention.
  • Lipids: HDL drops markedly.
  • HPTA suppression - PCT topic.

Tolerability

Dropouts in the weightlifter trial

Out of 100 participants, how many had to stop because of side effects. 3 of 13 weightlifters, small trial with two lower levels.

23 of 100 Methandienone daily (two lower levels)
Event Methandienone daily (two lower levels)
Stopped due to side effects3 23%

3 of 13 is 23.1 percent (calculated). The trial reports many side effects and a significant rise in systolic blood pressure. All side effects disappeared after stopping.3

Storage

Store dry and cool, protected from light. Out of reach of children.

Three white tablet bottles and a folded light blue towel on a white shelf
Dry, cool and protected from light. Symbolic image.

Related

Related compounds

Same receptors or blends with Dianabol (Methandrostenolone): all in the TPD lexicon.

Dianabol (Methandrostenolone)
Dianabol Oil (Methandrostenolone) The same compound as an oil for injection Anadrol (Oxymetholone) 17-alpha alkylated, oral Anavar (Oxandrolone) 17-alpha alkylated DHT derivative, oral Halotestin (Fluoxymesterone) 17-alpha alkylated, strongly androgenic Methyltestosterone 17-alpha alkylated testosterone Testosterone Enanthate Testosterone with a long ester, not alkylated

FAQ

Common questions about Dianabol (Methandrostenolone)

Short answers, each backed by the sources below.

How does methandienone work?

According to ChEMBL methandienone binds directly to the androgen receptor and activates it. Reviews of anabolic steroids also describe conversion to estrogen by the enzyme aromatase and a possible brake on the cortisol receptor that could dampen the breakdown of muscle protein. The latter is so far a hypothesis.1078

Is methandienone approved?

Not any more. The ChEMBL database lists methandienone as a drug that was withdrawn in France, the USA, the UK and Germany in 1982 because of misuse. No new trials are on the registry (as of 26 October 2026).109

What did the trials with athletes show?

In 1976, 11 men in strength training received methandienone daily for 6 weeks, alternating with a placebo period. On the drug they gained 3.3 kg on average, only in the lean part. Their muscles got bigger. Strength and performance did not rise more than on placebo, though. In 1981 weight (2.3 kg), muscle size and leg strength and performance rose only on the drug in 7 weightlifters. In a trial with 13 weightlifters and two lower levels performance was also better than on placebo.123

Is the gain real muscle?

That remained open. In 1976 the authors also considered more fluid inside the cells possible. In 1981 total body potassium rose by 436 mmol and nitrogen by 255 g, both too much for 2.3 kg of normal tissue; they conclude a nitrogen-rich, phosphate-poor substance and write that the gain is not normal muscle. In the weightlifter trial the weight gain seemed to be linked to water retention.123

Which side effects were seen?

In the trial with 13 weightlifters methandienone caused many side effects, 3 participants had to stop because of them and systolic blood pressure rose significantly. All side effects disappeared after stopping. In 1976 blood testosterone fell and cortisol rose. For anabolic steroids in general a review lists higher blood pressure, lower HDL cholesterol and suppressed natural hormone production that can last for months after stopping.317

What is known about the liver?

A case report describes a 50-year-old man who was admitted with cholestasis and jaundice, acute kidney injury and acute pancreatitis after 8 weeks of oral methandienone. In liver cells the share of dying cells rose to 25.08 instead of 4.94 percent, in mice the liver became fatty and ALT and AST rose.56

What is the difference to the oil for injection?

The compound is the same. The known human trials used daily dosing, the liver case report concerns oral use. There is no study on injecting it as an oil, not on ClinicalTrials.gov either.159

Glossary

Terms explained briefly

Dotted words in the text open these explanations directly.

17-alpha alkylation
A methyl group on carbon atom 17. It protects the steroid from rapid breakdown in the liver but puts strain on the liver.
ALT and AST
Enzymes from liver cells. If they rise in the blood, this points to damage to the liver.
Androgen receptor
Protein inside the cell that androgens bind to. Genes are then read, for example for muscle building.
Aromatization
Conversion of an androgen to estrogen by the enzyme aromatase.
Double-blind crossover study
Each participant receives the drug and placebo one after the other, without them or the researchers knowing which is which.
Glycogen
Storage form of sugar in muscle and liver. Glycogen binds water, more of it makes muscle look fuller.
Gynecomastia
Enlargement of the male breast gland, usually from too much estrogen relative to testosterone.
Half-life
Time after which only half of the compound is left in the blood.
HDL cholesterol
Cholesterol in particles that carry fat from the vessels to the liver. A low level is seen as a risk for heart and vessels.
Hormone axis
Hypothalamus, pituitary and testes together control the body's own testosterone production. Anabolic steroids from outside suppress this axis.
Placebo
Dummy preparation without active substance. Comparing against it shows what is due to the substance itself.
Protein synthesis
Building of new proteins in the cell, in muscle for example for new muscle fibres.

Evidence

Sources

Show all 10 sourcesHide sources 8 Studies1 Trial registry1 Database checked 26 Oct 2026

Studies

  1. Methandienone in men in strength training, double-blind crossover

    Hervey et al., The Lancet, 1976

    DOI 10.1016/s0140-6736(76)90001-5 PMID 61389
    Checked 26 Oct 2026 via doi.org, Crossref, PubMed
  2. Repeat with weightlifters: potassium, nitrogen, performance

    Hervey et al., Clinical Science, 1981

    DOI 10.1042/cs0600457 PMID 7018798
    Checked 26 Oct 2026 via doi.org, Crossref, PubMed
  3. Double-blind crossover with 13 weightlifters

    Freed et al., British Medical Journal, 1975

    DOI 10.1136/bmj.2.5969.471 PMID 125133
    Checked 26 Oct 2026 via doi.org, Crossref, PubMed
  4. Body composition in osteoporosis over 24 months

    Aloia et al., Metabolism, 1981

    DOI 10.1016/0026-0495(81)90050-0 PMID 7026971
    Checked 26 Oct 2026 via doi.org, Crossref, PubMed
  5. Case report: cholestasis, kidney injury and pancreatitis

    Rosenfeld et al., Journal of Medical Case Reports, 2011

    DOI 10.1186/1752-1947-5-138 PMID 21470406
    Checked 26 Oct 2026 via doi.org, Crossref, PubMed, PubMed Central
  6. Liver damage in liver cells and mice

    Ye et al., Journal of International Medical Research, 2026

    DOI 10.1177/03000605261448774 PMID 42286859
    Checked 26 Oct 2026 via doi.org, Crossref, PubMed
  7. Review: effects of anabolic steroids in athletes

    Hartgens und Kuipers, Sports Medicine, 2004

    DOI 10.2165/00007256-200434080-00003 PMID 15248788
    Checked 26 Oct 2026 via doi.org, Crossref, PubMed
  8. Review: pharmacology of anabolic steroids

    Kicman, British Journal of Pharmacology, 2008

    DOI 10.1038/bjp.2008.165 PMID 18500378
    Checked 26 Oct 2026 via doi.org, Crossref, PubMed

Trial registry

  1. Search on ClinicalTrials.gov

    ClinicalTrials.gov, U.S. National Library of Medicine

    Checked 26 Oct 2026 via ClinicalTrials.gov API v2

Database

  1. Mechanism and withdrawal in ChEMBL

    ChEMBL, EMBL-EBI (CHEMBL1418176)

    Checked 26 Oct 2026 via ChEMBL

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