Dianabol (methandrostenolone) is a fast-acting, orally administered anabolic steroid that delivers rapid increases in muscle size, strength, and nitrogen retention. Ultimately, it’s hard to say whether the direct effect of anabolics on the nervous system makes a meaningful difference in strength, much less whether specific compounds enhance that effect beyond simply increasing aggression and decreasing inhibition (which you could potentially do to the same degree without steroids). The bench PRs for the steroid users were higher, as you’d expect, both from the powerlifting world records (with a larger spread in the bench press than in the squat or deadlift) and because steroids generally affect the muscles of the shoulder girdle moreso than the muscles of the rest of the body. There are risks when taking Dianabol and other anabolic steroids, particularly to the heart, liver, and testes. Although these methodologies may have some cardioprotective effects, it is safer to avoid anabolic steroids for optimal cardiac health. Also, milk thistle is generally considered to be safe when taken orally (16), with only a small percentage of people experiencing any side effects. Some studies have shown milk thistle to be effective at reducing inflammation and lowering liver enzymes, especially in those suffering from acute hepatitis. Milk thistle is part of the daisy family and has been used in medicine by ancient herbalists and physicians to treat those with liver disease. Anecdotally, we have found that such supplementation stabilizes rising ALT and AST levels. Many other countries’ testing agencies aren’t as rabid about catching drug users as USADA, and there are strong incentives to use (Olympic glory, and financial incentives for winning medals and setting records in many countries). If USADA suspects someone is using performance-enhancing drugs (essentially any high-level weightlifter), they pursue that person with a passion. USADA (the American arm of the World Anti-Doping Agency) is pretty rabid about catching steroid users in weightlifting, and the culture of American weightlifting is militantly anti-steroid. My supposition is that the advantage of drug use more than counterbalances those other disadvantages, but it’s impossible to say how large of an effect those opposing factors make. Turning to weightlifting records, I’ll be comparing the world records (it’s acknowledged that rampant steroid use takes place in most of the countries that regularly produce the world’s best weightlifters) to the American records. Due to Dianabol’s aromatization effects and being highly estrogenic, it’s a compound that causes significant amounts of water retention. Studies have found that prolonged use of AAS (anabolic-androgenic steroids) can cause a 100% increase in LDL cholesterol and a 90% reduction in HDL cholesterol (6). Other steroids, such as trenbolone or Anavar, are superior in this regard because they don’t cause extracellular water retention. However, due to Dianabol causing some extracellular fluid retention (water collecting outside the muscle cell), we do not rate it as the best steroid for enhancing vascularity. However, studies suggest that such elevations in blood pressure are not as severe from testosterone compared to more potent anabolic steroids. This is due to testosterone producing substantial muscle and strength gains while causing less cardiotoxicity than other steroids. Dianabol is one of the most popular oral anabolic steroids, known for its remarkable ability to increase muscle mass and strength rapidly. Many people mistakenly believe that certain anabolic steroids don’t mess with your testosterone levels, but that’s not the case. However, we have had some bodybuilders use Dianabol during cutting cycles to help them maintain strength and muscle size when in a calorie deficit. In one study, mice were briefly exposed to anabolic steroids, which led to significant muscle growth that returned to normal levels when steroid use was discontinued. Dr. O’Connor has over 20 years of experience treating men and women with a history of anabolic steroid, SARM, and PED use. Furthermore, research shows Proviron to have a negative effect on cholesterol levels, elevating blood pressure. Two drawbacks to Proviron are that it’s a DHT-derived steroid (44); thus, we have seen cases of acne and hair recession or loss. It also binds to SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin) with a high affinity, increasing free testosterone levels. Proviron does this by increasing the metabolites of other steroids, such as Dianabol. It’s most effective when stacked with a testosterone base and optionally with additional compounds depending on your goals. Most experts recommend limiting its use to a maximum of 6 weeks, regardless of dose or experience level. "Higher doses exponentially increase liver enzyme elevation and risk of hepatotoxicity."— Nieschlag et al., Clinical Endocrinology But prioritize health over speed - most serious side effects come from extended use or irresponsible stacking. Add HCG in cycle for best recovery. Never exceed 50mg/day due to liver risks. It also protects your body from long-term health problems that can pop up if you skip the recovery phase.
