Methandrostenolone, popularly known by the brand name of Dianabol is an anabolic steroid that was developed to help bodybuilders gain more muscle mass and an improved physique. In fact, Dianabol was one of the first steroids that was developed for the bodybuilders and used by them. Dianabol’s produces anti-catabolic effect for bodybuilding and has become widely known in the bodybuilding circles.
Why is it preferred by bodybuilders?
Dianabol increases the strength of the muscles and helps in gaining quality muscle mass. It also decreases excess fat. Dianabol exhibits anti-catabolic properties. Anti-catabolic properties are those properties which protect the muscle mass in the body from being broken down or what is referred to as catabolism. This anti-catabolic effect for bodybuilding is important because it helps the bodybuilders in retaining their hard earned muscle. This steroid is known to increase the muscle size with less water retention. Bodybuilders have reported excellent results in a dose of two capsules every day while the bodybuilders consuming a dose of 5-9 capsules every day have reported a dramatic increase in muscle mass and strength.
Dianabol helps the body in retaining calories during the hard physical training regimens adopted by bodybuilders and other athletes. This prevents the breakdown of the proteins present in the body into amino acids. As a result, the muscles become strong and firm. Increased strength and the ability to withstand stress also enable the bodybuilders to effectively complete their intense physical training sessions and quickly recover from the strain that the body undergoes during such trainings.
How does it work?
Dianabol is a testosterone-derived anabolic androgen steroid. The androgenic properties are reduced by altering the structure of androgen testosterone. The mode of action of Dianabol involves its binding to the androgen receptors which are activated by either testosterone of dihydrotestosterone.
The activated androgen receptors drastically increase protein synthesis in the body. Proteins are the major constituents of muscles and increased protein synthesis in the body cells consequently increase the muscle mass. Increased nitrogen retention is another effect produced by the activated androgen receptors. As the body retains more nitrogen, it remains in a more anabolic state. Decreased level of nitrogen in the body can result in a catabolic state which causes muscle breakdown.
Enhanced glycogenolysis is another effect of Dianabol. Glycogenolysis is a biochemical process by which glycogen stored in the muscles and liver is broken down into glucose. Enhanced glycogenolysis results in a massive increase in strength and muscle mass within a short period of time. This occurs due to the better utilization of glucose by the body.
Adverse effects
Dianabol is known to impair the natural production of testosterone in the body along with testicular atrophy. The normal level of testosterone in the body can be maintained by supplementing the steroid with an exogenous testosterone. Testicular atrophy is resolved once the steroid course is completed and the natural production of testosterone has resumed.
Dianabol can cause liver damage if taken in high doses over a long period of time. It should be consumed in limited doses only.