Gynecomastia occurs when a man’s hormones become imbalanced and estrogen levels (the female sex hormone) rise excessively. However, we have seen such protocols decrease strength gains due to the removal of intracellular fluid (inside the muscle cell). LDL cholesterol is a fatty, oily-like substance that clings to the walls of the arteries, making it increasingly difficult for blood to flow to vital organs. In our experience, any anabolic steroid that causes a powerful positive reaction will also cause a negative one (typically in similar measure). As a result of this additional blood flow, pumps can become noticeably bigger during workouts due to increased N.O. For a bodybuilder, a higher red blood cell count can result in more repetitions being completed during sets, thus being able to train for longer periods of time. Most of this will be in the form of muscle mass (plus some water retention). Dbol also increases intracellular water retention, which is proven to increase muscular strength and functional performance (1). During the 60s/70s era, bodybuilders could simply go to their doctors and ask for Dianabol (and other steroids) to get bigger and stronger, and their request would be granted. Dbol is typically used in bulking cycles to help users build large amounts of muscle size and strength. Also, users typically will eat in a calorie surplus when bulking on both of these steroids; thus, fat accumulation is common in their diet. Dianabol is one of the most popular steroids on the market, but it is also one of the most dangerous. First and foremost, be sure to do your research before starting any type of steroid cycle. For best results, users should follow a Dianabol cycle with a post-cycle therapy (PCT) program. A typical Dianabol cycle lasts for 8 weeks, and users will often see significant results within the first 4 weeks. Furthermore, Dianabol causes significant extracellular water retention, causing bloating and a loss in muscle definition. Thus, a Dianabol cycle is likely to cause an increase in visceral fat and a decrease in subcutaneous fat. Dianabol will spike testosterone levels (initially), which is a powerful fat-burning hormone. Thus, taking steroids is thought to have a permanent effect on a user’s muscle myonuclei, helping them to grow bigger later in life (naturally). SERMs are capable of restoring testosterone levels post-steroids, with tamoxifen and clomiphene being the most effective options in our experience. Research has shown natural testosterone levels recover to normal levels in 67% of male steroid users after 6 months and 90% of males after 12 months (21). Thus, a common approach is for bodybuilders to run anti-estrogens during a Dianabol cycle to prevent gynecomastia from developing, rather than paying to correct it later on. If you begin treatment early (in the first 2 years), it’s possible to reverse it using AIs (aromatase inhibitors), which essentially reduce estrogen levels and increase testosterone. This is relatively common in AAS (anabolic-androgenic steroids) use, particularly Dianabol, due to its estrogenic nature. DHT is a significantly more powerful androgen than testosterone, with it binding 3-5x more effectively to androgen receptors. DHT is responsible for the development of body hair, prostate, penis size (during puberty), and libido. This happens via the 5-AR (5-alpha-reductase) enzyme, which is responsible for converting testosterone into DHT. Some users will simply wait for their natural testosterone production to recover after using Dianabol. Psychological symptoms involving decreased well-being contribute to steroid addiction, with 30% of AAS users becoming dependent (20). Low testosterone levels can cause testicular atrophy due to reduced sperm production. However, we find it can take several months for a user’s testosterone levels to return to normal. Injectable Dianabol is an option for those who don’t want to experience liver issues when taking this steroid. Anadrol typically causes slightly harsher side effects than Dianabol, causing higher elevations in blood pressure and liver enzymes in comparison. Research indicates that Dianabol has the aromatase enzyme present, thus converting testosterone to estrogen and potentially causing gynecomastia in users. However, taking large doses or excessively long cycles increases the risk of liver injury.
