The development of oral anabolic steroids, including prominent ones like Anavar (Oxandrolone) and Turinabol (Chlorodehydromethyltestosterone), was spearheaded by various pharmaceutical companies and chemists in the mid-20th century. The primary contributors to this field were scientists from the United States and Germany.

The journey of oral anabolic steroids began in earnest in the 1950s and 1960s. These substances were synthesized as derivatives of testosterone, the primary male sex hormone. Scientists modified the chemical structure of testosterone to enhance desirable properties like anabolic (muscle-building) effects while minimizing androgenic (masculinizing) effects. This was achieved by altering the molecular structure to enable oral ingestion and to survive metabolism in the liver.

The first Oral Steroid.

The first oral anabolic steroid to be introduced to the market was Methandrostenolone, better known by its brand name, Dianabol. Developed by Dr. John Ziegler with the assistance of the pharmaceutical company Ciba, Dianabol was released in the United States in the late 1950s.

This steroid was synthesized with the intention of maintaining the anabolic properties of testosterone with less androgenicity in a strong, orally active form. Methandrostenolone/Dianabol quickly gained popularity for its potent muscle-building effects and was widely used in the world of athletics and bodybuilding before concerns about its side effects led to increased regulation and control of anabolic steroids.

Dr. John Ziegler created Dianabol (Methandrostenolone) primarily to help American athletes compete more effectively against Soviet athletes in international competitions, particularly in the Olympic Games.

During the 1950s, it was widely believed that Soviet athletes were using testosterone to enhance their athletic performances. This gave them a significant advantage in strength and muscle mass over their American counterparts.