Treating Hypogonadism: Initially, Dianabol was used to treat hypogonadism, a condition where the testes do not produce enough testosterone.

Muscle Wasting Diseases: It was also prescribed for conditions that caused muscle wasting, like chronic illnesses and post-operative recovery.

Other Medical Applications: Dianabol found usage in treating some forms of anemia due to its ability to stimulate red blood cell production.

However, by the early 1970s, the non-medical use of Dianabol and other steroids was increasingly scrutinized and regulated, leading to tighter controls and eventual discontinuation of its production by Ciba. Despite this, Dianabol remains one of the most famous and widely discussed anabolic steroids in the history of sports and bodybuilding.

Dianabol’s history is emblematic of many anabolic steroids, initially developed for legitimate medical purposes but eventually becoming synonymous with performance enhancement in sports. Its effectiveness in rapidly increasing muscle mass and strength made it a popular choice among athletes and bodybuilders, leading to widespread nonmedical use and contributing to the evolving regulations surrounding anabolic steroids.

Dr. John Ziegler, expressed regret towards the end of his life regarding his role in creating DSianabol. He lamented the unintended consequences it had on young athletes, mainly how it turned otherwise healthy athletes into drug users.

Dosing Protocols of Dianabol (Methandrostenolone)

Historical Medical Use: Originally, Dianabol was prescribed for medical conditions like hypogonadism and muscle wasting at relatively low doses compared to what is used for performance enhancement. Clinical doses were typically in the range of 5-10 mg per day. -Presently, Dianabol is rarely used in clinical settings, and detailed modern clinical dosing guidelines are limited.

Bodybuilders and Powerlifters: In the context of bodybuilding and powerlifting, Dianabol is used in significantly higher doses than medical patients. Common dosages range from 10 mg to 30 mg per day, with some users going up to 60 mg or higher. However, such high doses increase the risk of severe side effects, especially from its aromatization into a strong estrogen. While the estrogen-like side effects on something like 50mg of Anadrol could still be manageable for some users, 50mg of Dianabol will surely require an anti-estrogen drug to be taken right along with the Dianabol.

Duration: The duration of Dianabol use in these contexts is typically shorter to minimize liver toxicity. Cycles usually last 4-6 weeks.

In the study titled “Effects of methandienone on the performance and body composition of men undergoing athletic training,” the subjects participated in two treatment periods, each lasting 6 weeks. These periods were separated by an interval of 6 weeks.[4] During the treatment periods, subjects were given a dose of 100 mg of methandienone per day or a placebo in a double-blind crossover design. This means each subject underwent one 6-week cycle with methandienone and one 6-week cycle with a placebo, with a 6-week break in between these cycles.

The study did not specifically mention liver toxicity. It focused more on the anabolic effects of methandienone such as increases in body weight, potassium, nitrogen, muscle size, and strength.

Female Use: Dianabol is generally not recommended for female athletes due to the high risk of virilization (development of male characteristics). If used, the doses are significantly lower, often not exceeding 5 mg per day.

Usage in Bodybuilding: Dianabol (Methandrostenolone) Dianabol, known for its significant anabolic properties, is a staple in the bodybuilding community. Here’s an overview of its use: