← Back to Compounds
Molecular structurePubMed
oralanabolic
Methandrostenolone
DianabolDbolD-BolMetandienone
210
Anabolic Ratio
60
Androgenic Ratio
0.25d
Half-Life
The original mass-builder. Extremely fast strength and size gains, significant water retention. The first synthetic AAS mass-produced for athletic performance. Liver toxic, highly estrogenic.
Mechanism of Action
High oral bioavailability due to 17α-alkylation. Aromatizes readily to methylestradiol (more potent than estradiol). Strong nitrogen retention. Rapid glycogen super-compensation explains fast initial strength gains.
Typical Dosing
140 mg
low / week
280 mg
moderate / week
490 mg
high / week
⚠ Warning Flags
- •17α-alkylated — hepatotoxic, limit to ≤6 weeks
- •Very high estrogen conversion — AI mandatory
- •Significant water retention obscures real gains
Effect Profile
Muscle Protein Synthesis7High
Nitrogen Retention8Very High
Strength Gains8Very High
Red Blood Cell Production4Low
Fat Loss2Minimal
Glycogen Storage8Very High
Recovery Speed7High
Collagen Synthesis4Low
Side Effect Profile
Hormonal Suppression6Moderate
Estrogenic Effects8Very High
Androgenic Effects5Moderate
Cardiovascular Strain6Moderate
Liver Stress7High
Insulin Resistance2Minimal
Mood Changes6Moderate
Prostate Risk4Low
Research Studies
Sequence of changes in body composition induced by testosterone and reversal of changes after drug is stopped
Forbes GB, et al. · 1992
Methandrostenolone and related androgens produced rapid but partly reversible increases in lean body mass, with nitrogen balance improvement documenting genuine anabolic effect.