Secondly, Dianabol can raise blood pressure due to an increase in water retention. When testosterone increases, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels also increase. We have found that bodybuilders on Dianabol can experience an increase in vascularity. Oxygen is transported to the muscles via the bloodstream; thus, with more oxygen supply, muscular endurance improves. It can lead to increased blood pressure and water retention, putting additional stress on the kidneys, which can result in impaired kidney function over time. It aromatizes easily, meaning it converts to estrogen in the body, which can lead to the development of breast tissue in men. Dianabol can also convert into estrogen in your body. These symptoms result from the steroid's effects on your hormones. Dianabol, scientifically known as Metandienone or Methandrostenolone, is a powerful anabolic steroid. Therefore, after a cycle, it is crucial to implement a Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) protocol for 4-6 weeks, including a testosterone-stimulating compound (e.g., Nolvadex), to restore hormone production. It often faces a surge in estrogen levels and an increase in cortisol, the body’s primary catabolic hormone. After completing a Dianabol cycle—especially without proper PCT—the body doesn’t just struggle with low testosterone. To recover natural testosterone levels and prevent rebound estrogen issues, Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) is essential. "Stacking multiple methylated steroids or running Dbol for too long is where liver risk becomes significant. Furthermore, research shows Proviron to have a negative effect on cholesterol levels, elevating blood pressure. We have also seen Proviron reduce the estrogenic side effects of Dianabol due to its working as a systemic anti-estrogenic agent (41). It also binds to SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin) with a high affinity, increasing free testosterone levels. This is due to its C17-alpha alkylation — a structural modification that allows Dianabol to survive digestion and enter the bloodstream when taken orally. Gyno is most likely to develop during or after a Dianabol cycle if estrogen is left unmanaged. "Managing estrogen during a Dianabol cycle is crucial not just for aesthetics, but for cardiovascular and hormonal balance."— Aromasin for Bodybuilders – Swolverine Improved GlycogenolysisThe steroid boosts the conversion of glycogen into glucose, providing muscles with more immediate fuel for training. The liver is responsible for filtering toxins from the bloodstream, including synthetic compounds like oral anabolic steroids. Hepatotoxicity (liver toxicity, remember?) is still a concern, so many limit their use of oral steroids to just the beginning (or end) of a cycle, and most would avoid using more than one at a time (precontest bodybuilders are a different story). Back then, the precise effects of oral steroids on the liver were unknown and most users were conservative in their cycles. However, users today seeking bigger improvements in muscle hypertrophy often take a higher dose. Dianabol is somewhat androgenic; thus, it’s not a common steroid taken among women, mainly due to virilization symptoms occurring. Thus, if a person is prone to violent acts or murder is present in their family history, steroids such as Dianabol may exacerbate this. However, as with other side effects, this increased aggression will affect users to different degrees. This is why some bodybuilders take DHT blockers when taking steroids to keep their hair thick and their follicles intact. Although other anabolic steroids are more likely to cause androgenetic alopecia, which is the shrinking of hair follicles, causing significant thinning and hair loss (on the scalp). 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). Dianabol is typically an oral steroid; however, there are veterinary versions of it available that can be injected, immediately entering your bloodstream and bypassing the liver. 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 are prone to acne, taking steroids may produce cystic acne, which can be severe. Jay Cutler proves that not everyone who takes steroids for years goes bald. Not only does Dianabol have a low affinity when converting to DHT, but hair loss is also determined by genetics, so taking steroids doesn’t necessarily guarantee balding. Furthermore, some research suggests DHT may be the better muscle-building hormone when compared to testosterone (23). Dianabol slightly increases levels of the major androgen in men, DHT (dihydrotestosterone). Gynecomastia occurs when a man’s hormones become imbalanced and estrogen levels (the female sex hormone) rise excessively. If bloating or water retention becomes excessive, users should lower the dose or discontinue use. However, we have seen such protocols decrease strength gains due to the removal of intracellular fluid (inside the muscle cell). We have found regular cardiovascular exercise to be the most beneficial protocol for lowering high blood pressure in patients. As your body retains more fluid and your weight increases, so does your blood pressure (9).
