Compound profile
Methandrostenolone
Also known as Dianabol, Dbol, Metandienone
Last reviewed October 2026
Educational only. A summary of published research, not medical advice or a recommendation. No doses are listed.
Quick take
One of the first oral steroids, known for fast weight gain, much of it water.
- Class
- Anabolic steroids
- Status
- Previously approved
- Evidence
- Early or small human studies
- Half-life
- About 3–6 hours
Mechanism fingerprint
What it acts on, and how. Each chip links to that pathway on the map.
A testosterone derivative modified to survive the liver, so it works as a tablet. It converts to a potent estrogen, which drives water retention and breast tissue growth.
What makes it different
Unlike the other oral steroids here, it converts to a potent estrogen, so water retention and breast tissue growth are common.
Compare side by side
Mechanism & pathways
-
Agonist
Androgen receptor
Receptor for testosterone and DHT. Activating it builds muscle and drives male traits such as body hair and a deeper voice. Every anabolic steroid binds it.
-
Converted by
Aromatase
converts it to a potent estrogen
An enzyme that converts testosterone, and some other steroids, into estrogens such as estradiol. Steroids it works on can cause estrogen-related effects such as water retention and breast tissue growth.
Evidence overview
Early or small human studies
Small studies from the 1960s and 1970s showed strength and weight gains; no modern safety trials.
A breakdown into human, animal and cell studies hasn't been added for this compound yet.
Why it's used
Bodybuilders use it for fast gains in size and strength, much of it water weight. It has no current approved medical use in the US.
Side effects & risks
Reported side effects
- Water retention and bloating
- Breast tissue growth (gynecomastia)
- Raised blood pressure
- Acne
Risks and warnings
- Oral 17α-alkylated steroid: can injure the liver, including cholestatic jaundice, blood-filled cysts (peliosis hepatis) and liver tumors.
- Lowers HDL (“good”) cholesterol and raises LDL, adding to heart disease risk.
- Long-term use is linked to high blood pressure, heart muscle damage (cardiomyopathy), heart attacks and early death.
- Shuts down the body's own testosterone production: testicles shrink and sperm counts fall, and recovery after stopping can take months or be incomplete.
- Irritability and aggression while using, and depression after stopping; dependence can develop.
- In women: masculinizing effects (deeper voice, facial and body hair, clitoral enlargement) that can be permanent.
- In teenagers, can close growth plates early and stunt final height.
- Schedule III controlled substance in the US: illegal to possess without a prescription.
- Prohibited in sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
FAQ
Short answers taken from this profile.
What is Methandrostenolone?
One of the first oral steroids, known for fast weight gain, much of it water.
How does Methandrostenolone work?
A testosterone derivative modified to survive the liver, so it works as a tablet. It converts to a potent estrogen, which drives water retention and breast tissue growth.
What receptors or pathways does Methandrostenolone act on?
androgen receptor (agonist) and aromatase (converted by; converts it to a potent estrogen).
How is Methandrostenolone different from similar compounds?
Unlike the other oral steroids here, it converts to a potent estrogen, so water retention and breast tissue growth are common.
What is the half-life of Methandrostenolone?
About 3–6 hours.
Is Methandrostenolone approved?
Sold in the US as Dianabol from the late 1950s; no longer an approved medicine in the US.
What has Methandrostenolone been studied for?
Bodybuilders use it for fast gains in size and strength, much of it water weight. It has no current approved medical use in the US.
How strong is the evidence?
Early or small human studies. Small studies from the 1960s and 1970s showed strength and weight gains; no modern safety trials.
What are the main risks?
Oral 17α-alkylated steroid: can injure the liver, including cholestatic jaundice, blood-filled cysts (peliosis hepatis) and liver tumors. Lowers HDL (“good”) cholesterol and raises LDL, adding to heart disease risk. Long-term use is linked to high blood pressure, heart muscle damage (cardiomyopathy), heart attacks and early death. More are listed under risks and warnings.
Sources
- LiverTox (NIH): Androgenic steroids.
- Kicman AT. Pharmacology of anabolic steroids. Br J Pharmacol 2008.
- Pope HG et al. Adverse health consequences of performance-enhancing drugs: an Endocrine Society scientific statement. Endocr Rev 2014.