hormoneControlledSchedule III (US, Anabolic Steroids Control Act)Not FDA-approvedPrescription only (US)Methandrostenolone is not currently FDA-approved and has no legitimate US prescribing indication; the cited literature concerns illicit performance/physique use and its documented harmsClassified as a Schedule III controlled substance in the US; possession or distribution without a prescription is illegal
MethandrostenoloneBenefits, Dosage & Interactions
Also known as: Dianabol, Dbol
Methandrostenolone, also known by its brand name Dianabol (Dbol), is a synthetic oral anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) that was first developed in the 1950s. Research on Methandrostenolone focuses on muscle and strength. Methandrostenolone is a controlled substance in some jurisdictions. Dose, response, and interaction risk vary by individual, so use should be reviewed with a clinician.
How much Methandrostenolone do people take?
No dosing is reported here as a protocol: the cited literature documents illicit self-administered use (e.g., part of a multi-drug 3-month cycle alongside testosterone enanthate and nandrolone decanoate, source 1) and forensic blood/hair concentrations from a case of acute intoxication (source 3), not a studied dose-response regimen. Route reported: Oral, as reported in the surveyed and case-report literature on illicit use. Frequency reported: Cycled use over weeks to months, per the AAS-user survey (source 1). These are amounts documented in the cited studies and labels for Methandrostenolone — they are reported for reference, not a recommendation. Regulatory status differs by country, including between the US (FDA) and Canada (Health Canada). Confirm any amount with a licensed clinician before you take it.
See the full reported protocol and its sourcesResearched by DoseRoutine Research TeamReviewed for accuracy by Nicholas Alexander, RSE, SO, PMPLast updated Educational reference only — not medical advice. Always confirm dosing and safety decisions with a licensed clinician.
Evidence: Limited — Human observational or case data only — no randomized trials.
Evidence strengthLimited · 2/4
PreclinicalStrong human evidence
Human observational or case data only — no randomized trials.
Plasma half-life
Not established
Default unit
mg
What published protocols report
Ranges documented in the literature, shown for reference. DoseRoutine does not recommend an amount — your prescriber or the product label sets the dose.
- Reported amounts
- No dosing is reported here as a protocol: the cited literature documents illicit self-administered use (e.g., part of a multi-drug 3-month cycle alongside testosterone enanthate and nandrolone decanoate, source 1) and forensic blood/hair concentrations from a case of acute intoxication (source 3), not a studied dose-response regimen[1]
- Route studied
- Oral, as reported in the surveyed and case-report literature on illicit use[1]
- Frequency
- Cycled use over weeks to months, per the AAS-user survey (source 1)[1]
- Cycle length
- A 3-month AAS course was reported among surveyed users, separated by 2-week gaps (source 1)[1]
Reported for Methandrostenolone in the cited sources. Published ranges are not dosing advice.
References & evidence
Documents the Methandrostenolone entry is written from. Each number matches an inline marker above.
- [1]Side effects of anabolic steroids used by athletes at Unaizah Gyms, Saudi Arabia: a pilot studyAlmaiman AA, Almaiman SH, Elagamy EI, Al Wutayd O, Almarzuqi M, Alzunaidi R · The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness · 2019 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 29687691
- [2]Abuse of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids as a Social Phenomenon and Medical Problem-Its Potential Negative Impact on Reproductive Health Based on 50 Years of Case Report AnalysisSkrzypiec-Spring M, Rozmus J, Abu Faraj G, Brawańska-Maśluch K, Kujawa K, Szeląg A · Journal of Clinical Medicine · 2024 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 39407952
- [3]Anabolic steroids and extreme violence: a case of murder after chronic intake and under acute influence of metandienone and trenboloneAknouche F, Gheddar L, Kernalléguen A, Maruejouls C, Kintz P · International Journal of Legal Medicine · 2021 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 33813613
References & Evidence
Sources on this page that document Methandrostenolone dosing, timing and safety.
- [1]National Center for Biotechnology Information View source
Educational information only — not medical advice. Dose ranges vary by person, indication and prescriber.
What is Methandrostenolone studied for?
What is Methandrostenolone?Sources for this section: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Methandrostenolone, also known by its brand name Dianabol (Dbol), is a synthetic oral anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) that was first developed in the 1950s. It is a derivative of testosterone, chemically altered to increase its anabolic (tissue-building) properties while reducing its androgenic (masculinizing) effects, though significant androgenic effects still occur. Historically, it gained popularity in athletic and bodybuilding communities for its ability to promote rapid muscle mass and strength gains. Methandrostenolone is a Schedule III controlled substance in the United States due to its potential for abuse and dependence, as categorized by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). While it once had approved medical uses, such as treating osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and pituitary dwarfism, its therapeutic applications have become very limited, and it is no longer widely prescribed for legitimate medical conditions. Its primary use now is illicitly as a performance-enhancing drug. Source: DrugBank.
What does the research say about Methandrostenolone?
Tap a section to expand.
Methandrostenolone exerts its effects by binding to androgen receptors located in various tissues throughout the body, including muscle and bone. Once bound, the steroid-receptor complex translocates into the cell nucleus, where it interacts with specific DNA sequences (androgen response elements). This interaction modulates the transcription of various genes, leading to increased protein synthesis, reduced protein breakdown, and positive nitrogen balance—all crucial for muscle growth (anabolism). Additionally, methandrostenolone can increase glycogenolysis, enhancing energy availability for intense physical activity. It also promotes calcium deposition in bones, contributing to increased bone density. A unique characteristic of methandrostenolone is its oral bioavailability due to a C17-alpha alkylation modification, which prevents its breakdown by the liver during the first pass. This modification, however, is also responsible for its hepatotoxicity. Like other anabolic steroids, methandrostenolone can be aromatized into estrogen by the enzyme aromatase, particularly at higher doses, leading to potential estrogen-related side effects. Source: PubChem, DrugBank.
Source for this section: Sources for How does Methandrostenolone work?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
The primary 'benefit' for which methandrostenolone is illicitly used is its potent ability to rapidly increase muscle mass and strength. Users often report significant gains in body weight and physical power within a relatively short period. These effects are attributed to enhanced protein synthesis and nitrogen retention, leading to hypertrophic changes in muscle tissue. It may also increase red blood cell production, potentially improving endurance and oxygen carrying capacity, and can assist with improved recovery from intense exercise due to reduced muscle damage and accelerated repair processes. However, these effects are largely anecdotal from illicit use, and the compound is not medically approved for these purposes. Use for these purposes carries significant health risks. Source: PubChem.
While methandrostenolone is not medically sanctioned for performance enhancement, its efficacy in promoting muscle growth and strength has been historically documented in the context of its past therapeutic uses and through research into anabolic steroids in general. Early studies, for instance, showed its effectiveness in promoting weight gain and positive nitrogen balance in patients with various wasting conditions. However, comprehensive, modern, controlled clinical trials specifically demonstrating its safe and effective use for body recomposition or athletic performance enhancement in healthy individuals are lacking or ethically problematic to conduct due to the known significant health risks. Regulatory bodies like the FDA have not approved methandrostenolone for these indications. Information on its effects largely stems from historical medical literature regarding its prescribed uses and from observational data and case reports related to its illicit use. Source: DrugBank, various medical literature historically. (Note: Due to its controlled status and potential for abuse, modern clinical evidence regarding its 'benefits' for performance enhancement in healthy individuals is not readily available through standard medical research databases in a way that suggests safe or approved use.)
Methandrostenolone carries a significant risk of side effects, many of which can be severe and irreversible. Common side effects include liver toxicity (hepatotoxicity), which can manifest as elevated liver enzymes, jaundice, peliosis hepatis (blood-filled cysts in the liver), and, in severe cases, liver cancer. Cardiovascular side effects are also prevalent, including adverse changes in cholesterol levels (decreased HDL 'good' cholesterol and increased LDL 'bad' cholesterol), increased blood pressure, and increased risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease. Endocrine system disturbances are common, leading to suppression of natural testosterone production, testicular atrophy, and infertility. In males, gynecomastia (breast enlargement) can occur due to the aromatization of methandrostenolone into estrogen, as well as hair loss and acne. In females, virilization (development of male characteristics) is a major concern, including deepening of the voice, hirsutism (excessive body hair), clitoral enlargement, and menstrual irregularitie. Psychological effects such as mood swings, aggression ('roid rage'), depression, and dependence can also occur. Source: PubChem, MedlinePlus. This is educational information, not medical advice - consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Methandrostenolone use carries substantial warnings, primarily due to its significant potential for adverse effects, abuse, and dependence. It is a Schedule III controlled substance in the U.S. and its non-medical use is illegal. A key warning relates to its hepatotoxicity; even at low doses, it can cause liver damage, which can be life-threatening. Individuals with pre-existing liver conditions are at extremely high risk. Cardiovascular risks, including adverse lipid profile changes and increased blood pressure, necessitate careful consideration, especially for those with or at risk for heart disease. It can suppress endogenous testosterone production, potentially leading to hypogonadism upon cessation. Users should be aware of the strong potential for psychological effects, including aggression and dependence. Due to its androgenic effects, females face a high risk of irreversible virilization. The use of methandrostenolone in adolescents or children can lead to premature epiphyseal closure, resulting in stunted growth. Close medical monitoring, including liver function tests, lipid panels, and hormone levels, is essential for any legitimate medical use, and rigorous supervision by a licensed clinician is required. Source: DrugBank, FDA label information for analogous compounds. This is educational information, not medical advice - consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Methandrostenolone is contraindicated in several conditions due to its high risk profile. Absolute contraindications include, but are not limited to, breast carcinoma in males or females with hypercalcemia (due to potential for osteolytic metastasis), prostate carcinoma (as androgens can stimulate its growth), severe cardiac, hepatic or renal disease, and known hypersensitivity to the drug. It is also contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation due to the high risk of fetal harm and potential effects on infants. Use in children and adolescents is generally contraindicated due to the risk of premature epiphyseal closure and other developmental issues. Any individual with a history of liver dysfunction or cardiovascular disease should not use methandrostenolone. Source: FDA label for related anabolic steroids, DrugBank. This is educational information, not medical advice - consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Methandrostenolone should not be mixed with several types of compounds due to potential for exacerbated side effects or drug interactions. It should not be combined with other hepatotoxic substances, including certain prescription medications, alcohol, or other oral anabolic steroids, as this dramatically increases the risk of liver damage. Co-administration with anticoagulants like warfarin can increase anticoagulant activity, leading to a higher risk of bleeding. If used in conjunction with corticosteroids, it may increase the risk of edema. Monitoring blood glucose levels is important when combined with antidiabetic agents, as methandrostenolone can affect glucose metabolism. The combination with aromatase inhibitors or selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) may be attempted by illicit users to manage estrogenic side effects, but this introduces additional risks and complexities that are not medically endorsed. Always disclose all medications and supplements to a healthcare provider. Source: DrugBank. This is educational information, not medical advice - consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
For therapeutic use, the typical dose and timing of methandrostenolone must be directed and closely monitored by a licensed clinician. Due to its short half-life of approximately 5 hours, if medically prescribed, doses may need to be split and taken multiple times per day to maintain stable blood levels. However, methandrostenolone is very rarely prescribed by medical professionals today. For illicit use, individuals typically consume it 'any' time of day to align with their training schedule or to maintain consistent levels, often splitting doses. It can be taken with 'either' food or on an empty stomach, although taking it with food may help mitigate gastrointestinal upset. However, regardless of food intake, the hepatotoxic effects remain. This information is purely for educational context and does not endorse or advise illicit use. Any prescribed use requires strict adherence to a clinician's instructions. Source: DrugBank.
Source for this section: Sources for When should you take Methandrostenolone?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Put it into practice
Reading about Methandrostenolone is the first step — DoseRoutine helps you act on it. These free tools turn what you just learned into a routine.
What interacts with Methandrostenolone?
| Interacts with | Severity | Type | What happens | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any peptide + hormone | Note | Category ruleConfidence: theoretical | Injectable peptides plus hormones can have overlapping or compounding effects that aren't always well characterized.Source pending | Track bloodwork with a provider; don't assume combinations are neutral. |
Frequently asked questions about Methandrostenolone
Historically, methandrostenolone was used for conditions like osteoporosis and pituitary dwarfism. Currently, its primary use is illicitly as a performance-enhancing drug for rapid muscle growth and strength gain, a use not approved by medical authorities due to significant health risks.
In the United States, methandrostenolone is a Schedule III controlled substance, meaning its non-medical possession or use is illegal. It requires a prescription for legitimate medical use, which is very rare today.
Major side effects include severe liver toxicity, adverse cardiovascular effects (like high blood pressure and altered cholesterol), suppression of natural testosterone, gynecomastia in males, and irreversible virilization in females. Psychological effects like mood swings and dependence can also occur.
Illicit users often report rapid gains in muscle mass and strength within a few weeks of use due to its potent anabolic properties. However, these rapid gains come with substantial health risks.
Medical use in women is contraindicated, especially in pregnancy and lactation. For illicit use, women face a very high risk of irreversible virilization (development of male characteristics) such as voice deepening, body hair growth, and clitoral enlargement.
Interaction risk for Methandrostenolone comes from the rest of the stack: other hormones, prescription medicines, hormone therapy and peptides. Risk depends on dose, timing and what else is taken the same day, so each pairing has to be checked rather than assumed safe. The free checker at https://doseroutine.com/interaction-checker covers Methandrostenolone with no sign-up.
Methandrostenolone is a controlled substance in some jurisdictions, so the prescribed amount is the only appropriate one. Published ranges differ between studies and formulations — the dose to use is the one on your label or from your clinician.
There is no single answer for Methandrostenolone plus TRT. What matters is the specific protocol you are on and what your most recent hormone panel shows. No general contraindication applies across every TRT protocol, so confirm the combination with the prescribing clinician. See the free TRT interaction reference: https://doseroutine.com/trt-supplement-interactions
Pairing Methandrostenolone with peptides has to be assessed one peptide at a time, because GLP-1 agonists, secretagogues, healing peptides and melanocortins do not share an interaction profile. Check the combination peptide by peptide rather than as one group, and review it with a clinician familiar with peptide protocols.
Published frequency for Methandrostenolone varies by protocol and formulation, so the label or prescription is what sets it. Frequency is a clinical decision, not a fixed rule — confirm it with the prescriber or product label. Comparison of apps that keep a schedule like this: https://doseroutine.com/best-dose-tracking-apps
The effect of a missed dose of Methandrostenolone depends on the protocol and formulation you are on. Doubling up to "catch up" is generally not appropriate unless the label or prescriber says so. Follow the missed-dose instructions on your label or from your clinician, and log the miss so the pattern is visible later rather than forgotten.
For Methandrostenolone the useful record is the dose, the time it was actually taken, and what else was taken in the same window. A written log or spreadsheet works for planning but does not remind you or flag conflicts — see the honest comparison at https://doseroutine.com/vs/spreadsheet and the wider roundup at https://doseroutine.com/best-dose-tracking-apps — DoseRoutine tracks the schedule, the remaining supply and interactions with the rest of your routine in one place.
No dosing is reported here as a protocol: the cited literature documents illicit self-administered use (e.g., part of a multi-drug 3-month cycle alongside testosterone enanthate and nandrolone decanoate, source 1) and forensic blood/hair concentrations from a case of acute intoxication (source 3), not a studied dose-response regimen. Route reported: Oral, as reported in the surveyed and case-report literature on illicit use. Frequency reported: Cycled use over weeks to months, per the AAS-user survey (source 1). These are amounts documented in the cited studies and labels for Methandrostenolone — they are reported for reference, not a recommendation. Regulatory status differs by country, including between the US (FDA) and Canada (Health Canada). Confirm any amount with a licensed clinician before you take it.
Which studies looked at Methandrostenolone?
Peer-reviewed research indexed in PubMed. Each entry links to the original record.
- 1.Metabolism of warfarin during methandrostenolone treatment(opens PubMed in a new tab)Ann Med Exp Biol Fenn · 1965 · PMID 5317992 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/5317992/
- 2.Changes in body composition following therapy of osteoporosis with methandrostenolone(opens PubMed in a new tab)Metabolism · 1981 · PMID 7026971 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7026971/
- 3.Effect of methandrostenolone on postmenopausal bone wasting as assessed by changes in total bone mineral mass(opens PubMed in a new tab)Metabolism · 1977 · PMID 319322 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/319322/
Sources cited on this page
Specific documents referenced by the numbered markers above. Each number matches the marker in the text.
- PubChem CID 6300(opens in a new tab)National Center for Biotechnology Information · pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/6300
Verify at
Publisher search links for Methandrostenolone. These are places to check the information — they are not citations, so they are not numbered.
- DrugBank(publisher search, opens in a new tab)DrugBank Online · publisher search
- FDA-approved labeling (DailyMed)(publisher search, opens in a new tab)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · publisher search
- PubMed literature search(publisher search, opens in a new tab)National Library of Medicine · publisher search
- Wikipedia entry(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Wikipedia · publisher search
DoseRoutine compiles summaries from publicly available scientific and regulatory references. Always verify important decisions with a licensed clinician. How we source and review this information.
What is the short answer on Methandrostenolone?
Plain-text summary, safe to quote verbatim:
Methandrostenolone, also known by its brand name Dianabol (Dbol), is a synthetic oral anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) that was first developed in the 1950s. Research on Methandrostenolone focuses on muscle and strength. Methandrostenolone is a controlled substance in some jurisdictions. Dose, response, and interaction risk vary by individual, so use should be reviewed with a clinician.
Source: DoseRoutine — https://doseroutine.com/library/methandrostenolone
Methandrostenolone cheat sheet
DoseRoutine cheat sheet · Hormone
Methandrostenolone
Methandrostenolone, also known by its brand name Dianabol (Dbol), is a synthetic oral anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) that was first developed in the 1950s.
Evidence
Limited
Human observational or case data only — no randomized trials.
Studied range
No dosing is reported here as a protocol: the cited literature documents illicit self-administered use (e.g., part of a multi-drug 3-month cycle alongside testosterone enanthate and nandrolone decanoate, source 1) and forensic blood/hair concentrations from a case of acute intoxication (source 3), not a studied dose-response regimen
Route
Oral, as reported in the surveyed and case-report literature on illicit use
Frequency studied
Cycled use over weeks to months, per the AAS-user survey (source 1)
Schedule III (US, Anabolic Steroids Control Act)Not FDA-approvedPrescription only (US)Methandrostenolone is not currently FDA-approved and has no legitimate US prescribing indication; the cited literature concerns illicit performance/physique use and its documented harmsClassified as a Schedule III controlled substance in the US; possession or distribution without a prescription is illegalMuscle
Key references
- Side effects of anabolic steroids used by athletes at Unaizah Gyms, Saudi Arabia: a pilot study (2019)
- Abuse of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids as a Social Phenomenon and Medical Problem-Its Potential Negative Impact on Reproductive Health Based on 50 Years of Case Report Analysis (2024)
- Anabolic steroids and extreme violence: a case of murder after chronic intake and under acute influence of metandienone and trenbolone (2021)
Studied ranges, not dosing advice. Not medical advice — talk to a clinician. doseroutine.com/library/methandrostenolone
Cite this page
Using this in an article, AI answer, or research note? Please attribute:
DoseRoutine. (2026). Methandrostenolone — Overview, Benefits & Side Effects. Retrieved from https://doseroutine.com/library/methandrostenolone
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