Dianabol (Methandienone) Cycle: Gains, Risks & Liver Protection
Dianabol is the fastest-acting oral steroid — expect 5–8 kg in 4 weeks. But C17-alpha alkylation means serious hepatotoxicity. We outline safe cycle lengths, TUDCA dosing, and how to keep your bloodwork clean.
Why Dianabol Became the Iconic Mass Builder
Methandienone was developed in the 1950s by CIBA for American athletes to counter Soviet dominance — the Soviets were using testosterone injections. Dianabol was designed to be orally active (via 17-alpha alkylation), fast-acting, and potent. It rapidly became the most widely used anabolic steroid in history. It significantly increases nitrogen retention, protein synthesis, and glycogenolysis — producing rapid strength and mass gains within the first 2 weeks. A well-planned 4-week Dianabol kickstart can add 5–8 kg of bodyweight, with 3–5 kg retained as actual lean mass after water loss.
C17-Alpha Alkylation and Liver Toxicity
The modification that makes Dianabol orally effective — 17-alpha alkylation — also makes it hepatotoxic. Alkylation prevents first-pass hepatic degradation, but places significant metabolic stress on liver cells (hepatocytes). ALT and AST enzymes rise within 2–3 weeks of use. With proper protocols, this is reversible. Without: risk of cholestatic hepatitis, peliosis hepatis, and (rare but documented) hepatocellular carcinoma with prolonged use. Cycle length must be strictly limited: 4–6 weeks maximum. Liver support is not optional.
Liver Protection Protocol
TUDCA (Tauroursodeoxycholic acid): 500 mg/day during cycle and 2 weeks post-cycle — the most evidence-based hepatoprotectant. It reduces bile acid-induced apoptosis and ER stress in hepatocytes. UDCA (Ursodeoxycholic acid): similar mechanism, slightly less potent. NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine): 600–1,200 mg/day — increases glutathione synthesis, the liver's primary antioxidant defence. Milk Thistle (silymarin): 600–1,000 mg/day — mild hepatoprotectant, less effective than TUDCA but widely available. Avoid alcohol completely on cycle. Limit all other hepatotoxic substances (paracetamol, statins if possible).
Dianabol as a Kickstart vs Standalone
The most common use of Dianabol is as a "kickstart" for the first 4 weeks of a longer injectable cycle (e.g., testosterone enanthate). Injectables take 3–4 weeks to reach peak blood levels; Dianabol fills this gap with immediate strength and mass gains. By the time Dianabol is stopped, injectable levels are fully active. Standalone oral-only Dianabol cycles are less favoured because shutdown of natural testosterone still occurs (requiring PCT) and estrogen control is still necessary — there is no advantage over the kickstart approach.
Estrogen, Water, and Dosing
Dianabol aromatises readily — approximately 50% of testosterone's aromatisation rate, which is still significant at the doses used. AI is essential from day 1 of a Dianabol cycle, not week 2. Water retention is the primary driver of early weight gain — this is partially desirable for joint lubrication during heavy training, but must be managed with an AI and controlled sodium intake. Standard dose: 30–50 mg/day. Beginners: start at 20–30 mg/day. Doses above 50 mg/day dramatically increase side effects without proportional benefit.
Bloodwork During Dianabol Use
Liver enzymes (ALT, AST) should be tested at baseline and again at week 3 of the cycle. If ALT/AST exceed 3× upper limit of normal: stop immediately, increase TUDCA/NAC, allow 4–6 weeks recovery. Haematocrit, lipids (LDL rises significantly, HDL crashes on Dianabol), and blood pressure should be monitored. If blood pressure exceeds 140/90 consistently: add a low-dose antihypertensive (telmisartan 20 mg/day is commonly used in this population for its additional cardioprotective properties).
Written by
Dr. Markus Hein
Sports Nutritionist, PhD