And then there are those unfortunate souls who seem to be particularly sensitive to the effects of anabolic steroids – end up suffering from some pretty severe side effects. When it comes to massive muscle gains, there are few steroids that can compare to Dianabol and Anadrol. When it comes to bulking up, many bodybuilders turn to anabolic steroids. Anadrol is regarded as the best steroid for sheer mass gains, with users gaining a substantial amount of weight during cycles. Anadrol is not aromatized, but it behaves like an estrogenic compound and has a greater impact on blood pressure, appetite suppression, and liver enzymes than almost any other oral steroid. "Methasterone induces significant gains in fat-free mass without water retention, making it highly valued for cutting or lean bulking phases."— Catlin et al., Journal of Steroid Biochemistry "Oxymetholone produces rapid and dramatic increases in mass, but the gains include significant water retention and liver stress."— Feldkoren & Andersson, Clinical Pharmacokinetics "Dianabol users experience rapid size and strength gains, with significant water retention contributing to scale weight and visual fullness."— Kopera, Clinical Therapeutics Dr Ziegler achieved his goal, successfully formulating dianabol, a more potent steroid for muscle building and strength (than testosterone). As a general rule, when high estrogen levels are combined with moderate amounts of sodium, it leads to water retention; which is what many anadrol-users report. Anadrol is also regarded as the king of steroids when it comes to strength, which is why so many powerlifters and strongman religiously cycle anadrol. "Methandrostenolone aromatizes to estradiol, leading to significant fluid retention and estrogenic symptoms in the absence of estrogen control."— Kopera, Clinical Therapeutics This creates a very "wet" look — rapid water retention, face puffiness, and potential gynecomastia unless mitigated with an aromatase inhibitor (AI) such as Arimidex (anastrozole). Superdrol produces little to no estrogenic side effects, but it is extremely hepatotoxic, especially in doses over 20 mg/day. Anadrol is arguably the most powerful mass gainer in the oral category. Dianabol is famous for its rapid weight gain—often 8–15 lbs in the first 2–4 weeks—due to its strong impact on glycogen storage, nitrogen retention, and muscle hydration. It binds strongly to androgen receptors in skeletal muscle, promoting nitrogen retention, protein synthesis, and glycogen replenishment. Many seek faster gains and turn to steroids like Anadrol and Dianabol. Some advanced users might mix Anadrol with other strong steroids to boost results. It offers steady muscle gain and is easy to combine with other steroids. Dianabol also has risks like liver damage and fluid retention. Users must consider these risks against the legal and health dangers. It doesn’t aromatize; however, it does directly stimulate the estrogen receptors. We often see ALT and AST markers rise significantly on-cycle but commonly drop back down to normal levels post-cycle. To prevent this, users can take longer rests in between sets and take potassium and taurine supplements. Roughly 30% of this weight gain will be in the form of water, which is thus temporary. We have seen Anadrol and Dianabol both cause notable weight gain in users, approximately 20–30 lbs in those new to these compounds. "Oxymetholone is a synthetic anabolic steroid with medical indications, but it is prohibited for athletic use by anti-doping agencies."— USADA Substance Classification "Methasterone causes profound suppression of endogenous testosterone, requiring aggressive and multi-targeted post-cycle therapy."— Catlin et al., Journal of Steroid Biochemistry Anadrol is severely suppressive, and its estrogen-like activity can cause post-cycle prolactin and estrogen imbalances, especially after high doses or stacks. "Oxymetholone induces estrogen-like effects despite the lack of aromatization, suggesting receptor-level interaction beyond the aromatase pathway."— Feldkoren & Andersson, Clinical Pharmacokinetics These effects are believed to be caused by progestogenic activity or non-classical estrogen receptor activation, which means they won’t respond to traditional aromatase inhibitors. Mood swings can turn into bigger mental health issues like paranoia and hallucinations. Long-term use can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots. It messes up hormone production, especially testosterone. Long-term steroid use is even more harmful. Individuals typically cycle it for no longer than eight weeks at daily doses of 50 to 100 mg. Prep coach Fakhri Mubarak strongly recommends working with health professionals if choosing to use PEDs in bodybuilding. "We have to educate people," says Thomas O’Connor, the "Anabolic Doc," who treats patients recovering from steroid use. With full knowledge, you can use performance enhancers carefully and responsibly. Nitrogen retention is important because it helps the muscles to recover from workouts more quickly. Dianabol also increases nitrogen retention in the muscles, which helps the muscles to hold onto more protein. These two steroids are very popular among bodybuilders and athletes.
