07-15-2026, 01:34 AM
A Dianabol cycle is a common bulking protocol among bodybuilders. Dianabol (methandrostenolone) first appeared in bodybuilding during the Golden Era, where famous bodybuilders were known to cycle it in the offseason.
Who Created Dianabol?
Dianabol was first created in 1955 by Dr. John Ziegler, reportedly in an attempt to help the American Olympic team defeat the Soviets. Dr. Ziegler created a steroid that would change athletics and bodybuilding, despite the Americans’ inability to defeat their Russian counterparts.
Dianabol is among the most potent anabolic steroids when it comes to building significant amounts of muscle and strength.
In this article, we will reveal common doses, cycle length, stacking options, and post-cycle therapy supplements for Dianabol. This information can help to minimize the harmful effects of Dianabol.
Methandrostenolone (Dianabol) Cycles Methandrostenolone-Only Cycle
A Dianabol-only cycle is typically run after a user has already taken testosterone or Anavar. The latter have been shown to be less toxic compounds and better tolerated by novices.
Users seeking significant gains during their first cycle may cycle Dianabol by itself; however, testosterone is a less cardiotoxic and hepatotoxic steroid for beginners coveting muscle hypertrophy. Thus, testosterone is unlikely to strain the liver or increase cholesterol levels as much as Dianabol.
We have seen first-time users of Dianabol gain up to 30 pounds in weight, combined with strength gains of 50 pounds or higher on compound lifts.
Methandrostenolone-Only Cycle for Beginners
![[Image: dianabol-cycle-4.png]](https://insidebodybuilding.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/dianabol-cycle-4.png)
This cycle is common for first-time steroid users seeking significant muscle gains but who do not want to inject; thus, they may opt for Dianabol over testosterone.
The above protocol consists of conservative dosages in an attempt to minimize side effects in novice users. Despite lower doses being administered, we typically observe beginners gaining large amounts of muscle hypertrophy.
Methandrostenolone-Only Cycle for Intermediates
![[Image: dianabol-cycle-2.png]](https://insidebodybuilding.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/dianabol-cycle-2.png)
We have found this to be a common follow-up cycle to the beginner protocol; thus, it is typically utilized by bodybuilders who have previously taken Dianabol.
In this cycle, slightly higher dosages are consumed. Consequently, we see muscle and strength gains being more prominent, with side effects also being more pronounced.
If users tolerate these dosages without excessive hepatic or cardiac damage, they may increase their dosage to 30 mg per day for continued results. However, this comes with a higher risk of adverse effects.
Advanced users who have taken Dianabol and other potent anabolic steroids may opt for higher dosages, going up to 50 mg/day, while increasing the cycle length to 8 weeks. Such cycles are typically performed by bodybuilders looking to add large amounts of hypertrophy. Such dosages can be considered deleterious and high-risk based on our experience.
Who Created Dianabol?
Dianabol was first created in 1955 by Dr. John Ziegler, reportedly in an attempt to help the American Olympic team defeat the Soviets. Dr. Ziegler created a steroid that would change athletics and bodybuilding, despite the Americans’ inability to defeat their Russian counterparts.
Dianabol is among the most potent anabolic steroids when it comes to building significant amounts of muscle and strength.
In this article, we will reveal common doses, cycle length, stacking options, and post-cycle therapy supplements for Dianabol. This information can help to minimize the harmful effects of Dianabol.
Methandrostenolone (Dianabol) Cycles Methandrostenolone-Only Cycle
A Dianabol-only cycle is typically run after a user has already taken testosterone or Anavar. The latter have been shown to be less toxic compounds and better tolerated by novices.
Users seeking significant gains during their first cycle may cycle Dianabol by itself; however, testosterone is a less cardiotoxic and hepatotoxic steroid for beginners coveting muscle hypertrophy. Thus, testosterone is unlikely to strain the liver or increase cholesterol levels as much as Dianabol.
We have seen first-time users of Dianabol gain up to 30 pounds in weight, combined with strength gains of 50 pounds or higher on compound lifts.
Methandrostenolone-Only Cycle for Beginners
![[Image: dianabol-cycle-4.png]](https://insidebodybuilding.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/dianabol-cycle-4.png)
This cycle is common for first-time steroid users seeking significant muscle gains but who do not want to inject; thus, they may opt for Dianabol over testosterone.
The above protocol consists of conservative dosages in an attempt to minimize side effects in novice users. Despite lower doses being administered, we typically observe beginners gaining large amounts of muscle hypertrophy.
Methandrostenolone-Only Cycle for Intermediates
![[Image: dianabol-cycle-2.png]](https://insidebodybuilding.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/dianabol-cycle-2.png)
We have found this to be a common follow-up cycle to the beginner protocol; thus, it is typically utilized by bodybuilders who have previously taken Dianabol.
In this cycle, slightly higher dosages are consumed. Consequently, we see muscle and strength gains being more prominent, with side effects also being more pronounced.
If users tolerate these dosages without excessive hepatic or cardiac damage, they may increase their dosage to 30 mg per day for continued results. However, this comes with a higher risk of adverse effects.
Advanced users who have taken Dianabol and other potent anabolic steroids may opt for higher dosages, going up to 50 mg/day, while increasing the cycle length to 8 weeks. Such cycles are typically performed by bodybuilders looking to add large amounts of hypertrophy. Such dosages can be considered deleterious and high-risk based on our experience.

