What is Methabol (Methandienone)?
Methabol is a common name for Methandienone (also known as methandrostenolone), a synthetic androgen and anabolic steroid (AAS) [1.6.1]. It is a derivative of testosterone, modified to increase its anabolic (muscle-building) properties and reduce its androgenic (masculinizing) effects. Originally developed by CIBA Pharmaceuticals and marketed as Dianabol, it became one of the first widely used AAS among athletes and bodybuilders [1.6.1].
It is a C17-alpha alkylated oral steroid, a structural modification that allows it to survive liver metabolism and be effective when taken by mouth. However, this same property contributes significantly to its liver toxicity [1.6.1, 1.6.5]. In the United States, methandienone is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act, making its non-prescription possession and use illegal [1.6.2]. The FDA revoked its approval for human use in 1985 [1.4.4].
Mechanism of Action: How Does It Promote Growth?
Methandienone exerts its effects by binding to and activating the body's androgen receptors (AR), the same receptors that testosterone interacts with [1.6.1]. This activation triggers a cascade of cellular processes that dramatically enhance muscle growth and strength over a short period. Key actions include:
- Increased Protein Synthesis: Activating the AR stimulates cells to produce more proteins, which are the fundamental building blocks of muscle tissue. This creates a highly anabolic environment conducive to muscle repair and growth [1.6.4].
- Enhanced Nitrogen Retention: Muscles require a positive nitrogen balance to grow. Methandienone improves the body's ability to retain nitrogen within muscle cells, which is essential for muscle hypertrophy (the enlargement of muscle fibers) [1.6.4].
- Increased Glycogenolysis: The substance accelerates the breakdown of glycogen (stored glucose) into glucose. This provides muscles with a more readily available energy source during intense workouts, improving endurance and performance [1.4.3].
Historical and Limited Medical Uses
Before its production was ceased in the U.S. and many other countries, methandienone had a few legitimate, albeit limited, therapeutic applications. The FDA initially approved it for treating post-menopausal osteoporosis and pituitary-deficient dwarfism in 1965 [1.4.4]. It was prescribed in small, clinically supervised doses, typically 5 to 10 mg per day for men and 2.5 mg per day for women [1.4.4].
Other historical indications included:
- Androgen Replacement Therapy: It was used for treating hypogonadism in men, a condition where the body does not produce enough testosterone [1.4.4].
- Appetite Stimulation: Some sources indicate it was used to help stimulate appetite in patients with conditions like anorexia [1.4.1, 1.4.5].
These uses have been almost entirely discontinued in favor of safer and more effective treatments. The significant risk of side effects outweighed the therapeutic benefits, leading to its withdrawal from most medical markets [1.3.3, 1.4.1].
Prevalent Non-Medical Use in Bodybuilding
The primary modern use of methabol is non-medical, for physique and performance enhancement by bodybuilders and athletes [1.6.1]. It is valued for its ability to produce rapid and substantial gains in muscle mass and strength, often used to "kickstart" a bulking cycle.
Dosages in this context are often 10 to 100 times higher than the historical medical doses, leading to a much greater risk of severe side effects [1.5.2]. Users often take it in "cycles" lasting several weeks, frequently "stacking" it with other injectable steroids. This illicit use is prohibited by all major sporting bodies, including the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) [1.4.1].
Comparison: Medical vs. Non-Medical Application
| Feature | Historical Medical Use | Non-Medical Bodybuilding Use |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Treat specific conditions like osteoporosis or hypogonadism [1.4.4]. | Rapid and significant muscle and strength gain [1.4.2]. |
| Typical Dosage | Low, clinically supervised (e.g., 5-10 mg/day) [1.4.4]. | High, self-administered (often 30-100+ mg/day) [1.5.2]. |
| Duration | As prescribed by a physician for a therapeutic purpose. | Short-term "cycles" of 4-6 weeks to minimize liver strain. |
| Legal Status | Formerly by prescription; now largely unapproved and illegal in the U.S. [1.4.4]. | Illicit purchase and possession is a felony in many places [1.6.2]. |
| Primary Outcome | Modest therapeutic benefit with potential side effects. | Dramatic muscle growth accompanied by a high risk of severe health issues [1.5.3]. |
Significant Side Effects and Health Risks
The non-medical use of methabol at high doses is associated with a wide range of dangerous and potentially irreversible side effects.
- Hepatotoxicity (Liver Damage): As a 17-alpha-alkylated compound, methandienone is inherently stressful to the liver. Prolonged use or high doses can lead to liver damage, tumors, and a rare condition called peliosis hepatis, where blood-filled cysts form in the liver [1.5.5, 1.6.1].
- Cardiovascular Strain: It can negatively alter cholesterol levels by lowering HDL ("good") cholesterol and raising LDL ("bad") cholesterol. It also commonly causes water retention and high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke [1.5.2, 1.5.7].
- Estrogenic Effects: Methandienone can be converted into methylestradiol, a potent estrogen [1.6.1]. This leads to side effects like gynecomastia (the development of male breast tissue), significant water retention (bloating), and increased body fat [1.6.1].
- Androgenic Effects: Despite being less androgenic than testosterone, it can still cause acne, accelerated male pattern baldness, and oily skin [1.5.2]. In women, it can cause virilization, leading to a deepened voice, body/facial hair growth, and clitoral enlargement [1.5.4, 1.6.1].
- Endocrine System Disruption: Use of methabol suppresses the body's natural production of testosterone. After a cycle, this can lead to testicular atrophy and infertility. Recovering natural hormone function can take months [1.5.4, 1.6.4].
Conclusion
While methabol (methandienone) once held a niche place in medicine, its uses have been rendered obsolete due to a high potential for harm [1.4.4]. Today, its primary application is in the high-risk, illicit world of performance enhancement, where users seek dramatic muscle gains at the cost of potentially severe and long-lasting health consequences, including liver damage, cardiovascular disease, and hormonal disruption [1.5.3, 1.5.5]. Its possession and use without a prescription are illegal in many countries, including the United States [1.6.2].
For more information on the risks of substances used in bodybuilding, one authoritative source is the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Caution: Bodybuilding Products Can Be Risky [1.5.3].
