Dianabol the Breakfast of Champions? - Doctor's Analysis of Side Effects & Properties

Summary

This video delves into the history, pharmacology, and dangerous side effects of Dianabol, the first oral anabolic steroid. Initially introduced in the 1950s by Dr. John Ziegler for athletes, Dianabol became widely abused, with serious health risks such as liver toxicity, cardiovascular problems, and sexual side effects. Despite its medical uses in treating conditions like anemia and osteoporosis, its long-term impact includes liver damage, hypertension, and heart disease. The video urges caution, emphasizing the importance of consulting a doctor and understanding the risks before considering any anabolic steroid use.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dianabol, also known as Methandrostenolone, was the first oral anabolic steroid created in 1958 by Dr. John Ziegler, with the aim to improve athletic performance.
• 😀 Originally conceived to help athletes, Dianabol was used to treat conditions like aplastic anemia and osteoporosis, but became widely abused by athletes in the 1960s and 70s.
• 😀 The drug was designed with the goal of being more anabolic than androgenic, attempting to minimize side effects like prostate enlargement.
• 😀 Despite being marketed for medical use, Dianabol was eventually banned in the U.S. in 1983 due to its widespread misuse and adverse health effects.
• 😀 The drug works by binding to androgen receptors in the body, leading to effects like water retention, increased muscle mass, and strength.
• 😀 The most significant side effects of Dianabol include liver toxicity, cardiovascular problems (including high blood pressure and heart failure), and sexual side effects like hypogonadism.
• 😀 Dianabol undergoes aromatization, leading to estrogenic side effects such as gynecomastia and excessive water retention.
• 😀 While designed to be less androgenic, Dianabol can still cause androgenic side effects like acne, hair loss, and aggression due to conversion to DHT.
• 😀 Chronic use of Dianabol can cause liver damage, from elevated liver enzymes to irreversible conditions like liver cirrhosis and tumors.
• 😀 Despite being discontinued in the U.S., Dianabol continues to be used illicitly, especially in countries where there is a fear of injections, even though oral steroids can be more toxic.

Q & A

What is Dianabol, and why is it known as the 'breakfast of champions'?

Dianabol is an anabolic steroid, the first oral steroid to be widely used. It earned the nickname 'breakfast of champions' due to its popularity among athletes and bodybuilders in the 1960s and 1970s. Its reputation stems from its effectiveness in building muscle and strength quickly.

What are anabolic steroids, and how do they differ from androgenic steroids?

Anabolic steroids are substances that promote muscle growth (anabolism), while androgenic steroids primarily influence the development of male characteristics (androgenesis). Dianabol was designed to have more anabolic properties with fewer androgenic effects.

How did Dr. John Ziegler contribute to the development of Dianabol?

Dr. John Ziegler, a team physician for the US Olympic weightlifting team, observed the negative androgenic side effects of testosterone use by Russian athletes. In collaboration with Seba Pharmaceuticals, he helped develop Dianabol, which aimed to reduce androgenic effects while enhancing anabolic effects.

What is the significance of the chemical modifications made to Dianabol?

Dianabol is chemically modified from testosterone through a 17-alpha alkylation, allowing it to be effective orally. Additionally, a double bond was added between carbon 1 and 2 to reduce androgenic side effects, although these modifications remain controversial in terms of their effectiveness.

What are some common side effects associated with using Dianabol?

Common side effects include water retention, gynecomastia (development of breast tissue in men), and bloating. Long-term use can lead to more serious issues such as liver toxicity, cardiovascular problems, and sexual dysfunction.

How does Dianabol affect sexual health?

Dianabol can disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, leading to anabolic steroid-induced hypogonadism, which can result in reduced testosterone production and sexual dysfunction. This effect is particularly significant for those who use the steroid for extended periods.

What cardiovascular risks are associated with Dianabol use?

Dianabol use can lead to adverse lipid profile changes, such as reduced HDL (good cholesterol) and increased LDL (bad cholesterol), contributing to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Long-term use can also cause hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy, increasing the risk of heart failure.

Why is Dianabol considered to have significant liver toxicity?

Dianabol is a 17-alpha alkylated steroid, which means it is metabolized by the liver multiple times, increasing the risk of liver damage. This can range from transient enzyme elevations to more severe conditions like cholestatic syndrome and liver tumors, particularly with long-term use.

What is the paradox associated with Dianabol use and its perceived safety?

Many people, especially beginners and those who fear injections, mistakenly perceive oral steroids like Dianabol as safer than injectable steroids. However, the reality is that oral steroids are often more liver-toxic and can lead to severe long-term health consequences.

How did medical use of Dianabol evolve over time?

Dianabol was originally used medically in the 1960s for conditions like aplastic anemia, osteoporosis, and other catabolic disorders. However, after growing concerns over its abuse, it was removed from the market in 1983 in the US. Despite this, it continued to be used in some parts of the world, albeit largely in illicit forms.