D-bol steroids are a powerful type of anabolic steroid invented by Dr. John Ziegler in the 1950s for the U.S. weightlifting team. The scientific name for the drug is methandrostenolone; it is also commonly known as dianabol. It is typically taken orally in pill form, though some injectable forms are also available. The drug is typically used to increase muscle mass, particularly by bodybuilders; due to its quick results, users often take it to kick off a bulking cycle with the goal of rapid weight and strength gains.
Like other anabolic steroids, d-bol steroids mimic the behavior of the naturally occurring testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. They increase protein synthesis, or the building of proteins, in the muscle cells. Glycogenolysis, where glycogen is replenished, is also increased in the muscles. This leads to dramatically increased muscle mass and strength, and it happens over a very short period of time.
High doses of d-bol steroids can cause a variety of cosmetic side effects in users. Men can experience enlargement of their mammary glands leading to swelling of their breasts; this is known as gynecomastia. Women using the drug will likely experience extreme masculinizing effects, such as a deeper voice, even at low doses. Users may notice bloating due to excess water retention; this can be very undesirable for people that want to accentuate the muscles they are trying to build. Other changes can include increased body and facial hair, oily skin with severe acne breakouts, and worsening of male pattern baldness.
D-bol steroids can have some significant negative effects internally as well. The drug can lead to high blood pressure and increased heart rate. It is toxic to the liver and can cause severe damage to the organ, because this type of steroid is not broken down as it passes through it. In cases of long-term use, damage can be significant and may contribute to the development of cancer.
Use of d-bol steroids is illegal in the United States and many other countries. It is still available in some countries by prescription, and therefore can still be obtained, typically through illegal channels. Due to the drug's effectiveness in building muscle mass and enhancing performance, it continues to be used by some bodybuilders and other athletes, often in combination with other types of steroids. Professional athletes suspected of using it may be tested for the drug via a urine analysis.