Dianabol and Winstrol are two of the most favoured types of AASs. While they are the most preferred, their impact, usage, and associated risks differ. This guide will examine these differences to identify which one would be the best choice for you.
Considering a fitness routine with an end goal in mind? Are you considering taking AASs to support that fitness goal of yours?
In this case, you might want to know which one of the two most popular AASs, Dianabol and Winstrol, would suit your objective. A comparison between the two in terms of muscle gain, fat loss, and side effects will be conducted here to help you make that choice.
Overview of Dianabol and Winstrol
To start with, let’s take a look at the basic functions that people choose either Dianabol or Winstrol for.
What Is Dianabol?
Dianabol, or Methandrostenolone, is an oral AAS that works by mimicking the effects of testosterone in the human body. It helps to build and retain muscle mass. It does so by enhancing protein synthesis and retaining nitrogen.
The Dianabol steroid is known to be highly anabolic, while showing moderate androgenic properties. It is also commonly used in bulking cycles due to its ability to foster rapid muscle and strength gains.
What Is Winstrol?
Winstrol (Stanozolol) is a powerful AAS that is a derivative of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Winstrol steroid is available in both oral and injectable forms.
It is popular in cutting cycles due to its ability to promote lean and hard muscle retention and increase vascularity. It also helps in promoting a more cut muscular physique by reducing water retention.
Beginner bodybuilders also prefer a Winstrol cycle because it does not aromatise. This means that it does not get converted into oestrogen within your system.
A Basic Comparison Between Dianabol and Winstrol
Here is a chart looking into the basic differences between Dianabol and Winstrol:
| Factors | Dianabol | Winstrol |
| Primary Function | Bulking | Cutting |
| Water Retention | High | None to Low |
| Aromatisation Effects | Aromatises to Oestrogen | Does not Aromatise |
| Muscle Appearance | Full and bulky muscles | Dry and defined muscles |
| Strength and Energy Gains | Usually quite high | Can range from moderate to high |
| Common Side Effects | Liver strain, bloating, gynecomastia | Bad cholesterol spike, liver strain, joint pain |
| Best Use Case | Quick muscle gain | Fat loss and maintaining musculature |
Table 1: Dianabol vs. Winstrol
These differences only scratch the surface. For a deeper introspective, let’s look into some of the key factors to differentiate between the two popular AASs.
Key Differences Between Dianabol and Winstrol
Identifying the key areas of difference can be done by looking into what usually happens during a Dianabol cycle and what happens during a Winstrol cycle.
Muscle Growth and Strength
One of the main benefits of Dianabol is rapid mass gains and an increase in strength. This effectiveness in increasing muscle mass is what makes Dianabol a key supplement for bulking phases in bodybuilding.
Meanwhile, what does Winstrol do? Winstrol’s effectiveness is in promoting a lean, dry, and vascular appearance. It also helps in increasing nitrogen retention, leading to muscle recovery during a caloric deficit.
Fat Loss and Definition
Dianabol, by nature, is ineffective in fat loss. It works by enhancing protein synthesis, leading to faster muscle growth. This would imply that it is more effective in putting on more mass. Moreover, Dianabol steroid can also lead to high water retention, which can lead to a bloated appearance.
Comparatively, Winstrol is a lot more effective in cutting. It starts by creating a dry and vascular look. However, along a Winstrol cycle, the drier look can lead to improved muscle definition and noticeable fat loss.
Water Retention & Aesthetics
Looking to build a more aesthetically build body? You would go for Winstrol. On the other hand, Dianabol will essentially focus on building muscles faster, which can often lead to a bloated and bulkier look.
Alternatively, Winstrol benefits your cutting cycle by adding definition to your muscles. Winstrol has a much lower water retention rate when compared to Dianabol. This is due to its low estrogenic effects.
Primary estrogenic side effects, such as water retention and fat gain, are extremely low for Winstrol. While a strong anabolic substance like Dianabol has higher estrogenic side effects. This can lead to increased water retention and the possibility of fat gain.
Side Effects and Risks
As AASs are synthetic testosterone that impact your body’s functions, by either enhancing protein synthesis, speeding up metabolism, or improving fat loss, they are changing the natural functions of your bodily systems.
Thus, side effects would be obvious. It is time to look into some side effects that are common between Dianabol and Winstrol, and others, which are specific depending on Winstrol and Dianabol.
Common Side Effects
As both Dianabol and Winstrol are AASs, there can be some side effects that are common for both. These side effects include:
Liver Toxicity: Both Dianabol and Winstrol are oral 17-alpha alkylated. Such AASs have been implicated strongly in the case of liver injury, including prolonged cholestasis, hepatic adenomas, nodular regeneration, and so on. And all of these issues are related to the causes of hepatotoxicity.
Hormonal Suppression: AASs are synthetic testosterone. Prolonged exposure of your body to synthetic testosterone can lead to the natural synthesis being suppressed. Therefore, your body essentially becomes dependent on this substance, rather than producing testosterone naturally.
Cholesterol Imbalance: AASs can also lead to abnormalities in the HDL and LDL counts in your body. An increased level of LDL or bad cholesterol and a reduction in HDL or good cholesterol can be aspects leading to a critical imbalance in cholesterol count.
Unique Risks
Other than common side effects, there can be individual risks associated with Dianabol and Winstrol, which are unique to either.
Dianabol Risks
A unique Dianabol side effect is the estrogenic risk, due to the impact of aromatisation. Now, what does aromatisation mean? It can be described as the conversion of androgens into estrogens. This, coupled with the slowdown of natural production of testosterone, can lead to excess estrogen being created in the body.
This estrogen imbalance can cause bloating, weight gain, and mood swings in women. Alternatively, it can lead to infertility, erectile dysfunction, and gynecomastia in men.
Winstrol Risks
The most unique and critical Winstrol side effect is joint pain. It can dry out joints and tendons, leading to them becoming more susceptible to injury or rupture.
Winstrol can also cause hair loss, acne, and oily skin. This is because it increases your skin’s oil production, known as sebum. Higher sebum concentrations can cause acne and clog hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
Differences in Dosage
Dianabol and Winstrol are not only used in different bodybuilding and fitness functions. They also have different recommended dosages for ideal functioning.
P.S. Winstrol has androgenic effects, which necessitate caution among women before using it. If, as a female competitor, you want to consider it, it is better to make a pros and cons list with the help of an expert physician. And if the pros outweigh the cons, only then should you consider taking Winstrol.
Dianabol, on the other hand, is completely unsafe for women. Its high androgenic effect can lead to strong masculinisation symptoms.
Now let’s look at the recommended dosages, along with the possible post-cycle therapy options:
Dianabol Dosage:
| Stage | Dosage per Day | Recommended PCT |
| Beginner | 15-25 mg | Start 2-3 days after your cycle ends. It should be continued for 4 weeks minimum. PCT-Nolvadex: 20-40 mg/dayClomid: 20-50 mg/dayDHEA: 100 mg daily |
| Intermediate | 30-40 mg | |
| Advanced | 50-60 mg |
Table 2: Dianabol Dosage
Winstrol Dosage:
| User Type | Winstrol Dosage | Cycle Length |
| Men | 20-40 mg/day | 4-6 weeks |
| Women | 5-10 mg/day | 4-6 weeks |
Table 3: Winstrol Dosage
And for PCT consideration:
- Nolvadex (20 mg/day) for 3-4 weeks
- Clomid (25-50 mg/day) for 3-4 weeks
What About Stacking?
Depending on what your bodybuilding goals are, you might also consider stacking options for either Dianabol or Winstrol. But, what type of stacks are recommended? Let’s find out:
Can You Stack Dianabol and Winstrol?
Stacking Dianabol and Winstrol is generally not recommended due to the potential for liver load that both can have together. As both types of AASs have a level of impact on your liver, it is better to cycle them separately.
If you need to stack, focus on alternative options to stack either Dianabol or Winstrol with.
Safer Alternatives for Stacking
There are two options that you can consider when stacking Dianabol or Winstrol:
- Natural Muscle Boosters, such as D-aspartic acid or creatine, can be effective stack options with Dianabol or Winstrol.
- SARMs can be great stacking partners for AASs, especially as a mediating agent with a strong compound, such as Dianabol.
Common Dianabol stacks
The common Dianabol stacks are:
- Dianabol + Testosterone Enanthate
- Dianabol + Deca-Durabolin
- Dianabol + Trenbolone
Common Winstrol stacks
Common stacking options with Winstrol include:
- Testosterone Enanthate: It helps with basic hormone support
- Primobolan: It synergises lean muscle growth with joint support
- Anavar: For effective cutting and recomposition.
Final Thoughts
So, your choice can depend on a few contingencies. If you want quick gains, Dianabol would be the right choice. Alternatively, if you are looking for a dry, hard, and vascular look, you should go for Winstrol.
However, both choices are more suitable for men than women. Dianabol is not recommended at all for women, but Winstrol can be used by women, in a limited amount.
Dianabol or Winstrol? Which One Should You Choose?
What is your bodybuilding goal? Are you looking to bulk up? Or is your goal more inclined towards an aesthetic body with a dry and cut look? If it’s the former, go for Dianabol, and Winstrol if your objective leans towards the latter.
However, do not forget to follow the recommendations of a physician, and remember not to skip out on PCT.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Long Does Dianabol Take to Work?
It is a fast-acting AAS. It will start showing results within the first few days of the first dose.
2. Can Dianabol or Winstrol Cause Indigestion?
The chance is minor. However, oral AASs can cause acid indigestion or heartburn.
3. Can Winstrol Help Me Lose Belly Fat?
Winstrol does not target specific body parts. However, it can help by preserving lean muscle mass throughout your body.
4. Can I Take Winstrol or Dianabol if I Have a Heart Condition?
Continued exposure to AASs can lead to a toxic effect on your cardiovascular system. So, it would be recommended to consult a physician before considering an AAS.
