DHB
Also known as: Dihydroboldenone, 1-Testosterone, 1-Test Cyp
Injectable Anabolic Steroid | Lean Mass Alternative to Primobolan
Overview
Dihydroboldenone (DHB), also known as 1-testosterone, is the 5-alpha reduced metabolite of boldenone. While boldenone itself is converted to DHB in the body via 5-alpha reductase, standalone DHB is used as an injectable anabolic steroid in its own right, most commonly as the cypionate ester. DHB occupies an unusual niche in the anabolic steroid landscape: it possesses a high anabolic rating (approximately 200, double that of testosterone) with a moderate androgenic rating (approximately 100, equal to testosterone), producing lean, dry gains with no estrogenic activity. These properties have led to frequent comparisons with Primobolan (methenolone), as both compounds promote quality lean tissue gains without water retention or estrogen-related side effects. However, DHB is generally considered more potent milligram-for-milligram than Primobolan and is significantly cheaper, making it an attractive alternative for users seeking similar aesthetic results at lower cost. The compound has never been approved by the FDA for any medical indication, and all available DHB products are manufactured by underground laboratories. DHB's most notable drawback is severe post-injection pain (PIP), which is widely reported even at moderate concentrations and can be debilitating enough to limit practical use. This PIP is attributed to the compound's high melting point and crystalline nature, which causes it to precipitate out of solution in muscle tissue after injection, triggering a localized inflammatory response.
Key benefits
- High anabolic potency (approximately 200:100 anabolic-to-androgenic ratio) promoting lean, quality muscle gains
- No aromatization to estrogen, eliminating water retention, bloating, and gynecomastia risk from the compound itself
- Produces dry, lean aesthetic gains comparable to Primobolan at a fraction of the cost
- Does not convert to DHT or other more androgenic metabolites via 5-alpha reductase, as it is already 5-alpha reduced
- Can be stacked with testosterone without significantly complicating estrogen management
- Moderate androgenic activity supports strength gains without excessive androgenic side effects in most users
Mechanism of action
DHB exerts its anabolic effects through direct binding to the androgen receptor (AR) with high affinity. As a 5-alpha reduced steroid, DHB cannot be further reduced by 5-alpha reductase and is not a substrate for aromatase, meaning it does not convert to estradiol or any estrogenic metabolite. This absence of aromatization is a key pharmacological distinction from both testosterone and its parent compound boldenone. The result is a purely androgenic and anabolic signaling profile without estrogenic contribution to water retention, fat distribution, or gynecomastia risk. DHB promotes nitrogen retention, protein synthesis, and increased IGF-1 expression in skeletal muscle, driving lean tissue accretion. Because DHB does not aromatize, users running it as a secondary compound alongside a testosterone base typically find that their overall estrogen management is simplified, as DHB adds anabolic potency without adding to the estrogenic load. However, this also means that DHB provides none of the beneficial effects of estrogen on lipid profiles, bone density, neuroprotection, or libido, reinforcing the need for a testosterone base to maintain adequate estradiol levels. DHB is reported to have mild hepatotoxic potential, which is somewhat unusual for a non-17-alpha-alkylated injectable steroid and may relate to its metabolic pathway or the high concentrations of carrier solvents (such as guaiacol or ethyl oleate) used in UGL formulations to keep the compound in solution.
Molecular data
- Type
- 5-alpha reduced boldenone derivative (C19H28O2)
- Half-life
- ~7-9 days (cypionate ester)
Indications
What the research community uses this compound for, with self-reported effectiveness.
Body Composition
Performance
Dosing protocols
Common protocols by delivery method. Adjust the curve below to model accumulation in your own cycle.
Delivery method
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | 200-300 mg/week | 2-3x per week (cypionate) | — |
| — | 300-400 mg/week | 2-3x per week (cypionate) | — |
| — | 200-300 mg/week | 2-3x per week (cypionate) | — |
Protocol variations
Alternative cycling patterns reported in the literature and community.
DHB Cypionate - Lean Bulk
DHB cypionate at 200-400 mg per week run alongside testosterone at 2-4 times the DHB dose. This protocol leverages DHB's high anabolic potency and lack of aromatization to add lean tissue without complicating estrogen management. The testosterone base provides essential estrogenic support for mood, libido, joint health, and lipid profiles. Cycle lengths of 10-16 weeks are typical, with the shorter end being more common due to the cumulative burden of PIP over extended periods. Users should rotate injection sites (ventrogluteal, vastus lateralis, deltoid) to avoid repeated inflammation in the same tissue. Warming the oil before injection and injecting slowly are standard practices to mitigate PIP.
DHB Cypionate - Cutting
DHB at 200-300 mg per week alongside TRT-level testosterone (100-200 mg per week) during a cutting or recomposition phase. The low testosterone dose minimizes estrogenic water retention while still maintaining adequate estradiol for health, and DHB provides additional anabolic support to prevent muscle catabolism during the deficit. This protocol is valued for producing a hard, dry, vascular appearance. The lower DHB dose also somewhat reduces the severity and frequency of PIP episodes compared to higher-dose protocols.
Safety
Reported adverse effects, contraindications, and what to monitor on cycle.
Common side effects
- Severe post-injection pain (PIP) -- the defining side effect of DHB, reported by the majority of users regardless of concentration, carrier oil, or injection technique. Pain typically begins 12-48 hours post-injection and can last 3-7 days, sometimes accompanied by redness, swelling, and warmth at the injection site.
- Suppression of endogenous testosterone production (profoundly suppressive, as with all AAS)
- Mild to moderate acne and oily skin in predisposed individuals
- Mild hair thinning in genetically predisposed individuals
- Mild liver stress (elevated ALT/AST reported even with injectable administration, potentially related to carrier solvents or the compound's metabolic pathway)
Rare side effects
- Injection site abscess or sterile abscess formation from repeated injections into inflamed tissue
- Significant cardiovascular strain including adverse lipid profile changes (HDL suppression, LDL elevation) with prolonged use
- Left ventricular hypertrophy with chronic use at high doses
- Prostate stimulation (though lower risk than testosterone due to no further 5-alpha reduction)
- Insomnia or night sweats at higher doses
- Allergic reaction to carrier solvents (guaiacol, ethyl oleate) used to keep DHB in solution
Contraindications
- Hepatic impairment or liver disease (DHB has mild hepatotoxic potential)
- Cardiovascular disease or history of thromboembolic events
- Prostate cancer (active or history of hormone-sensitive prostate cancer)
- Known hypersensitivity to DHB, cypionate ester, or common carrier solvents (guaiacol, ethyl oleate)
- Pregnancy or potential for pregnancy (Category X)
- Pre-existing injection site complications or chronic inflammatory conditions at common injection sites
Monitoring
- Liver function tests (ALT, AST, GGT): baseline, 4-6 weeks, and every 6-8 weeks throughout cycle -- more critical for DHB than typical injectables
- Complete blood count with hematocrit: baseline and every 6-8 weeks
- Total and free testosterone: baseline and mid-cycle to verify testosterone base adequacy
- Estradiol (sensitive assay): monitor to ensure testosterone base is maintaining adequate E2 levels
- Comprehensive metabolic panel and lipid panel: baseline and every 8-12 weeks
- Blood pressure: regular monitoring throughout use
- Injection site assessment: monitor for signs of infection, persistent inflammation, or abscess formation
References
Primary literature and clinical-trial data informing this entry.