"Contrary to what many would expect, this compound (Methandrostenolone trade name Dianabol) is actually only a
weak agonist of the AR, with poor binding in comparison to testosterone. It follows, then, that its value must come from non-AR-mediated effects."
(this means that it binds primarily to LXR and RXR/RAR, and more weakly to VDR/FXR nuclear receptors. The first encodes for liver factor activation of new myocytes. Te second for muscle and connective tissue repair/recovery and with the third, which also encodes for bone mineralization)
"Since it is not very effective in activating ARs, it should be stacked with an AAS that is effective in that regard. At moderate doses (20-50 mg/day) oral methandrostenolone appears to be about twice as effective per milligram (twice as potent) as injectable testosterone esters (
in promoting non-AR related anabolic activity)."
Thus, we have an apples and oranges situation. Early on in this cycle, there is VERY LITTLE FUCKING ACTIVATION OF AR HAPPENING. The primary nuclear receptor activation is is anabolic but not androgenic
Since Oxymetholone (Anadrol®) has been mentioned, its also a weak androgen receptor (AR) activator. Its primary effect is anabolic and it is also progestogenic (and therefore can aggravate gynecomastia in susceptible males), but unlike Dianabol, it is not converted by aromatase (CYP3A4) to estrogenic compounds.
The key to understanding the side effects and their toxciology lies in the OTHER RECEPTORS beyond AR that are activated by AAS compounds - this is a function of how TIGHTLY various steroid analogs bind to these other nuclear receptors.
Anadrol activates PXR and SXR, steroid receptor genes that control liver microsomal P450 enzyme expression. Its (apparently) thru this mechanism that anadrol exerts an estrogenic sensitization effect, although it not metabolized (does not *directly* activate) aromatase (cytochrome P450 3A4) in liver.
Therefore anadrol >> dianabol >> test, in terms of side effects via non-AR anabolic nuclear receptor activation.
Source:
http://www.mesomorphosis.com/articles/pharmacology/anabolic-steroid-profiles.htm