Turinabol vs Dianabol Chemically (chlorodehydromethyltestosterone) vs (methandrostenolone) share a close resemblance, with the former being a modified version of the latter. Turinabol is distinct due to its unique 4-chloro alteration of clostebol.
German researchers aimed to engineer Turinabol to mirror Dianabol’s muscle-building and strength-enhancing effects without the associated estrogenic issues like fluid retention and gynecomastia. The synthesis of Turinabol was also part of a strategy to help boost the performance of German Olympic swimmers and gymnasts.
Because of its analog structure to Dianabol, Turinabol is often nicknamed ‘baby Dbol’ by those in the bodybuilding community.
Muscle and Strength Gains
The creation of Turinabol was indeed a success in achieving an anabolic effect similar to Dianabol but without the estrogen-related side effects.
On paper, Turinabol is anticipated to generate considerably less muscle mass due to its lower anabolic rating of 54, in contrast to Dianabol’s 210.
Nonetheless, from a practical standpoint, users of Turinabol often report experiencing comparable lean muscle gains to those using Dianabol. The more significant weight gain seen with Dianabol usage is typically from increased water retention.
On a milligram-for-milligram basis, Turinabol is the gentler of the two, and bodybuilders often take it at dosages between 40–80 mg/day, in contrast to 30–50 mg/day for Dianabol. As such, achieving similar results to Dianabol requires a larger quantity of Turinabol.
Anecdotally, beginners on standard Turinabol dosages may see weight increases up to 15 pounds over a period of 6 to 8 weeks, primarily as lean muscle mass.
In comparison, novices on Dianabol might gain over 20 pounds within a 6-week period, although 20–30% of this can be water weight.
Both steroids substantially boost muscular strength, but Dianabol is particularly potent in this area, enhancing intracellular water retention which supports adenosine triphosphate (ATP) energy production.
However, the strength gains from Turinabol are not negligible, with a 1973 report documenting a female shot-put athlete enhancing her throw by 2 meters in just 11 weeks on a dose of 10 mg/day (1).
Therefore, while both Dianabol and Turinabol are suitable for bulking phases, Dianabol is often chosen for rapid mass increases, whereas Turinabol is favored by those aiming for a lean bulk while maintaining aesthetics.
It’s important to note that Dianabol effects manifest more quickly than those of Turinabol due to Dianabol’s shorter esters and half-life (3-6 hours compared to Turinabol’s 16 hours).
Fat Loss
Dianabol is traditionally used for bulking, but Turinabol finds its place in both bulking and cutting cycles.
Turinabol doesn’t aromatize, while both steroids don’t particularly excel in direct fat-burning capabilities.
Thus, actual subcutaneous fat reduction is comparable for both steroids, but users might look leaner on Turinabol, thanks to its reduced water retention.
Bodybuilders may experience indirect fat loss through Turinabol’s remarkable endurance enhancements, potentially increasing calorie burn active.
Using Turinabol can be more conducive to burning fat when paired with regular cardio activities compared to using Dianabol.
Dianabol, on the other hand, may impair cardiovascular performance — a consequence of its adverse effects on blood lipids — possibly reducing the inclination for cardio exercise and lowering calorie expenditure as a result.
Moreover, Turinabol is typically associated with fewer calorie intake, perceived as a lean bulking or cutting agent, possibly linking it to fat loss.
Side effects (safety)
Liver Health
Both Turinabol and Dianabol are oral anabolic steroids, categorized as c-17 alpha-alkylated, creating potential risks for liver inflammation as indicated by elevated ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) enzymes. However, evidence suggests that Turinabol may induce a lesser degree of hepatoxicity.
As a result, appetite maintenance can be better with Turinabol since a stressed liver might trigger a decrease in food consumption as a protective measure.While Turinabol might represent a lower risk for liver toxicity compared to Dianabol, it’s critical for users to remain vigilant.
Therefore, to reduce the potential for liver damage, Turinabol should be used for no more than 6–8 weeks at a time, while Dianabol cycles should be limited to a duration of 4–6 weeks. Additionally, incorporating TUDCA at a daily dose of 500 mg can offer liver protection during a cycle.
Gynecomastia and Water Retention
Turinabol doesn’t convert to estrogen, meaning that it typically doesn’t cause gynecomastia or water retention, unlike what is often observed with Dianabol.
The absence of these side effects is a relief to many bodybuilders, given the irreversible progression of gynecomastia in its advanced stages without surgical intervention.
Testosterone Suppression
Dianabol has shown to cause a more significant disruption in the HPTA and reduce natural testosterone production more than Turinabol.
As a result, those coming off a Dianabol cycle may require a more potent post-cycle therapy approach, often involving both Clomid and Nolvadex, in contrast to Turinabol, which may only necessitate one of these drugs.
Cardiovascular Health
Both Dianabol and Turinabol have been associated with serious cardiovascular side effects.
Yet, our assessments indicate that Dianabol may have a more detrimental effect on cholesterol levels, potentially increasing the risk of atherosclerosis due to its impact on HDL and LDL levels. Dianabol use can also lead to hypertension because of the body’s tendency to retain more water.
While Turinabol can also cause a rise in blood pressure, its effect is generally less severe.
Oral steroids like these are generally not recommended for those with preexisting cardiovascular conditions because they must pass through the liver where they can stimulate the production of hepatic lipase, an enzyme that can exacerbate the risk of heart attacks.
By incorporating 4 grams of fish oil per day, maintaining a low-sodium diet, and engaging in regular cardiovascular exercise, bodybuilders have been able to mitigate the cardiovascular risks associated with these substances.
Acne and Hair Loss
The occurrence of acne and hair loss is less frequent with Turinabol due to its comparatively lower androgen rating when contrasted with Dianabol.
This difference results in reduced DHT levels and lesser stimulation of the sebaceous glands on Turinabol. The chance of benign prostate enlargement is also reduced because of its decreased androgenicity.
It should be noted, though, that androgenic side effects are typically not severe with Dianabol, given that it was designed to have a milder androgenic effect.
Muscular Endurance in Turinabol vs Dianabol
Theoretically, all anabolic steroids may enhance muscular endurance as a result of heightened exogenous testosterone and red blood cell production.
However, potential increases in blood pressure and liver impairment may compromise energy levels and blood circulation, which could negatively impact endurance.
Turinabol is particularly well-regarded for increasing serum testosterone levels significantly while avoiding the extensive cardiotoxic and hepatotoxic effects associated with many other compounds.
Suitability for Women
The use of Dianabol has led to masculinization effects in some women treated at our clinic, whereas Turinabol is generally better tolerated due to its lower androgenic properties.
Early on, female Olympians utilized Turinabol without experiencing virilization. Many female bodybuilders now successfully employ low doses of Tbol thanks to its relative safety.
Despite this, some German Olympic female athletes did manifest masculinization after several years of use, which could be due partly to continuous usage and the concurrent use of other virilizing steroids, such as testosterone esters and Deca Durabolin.
Conclusion
Turinabol provides many of the benefits of Dianabol, but with less toxicity.
Bodybuilders often report gaining similar amounts of lean muscle on both drugs, though Turinabol is associated with less size fluctuation.
Endurance athletes and those frequently involved in cardio may find Turinabol to be advantageous because it doesn’t cause significant weight gain through water retention.
Additionally, Turinabol is one of the more suitable anabolic steroids for women, given its milder impact on androgen levels.
REFERENCES
(1) https://www.teamunify.com/uana/__doc__/Hormonal%20doping%20and%20androgenization%20of%20athletes.pdf
(2) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21961034/
(3) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8298654/
Dr. Grant Fourie, a specialist in male hormones, is based in Cape Town, South Africa. He provides comprehensive treatments for conditions related to low testosterone, such as erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and mood changes. His methods include hormone replacement therapy and other modern treatment options.
Contact me via email or phone to book personal appointment in my clinic: The Village Square, Cape Town - South Africa