Turinabol, or chlorodehydromethyltestosterone, is an influential oral anabolic steroid with a distinctive backstory as the only anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) developed exclusively for non-therapeutic use.
Developed to clandestinely boost the performance of East Germany’s national sports teams, turinabol played a pivotal role in their Olympic domination from 1968 to 1989 through a state-led doping initiative labeled “State Plan Research Theme 14.25.” Under the guise of providing “vitamins,” coaches supplied their athletes with this undetectable steroid.
This unethical practice involved upwards of 10,000 athletes, some as youthful as 10, who, without their knowledge and consent, were essentially used as unwitting subjects in an experiment yielding substantial improvement in muscle strength, mass, and stamina.
It wasn’t until the following decade that it became publicly acknowledged that Turinabol was the veiled secret behind the ‘East German Doping Machine’.
Comparing Tbol and Dianabol
After observing the impressive impact of Dianabol on Olympic competitors, German researchers aspired to create a variant of it that mirrored its muscle-building and strength-augmenting qualities but without the undesirable side effect of water retention caused by its propensity to aromatize.
Their quest culminated in the creation of a derivative resembling Dianabol structurally but with the significant modification of a 4-chloro alteration of clostebol, a compound typically found in dermatological treatments (1). This critical alteration allows Turinabol to sidestep the estrogenic side effects, thus offering lean muscular gains free from fluid increase.
The chemical nature of Turinabol has led to its nickname ‘baby Dbol’ in bodybuilding communities. Although less powerfully anabolic and androgenic than its predecessor Dianabol, Turinabol has been effectively used to enhance the performance in sports like swimming and gymnastics, leading to many a world record and medals. Currently, it’s a steroid of choice across multiple sports from fighting to baseball, with notable athletes including Jon Jones identified for consumption of Turinabol (2).
Perks of Turinabol Intake
- Amplified muscle definition
- Ramp-up in strength
- Aids in fat reduction
- Lacks estrogenic consequences
- Low androgenicity
Turinabol’s moderate anabolic attributes and non-water-retaining properties make it a favored cutting steroid to bolster fat loss while maintaining muscle during a caloric deficit.
Like other anabolic steroids, due to its elevation of exogenous testosterone, Turinabol also promotes the reduction of subcutaneous fat. Its 4-chloro alteration ensures Turinabol avoids estrogenic effects, eliminating concerns about gynecomastia and fluid accumulation.
With an exceptionally low androgenic score, problematic conditions such as acne vulgaris, androgenic alopecia, and benign prostatic hyperplasia are rarely experienced.
Expected Results from Turinabol
Despite its efficacy in aiding novice bodybuilders to amass over 15 pounds of lean mass, Turinabol yields less significant hypertrophy in users with deeper anabolic steroid experience.
For those focused on notable mass gain, Turinabol, with its anabolic rating of 54, is less optimal compared to substances like Testosterone, Anadrol, Trenbolone, and Dianabol. According to Dr. Grant Fourie, Turinabol’s impact on body composition is superior to Anavar but not as substantial as Winstrol‘s.
Users often experience a gradual progression on Turinabol, with a 16-hour half-life facilitating a steady buildup in the system, longer than both Winstrol and Anavar. It lies on the spectrum of oral steroids that don’t offer swift surge in the bloodstream, necessitating extended cycles for maximal effect.
Turinabol also elicits profound strength gains, evidenced by historical data and contemporary testimonials of enhanced athletic performance.
Adverse Effects of Turinabol
- Potential for virilization
- Hepatotoxicity concerns
- Impact on HDL cholesterol levels
- Natural testosterone production suppression
Regarding Virilization
Notwithstanding its zero androgen rating, Turinabol retains the potential to induce masculinization in female users.Evidence of masculinization was apparent during the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal, manifested by the East German female swimmers who exhibited unusually wide shoulders and lower-toned voices.
A potential explanation for the emergence of such changes, a decade post-initiation of Turinabol use, could be the progressive annual increments in dosage.
Moreover, since the early 1970s, numerous female athletes had begun utilizing additional virilizing agents, like testosterone esters and Nandrolone (Deca Durabolin).
At this juncture, a fraction of these athletes opted out of the regimen, primarily due to the introduction of injectable forms (which are less discreet compared to oral ingestion).
Determining the exact potency of Turinabol in causing masculinization is challenging, considering the concurrent use of other steroids by the East German athletes.
Nonetheless, evidence suggests Turinabol was relatively well-received by females at prudent doses, as indicated by the minimal effects during its initial years of administration.
Liver Toxicity
From our experience, hepatic stress indicators like AST and ALT typically increase while on Turinabol, which can be attributed to its c-17 alpha-alkylated structure necessitating hepatic processing.
However, our investigations indicate that Turinabol ordinarily exhibits mild hepatotoxicity and is generally well-tolerated.
Despite this, caution is advised against prolonged use of Turinabol (in excess of 8 weeks), as there is potential for liver failure and jaundice.
Dr. Grant Fourie noted a case where a patient self-administered Turinabol for 1-2 years based on its historical prescription to East German athletes. This led to peliosis hepatis, a grave condition with blood-filled cysts in the liver, which subsequently required surgical intervention and partial hepatectomy to assist recovery.
HDL Cholesterol
Observations show a reduction in HDL cholesterol levels and a concurrent mild-to-moderate elevation in blood pressure while on Turinabol.
Such detrimental impacts on blood lipids are common with anabolic steroids, with oral variants imposing more cardiovascular stress as they activate the hepatic lipase enzyme more significantly.
Individuals with pre-existing hypertension or familial heart disease should generally steer away from anabolic steroids.
A regimen of regular cardiovascular exercise and a daily 4-gram fish oil supplement throughout the cycle has proven to mitigate the risk of hypertension, as it enhances endothelial function and reduces arterial plaque build-up.
Testosterone Suppression
All anabolic steroids, including Turinabol, contribute to exogenous testosterone elevation and the decrease of endogenous testosterone.
The extent of suppression on the HPG axis largely depends on the steroid’s strength and the dosages consumed.
Turinabol usage alone tends to moderately reduce natural testosterone production, fairly similar to Anavar. Yet, this suppression could worsen if it’s cycled with other steroids.
Post-cycle, our patients engage in PCT to hasten the restoration of natural testosterone levels.
SERMs, specifically Clomiphene (Clomid) and Tamoxifen (Nolvadex), have shown effectiveness in rebalancing male hormone levels (4).
Patients customarily administer 30mg of Nolvadex or 100mg of Clomid daily for around 30 days for PCT.
For a Turinabol-only cycle, a single SERM post-cycle may suffice. In contrast, stacking Turinabol with other suppressive anabolic steroids may necessitate a dual SERM approach.
Some aggressive PCTs incorporate hCG, administering 2,000 IU every other day for 20 days, which has shown to be particularly beneficial for ameliorating testicular atrophy and boosting spermatogenesis.
Turinabol Cycles
Usual Turinabol doses range from 15–40 mg daily. The lower spectrum is aimed at athletic performance enhancement, while the 40mg is preferable for bodybuilders aiming for lean muscle mass.
A common duration for a Turinabol cycle is 6–8 weeks, befitting oral cycles as its extended ester structure leads to slower-acting properties.
Turinabol-Only Cycle (For Men)
Intermediate bodybuilders may extend their cycle to 8 weeks, given their liver enzymes and blood pressure remain within safe limits.
| Week | Turinabol |
|---|---|
| 1 | 40mg/day |
| 2 | 40mg/day |
| 3 | 40mg/day |
| 4 | 40mg/day |
| 5 | 40mg/day |
| 6 | 40mg/day |
| 7 | 40mg/day |
Some may augment their dosage to 80 mg/day; though, from what we’ve observed, such an increase isn’t just unnecessary but also heightens toxicity per our LFTs and lipid profiles assessments.
Should individuals not observe positive results at 40 mg/day, it is likely the substance is not genuine Turinabol but rather a placebo or substantially diluted product.
Turinabol – only cycle for Women
Women can typically utilize low doses of Turinabol (5mg) without the risk of developing male secondary sex characteristics.
| Week | Turinabol |
|---|---|
| 1 | 5mg/day |
| 2 | 5mg/day |
| 3 | 5mg/day |
| 4 | 5mg/day |
| 5 | 5mg/day |
Due to women possessing significantly lower levels of natural testosterone compared to men, small amounts of anabolic steroids can be quite effective in yielding remarkable body composition changes and substantial improvements.
Combination Cycle of Turinabol and Testosterone
| Week | Testosterone | Turinabol |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 200mg | 40mg/day |
| 2 | 400mg | 40mg/day |
| 3 | 400mg | 40mg/day |
| 4 | 400mg | 40mg/day |
| 5 | 400mg | 40mg/day |
| 6 | 500mg | 40mg/day |
| 7 | 500mg | 40mg/day |
| 8 | 500mg | 40mg/day |
| 9 | 500mg | — |
| 10 | 200mg | — |
Using Turinabol in conjunction with Testosterone tends to offer complementary benefits, with Testosterone providing muscle-building advantages while not overburdening the liver or causing substantial cholesterol levels alterations.
This combination is versatile, suitable for both bulking and cutting phases, aiding in muscle building while facilitating fat reduction.
Testosterone stands out as an excellent agent for bulking, yielding impressive muscle bulk and strength. The preferred esters for sustained and impactful results among bodybuilders are cypionate and enanthate.
When the goal is to cut, incorporating an anti-estrogen is advisable to curb water retention that might come with Testosterone supplementation. Letrozole or anastrozole are proven to be efficient at blocking aromatization, which is a process where Testosterone is converted to estrogen.
A decrease in sexual health, including erection quality and function, may occur in the concluding part of a Turinabol-only cycle, given its low androgenic effects. A fall in DHT levels, which are vital for maintaining sexual well-being, often happens with weaker androgens. DHT is crucial for the production of nitric oxide and for sustaining adequate blood flow to the penis.
Thus, combining Turinabol with an androgenic steroid like Testosterone can maintain elevated DHT and nitric oxide levels, which helps prevent issues with impotence.
Nonetheless, elevated levels of DHT have been linked with a higher incidence of hair loss, acne, and an increase in prostate size.
Feedback and Experiences with Turinabol
We’ve compiled testimonies from various individuals who have used Turinabol, offering insight into its diverse effects.
Experienced significant muscle growth, especially in the shoulders and back. Gained fullness in muscles and size increases were noted from the third week. Strength improvements were clear with an increase in the bench press by 35 pounds over 4 weeks, without any negative side effects or bloat.
Users have often underestimated Turinabol. It provides substantial, clean gains, and strength increases, with the added benefit of no water retention and stable estrogen levels compared to its counterparts.
Turinabol enhanced stamina considerably, allowing for long-distance running followed by weight training. It synergizes well with other compounds, including the notorious Dbol, producing surprising endurance and strength gains.
As a first-time oral steroid, the effects of Turinabol were impressive, transforming physical aesthetics and vastly improving workout intensity and efficiency, making it a favored choice even over more potent compounds.
Comparing Turinabol and Anavar
Turinabol and Anavar share similarities as oral steroids that don’t lead to estrogenic effects, both aiding lean muscle growth, enhancing strength, and supporting fat loss.
Nevertheless, Turinabol may slightly outperform Anavar in muscle and strength acquisition, yet it also presents a marginally increased risk for side effects such as cholesterol variability, liver enzyme elevation, and a greater impact on testosterone suppression.On the black market, Turinabol is substantially more affordable than Anavar; the latter, being Oxandrolone, counts among the priciest steroids, with costs mounting to several hundred dollars for each cycle.
Patients have observed that Turinabol may be gentler on the joints than Anavar or Winstrol, as they’ve experienced less dehydration in the synovial fluid. This characteristic could appeal to bodybuilders who engage in lifting heavier loads for fewer repetitions.
Anavar is known for its compatibility with female users, rarely inducing virilization, and it’s suggested that Turinabol could share this trait.
Yet, given that Turinabol is marginally stronger, Anavar might be considered the safer choice for female use. Anavar’s track record since its development in 1962 includes ample research on its impact on women and its ongoing use in clinical settings.
Conversely, Turinabol does not have FDA approval for the treatment of any muscle-wasting illnesses and is infrequently utilized by women in weightlifting, thus it remains a compound with less clarity regarding its effects.
“Purchasing Turinabol?”
In Germany, Turinabol is no longer offered as a prescription medication, with its production having ceased in 1994 following revelations of its involvement in the government-endorsed ‘State Plan Research Theme 14.25′.
Since its discontinuation, few pharmaceutical companies have manufactured Turinabol, leaving bodybuilders to procure it through underground labs in the black market—a practice fraught with legal and safety concerns, including product contamination and adulteration risks.
Summary: Benefits and Drawbacks
Benefits:
- Noticeable enhancements in muscle definition
- Reduction in body fat
- Considerable boosts in stamina
- Absence of estrogenic side effects
- Avoidance of androgenic side effects
- Comparatively mild side effects
- Potentially acceptable for cautious use by women
Drawbacks:
- Slight risk of liver toxicity
- Reduction in HDL cholesterol levels
- Scarce availability of pharmaceutical grade options.
REFERENCES
(1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3212337/
(3) https://www.teamunify.com/uana/__doc__/Hormonal%20doping%20and%20androgenization%20of%20athletes.pdf
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