TURINABOL 

Turinabol (Chlorodehydromethyltestosterone, also known as ‘Tbol’ and Oral Turinabol) is actually a modified form of Dianabol (Methandrostenolone), whereby it is actually a combination of the chemical structures of Dianabol and Clostebol (4-chlorotestosterone). Hence this is why the actual chemical name is 4-chlorodehydromethyltestosterone. The modifications to its chemical structure allow it to be non-aromatizable and to also possess a very low androgenic rating, which is likely why Turinabol has been nicknamed as a ‘mild Dianabol’.

Information in regards to Turinabol was first published in 1962 and Chlorodehydromethyltestosterone was then manufactured and released by Jenapharm in East Germany as Turinabol and Oral Turinabol. Much like other compounds such as Anavar (Oxandrolone), Turinabol was revered by medical personnel and physicians for its ability to provide a fairly distinct separation of its anabolic and androgenic effects, favoring anabolic effects of course. This is one of the reasons why its often compared to compounds such as Anavar or Promobolan. As a result, much like Anavar or Primobolan, Oral-Turinabol saw extensive medical use in not just adult males but in women and children also. At the time, Turinabol was offered in two different concentrations per tablet: 1mg tablets, and 5mg tablets. The 1mg tablets would typically be utilized for individuals traditionally more sensitive to anabolic steroid therapies, such as women and children. Under its medical use at the time, it was prescribed for many different ailments, but was used frequently for the promotion of fat free mass in wasting disorders as well as the promotion of bone strength and mass.

Later in the 1990s, it was discovered that Turinabol was one of the key anabolic steroids utilized by East Germany in their infamous state-sponsored doping program known as the State Plan Research Theme 14.25. This plan was developed by the East German government in the late 1960s and implemented between 1974 – 1989 for the explicit purpose of administering anabolic steroids to all of their athletes (whether unbeknownst to them or not) in order to dominate at the Olympic games and other international sporting events. The core goal of this program was to simply cheat the anabolic steroid testing system in the Olympics by administering what would be at the time undetectable (due to its existence not being relatively well known) anabolic steroids to unwitting athletes, both male and female, who were simply told by their trainers and coaches that they were being given tiny blue vitamins. It later became known that the majority of these “vitamins” was, in fact, Oral-Turinabol. It was discovered that approximately 10,000 athletes over the course of a little over two decades were administered anabolic steroids (with most being Turinabol), whether they had known it or not.

Although Tbol had expressed an incredible record of valid application and safety, in 1994 Jenapharm halted production. This was a time in the early 1990s when the majority of anabolic steroids had been discontinued and pulled from markets all across the world due to the increasing anti-steroid stigma at the time. The increasing amounts of negative attention drawn to the use of anabolic steroids in sports in the early 1990s did not help Turinabol’s case, and its fate at the time was similar to many other anabolic steroids at the time as well. Jenapharm was eventually bought by Schering AG in 1996, but did not resume the manufacture of Turinabol. The halted production in the early 1990s coincided with the details concerning East Germany’s state sponsored doping program coming to light, and its abrupt production halt alongside the news in regards to the doping program is likely what contributed to the popular attitude among athletes and bodybuilders that Turinabol was a very mysterious, special, and prized anabolic steroid to obtain.

Today there are no known pharmaceutical productions of this compound, and its production is limited to underground lab (UGL) manufacturers.

CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF TURINABOL

As previously mentioned, Tbol is in reality a modified form of Dianabol (Methandrostenolone), whereby it is actually a combination of the chemical structures of Dianabol and Clostebol (4-chlorotestosterone). It possesses the same general chemical structure of Dianabol along with the 4-chloro substitution that Clostebol possesses. The result is that Tbol becomes a much milder hormone than its parent hormone Dianabol. The alterations to its chemical structure remove the ability for it to be able to be aromatized into Estrogen, as well as exhibiting a far weaker androgenic strength. Turinaboltherefore possesses an anabolic rating of 54, and a very low androgenic rating of 6, making its separation between anabolic and androgenic effects very distinct and favorable. Although the anabolic strength is considerably less than Dianabol’s rating of 90 – 210, the distinct distance between Turinabol’s anabolic and androgenic effects tend to be far more favorable to the individual.

Turinabol’s chemical modifications also grant it a 16 hour half-life as well as the ability to bind to SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin).

Turinabol is C17-alpha alkylated so as to allow oral bioavailability, and as a result, will exhibit a measure of liver toxicity. It also possesses a double bond between carbon 1 and carbon 2 (also known as the 1-ene carbon), and it is this double-bond that is responsible for the reduction of androgenic strength. Lastly, as previously mentioned, a chloro group has been added at the 4th carbon, responsible for rendering it unable to aromatize as well as reducing the androgenic strength even further.

PROPERTIES OF TURINABOL

Because of its distinct separation of its androgenic to anabolic effects, it is a weaker anabolic steroid than its parent hormone Dianabol. However, the assurance with Tbol is that with any apparent muscle building capability, it will present much less in the way of androgenic effects and absolutely no estrogenic effects (due to its inability to aromatize into Estrogen). Because of its fairly weaker strength than Dianabol, the doses required to elicit effects from Tbol are considered to be quite high (this will be explained shortly in the Tbol doses section of this profile).

In general, athletes and bodybuilders can expect steady and quality lean mass gains with no risk of any bloating, gyno, or any other estrogenic effects. Mass and strength gains are not known to be dramatic due to its lack of anabolic strength, but steady and quality lean gains that grow consistently over time can be expected. It is also used as an ideal cutting agent during periods of fat loss or pre-contest preparation due to its inability to convert into Estrogen. Turinabol’s capabilities really shine as an adjunct to other anabolic steroids when it is run (stacked) with other anabolic steroids due to its ability to bind to SHBG. Binding to SHBG allows more of the other anabolic steroids it is stacked with to be available to do their job, being uninhibited by SHBG, which is another advantage that it exhibits.

4-CHLORODEHYDROMETHYLTESTOSTERONE (AKA TURINABOL, ORAL TURINABOL, TBOL)

Chemical Name: 4-chloro-17a-methyl-17b-hydroxyandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one
Molecular Weight: 334.89 g/mol
Formula: C20H27ClO2 
Original Manufacturer: Jenapharm
Half Life: 16 hours
Detection Time: 11 – 12 months
Anabolic Rating: 54
Androgenic Rating: 6

Turinabol is one of the anabolic steroids that is regarded as a very ‘mild’ anabolic steroid in regards to side effects. Other similar anabolic steroids in this category include Anavar (Oxandrolone) and Primobolan (Methenolone), both regarded as almost perfect anabolic steroids due to their strong dissociation between anabolic and androgenic effects, as well as the fact that they cannot convert into Estrogen at any dose at all. Turinabol indeed shares all of these characteristics, and in fact possesses an androgenic strength rating that is the lowest out of all three compounds with a measurement of 6 versus 24 for Anavar and 44 – 57 for Primobolan. It can therefore be said that Turinabol side effects are almost nonexistent, but there are still some considerations and risks to be known and understood. There is no such thing as a ‘perfect steroid’, and although Turinabol comes close, it is still not without its potential risks and side effects. However, Turinabol can easily be considered a member of the trio of ‘almost perfect’ anabolic steroids: Anavar, Primobolan, and Turinabol.

ESTROGENIC SIDE EFFECTS

Turinabol is a modified form of Dianabol, and while Dianabol does hold a moderate affinity for aromatization into Estrogen, Turinabol does not at all. This is the result of its 4-chloro substitution (the chloro group that has been affixed to the 4th carbon on the steroid structure), which disallows the opportunity for the aromatase enzyme to convert Turinabol into Estrogen. Turinabol is therefore not aromatized at any dose at all, and estrogenic side effects should not be considered a part of Turinabol side effects at all.

ANDROGENIC SIDE EFFECTS

Turinabol’s chemical modification of holding a double-bond between carbons 1 and 2, as well as the 4-chloro modification, grant it with a significantly reduced androgenic strength. However, this has not eliminated Turinabol’s androgenic capabilities and although it is vastly less androgenic than most other anabolic steroids, there is still a risk with androgenic side effects (especially in those very sensitive to androgenic side effects). At lower to mid-range doses, androgenic effects should rarely be experienced due to its weakness in this department, but higher doses will elicit a greater androgenic effect, especially in females. In addition, Turinabol is indeed metabolized by the 5-alpha reductase enzyme into a stronger androgenic metabolite, but the rate of 5AR reduction that Turinabol is exposed to is known to be very minimal, and so the use of 5AR inhibitors such as Proscar, FInasteride, Dutasteride, etc. will likely not greatly reduce any androgenic activity that is resultant of Turinabol.

The potential for androgenic Turinabol side effects include: increased sebum secretion (oily skin), increased bouts of acne (linked to increased sebum secretion), bodily and facial hair growth, benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), and the increased risk of triggering Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) in individuals that possess the genetic trait required for the condition to manifest itself. Women will increase their chances of experiencing virilization at doses greater than 10mg per day.

HPTA AND ENDOGENOUS TESTOSTERONE PRODUCTION SIDE EFFECTS

All anabolic steroids possess the capability to suppress and/or shut down the body’s natural endogenous Testosterone production, and Turinabol side effects are no exception to this fact. Despite the fact that Turinabol exhibits perhaps the lowest androgenic rating out of all anabolic steroids, it would still nevertheless suppressive over the course of a full cycle length. It is therefore highly advised that any Turinabol user engage in a proper PCT (Post Cycle Therapy) protocol, which should always include the use of Testosterone production stimulating ancillary compounds, such as Nolvadex and/or HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) for an average PCT period of 4 – 6 weeks following the end of a cycle of any anabolic steroid regardless of how ‘mild’ it is claimed to be in terms of its impacts on the HPTA. No anabolic steroid cycle, whether it includes a compound that is considered as safe as Turinabol, should ever end without a PCT protocol superseding it. Failure to do so can result in permanent damage to the HPTA, whereby the individual will insufficiently produce proper levels of Testosterone for the remainder of his life, which if left untreated will ultimately medical intervention in the form of TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy).

HEPATOTOXIC SIDE EFFECTS

Because Turinabol is in fact a C17-alpha alkylated oral anabolic steroid, it does exhibit negative effects on the liver. Although clinical data in regards to the level of liver toxicity from Turinabol is very hard to come by, logic would suggest that due to its very low androgenic strength, liver toxicity would be minor but still existent. The fact that many East German Olympic athletes prior to 1990 were administered Turinabol for several years without significant liver problems1. However, it is important to understand that in the case of the East German athletes, the dose administered was between 5 – 35mg per day, and often times at the low end of this range. Therefore, there would be a significant difference in potential hepatotoxicity between an individual running Turinabol for 8 weeks at 15mg per day, and an individual running Turinabol for 8 weeks at 80mg per day. Even the original manufacturer pamphlets in the prescription Turinabol packages recommended that regular liver function tests be conducted during use due to the fact that liver function can be significantly affected by high dose use. With that having been said, Turinabol is, however, one of the oral anabolic steroids that is considered the least hepatotoxic (alongside Anavar and Primobolan) – but the risk of possible liver damage cannot be excluded, especially with higher dose use.

CARDIOVASCULAR SIDE EFFECTS

Negative cardiovascular risks, side effects, and cholesterol changes are a known side effect shared by all anabolic steroids, and this side effect does apply to Turinabol side effects. Negative cardiovascular side effects resultant from anabolic steroid use involves the reduction of HDL (the good   cholesterol) and increases of LDL (the bad cholesterol). The result of such changes involves an increased risk of arteriosclerosis, and the degree to which these changes occur for the worse are usually dose-dependent (with higher doses increasing the negative changes and the risks). Other factors that affect these negative cholesterol changes are: duration of use, and route of administration. In terms of the route of administration, oral anabolic steroids are known for having a reputation as being much worse for their negative impacts on cholesterol in comparison to injectable anabolic steroids. This is because the liver serves to function as the cholesterol processing center for the human body, and the increased hepatotoxicity associated with anabolic steroids will result in even worse negative cholesterol changes.

Although clinical data in regards to Turinabol’s effects on the cardiovascular system is almost nonexistent, it is common knowledge that Turinabol exhibits a very strong effect on the liver’s ability to process cholesterol. This is because of Turinabol’s strong resistance to hepatic metabolism in combination with its non-aromatizable nature, as well as its status as a C17-alpha alkylated oral anabolic steroid.

BODYBUILDING

Tbol is not a great bulking steroid at all, but that doesn’t mean it does not have tremendous benefits in cycles. Since it does not aromatize, you don’t have to worry about estrogenic side effects such as gynecomastia (bitch tits), water retention (oedema), insomnia, or high blood pressure (hypertension). No aromatase inhibitor is needed with Tbol cycles, so those who are prone to estrogen related side effects will appreciate this drug.

BENEFITS

• Results without weight gain (this is advantageous in sports where you are trying to make weight or compete in a certain weight class)
• Tighter muscles without a puffy look
• Increase in strength
• Increase in lean muscle mass
• Ability to strongly bind to SHBG
• Increase in free testosterone
• Low-Side Effects

MEDICAL USES

Unlike most other steroids, there are no medical uses for Turinabol. As mentioned above, it was produced for the sole purpose as a performance enhancer by the East Germans.

DOSAGES

For men, I recommend 20-50mgs per day as part of a steroid stack. Many bodybuilders think they have to use it in high dosages for good results, this is false. Since Tbol does not aromatize, don’t expect the scale to move daily, as you won’t retain a lot of water in your muscles.

Women can run Tbol at tiny dosages, 2.5-7.5mgs per day max. It can cause virilization at higher dosages. Remember the East German women jokes? They are rooted in tbol use, so be very careful ladies.

HALF-LIFE

The half-life is a whopping 16 hours, so once a day dosing will work fine. Though, I have seen numerous bodybuilders split the dosage into 12 hour intervals to get the “perfect” blood levels.

CYCLES

ORAL-ONLY: TBOL AND DBOL CYCLE

*Use aromasin or arimidex is dose-dependent on your response to estrogenic side effects. Exemestane at around 12.5mgs/EOD should be adequate.

INJECTABLE: TBOL AND TESTOSTERONE CYCLE