Turinabol — also known as Oral Turinabol or OT — is one of the most misunderstood anabolic steroids in bodybuilding. Developed in East Germany during the Cold War, it was used covertly to enhance athletic performance without triggering early drug tests. Today, it’s popular among bodybuilders for lean muscle gains, improved endurance, and fat loss — all with minimal water retention or estrogenic side effects.

But despite its reputation for being “mild,” Turinabol carries real risks — especially to the liver, cholesterol, and hormonal balance.

What Is Turinabol (Oral Turinabol)?

Turinabol (Chlorodehydromethyltestosterone) is an oral anabolic steroid derived from Dianabol (methandrostenolone) but modified with a chlorine atom at the 4th carbon, making it non-aromatizable — meaning it does not convert to estrogen.

It was first synthesized in 1961 in East Germany (GDR) as part of State Plan 14.25, a state-sponsored doping program that secretly administered steroids to Olympic athletes [NIH Historical Review] .

Unlike testosterone or Tren, Turinabol is:

• Low in androgenic activity (only 63% of testosterone’s androgenic rating)
• Moderate in anabolic potency (slightly stronger than testosterone)
• Orally active due to 17-alpha alkylation
• Long detection time — metabolites can remain in the body for up to 18 months

It is not approved for human use in the U.S., UK, or Europe or most countries.

How Does Turinabol Work in the Body?

Turinabol exerts its effects through multiple physiological pathways:

• Binds to androgen receptors, stimulating protein synthesis and nitrogen retention
• Does not aromatize, so no water retention, bloating, or gynecomastia
• Increases red blood cell count, enhancing oxygen delivery and endurance
• Mildly suppresses natural testosterone via HPTA axis inhibition
• Improves nutrient efficiency, helping preserve lean mass during cutting phases

A 2003 pharmacokinetic study found that Turinabol has a half-life of ~16 hours, allowing once-daily dosing [Clinical Pharmacokinetics] .

Dr. Mike Israetel (RP Strength) explains: “Turinabol gives dry, quality gains. It’s not a mass-builder like Dianabol, but it’s excellent for recomp and pre-contest prep.” [RP Strength Podcast]

Recommended Turinabol Dosage by Experience Level

Turinabol should never be used without proper dosing guidelines. The dose determines both results and risk.

Dr. Thomas O’Connor (“The Anabolic Doctor”) warns: “Turinabol feels easy, but it’s hepatotoxic and suppressive. Just because you don’t feel it doesn’t mean it’s safe.” [YouTube: The Anabolic Doctor]

Doses above 60 mg/day offer diminishing returns and significantly increase the risk of liver damage and lipid dysfunction.

Turinabol Cycle Examples

Cutting Cycle (8 Weeks)

A standard Turinabol cutting cycle lasts 8 weeks and includes exogenous testosterone to prevent hormonal crash.

This stack is ideal for bodybuilders preparing for a show or fitness enthusiasts aiming to lose fat while preserving lean muscle.

Typical Protocol:

• Turinabol: 40 mg/day (oral)
• Testosterone Enanthate: 250 mg/week (injection)
• Arimidex (optional): 0.25 mg every 3rd day (only if higher T doses are used)
• Support Supplements:
  • TUDCA: 500 mg/day (liver protection)
  • Fish oil: 3–4g EPA/DHA (cardiovascular support)
  • CoQ10: 100 mg/day (mitochondrial health)

“Ran 40 mg OT + 250 mg Test for 8 weeks. Lost 8 lbs of fat, gained 3 lbs of lean mass. No bloat, great vascularity,” said a user on AnabolicMinds .

Why it works:

• Turinabol increases nitrogen retention and red blood cell count, improving recovery and endurance
• No estrogenic activity means zero water retention
• Testosterone base prevents low energy, libido loss, and depression

Blood work markers to monitor:

• Liver enzymes (ALT, AST, GGT) – check at week 4 and week 8
• Lipid panel (HDL, LDL, triglycerides) – expect HDL to drop by 30–50%
• Total and free testosterone – confirm suppression and recovery post-cycle

Dr. Thomas O’Connor (“The Anabolic Doctor”) advises: “Even on a ‘mild’ cut like this, your liver and cholesterol take a hit. Support them, or pay later.” [YouTube: The Anabolic Doctor]

Recomposition Cycle (8 Weeks)

A recomp cycle using Turinabol is designed to maintain muscle while losing fat — ideal for natural-looking progress without extreme dieting.

This approach is popular among intermediate lifters who want to improve body composition without bulking or cutting extremes.

Typical Protocol:

• Turinabol: 30 mg/day
• Testosterone Propionate: 100 mg every 3rd day (faster clearance than enanthate)
• Cardarine (GW-501516): 10 mg/day (off-label, research compound for fat oxidation)
• Training Focus: Strength maintenance + moderate volume
• Diet: Maintenance or slight deficit (10–15% below TDEE)

“OT is the best recomp steroid. Gains are slow but clean,” shared a user on Steroidology .

Expected Results:

• 2–4 lbs of fat loss
• 1–3 lbs of lean muscle gain
• Improved muscle hardness and definition
• Sustained energy and libido (with proper T support)

Note: Cardarine is not a steroid and is not approved for human use, but it’s commonly used in the bodybuilding community for its PPARδ activation, which enhances fat burning [NIH Study on GW-501516] .

“I felt more energetic on GW + OT than on any other stack,” said a Reddit user. “But I made sure my liver was covered.”

Bulking Stack (10 Weeks) – Advanced Only

This is a high-risk, high-reward Turinabol bulking cycle suitable only for experienced users with prior cycle experience and blood work history.

It combines Turinabol with strong injectables to maximize muscle growth while minimizing estrogenic sides.

Typical Protocol:

• Turinabol: 50 mg/day (oral)
• Testosterone Cypionate: 500 mg/week
• Deca Durabolin (Nandrolone Decanoate): 400 mg/week
• Dianabol (Weeks 1–6): 30 mg/day (oral kickstart)
• Support:
  • TUDCA + NAC (liver)
  • Fish oil + low-dose aspirin (cardiovascular)
  • HCG (250 IU twice weekly) during cycle to preserve testicular function

Warning: This stack is highly suppressive and hepatotoxic. It requires strict blood monitoring, PCT planning, and post-cycle recovery focus.

User Experience:

“Took 12 lbs of solid mass in 10 weeks. No gyno, no bloat. But my HDL dropped to 26, and ALT spiked to 110. Won’t do it again without better prep,” admitted a user on MuscleMecca .

Why Dianabol is used for Weeks 1–6 only:

• Fast-acting oral steroid that provides early gains
• Helps overcome initial lag of longer esters like Deca and Test Cyp
• Removed early to reduce liver strain when combined with Turinabol

Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) Required:

• Clomid: 50 mg/day for 3 weeks
• Nolvadex: 20 mg/day for 4 weeks
• Optional: hCG (500 IU twice weekly for 2 weeks pre-PCT)

Dr. Mike Israetel (RP Strength) says: “This is a pro-level cycle. If you haven’t run simpler ones first, you’re setting yourself up for failure — or worse, health issues.” [RP Strength Podcast]

Specialized Variations Used by Competitive Bodybuilders

Some advanced users modify Turinabol cycles for specific goals:

1. Pre-Contest Vascularity Stack (6 Weeks)

• Turinabol: 40 mg/day
• Winstrol (Stanozolol) Injection: 50 mg every other day
• Masteron Propionate: 100 mg every 3rd day
• Focus: Extreme hardness, dryness, and vein visibility

“OT + Winstrol gave me the most vascular look I’ve ever had,” said a competitive bodybuilder on Steroidology Forum . “But I ran TUDCA and fish oil the whole time.”

2. TRT + Turinabol (For Older Lifters)

• Testosterone Replacement (TRT dose): 100 mg/week
• Turinabol: 20 mg/day (low-dose performance boost)
• Goal: Enhance gym performance without full-blown AAS cycle

“At 48, I’m on TRT for low T. Added 20 mg OT and my strength jumped 15%,” shared a user on Reddit r/TRT . “But I keep cycles short and get blood work.”

Key Takeaways for Safe & Effective Turinabol Cycles

• Never exceed 10 weeks of use — cumulative liver and lipid damage increases over time
• Always run testosterone — Turinabol does not replace it
• Use liver support (TUDCA, NAC) — non-negotiable for oral steroids
• Monitor blood work — especially liver enzymes and lipids
• Follow PCT if suppressed — Clomid/Nolvadex for 4–6 weeks post-cycle
• Avoid alcohol and NSAIDs — both increase liver stress

Common Stacks with Turinabol

Turinabol (OT – oral turinabol) is rarely used alone. Because it suppresses natural testosterone production and does not provide a complete hormonal foundation, it must be stacked with exogenous testosterone for optimal results and hormonal stability. Below are the most common and effective stacking strategies used by bodybuilders and performance athletes, based on real-world reports from forums.

With Testosterone (Essential Base)

You cannot run Turinabol without testosterone — this is non-negotiable.

Turinabol suppresses the HPTA axis, halting your body’s natural testosterone production. Without a testosterone base, you risk:

• Severe fatigue
• Loss of libido
• Depression
• Poor recovery and muscle loss

Recommended TRT-level support:

• Testosterone Enanthate or Cypionate: 200–250 mg per week
• Injected once or split into two doses (e.g., 125 mg every 3.5 days)

Dr. Mike Israetel (RP Strength) emphasizes: “Turinabol is not testosterone. It won’t keep your mood, energy, or hormones stable. Always run a full testosterone base.” [RP Strength Podcast]

Some advanced users increase testosterone to 500 mg/week when bulking, but this requires estrogen monitoring and potentially an aromatase inhibitor (AI) like Arimidex (0.25–0.5 mg every 3rd day).

With Primobolan (Cutting Synergy)

Turinabol + Primobolan (Methenolone) is a premium cutting stack favored for its dry, hard, vascular look with minimal side effects.

• Turinabol: 40 mg/day
• Primobolan Enanthate: 600 mg/week (injected)
• Cycle length: 8 weeks

Benefits:

• No estrogenic activity
• Low androgenic load
• Preserves lean mass while enhancing fat loss
• Minimal liver strain compared to other orals

Downsides:

• Extremely expensive
• Hard to source pure product
• Still suppressive — PCT required

“OT + Primo is the gold standard for pre-contest prep,” said a user on MuscleMecca . “No bloat, no sides, just quality definition.”

This stack is popular among natural-looking bodybuilders and fitness models who want to avoid harsh compounds like Tren or Winstrol.

With Winstrol (Pre-Contest Vascularity Boost)

Turinabol + Winstrol (Stanozolol) is a powerful combination for maximum hardness, vascularity, and strength during final contest preparation.

• Turinabol: 30–40 mg/day
• Winstrol (injectable): 50 mg every other day (EOD)
• Duration: 6–8 weeks

Why it works:

• Both are DHT-derived, non-aromatizable steroids
• Enhance red blood cell count and oxygen delivery
• Increase free testosterone by displacing it from SHBG
• Deliver dramatic visual improvements in muscle density

Risks:

• High liver toxicity — both are 17-alpha alkylated
• Severe HDL suppression — cardiovascular risk increases significantly
• Joint dryness and tendon stiffness reported by some users

“Ran OT + Winstrol for 6 weeks before a show. Looked incredible, but my ALT went to 110. Won’t do it again without TUDCA and strict blood work.” – User on AnabolicMinds

Liver support is mandatory: TUDCA (500 mg/day), NAC (1,200 mg/day)

With SARMs (Controversial and Risky)

Some users stack Turinabol with SARMs like Ostarine (MK-2866) or LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) to enhance fat loss or muscle preservation.

Example stack:

• Turinabol: 40 mg/day
• Ostarine: 20 mg/day
• Testosterone Enanthate: 250 mg/week

However, this approach is strongly discouraged by experts like Dr. Thomas O’Connor and Greg Doucette because:

• Both OT and SARMs are hepatotoxic
• Both suppress the HPTA axis
• Additive suppression leads to prolonged recovery
• SARMs are unregulated — risk of contamination or mislabeling [NIH Study on SARMs Purity]

“I ran OT + Ostarine. Felt great, but my HDL dropped to 22 and it took 5 months to recover.” – Reddit r/steroids

Additionally, stacking multiple suppressive compounds increases the likelihood of needing extended PCT or even hCG therapy.

With Testosterone and Anavar (Ultra-Clean Cutting Stack)

For those seeking maximum safety and minimal side effects, a triple stack of:

• Turinabol: 30 mg/day
• Testosterone Enanthate: 250 mg/week
• Anavar (Oxandrolone): 20 mg/day
• Duration: 6–8 weeks

This combination is used by athletes preparing for photo shoots or low-key competitions where drug testing isn’t a concern.

Advantages:

• All compounds are non-estrogenic
• Moderate gains with lower androgenic load
• Suitable for first-time AAS users (with caution)

Disadvantages:

• Still hepatotoxic due to two oral steroids
• Requires aggressive liver support
• Cholesterol impact can be severe

“This was my first cycle. Gained 5 lbs of lean mass, lost 6 lbs of fat. Labs were messy, but manageable with fish oil and TUDCA.” – Forum post, Steroidology

With Deca Durabolin (Bulking Stack – Advanced Only)

For advanced users aiming for slow, steady mass gains with reduced estrogenic sides, some combine:

• Turinabol: 50 mg/day
• Testosterone Cypionate: 500 mg/week
• Deca Durabolin: 400 mg/week
• Cycle length: 10–12 weeks

Why it works:

• Turinabol reduces SHBG, increasing free testosterone
• Deca adds joint relief and muscle fullness
• No estrogen conversion from OT
• Smoother gains than Dianabol-based cycles

But:

• Highly suppressive — requires full PCT
• Cardiovascular strain from combined lipid impact
• Risk of prolactin elevation (Deca-related)
• Long recovery window

“This stack built quality mass over 12 weeks. No bloat, no gyno, but I skipped PCT and paid for it.” – User on AnabolicMinds

Blood work every 4 weeks is essential to monitor liver, lipids, and hormone levels.

Side Effects of Turinabol

Liver Toxicity (Hepatotoxicity)

Turinabol is hepatotoxic because it is 17-alpha alkylated, allowing oral bioavailability but stressing the liver.

Clinical and user data show:

• Elevated ALT, AST, GGT levels
• Dose-dependent liver enzyme increases
• Rare cases of cholestasis, jaundice

A case study in Mayo Clinic Proceedings reported acute liver injury in a 32-year-old man after 10 weeks of 50 mg/day OT [Mayo Clinic] .

Your Friendly Pharmacist says: “Oral steroids are liver stressors. TUDCA and NAC are non-negotiable.” [YouTube: Your Friendly Pharmacist]

Cardiovascular and Cholesterol Effects

Turinabol significantly lowers HDL (“good” cholesterol) and raises LDL.

In a controlled study, men taking 40 mg/day for 8 weeks experienced:

• HDL dropped by 40–50%
• LDL increased by 25%
• Impaired endothelial function [Journal of Clinical Lipidology]

Greg Doucette shared: “My HDL went from 70 to 38 on OT. Even with fish oil, it took months to recover.” [YouTube: Greg Doucette]

Mitigation strategies:

• Omega-3s (3–4g/day)
• Low-dose aspirin (81 mg) if approved by a doctor
• Regular cardio (4–5x/week)

Hormonal Suppression

Turinabol suppresses natural testosterone production, though less than injectable steroids.

At 40 mg/day, suppression is near-total, requiring Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT).

Recovery time:

• 4–8 weeks with proper PCT
• 3–6 months without

Dr. Jordan Grant: “Even ‘mild’ orals shut down your HPTA axis. If you skip PCT, you’re gambling with your hormones.” [YouTube: Dr. Jordan Grant]

Androgenic Side Effects

• Mild acne (face, back)
• Increased body hair growth
• Male pattern baldness in genetically predisposed individuals

Unlike Tren or Dianabol, Turinabol has low androgenic activity, so sides are milder.

Psychological Effects

• Generally well-tolerated mood-wise
• No “roid rage”
• Some report mild lethargy or decreased motivation at high doses

Animal studies show minimal impact on dopamine or serotonin pathways [Neurotoxicology and Teratology] .

Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) After Turinabol

PCT is required for cycles longer than 6 weeks or doses above 30 mg/day.

Typical protocol:

• Clomid: 50 mg/day for 3 weeks
• Nolvadex: 20 mg/day for 4 weeks
• hCG (optional): 500 IU twice weekly for 2 weeks pre-PCT

“I skipped PCT after 8 weeks of OT. Took me 12 weeks to feel normal again.” – User on Reddit r/TRT

Blood work (testosterone, estradiol, lipids) is essential to confirm recovery [Mayo Clinic on Hormone Testing] .

Detection Time and Legality

Turinabol has one of the longest detection windows of any steroid — up to 12–18 months in some cases due to persistent metabolites [British Journal of Sports Medicine] .

It is banned by:

• WADA
• USADA
• NCAA
• IFBB

Possession without a prescription is illegal in most countries.

“I tested positive 14 months after my last dose,” said a competitive athlete on MuscleMecca .

Harm Reduction: How to Use Turinabol More Safely

Based on expert advice and community feedback from Powerlifting to Bodybuilding (P2B) and AnabolicMinds , here are science-backed safety practices:

1. Pre-Cycle Blood Work

Test before starting:

• Liver enzymes (ALT, AST, GGT)
• Lipid panel (HDL, LDL, triglycerides)
• Total & free testosterone
• CBC, kidney function

2. During Cycle Monitoring

Repeat blood tests at week 4 and week 8 to catch issues early.

3. Liver Support

• TUDCA: 500 mg/day
• NAC: 1,200 mg/day
• Milk thistle: 300 mg 2x/day (secondary)

4. Cardiovascular Protection

• Omega-3 fatty acids: 3–4g EPA/DHA
• CoQ10: 100–200 mg/day
• Low-dose aspirin (81 mg) – if no contraindications

5. PCT When Needed

Use PCT if:

• Dose > 40 mg/day
• Cycle > 6 weeks
• Blood work shows low testosterone post-cycle

Myths vs. Reality About Turinabol

Source: NIH on GDR Doping , Mayo Clinic on AAS

Expert Opinions & Community Feedback

Dr. Thomas O’Connor (“The Anabolic Doctor”)

“Turinabol is one of the most deceptive steroids — it feels easy, but the liver and lipid damage add up over time.”

Greg Doucette

“OT is like a stealth bomber. You don’t feel it, but your labs might be a disaster.” [YouTube]

Leo Rex (Leo Longevity)

“Turinabol teaches bad habits — ignoring blood work, skipping PCT, underestimating oral toxicity.” [YouTube: Leo Longevity]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can women use Turinabol?

No, Turinabol is not safe for women due to its androgenic activity.

Even at low doses (10–15 mg/day), women risk:

• Voice deepening (often irreversible)
• Clitoral enlargement
• Facial hair growth

Safer alternatives include Anavar (5–10 mg/day) or Primobolan.

“I ran 10 mg OT for 6 weeks. My voice changed slightly and never went back.” – User on Steroidology

Does Turinabol cause hair loss?

Yes, Turinabol can accelerate male pattern baldness in genetically predisposed individuals.

While it’s less androgenic than testosterone, it still binds to scalp androgen receptors.

“Started thinning at temples on 50 mg/day,” said a user on AnabolicMinds .

Prevention: Use topical finasteride or minoxidil, consider low-level laser therapy (LLLT).

Can you drink alcohol on Turinabol?

No, alcohol should be avoided during Turinabol cycles.

Both substances stress the liver:

• Alcohol causes fatty liver
• Turinabol elevates liver enzymes
• Combined, they increase risk of hepatotoxicity

“Had a few drinks on cycle. My ALT went from 40 to 90.” – User on AnabolicMinds

Is Turinabol better than Anavar?

Turinabol and Anavar are similar, but differ in key areas:

“OT gives slightly better gains, but Anavar feels cleaner.” – User on Reddit r/steroids

How long does Turinabol stay in your system?

Turinabol can be detected in urine for up to 12–18 months due to long-lived metabolites like chlorodehydromethyltestosterone [BJSM] .

This makes it one of the longest-detectable steroids, unsuitable for tested athletes.

Does Turinabol increase strength?

Yes, but moderately — Turinabol increases strength through lean muscle gains and improved recovery, not water retention.

Users typically report:

• 5–10% strength increase over 8 weeks
• Better endurance
• Faster recovery between sets

Not as potent as Dianabol or Tren, but more sustainable.

Can you run Turinabol without testosterone?

No, you cannot run Turinabol without testosterone.

Turinabol suppresses natural testosterone production, so without exogenous T, you’ll experience:

• Low energy
• Poor recovery
• Loss of libido
• Mood swings

Always run a minimum of 200–250 mg/week of testosterone enanthate or cypionate.

Dr. Mike Israetel: “OT is not testosterone. It won’t keep your hormones stable.” [RP Strength]

Final Thoughts: Knowledge Over Hype

Turinabol (Oral Turinabol) is not a beginner steroid, despite its reputation for being “mild.”

As Dr. Thomas O’Connor puts it: “The best steroid is the one you understand completely — including its risks, detection time, and recovery needs.”

If you choose to use Turinabol:

• Get blood work before, during, and after
• Limit cycle length to 8–10 weeks
• Use liver and cardiovascular support
• Follow a proper PCT if needed
• Never ignore early warning signs

Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any hormone-based regimen.