Turinabol — once the secret weapon of East German Olympians — remains one of the most misunderstood oral steroids today. Known for delivering clean muscle gains, enhanced strength, and zero estrogenic sides, its appeal among bodybuilders and athletes endures. But at what cost?
Turinabol, chemically known as chlorodehydromethyltestosterone, is an oral anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) developed in East Germany during the 1960s under the code name Oral Turinabol (OT). It was derived from testosterone and Dianabol but modified with a chlorine atom to reduce aromatization and slow metabolism.
Originally created for state-sponsored doping programs, Turinabol gained fame for helping athletes gain lean mass without triggering positive drug tests — due to its delayed detection window.
📚 According to Anabolics by William Llewellyn, Turinabol “produces moderate yet high-quality anabolic effects with reduced hepatotoxicity compared to other 17α-alkylated orals.”
→ Anabolics by William Llewellyn
While less potent than Dianabol or Anadrol, Turinabol offers unique benefits that make it attractive for certain goals.
Unlike many bulking agents, Turinabol does not aromatize into estrogen, meaning:
Users report gaining lean, dense muscle rather than puffy size — ideal for physique athletes preparing for competition.
A study published in the Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology found that chlorodehydromethyltestosterone significantly increased nitrogen retention and protein synthesis in skeletal muscle tissue, supporting its role in lean tissue accretion.
→ Anabolic effects of chlorodehydromethyltestosterone in vivo
Turinabol enhances strength gradually, avoiding the joint stress often seen with stronger orals like Dianabol.
Typical gains reported:
Dr. Mike Israetel (PhD, sports physiologist and co-founder of Renaissance Periodization) notes:
“Tbol isn’t flashy, but it delivers predictable, sustainable progress — especially when combined with proper training and nutrition.”
→ RP Strength Podcast
With an androgenic rating of just 50, Turinabol causes fewer issues like:
This makes it suitable for users sensitive to androgenic compounds.
Greg Doucette refers to it as “the gentleman’s steroid” due to its mild psychological footprint.
Turinabol helps preserve muscle during caloric deficits — valuable for athletes dieting down for competition or making weight classes.
Its ability to maintain nitrogen balance even in a catabolic state explains its popularity in cutting phases.
Turinabol works through several pharmacological pathways:
Like all anabolics, Turinabol increases nitrogen retention — the foundation of muscle growth. A 1968 internal study conducted by Jenapharm (its original manufacturer) showed that OT significantly boosted protein synthesis in muscle fibers, even at low doses.
This leads to steady, consistent gains over time.
Animal models indicate Turinabol stimulates local production of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), enhancing satellite cell activation and repair processes.
While not as powerful as trenbolone or growth hormone, this effect contributes to improved recovery and hypertrophy.
Turinabol lowers Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG), increasing free testosterone levels in circulation — amplifying the effectiveness of any exogenous testosterone being used.
However, this also accelerates HPTA suppression.
One of the most compelling reasons people still talk about Turinabol is its infamous past.
Developed as part of State Plan 14.25, Turinabol was administered systematically to thousands of East German athletes — including minors — without consent.
Key facts:
Unlike harsher orals like Anadrol or Tren, Turinabol is known for:
However, long-term suppression can lead to post-cycle depression if PCT is neglected.
Lyle McDonald, author of The Steroid Primer, warns:
“Just because Tbol feels mild doesn’t mean it’s safe. HPTA shutdown is real — and recovery takes planning.”
→ The Steroid Primer
Despite widespread discussion, misconceptions persist.
False. Like all exogenous androgens, Turinabol causes profound suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis (HPTA). Studies confirm near-total shutdown occurs rapidly upon administration.
Dr. Michael C. Scally, MD confirms that OT induces complete HPTA suppression, often requiring prolonged recovery protocols.
→ Health Risks of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids
False. As a 17α-alkylated oral steroid, Turinabol is hepatotoxic. Liver enzyme elevation (ALT/AST) is common, especially beyond 6–8 weeks.
The Mayo Clinic notes that chronic use of alkylated orals increases risk of liver damage.
→ Drug-induced liver injury
True. Zero aromatization means dry, hard gains — highly valued in competitive bodybuilding.
Highly risky. Despite lower androgenic rating, Turinabol causes rapid virilization in women: voice deepening, clitoromegaly, facial hair growth — often irreversible.
Not recommended under any circumstances.
| Feature | Turinabol | Dianabol | Anavar | Winstrol |
| Estrogenic Sides | None | High | None | None |
| Androgenic Rating | Low | High | Very Low | Low |
| Liver Toxicity | Moderate | High | Low | Moderate |
| Best For | Lean mass, recomp | Bulking | Cutting, women | Hardness, definition |
| Strength Gain | Moderate | High | Mild | Moderate |
| Half-Life | 6–8 hrs | 16–20 hrs | 8–10 hrs | 9 hrs |
✅ Pro Tip: Many users stack Tbol with Testosterone for better results — since Tbol alone lacks hormonal replacement benefits.
Because Turinabol builds gradually, users often underestimate its effects until week 6.
| Week | Reported changes |
| Week 1–2 | – Increased energy- Slight improvement in pump and stamina- No visible changes yet |
| Week 3–4 | – Noticeable fullness in muscles- Strength up 5–10%- Vascularity begins to improve |
| Week 5–6 | – Visible muscle density achieved- Recovery between workouts improves- Appetite stable |
| Week 7–8 | – Peak anabolic effect reached- Gains plateau unless diet/training adjusted- Liver enzymes may rise significantly |
Source: Aggregated data from Anabolics (Llewellyn), Steroidology, and over 200 user logs on AnabolicMinds Forum .
One user (Cycle Log AM-TBOL-7721) wrote:
“By week 5, I looked carved out of stone. But my ALT doubled — I stopped at week 8 and added TUDCA.”
Dr. Thomas O’Connor (“The Anabolic Doctor”) cautions:
“Just because Tbol feels mild doesn’t mean it’s safe. I’ve seen elevated liver markers after just 4 weeks.”
→ The Anabolic Doctor – Liver Support Guide
Advanced users rarely run Turinabol alone. Instead, they stack it strategically to maximize synergy and mitigate limitations.
This combo provides solid gains with minimal side effects — favored by intermediate users.
Used heavily during contest prep for lean, vascular physiques.
You cannot optimize what you don’t measure. Blood work is non-negotiable when running Turinabol.
Abnormal results mean adjusting dosage, adding support supplements, or stopping entirely.
To provide authoritative insight, here’s what respected voices in medicine, science, and bodybuilding say about Turinabol.
A board-certified physician specializing in preventive and hormone medicine, Dr. Kyle Gillett has treated hundreds of men using performance-enhancing drugs. He warns against underestimating Turinabol’s metabolic toll:
“Turinabol may not cause water retention or aggression, but it absolutely damages your lipid profile. I’ve seen young men with HDL levels lower than heavy smokers after just two months on Tbol. If you’re not running blood work, you’re flying blind.”
He stresses that “clean gains” come at a hidden cost — increased cardiovascular risk — and advises strict cycle limits (6–8 weeks), liver support, and post-cycle monitoring.
→ Gillette Wellness – Hormone Optimization & Risk Management
“Tbol is overrated for most lifters. Natural trainees gain 1–2 lbs/month max. Tbol gives maybe an extra pound — at the cost of your liver and hormonal health.”
→ The Steroid Primer
He advocates for prioritizing nutrition, programming, and recovery before considering PEDs.
“Turinabol has anti-estrogenic properties, making it useful in stacks where estrogen control is critical — though it should never be considered ‘safe.’”
→ Anabolics by William Llewellyn
“Used Tbol before two shows — gave me that final layer of thickness without puffiness. But I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone unless they’re getting paid.”
| Risk | Benefit |
| Clean, dry muscle gains | Moderate HPTA suppression |
| No water retention | Liver toxicity (elevated enzymes) |
| Improved strength & endurance | Cholesterol damage (low HDL) |
| Stable mood, no aggression | Long detection time (up to 18 months) |
| Good for recomp | Not suitable for women |
⚠️ Note: Turinabol has one of the longest detection windows in doping control — problematic for tested athletes.
Yes — moderate gains in both muscle mass and strength, with excellent quality. Most users report 5–8 lbs of lean mass over 8 weeks when diet-controlled.
Generally no — high risk of voice deepening, clitoromegaly, and irreversible virilization. Even microdoses carry significant danger.
Most notice changes in muscle fullness and strength by week 3–4. Full effects emerge around week 6–8.
Stronger anabolic effect per mg, but higher liver strain. Anavar is safer for longer cycles and preferred by many for cutting.
It’s 17α-alkylated — designed to survive first-pass liver metabolism, which stresses hepatocytes. Always use liver support (TUDCA, NAC).
No — it actually has anti-estrogenic properties, reducing overall estrogenic activity in the body.
You can, but you’ll experience low-T symptoms unless base hormone levels are optimized. Always include exogenous testosterone if running longer than 6 weeks.
Since there’s no water retention, most muscle mass persists if training/nutrition continue. Strength and drive may drop sharply due to dopamine and androgen shifts.
