Turinabol is considered a very “mild” anabolic steroid in terms of side effects.
Other similar anabolic steroids in this category include Anavar (Oxandrolone) and Primobolan (Methenolone).
These are considered nearly perfect anabolic steroids because they have a strong separation between their anabolic and androgenic effects, and they do not convert to estrogen.
Turinabol shares these characteristics, and its androgenic strength rating is even lower than Anavar’s (6 vs. 24) and Primobolan’s (44-57).
Therefore, while Turinabol can be seen as having very few side effects, there are still risks and considerations to be aware of.
While there’s no such thing as a “perfect steroid,” Turinabol, along with Anavar and Primobolan, is rated as a ‘nearly perfect’ anabolic steroid.
Estrogenic Side Effects
Turinabol is a modified form of Dianabol. While Dianabol has an affinity for aromatization into estrogen, Turinabol does not.
Thanks to its 4-chloro substitution, the aromatase enzyme cannot convert Turinabol into estrogen.
Therefore, estrogenic side effects will not occur at any dosage of Turinabol.
Androgenic Side Effects
Although Turinabol’s androgenic strength is reduced due to its double bond between carbons 1 and 2 and its 4-chloro modification, androgenic functions still exist.
At low to moderate doses, androgenic effects are nearly non-existent, but at high doses, they can become more pronounced, especially in women.
Turinabol is metabolized by the 5-alpha reductase enzyme into a more potent androgenic metabolite, but using a 5AR inhibitor will not significantly reduce its androgenic activity.
Androgenic side effects can include increased sebum production (oily skin), acne, body and facial hair growth, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and male pattern baldness. Women may experience virilization symptoms if they take more than 10mg per day.
HPTA and Endogenous Testosterone Production Side Effects
All anabolic steroids can suppress endogenous testosterone production, and Turinabol is no exception.
Although Turinabol has a low androgenic rating, it is still suppressive, and all users must follow a proper Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) protocol.
This involves using ancillary drugs like Nolvadex or HCG for 4-6 weeks after the anabolic steroid cycle ends to stimulate testosterone production.
A Turinabol cycle should never be ended without a PCT; otherwise, the HPTA could be permanently damaged, potentially requiring TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy).
Hepatotoxic Side Effects
Turinabol is a C17-alpha alkylated oral anabolic steroid, which means it can have a negative impact on the liver.
While clinical data on its hepatotoxicity is scarce, its low androgenic strength suggests that its liver toxicity may be mild.
The fact that East German Olympians used Turinabol without severe liver issues supports this, but effects can vary depending on the dosage used.
The possibility of liver toxicity cannot be ruled out at high doses, and regular liver function tests are recommended.
Additionally, Turinabol can cause a decrease in HDL (good cholesterol) and an increase in LDL (bad cholesterol), leading to an increased risk of cardiovascular issues.
These changes depend on the dose and duration of use, and oral anabolic steroids have a more negative impact on cholesterol than injectable forms.
Turinabol can significantly interfere with the liver’s processing of cholesterol.
