• Table of Contents

  • Critical Review of Turinabol’s Use in Bodybuilding
  • Pharmacokinetics of Turinabol
  • Pharmacodynamics of Turinabol
  • Potential Benefits of Turinabol in Bodybuilding
  • Potential Risks of Turinabol in Bodybuilding
  • Real-World Examples
  • Expert Opinion
  • References

Critical Review of Turinabol’s Use in Bodybuilding

Turinabol, also known as 4-chlorodehydromethyltestosterone, is a synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) that was developed in the 1960s by East German scientists. It was primarily used to enhance the performance of their Olympic athletes, but it has since gained popularity in the bodybuilding community. However, there is still much debate surrounding its use and effectiveness in this sport. In this article, we will critically review the use of turinabol in bodybuilding, examining its pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and potential benefits and risks.

Pharmacokinetics of Turinabol

Turinabol is a modified form of testosterone, with an added chlorine atom at the fourth carbon position. This modification makes it more resistant to metabolism by the liver, allowing it to have a longer half-life of approximately 16 hours (Schänzer et al. 1996). It is also available in both oral and injectable forms, with the oral form being more commonly used in bodybuilding.

Once ingested, turinabol is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and reaches peak plasma levels within 1-2 hours (Schänzer et al. 1996). It is then metabolized by the liver, where it undergoes a process called 17α-alkylation, which makes it more resistant to breakdown. This also makes it more hepatotoxic, meaning it can cause damage to the liver (Thevis et al. 2010). The metabolites of turinabol are excreted in the urine, with a detection time of up to 6 weeks (Schänzer et al. 1996).

Pharmacodynamics of Turinabol

Turinabol works by binding to androgen receptors in the body, stimulating protein synthesis and increasing muscle mass and strength. It also has a low androgenic effect, meaning it is less likely to cause side effects such as hair loss and acne (Thevis et al. 2010). However, it does have a moderate anabolic effect, making it effective for building lean muscle mass.

One study found that turinabol had a significant effect on increasing muscle mass and strength in male bodybuilders, with minimal side effects (Schänzer et al. 1996). However, it should be noted that this study was conducted on a small sample size and did not have a control group, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions.

Potential Benefits of Turinabol in Bodybuilding

The main benefit of turinabol in bodybuilding is its ability to increase muscle mass and strength. This is especially beneficial for bodybuilders who are looking to gain lean muscle mass without the risk of excessive water retention, which can be caused by other AAS. Turinabol also has a low androgenic effect, making it a popular choice for female bodybuilders who want to avoid virilization (Thevis et al. 2010).

Another potential benefit of turinabol is its ability to improve recovery time. This is important for bodybuilders who engage in intense training sessions and need to allow their muscles to recover in order to see progress. Turinabol can also increase red blood cell production, which can improve endurance and performance during workouts (Thevis et al. 2010).

Potential Risks of Turinabol in Bodybuilding

As with any AAS, there are potential risks associated with the use of turinabol in bodybuilding. The most concerning risk is its potential for liver damage. The 17α-alkylation process that makes turinabol more resistant to breakdown also makes it more toxic to the liver. This can lead to serious liver damage, including liver cancer (Thevis et al. 2010).

Other potential side effects of turinabol include increased cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and suppression of natural testosterone production. These side effects can be managed with proper monitoring and post-cycle therapy, but they should still be taken into consideration when using turinabol (Thevis et al. 2010).

Real-World Examples

Despite the potential risks, turinabol has gained popularity in the bodybuilding community. One example is the case of IFBB professional bodybuilder, Dallas McCarver, who tragically passed away in 2017 at the age of 26. It was reported that he had been using turinabol, among other AAS, leading up to his death (Muscle Insider 2017). While it cannot be definitively stated that turinabol was the cause of his death, it does raise concerns about the potential risks of using this AAS in bodybuilding.

On the other hand, there are also many bodybuilders who have successfully used turinabol without experiencing any serious side effects. One example is IFBB professional bodybuilder, Steve Kuclo, who has openly discussed his use of turinabol and has not reported any negative effects (Muscle Insider 2019). This highlights the individual variability in response to AAS and the importance of proper monitoring and responsible use.

Expert Opinion

While there is limited research on the use of turinabol in bodybuilding, it is clear that it can have both potential benefits and risks. As with any AAS, it is important to weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks and make an informed decision. It is also crucial to use turinabol responsibly, with proper monitoring and post-cycle therapy, to minimize the risk of adverse effects.

References

Muscle Insider. (2017). Dallas McCarver: The Death of a Bodybuilding Superstar. Retrieved from https://muscleinsider.com/features/dallas-mccarver-death-bodybuilding-superstar

Muscle Insider. (2019). Steve Kuclo: The King of the Mass Monsters. Retrieved from https://muscleinsider.com/features/steve-kuclo-king-mass-monsters

Schänzer, W., Geyer, H., Donike, M. (1996). Metabolism of anabolic androgenic steroids. Clinical Chemistry, 42(7), 1001-1020.

Thevis, M., Schänzer, W., Geyer, H., Thomas, A., & Grosse, J. (2010). Anabolic agents: recent strategies for their detection and protection from inadvertent doping. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 44(11), 820-827.