Trenbolone is a highly androgenic steroid, with binding to the Androgen Receptor (AR) in the region of three times as high as testosterone. It does not aromatise and so is not subject to estrogenic side effects. In addition to high androgenicity, it is also extremely anabolic too, thus is very good at building muscle mass, and retaining muscle mass in a calorie deficient mode. It is also thought that Trenbolone inhibits cortisol production directly through the glucocorticoid receptors. Trenbolone is often found to be a body transforming drug, and also can aid a little in fat loss. This may be due to the very strong binding of trenbolone to the AR, which has been postulated to be one mechanism that results in the activation of fat loss pathways, possible through direct binding to fat cells' ARs. This makes Trenbolone a favourite among bodybuilders for cutting, and in addition to these benefits, Trenbolone usually results in large increases in strength due to its high androgenic effects.
Trenbolone although not converted to estrogen, does have progesterone effects, which will be discussed further in the side effects section of this article.
Suggested Cycles / Uses
Typically today underground labs produce Trenbolone acetate (GP Tren Acetate) as 75g/ml or 100mg/ml. It is often recommended first-time users of Trenbolone to use the faster acting acetate in case the side effects become too much for the user, they can then come off of the steroid very quickly and it is out of the system much quicker than, for example, the enanthate ester. For the novice user, 75mg or 100mg every other day is advised, however due to the acetate ester being even shorter than a propionate ester and the half life 1 day or less, to both reduce sides and aid gains, it is advisable that the user (if they can bear every day injections) injects Trenbolone acetate (GP Tren Acetate) every day (ed), at 37.5-50mg ed.
More advanced users may find that taking the Trenbolone to amounts over 500mg per week has very desirable effects on strength and body composition, however note that the side effects will also increase with the increase in dose. Due to the negative effect that Trenbolone has on libido, it is not generally recommended to take trenbolone without testosterone. However, one can take trenbolone for short periods without testosterone and introduce an aid such as Proviron (Metsterolone) to help with the libido issues, along with proper extensive post cycle therapy (PCT) for recovery. A typical test-free cycle with trenbolone may include something like 600mg Primobolan per week, 400mg trenbolone enanthate per week, for 10 weeks, PCT starting 2 weeks after last injections. The enanthate ester and other similar esters of Trenbolone can be injected twice per week. Below are some example cycles using Trenbolone:
Novice:
Testosterone propionate 100-150mg eod, 6-8weeks
Trenbolone acetate (GP Tren Acetate) 75-100mg eod, 6-8 weeks, PCT 4 days after last prop injection.
Intermediate:
Testosterone enanthate 750mg per week, weeks 1-12
Trenbolone enanthate 400mg per week, weeks 1-12
Winstrol 50mg ed weeks, 8-14
Primobolan 600mg per week, weeks 1-10
Testosterone propionate 200mg eod weeks 1-12
Trenbolone enanthate 400mg per week, weeks 1-10
Advanced:
Primobolan 600mg per week, weeks 1-10
Trenbolone enanthate 400mg per week, weeks 1-10
Testosterone enanthate 1000mg per week, weeks 1-12
Trenbolone enanthate 500-700mg per week, weeks 1-12
Anavar 80-100mg ed, weeks 1-14
Very advanced/pre-contest:
Testosterone propionate 100-200mg ed
Trenbolone acetate 75-100mg ed
Masteron 400-600mg per week
Winstrol 50mg ed
Primobolan 600mg per week
Halotestin 10-20mg ed
Trenbolone (GP Tren Acetate) is the one that should be used with extreme caution and only after plenty of research into its side effects and common cycles have been carried out. Trenbolone side effects can be very bad to many users, so much so that they will not use it despite its very positive effects on the body and strength. Firstly, as Trenbolone is so androgenic, all side effects that are seen with strong androgen's can be expected (if prone) with Trenbolone. If one is prone to male pattern baldness (MPB) than Trenbolone will likely speed this up. Some users find acne on Trenbolone worse than when on any other steroid. Certainly Trenbolone is not recommended for female users due to its strong androgenic properties and the common side effects that manifest themselves in females who use strong androgens.
Despite the fact that Trenbolone cannot aromatise, due to the progesterone route it can cause things like gynecomastia, but this will only really happen in the presence of estrogen. This does happen though in many users, as Trenbolone is usually stacked with a testosterone, which obviously can and will convert to estrogen. Gynecomastia from Trenbolone can be quite bad many will find, however if you do not suffer from this than other estrogen side effects should not be of worry, as Trenbolone does not cause any water retention or similar, but in fact often gives a hardened look and feel to the muscles.
Trenbolone also seems to give many users poor sleep patterns and insomnia. In addition, it can cause severe sweating in many, both during the night time and also just from doing the smallest of activities such as walking up stairs, etc. It also can impair to a certain degree, cardiovascular function, which means that it is not ideal for use in those who regular partake in such sports or activity that require a decent level of cardiovascular fitness.
Trenbolone also increases blood pressure in many users, some to such a degree that they have to cease using it. Thus it is recommended that one who wishes to use trenbolone, invests in a blood pressure monitor so they can regularly measure their blood pressure and keep an eye on it throughout the cycle.
Many people claim that Trenbolone has a negative effect on the kidneys. There are many of these claims certainly across the Internet since its use has become more widespread. However, there is no real evidence for these claims, and certainly many long-term users of Trenbolone have kidney function tests that are well within the normal range. Perhaps the reason for this theory is the fact that when using Trenbolone, many find that their urine can become a much darker more orange-brown colour. However, this is due to the fact that Trenbolone undergoes very little modification or breakdown and is excreted as a rust-colored oxidised form in the urine. In addition to this, any damage to kidney may not even be directly due to the Trenbolone, but more to do with the increased sweating and water loss from excessive body heat whilst on Trenbolone, without the sufficient addition of water intake. Thus it is recommended if running Trenbolone to keep the water intake high.
As Trenbolone is such a strong steroid, it is very harsh on the HTPA axis and will shut down the body's natural testosterone production very easily and, for many, very harshly. It is comparable that people can experience with Deca, and longer cycles may need to include the use of HCG to restore one's own natural production of testosterone. Recovery from cycles containing Trenbolone is not easy, and requires a very well thought out and stringent PCT routine and diet.
It has also been suggested through research that Trenbolone actually (although aiding slightly in fat loss) reduces endogenous T3 levels. Thus some advocate the use of 25mcg T3 throughout a Trenbolone cycle.
