Chlorodehydromethyltestosterone (Turinabol) for Lean Performance — Anabolic Steroids

East German-developed oral AAS combining Dianabol structure with clostebol modification for dry, lean gains.

Overview

Oral Turinabol (4-chlorodehydromethyltestosterone) was developed in 1961 by Jenapharm in East Germany and became infamous as the centerpiece of the East German state-sponsored doping program (1968-1989), where it was administered to thousands of athletes without their knowledge. Structurally, it combines the methandrostenolone (Dianabol) backbone with a 4-chloro modification from clostebol, which prevents aromatization. This produces a 'dry Dianabol' effect: moderate lean mass and strength gains without water retention or estrogenic effects. Turinabol has a lower anabolic-to-androgenic ratio than Dianabol and produces slower, more quality gains. It is 17-alpha-alkylated with moderate hepatotoxicity. It was voluntarily discontinued by Jenapharm in 1994 after the doping scandal revelations.

Indications

  • No current medical indications
  • Lean mass accrual without water retention (non-medical)
  • Strength and athletic performance enhancement
  • Moderate body composition optimization with favorable cosmetic appearance
  • Historical: administered to East German Olympic athletes (1968-1989)

Mechanism of Action

Desire for quality lean mass and strength gains without water retention or estrogenic side effects

Dosing

CompoundDoseFrequencyNotes
Chlorodehydromethyltestosterone (Turinabol)20-40 mgSplit 2-3 times dailyModerate oral dosing for lean gains; split doses due to short half-life
Chlorodehydromethyltestosterone (Turinabol)40-60 mgSplit 2-3 times dailyHigher dosing for experienced users; increased hepatotoxicity

Evidence Grade

GRADE D

Safety & Contraindications

  • 17-alpha-alkylated - moderate hepatotoxicity
  • Schedule III controlled substance
  • Does NOT aromatize due to 4-chloro modification
  • Moderate HPTA suppression - PCT required
  • Can reduce SHBG significantly, increasing free testosterone
  • Androgenic side effects possible but milder than Dianabol
  • Monitor liver function throughout use
  • Negative lipid profile effects (HDL suppression)
  • No pharmaceutical production since 1994 - all supply from underground labs
  • Long metabolite detection time: up to 12-18 months with long-term metabolite testing
  • Virilization risk in females at any dose