Trenbolone is very popularly (and perhaps infamously) known as being the anabolic steroid with ‘harsh’ side effects and ‘harsher’ side effects than any other anabolic steroid. There is a good amount of truth to this, but it also carries with it a good amount of myth, exaggeration, and rumor as well, which will be covered in-depth in this section of the profile. For decades ever since its inception, Trenbolone has always been viewed upon as a mythic, mystic, scary, and frightening compound. Indeed many individuals upon first reading about Trenbolone become very scared of it and for good reason. But this is because the nature of Trenbolone and its properties and effects have always been poorly understood, and in many cases among the anabolic steroid community it still is. The fact of the matter is that there are other compounds that are quite literally far more mystic and mysterious than Trenbolone, such as Anadrol. Once Trenbolone is well understood, it is not the scary compound once thought.
Because of the complexity of the unique Trenbolone side effects that must be covered in-depth, only these particular side effects will be covered here in the Trenbolone side effects portion of the profile. Any individuals who wish to read about the general side effects that are common to ALL anabolic steroids can easily view any other anabolic steroid profile.
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Side Effects Unique to Trenbolone
The first Trenbolone side effects to be covered here are that of its side effects unique only to this compound. These particular Trenbolone side effects are in fact not seen in any other anabolic steroids, and this is one of the many reasons for Trenbolone’s label as a ‘harsh’ anabolic steroid. Note that although not all individuals will experience these unique Trenbolone side effects, most do. Side effects of any sort are largely dependent on individual response to the compound, personal genetics, lifestyle habits, age, and gender. Some will experience certain side effects while others will not. This rule applies for all side effects from any drug or food in existence.
Increased perspiration:
Alternatively referred to as excessive sweating. A well-known fact of Trenbolone is its ability to exhibit an incredibly stronger nutrient partitioning effect than all other anabolic steroids. This nutrient partitioning ability is, in effect, how all anabolic steroids work – but some exhibit this to a greater deal than others, and Tren is one of them. The result is an increase in the metabolic rate of an individual, though not by any extreme amount. Although the excessive sweating can be experienced by many users at any time of day, it is particularly notorious for presenting itself at night when the user is asleep. Of course, this is not a life-threatening or serious Trenbolone side effect by any means, but it is indeed a very inconvenient one. Individuals should ensure significant water intake, as the profuse sweating can potentially dehydrate an individual.
Insomnia/sleep-disturbance:
Colloquially known as ‘Trensomnia’, this is another frequently reported Trenbolone side effect. Although very minor and very infrequent reports of insomnia occur with other anabolic steroids, Trenbolone exhibits this side effect by far worse than any other compound and the reports of users experiencing insomnia with Trenbolone are staggering. The origin and cause of this Trenbolone side effect is unknown as of the writing of this profile, but it is hypothesized that Trenbolone possibly acts on various components of the body’s nervous system in a type of stimulant manner. The result commonly reported by users is the inability to fall asleep, the inability to feel tired, or consistent restless sleep including tossing and turning throughout the night, and frequent waking up through the night every few hours. Many individuals experience such inconveniencing insomnia from Trenbolone that they resort to sleep aids and medications (both prescription as well as over the counter aids). Note that not all individuals will experience this side effect, but most do.
Progesterone and Prolactin related gynecomastia issues: The topic of gynecomastia and what causes it is a complex topic and process that is still not 100% completely understood. The manners in which Estrogen and Progesterone interact with one another are a very complex function. In theory and in vitro, Progestins are regarded as inhibitors of Prolactin secretion in the body (specifically in the pituitary gland in the brain). However, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence to support the claim that 19-nor compounds such as Trenbolone and Nandrolone indeed to trigger increases in Prolactin in the body from the pituitary gland. Trenbolone itself is a Progestin, and therefore does act on Progestin receptors located in breast tissue. Estrogen and Prolactin receptors both exist in breast tissue and it is believed that the activity of the Estrogen receptor exacerbates the sensitivity of the Progesterone receptor (and vice versa, as Progestins can increase the sensitivity of Estrogen receptors). What this means is that Progestins such as Trenbolone, when binding to and activating the Progesterone receptor on breast tissue, can and will cause the Estrogen receptor to become more sensitive to circulating Estrogen levels and increase the chances of gynecomastia. The result is an environment in which even the lowest Estrogen levels can trigger the development of gynecomastia. The intricate combination of Estrogen, Progesterone, and Prolactin create a complex network by which gynecomastia can become an issue. The effects of Prolactin on gynecomastia as the result of Trenbolone use often manifests itself in the form of nipple lactation (fluid leaking from the nipples, especially when squeezed or pressed). Increases in Prolactin levels in men also lead to the issue of erectile dysfunction and anorgasmia (the inability to achieve orgasm). There are several methods whereby individuals can treat or prevent this issue:
– The user may opt to utilize a Prolactin-antagonist (AKA a Dopamine agonist) such as Cabergoline, Pramipexole, or Bromocriptine. These drugs act as Dopamine receptor agonists, which results in decreased and/or eliminated Prolactin levels.
– Controlling Estrogen levels by use of an aromatase inhibitor with compounds that tend to aromatize, such as Testosterone, or simply by reducing Testosterone to TRT doses in order to minimize aromatization into Estrogen.
– The use of vitamin B6 in order to control Prolactin levels has been demonstrated in studies using 600mg daily[1].
Every individual should understand, however, that although controlling Estrogen levels correlate with controlled Prolactin levels from the pituitary gland, this does not seem to work for all users. Some users have demonstrated to still exhibit prolactin increases despite maintaining low Estrogen levels during Trenbolone use. Therefore, it is highly recommended that regardless of situation or use, all individuals utilizing any 19-nor compound such as Trenbolone use a Prolactin antagonist, such as Pramipexole or Cabergoline.
Erectile dysfunction and libido issues:
These Trenbolone side effects are commonly known by their nicknames among the anabolic steroid community as ‘Tren-dick’, or in the case of Nandrolone, ‘Deca-dick’. This is once again linked to the issue of Prolactin increases as a result of Trenbolone’s stimulatory effects on Prolactin secretion at the pituitary gland. Increased Prolactin levels in males result in the following side effects: lactation from the nipples, erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, and anorgasmia (inability to achieve orgasm). An interesting point to remember that has been mentioned above is the fact that Progesterone itself is known to inhibit Prolactin production and that 19-nors such as Nandrolone and Trenbolone being classified as Progestins should serve to actually suppress Prolactin levels. However, this is not the case as Nandrolone and Trenbolone are not Progesterone themselves – they are anabolic steroids that exhibit Progestogenic activity due to their chemical modifications and it is therefore very possible for these hormones to exhibit activity that is contrary to the activity of a similar hormone or parent hormone. It has been found that Nandrolone and Trenbolone can and do in fact increase Prolactin levels in the body. Once again, individuals must ensure to always use Testosterone during Trenbolone cycles and at the very least keep some form of a Prolactin-antagonistic compound on hand for the control of Prolactin-related side effects.
‘Tren-cough’:
This is the nickname attributed to a condition whereby an individual will experience a coughing fit (ranging from very mild to intense) immediately after an injection. Roughly half of this side effect is myth and rumor, and the other half is truth. This Trenbolone side effect is, for the most part, the result of hitting a vein or capillaries upon passing the needle through the tissue during an injection. What happens here is when injecting the oil-based substance, a small amount of the oil trickles into the ruptured capillary or vein and then enters the bloodstream. What results is the body’s attempt to expel the foreign substance from the bloodstream by carrying the oil to the lungs to be coughed out. This is where the coughing fit occurs, but it must be made clear that any injectable oil based anabolic steroid can and does do this if the oil based substance enters the bloodstream. However, it is largely unknown as to why Trenbolone itself seems to cause a more intense coughing fit than other anabolic steroids. Several hypotheses do exist as to the explanation of why this may be the case, but none have been proven to be correct and many of them range from being completely implausible to others being fairly reasonable in their plausibility. This coughing fit is rarely ever life-threatening but can and does become quite frightening, especially for a user experiencing this for the first time, especially if they are unsure as to what is occurring and why. Intensity can range from a mild ‘tickle’ in the throat/lung region to a full-blown coughing fit, where the more intense coughing fits are associated with bouts of profuse sweating that subsides when the coughing fit does.
Diminished cardiovascular and pulmonary capacity:
Many users claim to experience what seems like a temporary diminished cardiovascular and pulminary capacity during Trenbolone use, which seems to subside shortly after Trenbolone is discontinued. This particular side effect, like most, is dose-dependent, where many users can experience very little to no limitations in cardiovascular and pulmonary capacity at low Trenbolone doses, and others report more severe reduction of the same functions in higher Trenbolone doses. This is the result of Trenbolone’s effect on the body in increasing amounts of the prostaglanding F2Aplha. What results is bronchial constriction, making it more difficult for the user to draw large amounts of oxygen into the lungs, especially during aerobic training. Some individuals do not experience this particular Trenbolone side effect at all, while others do not experience it when Trenbolone doses are administered below a certain dose. This Trenbolone side effect is not considered life-threatening, and often the worst case would find the user’s respiration harder and heavier during periods of physical exertion that did not occur prior to Trenbolone use. This particular side effect, as mentioned, is only temporary and should subside not very long following termination of a Trenbolone cycle. The only caution when it comes to this side effect is that individuals suffering from asthma should be aware that this potential side effect can cause serious problems, especially if severe asthma attacks occur. Therefore, asthma patients should exercise appropriate responsible decisions as to whether or not to use Trenbolone.
Increased aggression and irritability:
Trenbolone is as strong of an androgen as it is an anabolic, where its androgenic strength is also that of five times the strength of Testosterone. With an androgenic rating of 500, it is commonly known that Trenbolone can and does exhibit increased feelings of irritability and aggression in most users. This side effect is very dose-dependent, with more pronounced aggression seen in higher (and often unnecessary) Trenbolone doses. Various individuals will also not experience tis side effect at all as a result of their individual response. Users who are known to have short temper and anger-control issues prior to Trenbolone use should exercise extreme caution, as the use of Trenbolone can and will without a doubt cause an amplification of these traits. Such individuals should avoid Trenbolone use as a responsible decision. As a general overall rule, any and all Tren users should always exercise caution and ensure that a proper stable psychological state is always maintained, and that the user be constantly aware of their actions at all times. Appropriate discipline is of the utmost importance when utilizing any anabolic steroid, especially Trenbolone (and special considerations must be taken at higher doses). It must be made crystal clear to the reader that the use of any type of drug is absolutely no reason for any individual to absolve themselves of all personal responsibility, and shift the blame onto the drug in question (in this case, Trenbolone) when the user commits a regrettable action. Remember this at all times!
Increased kidney and liver stress:
Another half-rumor and half-truth Trenbolone side effect, liver and kidney strain associated with Trenbolone are frequent claims among the anabolic steroid community. Where the truth lies with this side effect is this: Trenbolone presents no greater amounts of stress on the kidneys or the liver than the majority of other injectable compounds. Although it is not C17-alpha alkylated, Trenbolone does present a very minute amount of liver strain due to its resistance to hepatic breakdown and metabolism, but the extent at which it exhibits this toxicity is not even worth noting. However, all individuals should be aware to take the appropriate precautions where liver and kidney issues are concerned, and that no individual with a history of kidney or liver issues should be utilizing Trenbolone, or ANY anabolic steroids. The rumor of kidney damage from Trenbolone results from the fact that urine becomes much darker and a stronger orange rusty color while using Trenbolone. This has commonly been mistaken as bloody urine, resulting from the claimed myth of “kidney damage from Trenbolone”. The truth is that Trenbolone does not cause kidney damage, and the reason for this change in urine color while using Trenbolone is due to the fact that Trenbolone oxidizes into a darker rust type of color, even when refridgerated, and this frequently occurs with no indication in any individuals of renal (kidney) toxicity. Other evidence in the form of Trenbolone’s long-term use in cattle (for lean mass increases for the purpose of enhanced food production) has demonstrated that there has never been renal toxicity issues in the cattle that have been given Trenbolone. The same can be said for the minute amount of human test subjects in studies that have also been administered Trenbolone. In the end, what people have mistaken as blood in their urine is in actuality Trenbolone and its metabolites excreted in the urine, which causes urine to take on a more rusted dark color.
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Liver stress:
This has been touched upon slightly above, as kidney and liver issues are often associated with each other. As it has been mentioned, Trenbolone does not possess C17-alpha alkylation, which is the chemical modification required to allow an anabolic steroid oral bioavailability. This modification unfortunately presents varying degrees of hepatotoxicity – however, once again, Trenbolone does not possess this feature. Trenbolone itself, however, is known to possess ever so small amounts of hepatotixicity. This is because of the nature of Trenbolone’s chemical structure, which causes Trenbolone to exhibit a higher resistance to hepatic metabolism and breakdown even though it is not C17-alpha alkylated. The small amount of hepatotoxicity is not a large cause for concern at all, as Trenbolone’s minute amount of liver toxicity does not even reach the amounts of toxicity exhibited by oral C17-alpha alkylated anabolic steroids. The slight hepatotoxicity can be a concern for individuals with pre-existing liver problems (known or unknown) and this should be kept in mind. Every potential Trenbolone user should always have blood work done in order to monitor liver enzyme readings regardless, and a proven liver support supplement (such as UDCA/TUDCA) can be utilized during a Trenbolone cycle for the extra assurance of proper liver function.
