- Turinabol (chlorodehydromethyltestosterone) is a modified form of Dianabol that doesn’t convert to estrogen.
- It was the backbone of East Germany’s state doping program, given to thousands of athletes, many unknowingly.
- It gives slow, lean gains with little water, but it’s still 17-alpha-alkylated and lowers HDL cholesterol.
- Its metabolites can be detected for months, which caught dozens of Olympians in later re-tests.
Turinabol, often shortened to “Tbol”, sits between Anavar and Dianabol: steadier and drier than Dianabol, a little stronger than Anavar. It also has one of the darkest histories of any drug in sport. This guide covers what it is, what it does, the risks, and what Canadians should know.
What is Turinabol?
Chemically, Turinabol is methandrostenolone (Dianabol) with a chlorine atom added at the 4-position. That change stops it converting to estrogen and reduces its androgenic effects. It was developed by the East German company Jenapharm in the 1960s and marketed as Oral-Turinabol.
The East German doping program
From the 1970s until the fall of the Berlin Wall, Oral-Turinabol was the main drug in East Germany’s secret State Plan 14.25. Thousands of athletes, including teenagers, were given “blue pills” described as vitamins. The program delivered Olympic medals, and later research documented its costs: liver damage, heart problems, infertility, and masculinization of women athletes. Many have since received compensation from the German government.
Turinabol has also shown how long steroids can be detected. When the IOC re-tested stored samples from the 2008 and 2012 Olympics with newer methods, dozens of athletes were found to have used it.
What users report
- Gradual, lean muscle gain without much water retention
- Steady strength increases
- Better endurance and muscle retention while dieting
Side effects
- Liver: it’s 17-alpha-alkylated and can raise liver enzymes, especially with longer use. See our liver guide.
- Cholesterol: HDL falls and LDL rises.
- Suppression: natural testosterone and sperm production drop.
- Women: voice deepening, facial hair and menstrual changes; East German records documented permanent effects.
- Muscle cramps and back pumps are commonly reported.
Bloodwork in Canada
Check liver enzymes, a lipid panel, blood pressure, testosterone and a complete blood count before, during and after use. Ask your family doctor or book privately at LifeLabs or Dynacare.
Is Turinabol legal in Canada?
Anabolic steroids are listed in Schedule IV of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act: possessing them for personal use isn’t an offence, but trafficking, importing and exporting without authorization are.
Buying Turinabol in Canada
We stock Turinabol Genetix Pharma. Check the product page for current specs and price, and compare it with other orals on the oral steroids page. If you’re choosing between orals, our oral steroids ranked guide compares them side by side.
Frequently asked questions
Is Turinabol the same as Dianabol?
It’s a chlorinated version of Dianabol. The chlorine stops it converting to estrogen, so it causes much less water retention.
Is Turinabol mild?
It’s milder than Dianabol or Anadrol, but it’s still a 17-alpha-alkylated oral that affects the liver and cholesterol and suppresses testosterone.
How long can Turinabol be detected?
Modern tests can detect long-term metabolites for months, which is how many Olympic re-tests caught it.
Is Turinabol legal in Canada?
It’s an anabolic steroid under Schedule IV of the CDSA. Personal possession isn’t an offence; trafficking, importing and exporting without authorization are.
Products mentioned in this guide
This article is general information for adults in Canada, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using any prescription drug, anabolic steroid or research compound, and get bloodwork done. If you’re in crisis, call or text 9-8-8 (Suicide Crisis Helpline) any time.
