Turinabol vs Dianabol: An Overview
Turinabol
Turinabol, also known as 4-chloro-17β-hydroxy-17α-methylandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one, is a synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS). It is a doping substance often used in sports for its performance-enhancing properties [1, 2, 3].
Turinabol has been used in medical treatments as well. It has been administered to patients with insufficient fibrinolysis. The body's ability to break down blood clots is impaired in this condition. In these cases, doses of 5 or 10 mg were administered daily, and the treatment has led to an increase in fibrinolytic capacity starting from the fourth week of treatment [4].
Dianabol
Dianabol, also known as methandrostenolone, is also an anabolic-androgenic steroid that is widely used for various purposes. It is chemically known as 17alpha-methyl-17beta-hydroxyandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one [5].
One of the primary uses of Dianabol is in bodybuilding and strength training. It has been shown to increase the strength of individuals who take it significantly. For instance, in a study where subjects received 5 milligrams of Dianabol twice daily for three weeks, the strength of the treated subjects increased significantly [6].
Dianabol has also been used in scientific research to study muscle protein degradation. One study found that Dianabol influenced the degradation rate of myofibrillar proteins in the heart and various types of skeletal muscles in female guinea pigs [7].
In addition to these uses, Dianabol has been studied for its potential radioprotective effects, although the results have been mixed [8, 9].
Side effects
Side effects of Turinabol
Turinabol has been linked to a few side effects. In a study involving patients with insufficient fibrinolysis, two patients experienced voice roughness and one patient reported slight weight gain after treatment with Turinabol [4].
Side effects of Dianabol
Dianabol has been associated with more severe side effects. Long-term use of Dianabol can lead to liver damage, including cholestasis, peliosis hepatis, and diffuse hepatitis. It can also potentially induce the formation of liver tumours [4]. Another study reported that Dianabol can inhibit protein synthesis in the thymus, a part of the immune system [10].
Moreover, abuse of anabolic androgenic steroids like Dianabol can lead to a multitude of severe side effects. These include:
- increases in haematocrit and coagulation,
- causing thromboembolism,
- intracardiac thrombosis,
- stroke,
- arrhythmias,
- cardiomyopathies,
- and possibly sudden death.
Liver toxicity leading to cholestasis, peliosis, adenomas, and carcinomas, and kidney failure due to hyperbilirubinemia, have also been reported. Psychological effects such as exaggerated self-confidence, reckless behaviour, aggressiveness, and psychotic symptoms may also occur. Withdrawal from AAS may be accompanied by depression and suicidal intentions [11].
Are they safe?
Athletes and bodybuilders often use Turinabol and Dianabol for their muscle-building properties. However, their safety is a matter of concern.
Long-term effects and fatalities due to anabolic steroid abuse have been reported, with severe cardiovascular side effects developing after long-term abuse of Dianabol and Turinabol, including myocardial infarction, stroke, organomegaly, and severe atherosclerosis [12].
Moreover, the safety of these steroids is further compromised by the fact that many products sold on the black market do not contain the expected ingredients in 35% of cases. Less than 5% of the websites selling these steroids provide accurate health risk information or guidance for users wishing to discontinue their use.
Dianabol has been shown to inhibit protein synthesis in the thymus of castrated rats when administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg of body mass daily for seven days [13].
In young rabbits, repeated low-level administration of Turinabol and Dianabol led to increased cardiac output but at the cost of a progressive myocardial mass reduction. This suggests a possible deleterious long-term effect on the growth of the immature heart [13].
In conclusion, long-term use of Turinabol and Dianabol can lead to serious health issues, including cardiovascular problems and potential liver damage. Therefore, their use is strongly discouraged, especially without the supervision of a healthcare professional.