Compound profile
Turinabol
Also known as Oral-Turinabol, Tbol, Chlorodehydromethyltestosterone (CDMT)
Last reviewed October 2026
Educational only. A summary of published research, not medical advice or a recommendation. No doses are listed.
Quick take
An oral steroid derived from Dianabol, with a chlorine atom that stops it converting to estrogen.
- Class
- Anabolic steroids
- Status
- Not approved
- Evidence
- Early or small human studies
- Half-life
- Not well documented
Mechanism fingerprint
What it acts on, and how. Each chip links to that pathway on the map.
A chlorinated form of methandrostenolone (Dianabol) that doesn't convert to estrogen and is modified to survive the liver.
What makes it different
Dianabol with a chlorine atom added, which stops it converting to estrogen.
Compare side by side
Mechanism & pathways
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Agonist
Androgen receptor
Receptor for testosterone and DHT. Activating it builds muscle and drives male traits such as body hair and a deeper voice. Every anabolic steroid binds it.
Evidence overview
Early or small human studies
No modern controlled trials. Much of the human information comes from records of the East German doping program, including later health problems in former athletes.
A breakdown into human, animal and cell studies hasn't been added for this compound yet.
Why it's used
Used for strength and lean muscle without water retention, mainly by athletes.
Side effects & risks
Reported side effects
- Lower HDL (“good”) cholesterol
- Raised liver enzymes
- Acne
Risks and warnings
- Oral 17α-alkylated steroid: can injure the liver, including cholestatic jaundice, blood-filled cysts (peliosis hepatis) and liver tumors.
- Lowers HDL (“good”) cholesterol and raises LDL, adding to heart disease risk.
- Long-term use is linked to high blood pressure, heart muscle damage (cardiomyopathy), heart attacks and early death.
- Shuts down the body's own testosterone production: testicles shrink and sperm counts fall, and recovery after stopping can take months or be incomplete.
- In women: masculinizing effects (deeper voice, facial and body hair, clitoral enlargement) that can be permanent.
- Underground-lab products are often mislabeled or contaminated, and non-sterile injections can cause abscesses and infections.
- Schedule III controlled substance in the US: illegal to possess without a prescription.
- Prohibited in sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
FAQ
Short answers taken from this profile.
What is Turinabol?
An oral steroid derived from Dianabol, with a chlorine atom that stops it converting to estrogen.
How does Turinabol work?
A chlorinated form of methandrostenolone (Dianabol) that doesn't convert to estrogen and is modified to survive the liver.
What receptors or pathways does Turinabol act on?
androgen receptor (agonist).
How is Turinabol different from similar compounds?
Dianabol with a chlorine atom added, which stops it converting to estrogen.
Is Turinabol approved?
Never approved in the US. Made in East Germany, where it was the main steroid of the state doping program in the 1970s and 1980s.
What has Turinabol been studied for?
Used for strength and lean muscle without water retention, mainly by athletes.
How strong is the evidence?
Early or small human studies. No modern controlled trials. Much of the human information comes from records of the East German doping program, including later health problems in former athletes.
What are the main risks?
Oral 17α-alkylated steroid: can injure the liver, including cholestatic jaundice, blood-filled cysts (peliosis hepatis) and liver tumors. Lowers HDL (“good”) cholesterol and raises LDL, adding to heart disease risk. Long-term use is linked to high blood pressure, heart muscle damage (cardiomyopathy), heart attacks and early death. More are listed under risks and warnings.
Sources
- Franke WW, Berendonk B. Hormonal doping and androgenization of athletes: a secret program of the German Democratic Republic government. Clin Chem 1997.
- LiverTox (NIH): Androgenic steroids.
- Kicman AT. Pharmacology of anabolic steroids. Br J Pharmacol 2008.
- Pope HG et al. Adverse health consequences of performance-enhancing drugs: an Endocrine Society scientific statement. Endocr Rev 2014.