Trenbolone Is an Anabolic Steroid Originally Developed for Veterinary Use
Trenbolone is used by athletes to gain muscle mass. However, many side effects, such as erectile dysfunction, aggression, heart problems, and prostate cancer, are linked to this steroid. Check them out below.
The pursuit of the ideal body and increased muscle mass leads many people to explore options like anabolic steroids. Among them, trenbolone stands out for its rapid and powerful effects.
However, the use of this substance, originally developed to boost muscle growth in cattle, is banned due to the serious health risks it can cause.
In this article, we will explore what trenbolone is, its short- and long-term dangers, and safer and more effective alternatives for gaining muscle mass. After all, your health should always be the priority.
What Is Trenbolone?
Trenbolone is an anabolic steroid, a synthetic substance similar to testosterone, a hormone whose functions include promoting muscle development.
It was developed for veterinary purposes in the 1980s to increase appetite and muscle mass in animals. Its injectable form, trenbolone acetate, hit the market around the same time to fatten cattle before slaughter.
During the same decade, the steroid arrived in the United States. There, many athletes began using it for muscle growth. However, its commercial sale was prohibited.
Main Trenbolone Side Effects
According to the article “Efeitos colaterais associados ao uso do acetato de trembolona em praticantes de musculação”, the abuse of substances like anabolic steroids poses health risks such as liver problems. This is because they must pass through the liver multiple times before being fully absorbed.
Other trenbolone side effects include:
- Decreased appetite
- Insomnia
- Night sweats
- Anxiety, depression, aggression, paranoia
- Reduced testosterone levels
- Decreased libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Infertility
- Severe acne
- Hair loss
- Dark urine
- Shortness of breath
- Gynecomastia (breast enlargement in men)
- Headaches
- Cardiovascular diseases, such as high blood pressure
- Hepatitis and liver failure
- Kidney failure
Is Trenbolone Approved for Use in Brazil?
The manufacture, sale, distribution, advertising, and use of trenbolone are prohibited throughout Brazil. The steroid is on the prohibited list of the World Anti-Doping Code – International Standard (2024).
However, oral trenbolone is permitted by special order in compounding pharmacies. A C5 prescription is required for this.
Also called a special control prescription, the C5 prescription is issued in two copies. The first is kept by the pharmacy so that Anvisa can track the sale of anabolic drugs and thus prevent the misuse of steroids and other controlled medications.
The second copy stays with the patient because it contains instructions for product administration.
Oral trenbolone is rarely prescribed because it is not very effective and is expensive.
Long-Term Risks of Trenbolone Use
All users are subject to trenbolone side effects. In the long term, the risks depend on dosage and genetic predisposition to certain health problems. Check out some of the main concerns:
1. Severe Liver or Kidney Disease
Damage to the liver and kidneys is one of the primary side effects of anabolic substances. They are metabolized by the liver and pass through the organ multiple times before full absorption. In some cases, liver failure can occur.
Steroids also increase fluid retention and blood pressure, which affects the kidneys. Over time, this can worsen and lead to kidney failure.
2. Infertility
The use of steroids like trenbolone affects male fertility either temporarily or permanently because it causes hormonal imbalances. This imbalance can stem from reduced natural testosterone production, testicular shrinkage, or an increase in estrogen, the primary female hormone.
3. Heart Failure
Trenbolone use may lead to fluid retention and an increase in blood pressure, overloading the cardiovascular system. If not addressed early, high blood pressure can weaken the heart, resulting in heart failure.
By raising bad cholesterol and lowering good cholesterol, trenbolone causes damage to heart health. This imbalance promotes the formation of fatty plaques in arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart—a condition called atherosclerosis. It raises the risk of a heart attack.
4. Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells in the prostate gland. Because trenbolone is a synthetic derivative of testosterone, levels of this hormone and its related compounds increase in the body.
In individuals with a genetic predisposition, such as certain population groups, the risk can be higher.
5. Male Breast Cancer
Male breast cancer accounts for only 1% of breast cancer cases. The abuse of anabolic substances makes the male body convert testosterone into estrogen, a process called aromatization. Excess estrogen enlarges breast tissue and, in rare cases, leads to male breast cancer.
Safe and Legal Alternatives in Brazil
Using supplements to gain muscle requires a doctor’s prescription and supervision. This ensures the administration of an authorized product and monitoring for possible adverse effects.
Two safe supplementation alternatives that are widely studied include whey protein and creatine. Professional guidance is recommended to ensure appropriate use.
Whey Protein
Derived from milk whey proteins, the benefits of whey include increased strength, muscle growth, and improved recovery after injuries. This article points out that combining whey with exercise improves lower-body muscle strength.
However, the study found no significant differences between those who used and did not use the supplement.
Creatine
Creatine is produced naturally by the body and is also found mainly in red meats and fish. It helps increase muscle mass and is effective for vegetarians, even being recommended for this group, according to this article.
To achieve the desired results, supplements must be paired with proper nutrition and training. For this, you need to:
- Combine compound exercises (working multiple muscles at once) and isolation exercises (focusing on one muscle at a time). Squats are examples of compound exercises, while the leg extension machine and pelvic lift are isolation exercises.
- Prioritize strength training over aerobic training.
- Gradually increase the weight or resistance.
- Consume carbohydrates before workouts, such as whole-grain bread, fruits, oats, and granola.
- Consume carbohydrates and proteins after workouts. Carbs replenish energy while protein aids muscle recovery. Protein yogurt is a good post-workout option.
When to Seek Medical Help for Trenbolone Side Effects?
Athletes should immediately seek medical attention if they notice any trenbolone side effects, such as shortness of breath, mood changes, sexual dysfunctions, or skin problems.
Besides not being authorized, trenbolone use has side effects that harm psychological, physical, and sexual health. The use of muscle-gain supplements can be effective if prescribed and monitored by a specialist.
Take care of your health responsibly, seeking medical guidance. If you are experiencing symptoms or have concerns, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Paulo Egydio for the most suitable solution for your case. Your health deserves the best care.
