Trenbolone Cycle: The Ultimate Guide

The modern-day bodybuilding mantra is ‘eat Clen and Tren hard‘.

‘Clen’ stands for clenbuterol, an incredibly potent fat burner used by bodybuilders to get ripped (typically before a competition).

‘Tren’ is short for trenbolone, one of the most powerful anabolic steroids in existence, in regards to gains and side effects. Trenbolone is an injectable anabolic used to gain large amounts of lean muscle and strength while enhancing fat loss (1).

Trenbolone is also unique in the sense that it’s a ‘dry’ compound, contrary to other bulking steroids, which are typically ‘wet’. This means that trenbolone doesn’t convert to estrogen, so users do not experience water retention or fat accumulation during a cycle.

However, these adverse effects are almost certain when cycling anadrol or dianabol for example.

Trenbolone is also a versatile compound, being utilized as a cutting or bulking steroid.

We find trenbolone to be more popular when bulking and trying to add mass, as its anabolic effects significantly outweigh its fat-burning properties.

Trenbolone was never intended for humans; it was used in veterinary medicine to bulk up cattle (2) before going to slaughter. However, it wasn’t long before bodybuilders observed the anabolic effects in animals and began experimenting on themselves. Such tests were a huge success, although their gains came at a cost (experiencing harsh side effects).

Disclosure: We do not accept any form of advertising on Inside Bodybuilding. We monetize our practice via doctor consultations and carefully chosen pharmaceutical recommendations, which have given our patients excellent results.

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Trenbolone is legal to purchase in some countries and not in others; thus, it is the responsibility of users to act within the confines of their native law.

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The two most popular forms of trenbolone are enanthate and acetate. Although they are essentially the same compound, they have different esters. Trenbolone acetate is made up of short esters and enanthate, longer ones.

This means that acetate will work faster than enanthate, and subsequently, cycles can be shorter.

We also see trenbolone acetate clear out of the body quicker than enanthate due to its shorter half-life.

Despite this variation in structure, both compounds will result in similar gains post-cycle.

In this article, we’ll detail the top 5 trenbolone cycles we have seen bodybuilders use to bulk up and get ripped.

None of the following trenbolone cycles are suitable for beginners, as it is a very harsh steroid that causes severe side effects in many users. If you’re a novice, read this post: 3 Best Steroids for Beginners.

Trenbolone-Only Cycle: This article details various tren cycles that are essentially stacks; however, a trenbolone-only cycle is still a popular and powerful protocol. To run trenbolone by itself, simply stick to the dosages below (minus the testosterone).

Trenbolone and Testosterone Cycle

This is the most popular trenbolone cycle in our experience. The reason for this is that testosterone is a mild anabolic, so it can be safely stacked to boost gains without making tren’s side effects much worse.

Supplements:

• Fish oil: 4g/day
• Letrozole (optional): 1.25mg every other day

PCT:

• HCG (2000 IU administered every other day for 20 days)
• Nolvadex (2 x 20mg for 45 days)
• Clomid (2 x 50mg for 30 days)

Trenbolone and Testosterone Benefits

We see the muscle and strength gains on this cycle being exceptional, with minimal water retention, making it a very aesthetic bulking cycle.

Testosterone is an injectable steroid, so it doesn’t pose any extra strain on the liver (3).

We have found testosterone to be one of, if not the best, AAS for the heart, with only mild negative effects on LDL and HDL cholesterol levels.

Thus, as far as trenbolone stacks go, this is the safest.

Trenbolone and Testosterone Side Effects

Any trenbolone cycle will cause some issues for users (simply because of the tren). The two main risks we come across with this cycle are severe testosterone suppression post-cycle and the risk of high blood pressure.

Thus, the outlined PCT must be implemented to kick-start endogenous testosterone back to normal levels again.

We commonly see androgenic side effects from this stack, as tren and test both have strong androgenic properties. This may be in the form of oily skin, acne, hair loss, or difficulty urinating.

Oily skin isn’t anything to be concerned about; however, acne can be severe and extreme in users who are genetically susceptible to it. Hair loss, thinning, or recession on the scalp is common when using these two steroids due to heightened levels of DHT (causing damaged hair follicles).

If cycles are used sparingly, we have seen hair loss reverse post-cycle; however, if someone aggressively utilizes these steroids long-term, hair loss can be permanent.

When taking this cycle, it’s possible to experience difficulty urinating, which can indicate prostate enlargement.

Gynecomastia is possible on this cycle due to the testosterone aromatizing. Thus, high estrogen levels may cause breast tissue to enlarge in males.

We have found that trenbolone can also cause gynecomastia, albeit not from a rise in estrogen but from progesterone (4).

Progesterone can cause estrogen-like effects. However, an anti-estrogen is usually effective in treating high progesterone side effects.

A SERM would usually be used (such as Clomid or Nolvadex) to prevent gynecomastia from testosterone; however, in this case, it would exacerbate progesterone levels, increasing the chance of gynecomastia from trenbolone.

In our experience, an AI (aromatase inhibitor) is the best option for counteracting the chances of enlarged breast tissue from testosterone and trenbolone. However, there is a drawback with AIs, as they have the power to reduce HDL cholesterol and increase blood pressure.

This is bad news, considering blood pressure is already likely to be high during this cycle.

Therefore, one strategy would be to have an AI ready if you start to notice swollen nipples. As soon as our patients start to experience the early stages of gynecomastia, they start running Letrozole at the dosages stated above.

This helps to reverse the swelling and prevent any further enlargement of breast tissue. However, we find that running Letrozole before experiencing any gynecomastia issues just places excess strain on the heart.

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Trenbolone and Anadrol Cycle

This is possibly the most powerful steroid duo for bulking. This combination will yield incredible gains in size and strength.

Muscles will also become packed full of glycogen, resulting in huge pumps (even when the muscles are relaxed outside of the gym).

Unfortunately, the side effects rival the benefits of this cycle, being extremely harsh. Thus, this cycle is only for very experienced steroid users who are comfortable handling heavy compounds.

Supplements:

• Fish oil: 4g/day
• Letrozole (optional): 1.25mg every other day
• TUDCA: 500mg/day

PCT:

• HCG: 2000 IU administered every other day for 20 days
• Nolvadex: 2 x 20mg for 45 days
• Clomid: 2 x 50mg for 30 days

Trenbolone and Anadrol Benefits

This is the ultimate trenbolone cycle for getting jacked—and as strong as an ox.

The addition of anadrol will result in huge mass and strength gains. We have seen anadrol add 50+ pounds to compound lifts (on its own).

Like trenbolone acetate, naadrol is fast-acting, so gains can be noticed in just a few days following the first dose.

Trenbolone and Anadrol Side Effects

Liver toxicity is going to be more significant in the presence of anadrol, an oral steroid that is c17-alpha-alkylated.

Our LFTs (liver function tests) show that ALT and AST liver enzymes will shoot up, representing strain on the organ.

TUDCA is a natural supplement that has been shown to minimize damage to the liver and is thus recommended.

Whenever running anadrol cycles, it’s important to keep the duration as short as possible. In the above cycle (which is a very heavy one), anadrol is taken for 8 weeks. This should be the absolute maximum anyone runs Anadrol for.

In the first 2 weeks of the above cycle, we halved the anadrol dose to provide a little extra protection for the liver (as this is a lengthy cycle).

We find that blood pressure will spike to high levels on trenbolone alone; however, with the inclusion of Anadrol, it will go to a whole new level.

Anadrol is possibly the worst steroid for blood pressure, causing hefty rises due to its disastrous impact on HDL cholesterol levels. This is due to it stimulating hepatic lipase, an enzyme responsible for lowering good cholesterol (HDL), which prevents clogging of the arteries.

This, combined with significant water retention and an increased red blood cell count, makes for viscous blood that’s harder for the heart to pump. We value fish oil as an essential supplement to combat cardiovascular strain.

Gynecomastia is possible due to anadrol being highly estrogenic and the progesterone activity present with trenbolone.

Anti-aromatase inhibitors have proven to be ineffective with anadrol in our experience, as it doesn’t convert to estrogen.

Instead, Anadrol directly stimulates estrogen receptors; thus, a SERM can help to prevent gynecomastia from Anadrol (albeit at the risk of exacerbating progesterone levels in the presence of trenbolone).

Testosterone suppression is going to be extreme following this cycle, requiring an aggressive post-cycle therapy protocol to prevent a psychological and physiological crash as well as muscle loss.

Anadrol does have androgenic properties, which, when combined with trenbolone, may result in prostate enlargement, oily skin, acne, and hair loss.

Trenbolone, Anadrol, and Testosterone Cycle

This trio was once hailed by Rich Piana as his best-ever cycle.

Rest in peace.

Rich also warned that it should only be used sparingly, with it being a very toxic and potentially dangerous cycle. This is also what we see anecdotally, and thus we warn our readers from utilizing such a stack.

Supplements:

• Fish oil: 4g/day
• Letrozole (optional): 1.25mg every other day
• Tudca: 500mg/day

PCT:

• HCG: 2000 IU administered every other day for 20 days
• Nolvadex: 2 x 20mg for 45 days
• Clomid: 2 x 50mg for 30 days

Trenbolone, Anadrol, and Testosterone Benefits

We have seen this cycle add crazy amounts of size and strength, even in intermediate steroid users.

All of the benefits of a trenbolone/anadrol cycle apply, but to a whole new level with the addition of testosterone.

This cycle is used by bodybuilders who want to gain large amounts of mass and have the genetics to tolerate anadrol and testosterone relatively well.

Genetics in bodybuilding isn’t just about a person’s ability to pack on muscle but also having the durability to handle cycles like this without taking a toll on their body.

Trenbolone, Anadrol, and Testosterone Side Effects

We have found the risk of gynecomastia to be high with this stack, with estrogen levels skyrocketing in the presence of anadrol and testosterone.

The risk of androgenic side effects, such as hair loss, acne, and prostate issues, is also high.

Testosterone suppression is going to be extreme, so our patients typically take three PCT supplements (Nolvadex, Clomid, and hCG) to bring their testosterone levels back to a normal range.

Considering this is a bulking cycle, we can assume users will be eating high amounts of calories for maximum gains.

Thus, high calories combined with the estrogenic nature of testosterone and anadrol will cause significant water retention, even with trenbolone’s diuretic properties.

Blood pressure will need to be monitored very regularly on this cycle, as it’s likely to spike to very high levels. To counteract this and protect the heart as much as possible, users should perform cardio. This may not be ideal for bodybuilders who are bulking and don’t like running or cycling; however, it’s essential for cardiovascular protection.

Liver toxicity isn’t going to be extreme with this cycle. However, anadrol does pose some threat, and thus, TUDCA should be taken (with alcohol also avoided).

Trenbolone and Winstrol Cycle

Winstrol is an oral steroid that’s also a powerful compound like trenbolone (although to a lesser degree).

Winstrol also has muscle-building and fat-burning attributes that occur simultaneously, making it perfect for a dramatic transformation.

Zac Efron’s before/after transformation for the movie Baywatch is typical after running a winstrol-only cycle.

Thus, once you throw Trenbolone into the equation, this makes for a truly powerful cycle.

We have seen this duo utilized as a cutting cycle, where users eat in a calorie deficit. We have also seen it used as a lean-mass building cycle, where users eat maintenance calories (or in a small surplus).

Supplements:

• Fish oil: 4g/day
• TUDCA: 500mg/day

PCT:

• HCG: 2000 IU administered every other day for 20 days
• Nolvadex: 2 x 20mg for 45 days
• Clomid: 2 x 50mg for 30 days

Trenbolone and Winstrol Benefits

Our patients have reported rapid fat loss while also building noticeable amounts of muscle and strength on trenbolone/winstrol cycles.

Those who aren’t experienced steroid users will have big gains in regard to muscle mass. Whereas, experienced steroid users will be less sensitive through years of cycles and will experience milder gains.

Many people who lift weights want to build muscle and burn fat at the same time, but they often hear that it’s impossible. Such myths become a reality with a trenbolone/winstrol cycle, where there are no better compounds for making your waist smaller and muscles bigger simultaneously.

Both trenbolone and winstrol do not aromatize, so water retention won’t be an issue, resulting in a ripped and dried-out physique instead with enhanced vascularity.

If you want to look as shredded as possible and you’re already lean, this would be the ideal cycle to run; as it’ll flush out the water that collects outside of the muscles, resulting in a paper-thin skin look.

Trenbolone and Winstrol Side Effects

Winstrol or trenbolone certainly aren’t examples of ‘light’ steroids.

When combined, we find they cause a host of side effects, particularly to the heart and liver.

With Winstrol being a C17-alpha-alkylated steroid, it will cause liver strain while decreasing HDL cholesterol and raising LDL through the stimulation of hepatic lipase. All of this, combined with a lack of aromatization, will cause potential damage to the heart. We have found regular cardio workouts to be beneficial in preventing large spikes in blood pressure.

Note: Regular cardio will also enhance fat loss via increased calorie expenditure. 

Winstrol should only be taken for 8 weeks (maximum), due to its toxic effects on the liver.

Winstrol, although not androgenic on paper, does cause androgenic effects in our experience. Therefore, acne, oily skin, and hair loss are to be expected when combining it with trenbolone.

Gynecomastia is unlikely on this cycle, with winstrol not converting to estrogen and having almost zero progesterone activity. Thus, the only threat of gyno forming is trenbolone, which moderately increases progesterone. However, we have found this to be one of the better cycles for avoiding man-boobs.

Users may also experience some joint pain due to the amount of water being expelled by the body. Such fluid is needed as lubrication to protect the joints.

Testosterone suppression is going to be significant post-cycle, requiring a strong PCT.

Trenbolone and Anavar Cycle

The combination of trenbolone and anavar makes for a very effective cutting cycle.

Anavar is a mild steroid, hence why it’s successfully used in medicine for treating women and small children (without damaging effects).

Anavar is an oral steroid, so it’s preferred by users who don’t want to inject.

Supplements:

• Fish oil: 4g/day
• Tudca: 500mg/day (optional)

PCT:

• Nolvadex: 2 x 20mg for 45 days
• Clomid: 2 x 50mg for 30 days

Trenbolone and Anavar Benefits

Anavar will increase fat burning while increasing lean muscle mass and strength.

Users are unlikely to gain a lot of muscle mass with the addition of anavar; however, there will still be a noticeable difference in muscle hypertrophy by the end of a cycle.

We have found anavar to be a very effective compound for enhancing strength, despite not promoting much weight gain. This may be attributed to it being a DHT derivative and having a positive effect on ATP in the muscle cells.

Thus, this is the perfect cutting cycle for bodybuilders worried about losing strength during a cut.

The results from this cycle will be similar to those of winstrol and trenbolone. However, anavar is less powerful than winstrol; therefore, the gains will be slightly less (and the side effects more tolerable).

Anavar’s effect on strength, however, may surpass winstrol’s.

A tren/anavar cycle is one of the mildest trenbolone cycles you can do, second only to tren/testosterone.

Trenbolone and Anavar Side Effects

We find anavar-only cycles to be very safe when taken in sensible dosages. Unfortunately, with the addition of trenbolone, all safety goes out the window.

All of the side effects associated with trenbolone apply, but with extra testosterone suppression and a higher rise in blood pressure.

This isn’t the worst cycle for testosterone suppression. Thus, our patients utilize Nolvadex and Clomid after this stack to resurrect test levels (without the addition of hCG).

Despite the fact that anavar is an oral steroid, the kidneys also process it, so it doesn’t put much strain on the liver. Thus, we consider the risk of serious liver damage via this cycle to be low. However, TUDCA may still be taken as a precaution.

Anavar doesn’t aromatize or increase progesterone, so there is no additional risk of gynecomastia.

Some additional androgenic side effects are possible.

FAQ

How Does Oral Trenbolone Compare to Injectable Trenbolone?

We have found methyltrienolone (oral trenbolone) to be exceptionally potent and equally toxic.

In our experience, users will encounter all of the effects of injectable trenbolone, but with notably enhanced effects and significantly more hepatotoxicity. Oral trenbolone is perhaps the most dangerous anabolic steroid we have come across, with the risks being very high for most users (psychologically and physiologically).

Summary

The top 5 most common trenbolone cycles are:

• Trenbolone/Testosterone
• Trenbolone/Anadrol
• Trenbolone/Anadrol/Testosterone
• Trenbolone/Winstrol
• Trenbolone/Anavar

Depending on an individual’s tolerance, they may be able to take all of these stacks or none.

Some of these trenbolone cycles are extremely harsh, and we have found them to be very damaging to the body (at least in the short term).

Note: Trenbolone can be taken by itself and still produce exceptional gains.

Tren can also be cycled with other steroids not included in this article, such as dianabol and deca durabolin; however, such combinations are less common due to their conflicting attributes.

For example, deca is usually taken in mild bulking cycles to add a little more size while keeping dangerous side effects at bay. Dianabol may be stacked with tren; however, it often causes bloating and thus counteracts trenbolone’s diuretic properties (similar to Anadrol).

Co Authors :

Dr. Thomas O'Connor, MD, PA

For TRT inquiries, please contact Dr. O’Connor via the Anabolic Doc App.

Over the last 20 years, Dr. O’Connor has successfully treated thousands of men who have taken anabolic steroids, SARMs, and other PEDs, giving him first-hand experience of their effects. Board-certified MD since 2005.

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