Turinabol vs. Dianabol: Key Differences You Should Know

Turinabol and Dianabol are both anabolic steroids used for muscle growth, but they differ in potency, side effects, and water retention. Dianabol offers rapid gains with more side effects, while Turinabol provides slower, leaner growth with fewer estrogenic effects.

Intense workouts and a strict diet are important, but not all it takes to build muscle strength and definition. Thus, during a bulking cycle, many bodybuilders opt for steroids that help them ensure rapid muscle gain. The two most popular anabolic steroids in this regard are Turinabol (Chlorodehydromethyltestosterone) and Dianabol (Methandrostenolone).

What is Turinabol?

Turinabol made its introduction in East Germany and was the anabolic steroid of choice for their athletes. A C17-alpha-alkylated oral anabolic androgenic steroid, Turinabol offers steady and balanced muscle gains with little to no water retention. Further, its relatively mild androgenic profile and non-aromatising nature have made it popular among bodybuilders.

During the Turinabol cycle, the medication metabolises in the liver, binds to androgenic receptors, and supports steady protein synthesis. This improves nitrogen balance in the body, creating an anabolic environment important for muscle gain.

Since Turinabol does not aromatise to estrogen or lead to DHT-based issues like acne, oily skin, and hair loss, it is often preferred over other AAS.

Turinabol’s benefits in bodybuilding include:

• Gradual quality muscle gain
• Improved endurance and recovery
• Low estrogenic activity and water retention

What is Dianabol?

Dianabol was developed by Dr. John Ziegler in the Cold War era to give American athletes a competitive edge. Also, a C17-alpha-alkylated oral compound, Dianabol’s fast-acting nature has made it a sought-after among bodybuilders.

When ingested, Dianabol binds to androgen receptors to create an anabolic environment that promotes nitrogen retention and increases protein synthesis. Further, it also facilitates glycogenolysis, which increases the levels of available energy and improves athletic output.

Dianabol’s benefits in bulking cycles include:

• Increased nitrogen retention
• Fast muscle gain
• Increased glycogenolysis

Turinabol vs. Dianabol: Side-by-Side Comparison Table

To take stock of how Turinabol compares to Dianabol, let’s take a look at the following comparative table:

Feature	Turinabol	Dianabol
Anabolic Rating	54	90 – 210
Androgenic Rating	6	40 – 60
Water Retention	Low	High
Estrogenic Effects	Minimal	High
Liver Toxicity	Moderate	High
Muscle Gain	Slower, leaner	Fast, bulkier
Detection Time	~ 6 – 12 months	~ 5 – 6 weeks
Half Life	16 hours	3 – 6 hours

Table 1: Turinabol vs. Dianabol Tabular Comparison

Muscle Gains: Which Builds More Size?

If you aim to gain rapid and dramatic muscle mass in a short while, the Dianabol steroid might be the better option. If you wish for gradual, balanced, lean muscle gain, with little to no water retention, Turinabol is the way to go.

A muscle gain timeline over 8 weeks for both compounds is as follows:

Week	Turinabol	Dianabol
1	Mild strength gain	Noticeable increase in strength gain
2	Gradual lean muscle buildup	Muscle fullness increases
3	Noticeable lean muscle definition	Significant increase in strength and training output
4 – 5	Continued solid lean gains with no bloat	Peak muscle size is reached; 60 – 70% can be water weight
6 – 7	Dry, steady gains, and a hard physique	Both strength and size will peak; gains may plateau in week 7
8	Cycle ends; Lean muscle tissue gained	Cycle ends; 30 – 50% weight is lost (which was due to water)

Table 2: Turinabol vs. Dianabol: Comparison of Gains

Side Effects Comparison

The side effects of Turinabol are​ as follows:

• Liver stress
• Decrease in HDL and increase in LDL
• Mild acne and hair loss
• Suppressed endogenous testosterone

Dianabol’s side effects, which are often seen among bodybuilders, are:

• Liver toxicity
• Bloating and water retention
• Estrogenic Gynecomastia (growth of breast tissue in men) 
• Acne, oily skin, and hair loss
• High blood pressure
• Increased LDL
• Testosterone suppression
• Mood swings and aggression

Though Turninabol has a lower incidence of side effects, the natural hormone system can be slower to recover, even after PCT.

Dosage, Stacking Potential, Cycle Use, and PCT

No matter the steroid you choose, it is important to know the dosage to take and how long to cycle it for optimum results. 

The Turinabol cycle usually lasts 6 – 8 weeks, depending on the health, tolerance, and goals of the user. Further, the dosage to follow for Turinabol is:

• Beginner: 20 – 30 mg per day
• Intermediate: 40 – 50 mg per day
• Advanced: Up to 60 mg per day

Turinabol can also be stacked with Testosterone and Anavar for effective lean gains:

• Turinabol: 40 mg per day for 8 weeks
• Testosterone Cypionate: 250 – 400 mg per week for 10 weeks
• Anavar: 30 mg per day during the end of the cycle from weeks 6 to 10

On the other hand, the Dianabol cycle usually lasts 4 -6 weeks (due to plateauing of effects and hepatotoxicity). Additionally, the usual Dianabol dosage is:

• Beginner: 20 – 30 mg per day
• Intermediate: 30 – 50 mg per day
• Advanced: Up to 80 mg per day

For rapid bulking, Dianabol can be stacked with Testosterone:

• Dianabol: 30 – 40 mg per day for the first 6 weeks
• Testosterone Enanthate: 300 – 500 mg per week for 12 weeks

Since oral steroids are hepatotoxic, it is important to take necessary liver supplements such as Liv52, NAC, or TUDCA. Further, one may also take aromatase inhibitors like Arimidex or Aromasin during their Dianabol cycle.

Further, on completion of your steroid cycle, it is important to start PCT, which restores hormone balance and helps you retain the gains. This can be done with either of the following SERMs:

• Clomid (4 weeks): 50 mg per day for the first two weeks, 25 mg per day for the next two weeks.
• Nolvadex (4 weeks): 40 mg per day for the first two weeks, 20 mg per day for the next two weeks.

Legal and Safety Considerations

When taking anabolic androgenic steroids, it is important to be aware of their legality. Both Turinabol and Dianabol are listed as Class C medications in the UK, i.e., you will need a valid prescription to procure them.

Further, even the mildest anabolic steroids can have a significant impact on your health. Thus, discuss your current health with your doctor, disclose any and all medical issues that you have, list your fitness goals, and learn which steroid is the better option for you. Additionally, be sure to follow the prescription to the letter, monitor yourself for side effects, and do not take in excess of your prescribed dose.

Wrapping Up: Which One Should You Choose?

The choice of steroids between Turinabol and Dianabol is to be made after properly accounting for experience level and fitness goals. For lean steady gains, pick Turinabol. For rapid bulk and size increase, opt for Dianabol. Be sure to seek medical advice before taking either.

Choosing Between the Two Steroids: Turinabol vs Dianabol

Ready to level up your fitness regime with anabolic steroids? Consult your doctor and trainer, and get started on your steroid cycle with either Turinabol or Dianabol.

Frequently Asked Questions