Disclaimer: The following article is for educational purposes only and NOT to promote the use of illegal steroids. If you have any questions or concerns, Dr. Touliatos is currently available for consultations.
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; whilst enhancing fat loss.
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, thus 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.
However, Trenbolone is 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, being used in veterinary to bulk up cattle, before going to the 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.
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. Trenbolone Acetate will also clear out of the body quicker than Enanthate — giving it a longer half-life.
Despite this variation in structure, both compounds will result in similar gains post-cycle.
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In this article, we’ll be detailing the top 5 Trenbolone cycles that bodybuilders use to either bulk up or get ripped.
None of the following Trenbolone cycles are suitable for beginners, as it is a very harsh steroid causing 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 Tren by itself, simply stick to the dosages below (minus the Testosterone).
Trenbolone / Testosterone Cycle
This is the most popular Trenbolone cycle, given the fact Testosterone is a mild compound and can be easily stacked to significantly enhance gains — without dramatically worsening Tren’s side effects.
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
Benefits
Muscle and strength gains on this cycle are likely to be exceptional, with minimal water retention; thus making it a very aesthetic bulking cycle.
Testosterone is also an injectable steroid, thus it doesn’t pose any extra strain to the liver.
Testosterone is also one of, if not the best steroid for the heart; with it only having a mild effect on LDL/HDL cholesterol levels. Thus, as far as Trenbolone stacks go — this is the safest.
Side Effects
Any Trenbolone cycle will cause some issues for users (simply because of the tren). The main risks 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.
Androgenic side effects are almost certain, 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 this. 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, such hair loss may be reversed post-cycle; however, if someone aggressively utilizes these steroids long-term; such hair loss may be permanent.
Prostate enlargement can be signified by difficulty urinating, which may occur when taking this cycle.
Gynecomastia is possible on this cycle, due to the testosterone aromatizing. Thus, high estrogen levels may cause breast tissue to enlarge in males.
Trenbolone can also cause gynecomastia, albeit not from a rise in estrogen — but progesterone.
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 gyno from Testosterone, however in this case it would exacerbate progesterone levels — increasing the chance of gynecomastia from the Trenbolone.
Thus, an anti-estrogen would be the best option for counteracting the chances of enlarged breast tissue. However, there is a drawback with anti-estrogens, 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 anti-estrogen ready if you start to notice swollen nipples. As soon as you start experiencing the early stages of gyno, you can start running Letrozole in the dosages stated above.
This will help to reverse the swelling and prevent any further enlargement of breast tissue. However, running letrozole before experiencing any gyno issues, is just going to place excess strain on the heart.
Trenbolone / 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 will 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
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; with Anadrol having the power to add 50+ pounds to compound lifts (on its own).
Like trenbolone acetate, Anadrol is fast-acting, thus gains can be noticed in just a few days following the first dose.
Side Effects
Liver toxicity is going to be more significant with the presence of Anadrol — being an oral steroid that is c17-alpha alkylated.
Thus, ALT and AST liver enzymes will shoot up, representing the strain on the organ to fully process Anadrol before entering the bloodstream.
TUDCA is a natural supplement that has been shown to minimize damage to the liver and thus is 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).
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 the good cholesterol (HDL), that prevents clogging of the arteries.
This combined with significant water retention and increased red blood cell count makes for viscous blood that’s harder for the heart to pump. Fish oil is essential to combat this and minimize cardiovascular strain on-cycle.
Gynecomastia is possible, due to Anadrol being highly estrogenic and the progesterone activity present with Trenbolone.
An anti-aromatase inhibitor is ineffective with Anadrol, as it doesn’t convert to estrogen.
Instead, it seems to directly stimulate estrogen receptors, thus an anti-estrogen can help to prevent gynecomastia from Anadrol. However, as mentioned before an anti-estrogen isn’t something you want to use (if you can help it), as it will skew cholesterol ratios, causing more strain on the heart.
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 preventing muscle loss).
Anadrol does have androgenic properties, which combined with trenbolone, may result in prostate enlargement, oily skin/acne and hair loss.
Trenbolone / Anadrol / Test 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.
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
Benefits
This bulking cycle has the ability to add crazy amounts of size and strength, even to 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 equally have the genetics to tolerate Anadrol/Trenbolone 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 it taking a toll on their body.
Side Effects
The risk of gynecomastia is high, with estrogen levels skyrocketing (from Anadrol and Testosterone).
The risk of androgenic side effects; such as hair loss, acne and prostate issues are very high.
Testosterone suppression is going to be extreme, thus users should take 3 PCT supplements (being Nolvadex, Clomid and hCG); in order to bring their testosterone levels back from the grave.
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 is going to 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 / 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; 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.
This duo can be utilized as a cutting cycle, where users eat in a calorie deficit. Or it can be 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
Benefits
Users can rapid fat loss, whilst also building noticeable amounts of muscle and strength.
Those who aren’t experienced steroid users will have big gains — in regards 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 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, thus 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.
Side Effects
Winstrol or Trenbolone certainly aren’t examples of ‘light’ steroids.
When combined together, they’ll 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, whilst 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. Thus, cardio should be regularly performed, to prevent large spikes in blood pressure.
Note: Regular cardio will also enhance fat loss.
Winstrol should only be taken for 8 weeks (maximum), due to its toxic effects on the liver.
Winstrol, although not androgenic, does cause androgenic effects in practical environments; therefore acne, oily skin and hair loss are to be expected when combined 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 is with Trenbolone, moderately increasing progesterone. However, this is 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.
The combination of Trenbolone and Anavar makes for a very effective cutting cycle.
Anavar is a mild steroid, hence how it’s successfully been used in medicine for treating women and small children (without damaging effects).
Anavar’s an oral, thus 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
Benefits
Anavar will increase fat burning, whilst 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.
Surprisingly, Anavar is a very effective compound for enhancing strength, despite it 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 Winstrol/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 to Tren/Testosterone.
Side Effects
An Anavar-only cycle is considered very safe. Unfortunately, with the addition of Trenbolone, all safety goes out the window.
All of the side effects associated with Trenbolone will apply, but with extra testosterone suppression and a higher rise in blood pressure.
This certainly isn’t the worst cycle for testosterone suppression, thus Nolvadex and Clomid should be sufficient for resurrecting test levels; without the addition of hCG.
Although Anavar is an oral steroid, it doesn’t cause much liver strain; with it also being processed by the kidneys. Thus, the risk of serious liver damage in this cycle should be considered 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.
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 will almost certainly damage the body — at least in the short term.
Note: Trenbolone can be taken by itself and still produce exceptional gains.
It 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 them having conflicting attributes.
For example, Deca is usually taken in mild bulking cycles, to add a little more size whilst 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).