Oral trenbolone, also referred to as methyltrienolone (MTREN), is an extremely potent synthetic steroid that has developed notoriety in bodybuilding circles for its muscle-building effects. As an oral version of the injectable veterinary drug trenbolone, often called the strongest conventional steroid, oral tren is used illicitly to rapidly enhance muscle mass, strength, and lean body mass.
However, while its anabolic potency cannot be argued, this drug also carries higher risks of side effects than most other steroids due to its harsh chemistry. Here is an in-depth look at oral trenbolone and methyltrienolone, from history and chemistry to uses, effects, risks, legal status, ethical issues, and safer alternatives.
Origins and Chemical Background
Oral trenbolone was first developed in 1961 by Roussel-UCLAF, a French pharmaceutical company. Chemically, it is a modified form of trenbolone, an extremely potent veterinary steroid used primarily in livestock to boost lean tissue growth prior to slaughter.
Oral tren, known scientifically as 17α-methyltrienolone (17α-methyltrenbolone), differs structurally only by the addition of a methyl group that allows the drug to resist metabolism by the liver after ingestion. This makes it orally active with nearly five times the anabolic potency of testosterone.
After being marketed briefly in France, production ceased in the 1970s largely due to toxicity concerns. Today, virtually all supplies of oral tren exist as underground lab products.
How Oral Tren Works in the Body
Once ingested, oral tren is absorbed from the gastrointestinal system. As a lipophilic or fat-soluble molecule, the drug easily permeates cell membranes and travels via the blood to tissues throughout the body. From there, it binds to and activates androgen receptors located inside muscle and bone cells.
By stimulating these receptors, oral trenbolone initiates a cascading series of biochemical reactions in muscle tissue that shift the body’s metabolism toward an anabolic, tissue-building state. Specifically, the drug has been shown to:
- Boost protein synthesis rates in muscle
- Increase nitrogen retention
- Alter vitamin D metabolism to favor lean tissue growth
- Raise red blood cell production
- Decrease glucocorticoid hormone activity
- Heighten IGF-1 output
Together, these effects give oral tren an unmatched ability to support rapid gains in lean muscle mass and strength, especially when combined with proper training and high-protein intake.
Uses and Cycles Among Bodybuilders
Ever since its discontinuation by pharmaceutical companies in the 1970s, oral trenbolone has remained highly sought after in elite bodybuilding circles and professional sports. This is due almost entirely to its reputation as an extremely potent steroid that can rapidly transform physiques in very short time frames.
Most habitual users report running oral tren cycles of 4 to 6 weeks, often at dosages between 10 to 30 milligrams per day. Cycles longer than this are considered risky due to increased chance of harsh side effects from its toxic chemistry. Stacking oral tren with other anabolic steroids in cycles is also quite common.
As an uncommon underground lab product, pricing and access remain extremely variable. Individual oral trenbolone pills reportedly sell for $2 to over $10 each in competitive bodybuilding circles where demand remains high.
Purported Effects on Body, Performance and Mind
According to anecdotal reports within bodybuilding communities, the effects of oral tren are rapid and often extreme, especially at higher doses. Most users describe seeing visible muscle growth and improved muscularity within just a couple weeks of beginning a cycle.
Specifically, the purported physical effects include:
- Marked gains in muscle size and lean mass
- Noticeable improvements in muscle hardness, vascularity and striations
- Significant boosts in raw strength
- Enhanced ability to maintain muscle while dieting
- Increased stamina, energy and workout capacity
- Accelerated post-workout recovery between sessions
Beyond the physical, some regular users also report feeling increased confidence, aggressiveness, and competitiveness as well as a strong desire to exercise while on oral trenbolone cycles.
Risks and Side Effects
While its muscle-building potency is alluring, oral trenbolone use does not come without considerable risk given its exceptionally harsh chemical makeup. Most medical professionals consider its toxicity and side effects too severe for human use.
Some of the dangers associated with oral tren include:
Liver Toxicity
The biggest risk lies in liver strain and organ damage. Several studies confirm the drug’s high hepatotoxicity, likely owed to its alkylated chemical structure. In doses above 20-30 mg per day or cycles beyond 4-6 weeks, toxicity climbs sharply. Jaundice, liver lesions, hepatocellular necrosis, cholestatic hepatitis, and liver failure are possible with prolonged use.
Cardiovascular Strain
Oral tren is also suspected to increase LDL cholesterol while reducing HDL cholesterol. Hardening of arteries, high blood pressure, and other heart issues may occur over time.
Hormonal Imbalances
As with most steroids, oral trenbolone use can suppress natural testosterone output by the testes, leading to hypogonadism, testicular atrophy, and temporary or permanent infertility. Other hormonal imbalances may also occur. Estrogen levels may be impacted due to aromatization.
Mental/Emotional Issues
Due to rapid fluctuations in hormones and neurochemistry, unpredictable mood swings, anger issues, aggression, depression, anxiety, paranoia, and addiction may develop, especially post-cycle.
Virilization in Females
If used by women, signs of virilization including facial/body hair growth, vocal changes, and enlargement of the clitoris can occur and may be permanent. Needle risks also accompany injectable versions.
Legal Status and Prevalence of Underground Use
While oral trenbolone has never been approved for human use and was taken off the veterinary market decades ago, global underground demand from elite bodybuilders and strength athletes remains extremely high today.
On the black market, oral tren commands premium pricing, reportedly selling for upwards of $500 per standard 30 ml vial containing 1,000 mg. 10 mg pills can sell individually for $2 to $15 each.
Legally, oral trenbolone is classified as a DEA Schedule III Controlled Substance in the U.S., alongside products like ketamine or anabolic steroids such as testosterone. Trafficking or possessing without a valid prescription can lead to fines and jail time if discovered.
Still, due to oral tren‘s mystique and power, illicit distribution continues globally today via clandestine underground labs and smugglers taking advantage of lax regulations in certain countries. Estimating actual usage rates is difficult given the product’s legal status but anecdotal reports suggest prevalence remains high.
Oral Tren Use Cannot Be Condoned or Recommended
To unequivocally state the obvious risk in disregarding medical advice or regulatory statutes, Cyborgwriter cannot recommend or condone the use of oral trenbolone or other controlled substances illegally or without medical supervision given health concerns and legal risks.
Hopefully this fact-based analysis has shed light on why dangerous underground steroids like oral tren should be avoided in favor of basic training, nutrition, rest, and legal alternatives. No athletic goal or competitive advantage justifies endangering one‘s health or freedom. But public safety also requires realistic conversations on these drugs’ true risks and appeals.
Ethical Considerations Around Performance Enhancement
Broader debates surrounding performance enhancement drugs (PEDs) and doping tend to be complex with reasonable ethical points on multiple sides. Some key considerations include:
- Upholding principles of fair play and integrity in competition
- Medical primacy – “do no harm” – and managing unintended public health impacts
- Rights regarding bodily autonomy and informed consent
- Discrimination against individuals based on chemical composition occurring naturally or deliberately
Reasonable, evidence-based dialogue and policies are vital. But again, illegally using drugs like oral tren without medical oversight cannot be condoned or recommended.
Safer Alternatives for Muscle Building
For those dedicated to pushing their limits naturally, a few options that may support muscle goals without nasty side effects include:
1. Trust the Process: Building muscle takes diligent training, proper nutrition, ample recovery and patience over years. No shortcuts exist without trade-offs.
2. Creatine and Protein: Supplemental creatine and whey protein matched with training positively impact muscle size and performance with negligible health risks.
3. Legal Steroid Alternatives: While weaker than controlled steroids, some bodybuilding supplements dubbed "legal steroids" aim to naturally support testosterone and protein synthesis for gains. Consult physicians before use.
In the end, the appeal of steroids like oral tren will always lie in the promise of near instant results. But sustainable, long-term health matters so much more. Patience and hard work pay dividends.