{"id":604886303026,"title":"What is Tren? And is it Dangerous?","created_at":"2023-02-25T14:43:30-05:00","body_html":"\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\/\/ \u003c![CDATA[\n{\n \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n \"@type\": \"Article\",\n \"headline\": \"What is Tren? And is it Dangerous?\",\n \"keywords\": \"trenbolone, tren, tren side effects, tren steroid, tren before and after, tren steroids, side effects from tren, side effects tren, side effects of tren, is tren illegal\",\n \"description\": \"Our research team reviews medical studies on trenbolone (tren) to share the performance benefits and health risks of the steroid. We feature a before-and-after video of tren use along with an interview with a real user that discusses the downsides.\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/what-is-tren\",\n\"author\": {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"Calloway Cook\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/calloway-cook\",\n \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/calloway-cook\/\",\n \"jobTitle\": \"President\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"entrepreneurship, dietary supplements, herbal supplements, eCommerce, medical research\",\n \"alumniOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"EducationalOrganization\",\n \"name\": \"S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University\"\n },\n \"memberOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n }\n},\n\"editor\": {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"Auren Weinberg\",\n \"honorificSuffix\": \"M.D.\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/auren-weinberg\",\n \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/aurenweinberg\/\",\n \"jobTitle\": \"Medical Reviewer\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"pharmaceutical medication, medicine, OTC drugs, medical research, clinical trials, generic drugs, branded drugs, dietary supplements, chemistry, health, wellness, healthcare\",\n \"alumniOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"EducationalOrganization\",\n \"name\": [\n \"Haverford College\",\n \"University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry\",\n \"Fox School of Business at Temple University\"\n ]\n },\n \"memberOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n }\n},\n\"image\": {\n\"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n\"url\": \"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/What_Is_Tren_Thumbnail.png?v=1677354388\",\n\"width\": \"2896\",\n\"height\": \"2896\"\n},\n\"citation\": [\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/20138077\/\", \n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/25554582\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/10589853\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/10589853\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/20153798\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30460728\/\",\n\"https:\/\/www.dea.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/2020-06\/Steroids-2020.pdf\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32048383\/\",\n\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3861174\/\",\n\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/products\/panax-ginseng-extract\"\n],\n\"mentions\": [{\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"trenbolone\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"steroid\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"muscle mass\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"erectile dysfunction\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"Larry Wheels\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"More Plates More Dates\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"DEA\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"Brandon Harding\"\n }\n],\n\"datePublished\": \"2023-02-25\",\n\"copyrightHolder\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n},\n\"publisher\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/\",\n \"description\": \"Illuminate Labs is the most transparent supplement company in the U.S., and is a leading publisher of research-based health information.\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"supplements, science, nutrition, exercise, health, medication, pharmaceutical, wellness, diet, weight loss, medical research\",\n \"publishingPrinciples\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/editorial-guidelines\",\n \"memberOf\": [\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"U.S. Chamber of Commerce\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.uschamber.com\/\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Certified B Corp\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.bcorporation.net\/en-us\/\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Natural Products Association\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.npanational.org\/\"\n }\n ], \n \"logo\": {\n \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Illuminate_Labs_Favicon_48x48_7595c3cc-e27b-47b8-a4fe-edcc7ed9b29a.png?v=1666502785\", \n \"width\": 48,\n \"height\": 48\n},\n \"foundingDate\": \"2019-01-30\",\n \"sameAs\": [\n \"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/illuminatelabs\",\n \"https:\/\/twitter.com\/illuminatelabs\",\n \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/illuminate-labs-supplements\",\n \"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCpgSJAsIPb-fZ25djtTxBEA\"\n ]\n }\n}\n\/\/ ]]\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/What_Is_Tren_Article_Header_Image_Optimized.png?v=1677354074\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDisclaimer: None of the information in this article constitutes medical advice, and is just the opinion of the writer(s). We recommend that patients follow their doctor’s guidance in regard to steroid use.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dc\"\u003eT\u003c\/span\u003eren, short for trenbolone, is an anabolic steroid used by many bodybuilders off-label to promote muscle growth and mass gain. It can actually be more powerful than natural testosterone for muscle building.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBut has tren actually been studied in medical trials, and if so what were the effects? What are the risks and downsides of its use? Is it legal in the US? And how do real tren users describe the effects and downsides of the drug?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eIn this article we’ll answer all of these questions and more as we review medical research on the potential benefits and the risks of tren use. We’ll overview its legality in the US, and feature real user reviews.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eIs Tren Proven Effective for Muscle Building?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eTren is one of the most potent steroids in the world. A \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/20138077\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e published in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSteroids\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e journal describes how tren binds to androgen receptors at three times the affinity of testosterone. This suggests that it can actually increase muscle mass and power to a higher degree than exogenous testosterone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA 2015 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/25554582\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e found that tren use decreased body fat and increased muscle mass in rats. Improvements to insulin sensitivity were also noted.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/10589853\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e published in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eMedicine \u0026amp; Science in Sports \u0026amp; Exercise\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e journal analyzed the  effects of anabolic steroids in muscle cells in strength-trained athletes. Unsurprisingly, use of steroids increased muscle size and number of muscle cells in the athletes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe conclude from the available research that \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003etren is likely to be effective for increasing muscle mass, increasing muscle size and improving power\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e and resistance exercise performance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBut what are the risks of its use? We’ll review in the next section.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eIs Tren Dangerous?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAll anabolic steroids have side effects, and tren is no different.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eTren can have negative effects on the cardiovascular system. A \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4614617\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ecase report\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e published in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eEmergency\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e journal documents a young man who experienced a heart attack due to tren use. The report states that tren use can cause high blood pressure and thrombosis (blood clotting).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA 2010 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/20153798\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e examined the negative health effects of anabolic steroid use. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe common side effects are reported as: sexual dysfunction, negative cardiovascular changes, liver toxicity and negative behavioral changes.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAnother \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30460728\/\"\u003emedical study\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e published in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eJournal of Internal Medicine\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e reported that anabolic steroid users died at three times the rate of non-users, and more than 10% of them experienced acne, gynecomastia (enlarged breasts in men) and erectile dysfunction.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe consider tren to be dangerous based on a review of clinical literature, and we do not recommend its use, nor do we recommend the use of any anabolic steroids.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA YouTube video reviews some clips from a top bodybuilder named Larry Wheels who explains some of the downsides and negative side effects he’s experienced from tren use:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/3k0WVKEPwBo\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eBefore And After of Tren Use\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA YouTube video from popular fitness and bodybuilding channel “More Plates More Dates” reviews before-and-after images from a real tren user who posted his journey on Reddit:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/EpFrYj9CZys\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eIs Tren Illegal in the US?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAnabolic steroids including trenbolone are currently illegal in the U.S. without a prescription. We haven’t come across any clinical situations where this compound is being prescribed, although it may theoretically be beneficial for testosterone deficiency or tissue wasting.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.dea.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/2020-06\/Steroids-2020.pdf\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eexplains\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e that anabolic steroids are Schedule III substances under the Controlled Substances Act.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe strongly urge patients who are considering tren use to speak with a doctor first, both about their individual genetic risk and about the potential for a prescription, rather than purchasing it illegally.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eReal Tren User Shares Experience\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA YouTube creator named Brandon Harding has a video explaining how tren impacted his life including his training, his relationship and even his bloodwork:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Ih5YQwEheA8\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur Testosterone Support Picks\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Fenugreek_Image.png?v=1673413819\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFenugreek seed extract\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e was\u003c\/span\u003e shown in a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32048383\/\"\u003emeta-study\u003c\/a\u003e published in the \u003cem\u003ePhytotherapy Research\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ejournal to increase testosterone levels in men, and is one of the few natural compounds that we've found research backing for regarding testosterone support.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3GxjzKu\" rel=\"sponsored\"\u003eBronson Fenugreek Seed Powder\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis our top fenugreek seed supplement because it provides an effective dose and is free of any questionable additive ingredients.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInterested consumers can check out Bronson Fenugreek Seed Powder\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3GxjzKu\" rel=\"sponsored\"\u003eat this link\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eto the product's official Amazon listing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003ePanax ginseng\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eextract\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis an herbal libido enhancer, and was shown in a\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3861174\/\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003epublished in the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eSpermatogenesis\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ejournal to increase sex drive in men when taken daily.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIlluminate Labs sells a\u003cspan\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/products\/panax-ginseng-extract\"\u003ePanax Ginseng Extract supplement\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ewhich is third-party tested to ensure label accuracy, potency and purity, and which contains no questionable additive ingredients.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eInterested consumers can check out Illuminate Labs Panax Ginseng Extract\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/products\/panax-ginseng-extract\"\u003eat this link\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eto the product page on our website, where the supplement can be purchased for only\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e$15\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eon a subscription basis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore taking supplements or medications to improve T levels, it makes sense to get a hormone panel that actually tests T levels.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWithout knowing your baseline T levels, it's impossible to track progress and make research-based decisions.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/plushcare.sjv.io\/Y9qXrP\"\u003ePlushCare\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis an online doctor service that allows patients to work with a doctor to order labs like testosterone tests.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlushCare accepts major health insurers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003elike United and Aetna, and also accepts patients paying out-of-pocket.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHow it works for bloodwork is that PlushCare will send the order to a lab local to the patient. Interested consumers can check out PlushCare\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/plushcare.sjv.io\/Y9qXrP\"\u003eat this link\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eto the brand's official website.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eConclusion\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eTren is an anabolic steroid that can improve muscle mass and exercise performance, but it comes with a significant risk of side effects including increased cardiovascular risk and erectile dysfunction. A medical study found that tren users were three times more likely to die than non-users over the study period.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe do not recommend using tren, and it’s important to note that the drug is illegal without a doctor’s prescription.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eTren doesn’t necessarily improve aesthetic appearance or strength in all individuals. Also, as we highlighted in a before-and-after video, some tren users experience physical changes that could be achieved without the drug.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eMost of the clinical studies on tren are conducted on animals rather than humans, because it was originally approved for use in animals. It’s challenging to get clearance for compounds with known negative health effects in human trials.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","blog_id":49281925193,"author":"Calloway Cook","user_id":26601750601,"published_at":"2023-02-25T14:51:02-05:00","updated_at":"2023-09-25T16:56:02-04:00","summary_html":"We review medical studies on trenbolone (tren) to share the performance benefits and health risks of the steroid. We feature a before-and-after video of tren use along with an interview with a real user that discusses the downsides.","template_suffix":"","handle":"what-is-tren","tags":"_related:steroids"}

What is Tren? And is it Dangerous?

What is Tren? And is it Dangerous?


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Read our Editorial Guidelines to learn more about what makes our site the premier resource for online health information.

Disclaimer: None of the information in this article constitutes medical advice, and is just the opinion of the writer(s). We recommend that patients follow their doctor’s guidance in regard to steroid use.

Tren, short for trenbolone, is an anabolic steroid used by many bodybuilders off-label to promote muscle growth and mass gain. It can actually be more powerful than natural testosterone for muscle building.

But has tren actually been studied in medical trials, and if so what were the effects? What are the risks and downsides of its use? Is it legal in the US? And how do real tren users describe the effects and downsides of the drug?

In this article we’ll answer all of these questions and more as we review medical research on the potential benefits and the risks of tren use. We’ll overview its legality in the US, and feature real user reviews.

Is Tren Proven Effective for Muscle Building?

Tren is one of the most potent steroids in the world. A medical review published in the Steroids journal describes how tren binds to androgen receptors at three times the affinity of testosterone. This suggests that it can actually increase muscle mass and power to a higher degree than exogenous testosterone.

A 2015 clinical trial found that tren use decreased body fat and increased muscle mass in rats. Improvements to insulin sensitivity were also noted.

A medical review published in the Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise journal analyzed the  effects of anabolic steroids in muscle cells in strength-trained athletes. Unsurprisingly, use of steroids increased muscle size and number of muscle cells in the athletes.

We conclude from the available research that tren is likely to be effective for increasing muscle mass, increasing muscle size and improving power and resistance exercise performance.

But what are the risks of its use? We’ll review in the next section.

Is Tren Dangerous?

All anabolic steroids have side effects, and tren is no different.

Tren can have negative effects on the cardiovascular system. A case report published in the Emergency journal documents a young man who experienced a heart attack due to tren use. The report states that tren use can cause high blood pressure and thrombosis (blood clotting).

A 2010 medical review examined the negative health effects of anabolic steroid use. The common side effects are reported as: sexual dysfunction, negative cardiovascular changes, liver toxicity and negative behavioral changes.

Another medical study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine reported that anabolic steroid users died at three times the rate of non-users, and more than 10% of them experienced acne, gynecomastia (enlarged breasts in men) and erectile dysfunction.

We consider tren to be dangerous based on a review of clinical literature, and we do not recommend its use, nor do we recommend the use of any anabolic steroids.

A YouTube video reviews some clips from a top bodybuilder named Larry Wheels who explains some of the downsides and negative side effects he’s experienced from tren use:

Before And After of Tren Use

A YouTube video from popular fitness and bodybuilding channel “More Plates More Dates” reviews before-and-after images from a real tren user who posted his journey on Reddit:

Is Tren Illegal in the US?

Anabolic steroids including trenbolone are currently illegal in the U.S. without a prescription. We haven’t come across any clinical situations where this compound is being prescribed, although it may theoretically be beneficial for testosterone deficiency or tissue wasting.

The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) explains that anabolic steroids are Schedule III substances under the Controlled Substances Act.

We strongly urge patients who are considering tren use to speak with a doctor first, both about their individual genetic risk and about the potential for a prescription, rather than purchasing it illegally.

Real Tren User Shares Experience

A YouTube creator named Brandon Harding has a video explaining how tren impacted his life including his training, his relationship and even his bloodwork:

Our Testosterone Support Picks

Fenugreek seed extract was shown in a meta-study published in the Phytotherapy Research journal to increase testosterone levels in men, and is one of the few natural compounds that we've found research backing for regarding testosterone support.

Bronson Fenugreek Seed Powder is our top fenugreek seed supplement because it provides an effective dose and is free of any questionable additive ingredients.

Interested consumers can check out Bronson Fenugreek Seed Powder at this link to the product's official Amazon listing.

Panax ginseng extract is an herbal libido enhancer, and was shown in a medical review published in the Spermatogenesis journal to increase sex drive in men when taken daily.

Illuminate Labs sells a Panax Ginseng Extract supplement which is third-party tested to ensure label accuracy, potency and purity, and which contains no questionable additive ingredients.

Interested consumers can check out Illuminate Labs Panax Ginseng Extract at this link to the product page on our website, where the supplement can be purchased for only $15 on a subscription basis.

Before taking supplements or medications to improve T levels, it makes sense to get a hormone panel that actually tests T levels. Without knowing your baseline T levels, it's impossible to track progress and make research-based decisions.

PlushCare is an online doctor service that allows patients to work with a doctor to order labs like testosterone tests. PlushCare accepts major health insurers like United and Aetna, and also accepts patients paying out-of-pocket.

How it works for bloodwork is that PlushCare will send the order to a lab local to the patient. Interested consumers can check out PlushCare at this link to the brand's official website.

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Conclusion

Tren is an anabolic steroid that can improve muscle mass and exercise performance, but it comes with a significant risk of side effects including increased cardiovascular risk and erectile dysfunction. A medical study found that tren users were three times more likely to die than non-users over the study period.

We do not recommend using tren, and it’s important to note that the drug is illegal without a doctor’s prescription.

Tren doesn’t necessarily improve aesthetic appearance or strength in all individuals. Also, as we highlighted in a before-and-after video, some tren users experience physical changes that could be achieved without the drug.

Most of the clinical studies on tren are conducted on animals rather than humans, because it was originally approved for use in animals. It’s challenging to get clearance for compounds with known negative health effects in human trials.