Mental Side Effects of Trenbolone
Trenbolone usage can indeed lead to mental side effects. Users have reported experiencing mood swings, anxiety, and aggressive behaviour. It's crucial to consider these potential psychological impacts before starting a regimen with this substance.
What Is Trenbolone?
Trenbolone is a synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroid. Trenbolone belongs to the nandrolone group, which is a class of anabolic-androgenic steroids [1, 2].
It has a strong anabolic effect, meaning it can stimulate muscle growth. For this reason, Trenbolone is used illegally by professional or amateur athletes who wish to improve their athletic performance and appearance. It helps increase their muscle mass [2].
Typically, trenbolone is used in countries where it is licensed, for greater meat production. In cattle, trenbolone is metabolized into 17α-trenbolone [1].
Although it might sound like a good idea to use trenbolone to increase your muscle mass, it is crucial to understand that trenbolone can be harmful. Around 90% of users experience body damage due to trenbolone intake. Trenbolone side effects can manifest in various systems of our body [2].
What Are The Side Effects of Trenbolone?
As mentioned, trenbolone is harmful and has many side effects that are experienced by around 90% of trenbolone users [2].
One of the most common side effects of trenbolone is severe acne [2]. Typically it leads to discomfort and even potential scarring [2]. This affects approximately a third of all trenbolone users[2].
Further, trenbolone users experience gynaecomastia, which is the enlargement of the breast tissue in males. This side effect leads to physical discomfort and psychological distress [2]. Again, we observe gynecomastia in about one-third of trenbolone users [2].
In female users of trenbolone, we observe excessive body hair growth. This can be particularly distressing [2].
As trenbolone increases muscle mass, oftentimes we may see stretch marks caused by rapid growth of muscle. These stretch marks can appear on various parts of the body like the chest, arms and legs [2].
Among the more serious side effects of trenbolone are changes in the cardiovascular system. Trenbolone can cause hypertension, or high blood pressure, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke [2]. Trenbolone can also cause cardiac arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat, which can lead to a variety of health problems, including heart failure [2].
After injecting trenbolone, a commonly observed side effect is local inflammation. However, this is usually due to contamination. Usually it only causes discomfort but can also lead to more serious complications such as muscle adhesion, fibrosis, nerve damage or rarely necrosis of the injection side [2].
Interestingly, in rats, trenbolone can also cause changes in the lipid profiles. A study observed a reduction in serum triglycerides, HDL and LDL by 62%, 57%, and 78% respectively [3].
These are not all the potential side effects of trenbolone, as there is a lack of available research on the effects on the human body and many of the side effects are yet unknown. However, it is important to remember that trenbolone is not approved for human use.
Does Trenbolone Cause Mental Side Effects?
Yes, trenbolone can cause significant mental side effects. An extreme shift in risk profile for psychosocial harms has been reported in users of trenbolone. In one case study, a user of trenbolone and other AAS presented with increased aggression, hostility, destructive impulses, labile affect, flight of ideas, and persecutory delusions [4].
It's important to note that the specific mental side effects of trenbolone have not been studied well, with only anecdotal evidence and user reports available.
However, other anabolic-androgenic steroids, similar to trenbolone, have been previously associated with psychiatric effects such as depression, mania, psychosis and aggression. Moreover, a dependence on such drugs has been observed with withdrawal involving psychiatric and physical symptoms [5].
That said, specific mental side effects attributed to trenbolone is still unknown, due to the lack of research on this topic [2]. Nevertheless, remember that trenbolone as is not approved for human use.