Trestolone (MENT), or 7α-methyl-19-nortestosterone, is a synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) belonging to the nandrolone family. It was originally developed for potential medical applications such as male contraception and hormone replacement therapy, but it never gained full clinical approval. What makes trestolone unique is its extreme potency — both in anabolic and androgenic activity — often considered several times stronger than testosterone on a milligram-for-milligram basis. It does not aromatize into estrogen through the usual pathway, but its strong progestogenic activity can still cause estrogen-like side effects such as gynecomastia and water retention. In bodybuilding circles, it is valued for rapid size and strength gains, but its extreme suppression of natural testosterone production makes it a compound reserved for advanced users only.
When compared to more established AAS such as testosterone and nandrolone, trestolone stands out for its sheer strength and fast results. Testosterone serves as the baseline anabolic in performance enhancement — offering a balanced mix of muscle gain, strength increase, and hormonal stability when dosed responsibly. Nandrolone, on the other hand, is milder in androgenic effects and known for providing joint comfort and steady lean mass gains, making it a popular choice for longer cycles. Trestolone, however, eclipses both in potency and speed of results but at the cost of a more aggressive side effect profile, including complete HPTA shutdown and increased cardiovascular strain. For this reason, while testosterone and nandrolone can fit into beginner or intermediate protocols, trestolone is typically considered a high-risk, high-reward option for experienced athletes who can manage its side effects through careful planning, health monitoring, and robust post-cycle therapy.
Trestolone vs Testosterone vs Nandrolone
| Feature | Trestolone (MENT) | Testosterone | Nandrolone (Deca / NPP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Class | 19-nor AAS (nandrolone family) with 7α-methyl modification | Natural androgen | 19-nor AAS |
| Anabolic:Androgenic Ratio (approx.) | Very high anabolic, strong androgenic (potency 7–10× testosterone mg-for-mg) | 100:100 (reference standard) | ~125:37 |
| Aromatization | Does not aromatize via aromatase enzyme, but has strong progestogenic activity → possible estrogen-like sides | Aromatizes to estradiol → direct estrogenic effects | Aromatizes very slightly → mostly progestogenic effects |
| Progestogenic Activity | High — can cause gyno and water retention via progesterone receptor activation | Low | Moderate |
| HPG Axis Suppression | Extreme (very fast and complete shutdown) | Moderate to high depending on dose | High |
| Half-life (common esters) | Acetate: ~2–3 days (ED/EOD injections) | Enanthate: ~4–5 days / Cypionate: ~5–6 days | Decanoate: ~6–8 days / Phenylpropionate: ~2–3 days |
| Strength Gains | Very rapid, extreme | Strong, steady | Moderate |
| Muscle Gain Profile | Dense, full look, fast accumulation | Balanced size + strength + endurance | Smoother gains, more joint comfort |
| Water Retention | Possible (progestin-related, not estrogen) | Moderate (from aromatization) | Low to moderate |
| Common Bodybuilding Dose | 25–50 mg/day (Acetate) | 300–600 mg/week | 300–500 mg/week |
| Medical Use | Investigational male contraceptive, hormone therapy (not approved) | Hormone replacement therapy, various medical uses | Anemia, muscle wasting, some HRT |
| Side Effect Highlights | Severe suppression, gyno risk via progestin pathway, hair loss, high BP | Estrogenic sides, androgenic sides, suppression | Progestin gyno risk, joint relief, less androgenic |
| Skill Level for Use | Advanced only | All levels (lowest risk when dosed properly) | Intermediate–advanced |
Summary
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Trestolone is like “Testosterone on steroids” — extremely potent, extremely suppressive, and risky without tight control of prolactin and estrogen-related pathways.
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Testosterone is the natural baseline — balanced anabolic and androgenic effects, predictable side effect profile, cornerstone of most cycles.
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Nandrolone is milder on androgenic effects but has progestogenic activity and is favored for joint comfort and steady lean gains.
