Trestolone (MENT)

Trestolone (developmental code name MENT) is a synthetic 7α-methylated 19-nortestosterone derivative first synthesized in the 1960s. Developed by the Population Council as a potential male contraceptive and hormone replacement therapy, it gained attention for its potent anabolic effects without aromatization to estrogen. Unlike most anabolic steroids, Trestolone features direct tissue-selective activity: it acts as a strong androgen receptor agonist in muscle while having reduced activity in the prostate due to rapid 5α-reduction. Clinical trials in the 2000s explored subcutaneous implants (up to 800mcg/day) for male contraception, showing effective gonadotropin suppression. Despite promising Phase II results, development stalled due to commercial viability issues. Bodybuilders discovered MENT through research chemical suppliers around 2010, valuing its exceptional myotrophic potency - estimated 10x stronger than testosterone milligram-for-milligram in muscle tissue.

Trestolone has never been approved for medical use in any country. It remains an unapproved investigational drug, classified as a Schedule III controlled substance in the U.S. under the Anabolic Steroids Control Act. Importation or distribution violates FDA regulations. Unlike veterinary steroids, there are no legal sources; all availability comes through underground labs or research chemical companies exploiting “not for human consumption” loopholes. Major sports organizations (WADA, IOC) prohibit trestolone under S1 Anabolic Agents category. Detection is challenging due to lack of established metabolites in standard tests, though specialized LC-MS/MS assays can identify it for up to 3 weeks post-administration.

Trestolone acetate is typically administered via daily subcutaneous or intramuscular injections due to its short 12-24 hour half-life. Alternative forms include:

- Injectable oil solutions: 25-50mg/mL concentration, dosed 5-20mg daily - Transdermal gels: 50-100mg/mL preparations applied at 0.5-2mL daily - Subcutaneous pellets: Experimental, providing sustained release (not commercially available)

*Table: Common Administration Protocols*

Clinical Context: Studied at 400-800mcg/day via implant for androgen replacement. Bodybuilding Practice: Users typically start at 50mg/week divided into daily injections, increasing to 100-150mg/week for advanced cycles. Critical Consideration: Must be stacked with testosterone (100-200mg/week) to provide essential estrogen since MENT doesn't aromatize. Frontloading isn't practical due to daily dosing requirements. Women report irreversible virilization at doses >5mg/week within 2-3 weeks.

Rapid Lean Mass Accumulation: Users report gaining 8-15 lbs of dry muscle in 6-8 weeks at 100mg/week - significantly faster than testosterone. Gains appear particularly in shoulders and traps with characteristic “3D delt” development. Enhanced Muscle Fullness: Creates intracellular hydration without subcutaneous water retention, yielding a “pumped 24/7” appearance even off-training. Strength Surges: Notable strength increases within 72 hours, with 15-30% lifts improvement by week 4. Libido Intensification: Potent aphrodisiac effects at moderate doses (50-75mg/week), often described as “overwhelming sexual urgency”. Mental Effects: Reports of heightened focus and confidence, but also emotional lability (“MENT mood swings”) at higher doses. Metabolic Rate Increase: Significant thermogenesis even without stimulants, aiding fat loss during recomposition.

*“The first week felt like someone injected pure electricity into my muscles. By day 10, my strength exploded and I had vascularity in places I didn't know could have veins.” - User log (75mg/week + 150mg test)*

Estrogen Deficiency Effects: Despite no aromatization, MENT exhibits tissue-specific estrogenic activity in bone but NOT in breast or cardiovascular tissue. Without testosterone co-administration, users experience: - Joint pain (from lack of synovial fluid estrogenization) - Vascular stiffness - Severe low-E2 mood symptoms (depression, fatigue)

Androgenic - Accelerated Hair Loss: 5α-reduced metabolite is highly androgenic to scalp - Prostate Impact: Paradoxically low PSA elevation despite strong AR binding - Virilization: Extreme risk for women - voice changes reported after single 10mg dose

Cardiovascular - Hypertension in 40% of users at >100mg/week - HDL suppression comparable to oral steroids (-25 to -40%) - Elevated hematocrit (less than boldenone but significant)

Neuroendocrine - Potent HPTA suppression (LH/FSH undetectable within 7 days) - Dopaminergic hyperactivity causing insomnia (35% of users) - Post-cycle recovery exceptionally difficult

Other - Injection site reactions (with acetate formulations) - Transdermal application causes skin thickening - Possible thyrotoxic effects at high doses (case reports)

Mass Acceleration Phase: Trestolone acetate (75-100mg/week) + testosterone cypionate (200mg/week) + insulin (post-workout) for rapid lean gains. 8-week cycles yield 12-18 lbs dry mass with minimal water retention. Preferred over Dianabol for athletes avoiding estrogenic bloat. Contest Preparation: Used weeks 6-10 pre-show at 50-75mg/day to enhance muscle density without subcutaneous water. Stacks with masteron and trenbolone for extreme hardness. Discontinued 3 weeks out due to lingering vascular effects. Recomposition: Low-dose transdermal MENT (40-60mg/day) + TRT testosterone facilitates simultaneous fat loss/muscle gain. Users report 5-7% bodyfat drop while adding 4-6 lbs lean mass over 10 weeks. Androgen Replacement Alternative: Experimental use as testosterone substitute in TRT (100-150mg/week implants) with fewer erythrocytosis issues than injectable testosterone.

*Critical Note: All protocols require testosterone base (minimum 100mg/week) to prevent low-estrogen complications.*

Synergy Notes: - MENT + Testosterone: Foundation stack. Test provides essential estrogen while MENT drives growth. - MENT + Trenbolone: High-risk combo for mental sides but produces extreme recomposition. - MENT as Solo Compound: Not viable due to estrogen deficiency symptoms. - Unique advantage: MENT's myotrophic/androgenic dissociation allows muscle growth with reduced prostate risk compared to testosterone.