Trestolone acetate (MENT) has gone from experimental male contraceptive to one of the most talked‑about “nuclear option” compounds in the underground bodybuilding world. It is brutally strong, builds size and strength fast, and comes with side effects to match.​

What Trestolone (MENT) actually is

Trestolone, also known as 7‑alpha‑methyl‑19‑nortestosterone, was developed in the 1960s as a potential androgen for male contraception and hormone replacement.​

• It is an extremely potent synthetic androgen and anabolic steroid, with animal and early human data suggesting anabolic activity around ten times that of testosterone on a milligram‑for‑milligram basis.​
• Unlike testosterone, it is resistant to 5‑alpha‑reductase, and it strongly suppresses LH and FSH, which is why it was so interesting as a male contraceptive.​

One of the unusual things about MENT is that it can maintain many aspects of normal male physiology, including sexual function and mood, even when natural testosterone is heavily suppressed. That’s why some lifters choose to run it without a separate testosterone base, although that choice comes down to personal preference and tolerance.​

How powerful is it for muscle and strength?

On paper, MENT is a monster.

• Research and WADA reports describe its anabolic properties as roughly ten times those of testosterone, and significantly stronger than many traditional AAS options.​
• It binds strongly to the androgen receptor and, in practical use, delivers rapid increases in scale weight, strength, and overall “fullness” in the gym.​

That said, rat or primate data showing “10× testosterone” does not mean humans will literally gain ten times more muscle than on test. It simply tells us MENT is extremely potent and efficient at building tissue under controlled conditions. Still, compared to most traditional compounds, it is right at the top of the pile for sheer anabolic punch.​

Estrogen, aromatization and side effects

MENT is not a gentle drug. It brings a long list of potential issues that need to be respected.

• MENT is aromatized to a very active estrogen (7‑alpha‑methyl‑estradiol), which can create a rapid and aggressive estrogen build‑up in some users.​
• This can mean fast‑rising water retention, sky‑high blood pressure, gyno risk, mood swings, and that soft, over‑inflated look if estrogen control is not locked in.​

On the androgen side, users commonly report:

• Big jumps in strength and scale weight, often with a noticeable increase in aggression and “on‑edge” feelings, similar at times to tren‑style mental sides.​
• Significant water retention and blood‑pressure strain at moderate to higher doses, especially if diet and AI use are not dialled in.​

An aromatase inhibitor is not optional with this drug; it is essential. Even then, many users underestimate how much AI they need and only realise it when they are already bloated, cranky, and fighting sides.

How this lines up with real‑world use

Your own experience matches what a lot of advanced users report:

• Daily dosing in the 30–50 mg range is enough to drive very fast weight and strength gains, but with a large portion of that weight being water rather than clean tissue.
• Aggression and mood changes can be a major downside, great under the bar, not so great in normal life.
• Running it without a test base is possible because MENT itself can support libido and sexual function in many men, but some still prefer a low‑dose test background for stability.​

Across forums, you see the same trend: people are impressed by the size and strength but often decide they would not run it again because of blood pressure, bloat, mental sides, or the general “too much” feeling.​

Big‑picture advice for readers

If someone is thinking about using trestolone acetate, the message from both the literature and the underground is pretty clear:

• Treat MENT as a special‑occasion, high‑risk, high‑reward drug, not a casual first or second cycle compound.​
• Pay serious attention to estrogen management: a properly dosed AI, blood pressure monitoring, and regular bloodwork are non‑negotiable.
• Understand that a big chunk of the scale weight will be water and that the mental and cardiovascular strain can be real, even if the gains in strength and size are undeniable.​

In terms of raw power for size and strength, there honestly isn’t much out there that beats MENT. But the trade‑off is a harsher ride, more water, more aggression, and more pressure on your health. For the right person, in the right phase, it can deliver exactly what it promises, but it’s not a compound to run lightly or without a very solid plan.