NOTE: Before I share my personal, first-hand review, here is a summary of my observations, and knowledge based on what I learnt from other people’s experiences, clinical and anecdotal evidences.

Before trying Turkesterone, consider the following points:

  • Comparison with Ecdysterone:
    • Chemical Structure: Turkesterone and Ecdysterone are both naturally occurring ecdysteroids, but they differ slightly in their chemical structure which influences their bioactivity and potency.
    • Potency and Effectiveness:
      • Ecdysterone is often considered more potent based on some research studies and user experiences. It has been shown to have a stronger effect on protein synthesis compared to Turkesterone.
      • Some users and experts, like Derek from More Plates More Dates, lean towards Ecdysterone for its perceived benefits over Turkesterone.
      • Turkesterone, however, is also praised for its muscle-building and performance-enhancing effects, though it might be less potent in direct comparison.
    • Recommendation for New Users:
      • New users might consider starting with Ecdysterone due to its reputed higher potency and more substantial body of research supporting its effectiveness.
      • As always, starting with lower doses to assess tolerance and gradually increasing as needed is advisable.
  • Individual Responses:
    • Acknowledge that everyone’s body chemistry is unique, which means responses to Turkesterone can vary significantly.
    • Personal factors such as age, metabolism, and existing health conditions can influence how effective Turkesterone will be for you.
  • Varying User Reviews & Opinions:
    • Positive Reviews:
      • Many users report increased muscle mass, improved strength, and better overall recovery while using Turkesterone.
      • Some compare its effects favorably to traditional supplements like creatine, calling it a “Creatine 2.0.”
    • Negative Reviews:
      • A number of users express skepticism about Turkesterone’s effectiveness, labeling it as “overpriced snake oil.”
      • Complaints often focus on the high cost relative to the perceived benefits, and some doubt the actual content of Turkesterone in various commercially available products.
    • Mixed Experiences:
      • Responses to Turkesterone can vary widely, with some users experiencing significant benefits and others noticing minimal or no effects.
      • This variability highlights the importance of individual body chemistry and the subjective nature of dietary supplements.
  • Alternatives:
    • Evaluate other supplements and natural alternatives like protein, creatine, and traditional anabolic agents that are well-researched and proven effective. Other herbs and supplements to consider might be Ashwagandha, Androstenedione, HGH boosters etc. Also checkout our article on plant based steroids.
    • Consider the cost-effectiveness of Turkesterone compared to other supplements that may offer similar benefits.

Introduction to Turkesterone

Hi, I’m Kyle from PowerandBulk, and if you’re curious about using Turkesterone for enhancing your gym workouts and bodybuilding efforts, you’ve come to the right place. Before we dive into my personal experience, let’s unpack what Turkesterone is.

Essentially, it’s a natural extract from the Ajuga Turkestanica plant, commonly classified under ecdysteroids—plant steroids that some believe mimic certain human hormones. People often look at it as a safer alternative to synthetic anabolic steroids, believing it can aid in muscle growth and recovery.

My Review on Turkesterone

I’ve run two distinct cycles of Turkesterone in my younger days. Initially, I started with a low dose—2 pills a day (each at 500mg but only 10% actual Turkesterone, making it 50mg per pill).

Over the first four weeks, the effects were subtle: a modest increase in strength and slightly better vascularity. Intrigued but not fully convinced, I decided to push the limits a bit in my subsequent cycle, jumping to 6 pills a day for 8 weeks.

Results of Higher Dosage

The more intensive cycle was where things got interesting. The increase in dosage brought about noticeable changes—new personal records (PRs) in lifting and visible muscle gains.

That’s when me and my buddies decided—let’s call it “Creatine 2.0” t felt like a step up from creatine.

I experienced heightened stamina and endurance, and during a phase of cutting, I noticed better muscle retention.

Some suggest this could be due to an increase in protein synthesis potentially interacting with estrogen receptors, though the scientific backing is scant and largely anecdotal.

Real Talk: No Sugar Coating Here

If you’re considering Turkesterone, here’s my no-BS advice: it’s not magic. The gains and improvements I observed required strict regimen adherence—consistent dosage daily, without skipping, especially on non-training days. Think of it this way: if you’re training hard five days a week, skipping your supplement routine on the weekends is like taking two steps forward and one back. You’ve got to maintain those “turky stores” consistently stocked.

Moreover, I took it upon myself to ramp up the dosage after the first week when I noticed minimal effects with the initial lower dose. While some might experience changes with minimal amounts, for others, like myself, it took increasing the daily intake to really see the difference.

 

Week 1: Day 7 of Using Turkesterone: Personal Journaling/Tracking Notes Summary

This week has been an interesting mix of routine monitoring and not expecting overnight miracles.Health and Fitness Updates

Interestingly, despite maintaining a consistent calorie intake of 3,400 per day, my weight loss has stalled since starting Turkesterone, which aligns with some user experiences suggesting that it might promote muscle retention or slight increases in mass due to water retention.

However, I’ve not felt significant day-to-day changes in energy or mood, which seems consistent with other reports.

My gym recovery seems subtly enhanced, but it’s too early to tell if it’s a definitive effect of the supplement.

Blood Work Insights

Before starting Turkesterone, I had a full panel done to establish my baseline health markers. My Vitamin D was low, and LDL and SHBG levels were higher than I’d like. I’m addressing these with dietary adjustments and increased Vitamin D supplementation.

It’s crucial to monitor these not just for general health but to see how Turkesterone interacts with my body’s baseline.

Personal Reflections

So far, Turkesterone hasn’t dramatically changed my life or fitness routine, but the halt in weight loss is intriguing. It suggests that there might be something to this supplement that warrants further exploration. I’m keeping an open mind and a critical eye as I continue.

Week 2: Day 14 of Using Turkesterone: Observations and Adjustments

Continuing the Turkesterone Experiment

Two weeks into my Turkesterone regimen, and the journey gets more intriguing. Maintaining the same 500mg dosage has given me a bit more insight, and based on my plan, I’ll be upping it to 600mg-750mg starting April 5th. This adjustment is part of my strategy to see if increased doses provide more pronounced benefits.

Weight and Workout Performance

As of today, there’s been a slight uptick in my weight by about 1 pound. It’s a minimal change, but notable given that my calorie intake and workout intensity haven’t shifted.

This might be indicative of Turkesterone’s potential recomp effects, subtly shifting body composition rather than just adding mass.

During workouts, particularly on lifting days, I feel robust, but the rest days hit me hard, a contrast that might be due to the supplement or simply the intensity of my workouts.

Strength Tracking and Body Response

I’ve started charting my major lifts to see if there’s a quantifiable change in strength. While it’s too early for comprehensive data, there’s a slight increase in my squat volume, though bench presses seem unaffected. These initial figures are curious, and I’ll continue to monitor them to establish any concrete patterns.

Concluding Thoughts on the Fortnight

It’s interesting how my body is responding to Turkesterone. The weight stabilization and minor strength fluctuations are promising, though I remain cautiously optimistic. I entered this experiment not expecting miracles but curious about the potential. So far, it seems like Turkesterone might be subtly beneficial, and I’m eager to see how things evolve with the adjusted dosage.

Week 3: Day 21 of Using Turkesterone: Strength and Body Measurements Update

Strength Progress

Last week, I shared some graphs illustrating my strength progression. However, this week’s exercises have been tricky to quantify due to their nature, so I’ll offer a general update instead. My trainer, John, has been focusing on exercises that increase time under tension, utilize super sets, and vary angles, which complicates direct measurement of strength gains.

Later today, I’ll be doing flat bench and incline presses, which should provide clearer data points, but as of now, I haven’t completed those yet.

What I can assert confidently is that there’s been a noticeable increase in my strength since I began using Turkesterone.

Before starting, my lifts had plateaued for two months; I was merely maintaining existing muscle while trying to lose body fat. Now, there’s a definite shift—I’m managing more reps, controlling weights better during the eccentric phase, and generally pushing past previous limits.

I don’t focus on adding massive weights each session but more on consistently adding 1-3 reps where I’d previously hit a standstill.

Body Measurements

Here’s a detailed rundown of my body measurements, taken fasted first thing in the morning:

Starting Measurements:

  • Right Bicep: 42 cm (16.5 inches)
  • Left Bicep: 41 cm (16.1 inches)
  • Right Forearm: 31 cm (12.2 inches)
  • Left Forearm: 31 cm (12.2 inches)
  • Neck: 39.5 cm (15.5 inches)
  • Chest: 111 cm (43.7 inches)
  • Waist: 93 cm (36.6 inches)
  • Right Thigh: 72 cm (28.3 inches)
  • Left Thigh: 70 cm (27.5 inches)
  • Glutes: 113 cm (44.4 inches)

Current Measurements (Day 21):

  • Right Bicep: 43 cm (16.9 inches) – Increase of 1 cm
  • Left Bicep: 42.5 cm (16.7 inches) – Increase of 1.5 cm
  • Right Forearm: 33 cm (13 inches) – Increase of 2 cm
  • Left Forearm: 33 cm (13 inches) – Increase of 2 cm
  • Neck: 40 cm (15.7 inches) – Increase of 0.5 cm
  • Chest: 113 cm (44.4 inches) – Increase of 2 cm
  • Waist: 93 cm (36.6 inches) – No change
  • Right Thigh: 76 cm (29.9 inches) – Increase of 4 cm
  • Left Thigh: 75 cm (29.5 inches) – Increase of 5 cm
  • Glutes: 111 cm (43.7 inches) – Decrease of 2 cm

The results show gains across most areas, except for the glutes, where I seem to have lost some size, likely due to fat loss. This supports my theory that the increase in other areas might be partly due to water retention.

If I were to stop taking Turkesterone today, I suspect I might lose about half of the size gains—though this is speculative.

Additional Notes

On a lighter note, the gym pumps have been exceptionally good. There’s something quite satisfying about seeing those veins pop and muscles swell more than usual during a workout. It’s these visual and tangible gains that provide an extra boost of motivation during each session.

 

Consider This Before You Buy

Before you rush out to buy a bottle, remember that everyone’s body chemistry is different. What worked for me might not work for you in the same way. Also, managing expectations is crucial. This isn’t a shortcut to getting ripped—it supports your existing regimen. You still need to eat right, train hard, and rest adequately.

Health and Safety: A Critical Look

Post my cycles, I took a break and got my blood work done. Interestingly, my testosterone levels came back high at about 950 ng/dl. While there’s no concrete evidence tying this directly to my Turkesterone intake, it’s something I now keep an eye on. Also, I take some other supplements in my stack as well.

What do people & gym buddies say?

Through personal use and numerous conversations with fellow lifters, I’ve gathered a spectrum of opinions on this supplement. Here, I’ll share these diverse perspectives to help you form a more rounded view.

Positive Reviews and Success Stories

Black Forest Turkesterone – A Popular Choice

Many gym enthusiasts swear by Black Forest’s Turkesterone, reputed for its high purity. Users who favor this brand often report significant gains, increased motivation, and improved recovery times. As one of the users, I’ve noticed that this supplement seems to work particularly well for individuals in their late 30s and beyond, offering a noticeable boost in gym performance.

Experiencing the Benefits

Several users have shared that Turkesterone helped them push past plateaus, with enhancements in recovery and modest strength gains. It’s described by some as more effective than natural testosterone boosters they’ve tried, though it comes with a higher price tag. The consensus among satisfied users is that while Turkesterone is not a miracle worker, it does offer tangible benefits that are hard to ignore.

Criticisms and Skepticism

Concerns Over Effectiveness and Cost

Despite some positive reviews, there’s a significant portion of the community that finds Turkesterone to be an overpriced “snake oil.” Critics argue that the market is flooded with products that contain minimal actual Turkesterone, diluted with fillers.

The effectiveness of even the purest forms is also under scrutiny, with some users feeling that the results do not justify the expense, suggesting that more traditional supplements like protein and creatine offer better value.

Marketing Misconceptions

There’s ongoing debate regarding the marketing strategies behind Turkesterone. Some speculate that its name, resembling testosterone, might be intentionally used to mislead consumers about its effects.

Questions are raised about its touted superiority over other ecdysteroids, with credible research often cited as lacking or inconclusive. The discussion around whether its effects in rat studies translate to human benefits is particularly contentious.

Comparisons with Other Supplements

Turkesterone vs. Ecdysterone

The comparison between Turkesterone and Ecdysterone is common, with preferences varying. Some, like Derek from More Plates More Dates, advocate more strongly for Ecdysterone, citing it as more effective based on their experience and reviews. This preference highlights a divide in the community, with each individual responding differently to these supplements.

Alternatives That Work

For many, the high cost of Turkesterone pushes them towards more affordable and proven options. Some users find that combining traditional supplements like creatine with Turkesterone or Ecdysterone leads to enhanced effects, though opinions vary.

The idea of using a transdermal application (like a gel) for ecdysteroids is floated as a potential way to improve efficacy, though this remains speculative and untested on a wider scale.

Realistic Advice for Potential Users

Set Realistic Expectations

If you’re considering Turkesterone, it’s crucial to manage your expectations. While some users report noticeable benefits, these are not universal. The effects can be subtle and may not justify the cost for everyone.

Ensure you’re purchasing from a reputable source to avoid diluted or ineffective products.

Consistency is Key

As with any supplement, consistency in how you take Turkesterone is vital. It needs time to build up in your system, and irregular dosages can lead to disappointing results. Combine it with a well-rounded fitness routine and a balanced diet for the best outcomes.

Final Verdict

Turkesterone, like any supplement, won’t suit everyone. It’s not a shortcut to gains but could potentially complement a well-structured training and nutritional plan. Listen to the varied experiences, consider your personal goals and budget.

Would I recommend Turkesterone? Cautiously, yes, but with a heap of realistic expectations.

It’s not a miracle worker, but it can be a useful tool in your arsenal with a disciplined approach to diet, training, and overall health management. If you’re someone who’s exploring every avenue to optimize your gains and recovery, Turkesterone might be worth a try—but monitor your body’s responses closely and always prioritize your health over gains.

Remember, no supplement, including Turkesterone, should replace the basics of bodybuilding: progressive overload, adequate nutrition, and recovery. Supplements are just that—supplementary. Stay safe, train hard, and keep those gains honest and hard-earned. If you’re just stepping into the world of gym supplements, tread carefully, and always stay informed.

 

 

Product reviewer at PowerandBulk.com | + posts

Kyle holds advanced degrees in engineering and project management, establishing a solid foundation for his meticulous approach to research. With a fervent passion for writing and editing, he has dedicated years to conducting both academic and market research, ensuring that his insights are grounded in evidence and expertise. Beyond traditional articles, Kyle has an expansive portfolio that includes eBook creation, ghostwriting, and bespoke content tailored to individual and corporate needs. His profound knowledge and unparalleled skills in these domains underscore his unwavering commitment to excellence, making him a trusted authority in the realm of health supplement reviews.