We agree, anabolic steroids are certainly a powerful tool for gaining mass and increasing strength, but it is important to understand that this is a double-edged sword. Many, unfortunately, only know about the «goodies», forgetting about the serious side effects. And what’s worse is that not everyone knows how these side effects can be prevented or at least minimized.
In fact, most of the negative effects of steroids can be avoided if you approach this issue wisely. This means choosing the right drugs, not abusing the duration of the course and dosages, and be sure to conduct competent post-cycle therapy (PCT).
Countermeasures
So, what general measures will help reduce the harm from anabolic steroids? Everything is simple, but important!
- Dosages - do not overdo it with doses. The higher the dose, the higher the risk of side effects.
- The duration of the course should not be long. Do not drag out highly androgenic courses for more than 12-16 weeks.
- Give the choice of drugs to proven and optimal options. Give preference to those steroids that least suppress the production of your own testosterone. But remember that sooner or later any steroid will completely stop it.
- Choose drugs that do not have a strong toxic effect on the liver.
- Regularly take blood tests, hormonal status and biochemistry. This will help to notice the problem in time and take action.
- Antiestrogens are the key to an effective course with a smaller number of steroids. Use antiestrogens if necessary. They will help restore testosterone production and prevent gynecomastia (enlargement of the mammary glands in men).
In general, the key point is a reasonable approach. Do not chase records at any cost, take care of your health.
What are the Contraindications?
Before even thinking about taking steroids, you need to clearly understand who absolutely should not do it. There are a number of contraindications that are simply dangerous to your health to ignore.
First, if you are under 23-25, forget about anabolics. At a young age, they can cause irreversible damage to your hormonal levels and stop bone growth, because the growth zones will simply close.
Second, steroids are highly discouraged for women. Masculinization (the appearance of male features) is an irreversible process.
Third, if you have heart defects, this is an absolute contraindication. Taking steroids can provoke an exacerbation of the disease.
In addition, steroids cannot be taken in case of renal or hepatic insufficiency, uncompensated arterial hypertension (high blood pressure that cannot be controlled with medication), benign prostate tumor and severe atherosclerosis.
There are also Special Cases. Testosterone Suppression...
Let’s talk about perhaps the most inevitable side effect of steroids - suppression of natural testosterone production.
It’s simple: as soon as hormones enter the body from outside, the endocrine system receives a signal that their concentration in the blood is too high. And, as a result, it reduces the production of these hormones in the testicles. This is called a feedback mechanism. The body constantly strives for balance, and if there is too much of something, it tries to «screw it down».
Prevention:
The good news is that this side effect is usually reversible. To minimize the harm of steroids, you can use gonadotropin. It helps to increase the production of natural testosterone and prevent testicular atrophy.
In our body, FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) are constantly produced, and they support the function of the testicles. But during the steroid course, the production of LH and FSH is suppressed, and the testicles begin to «fall asleep». The introduction of human chorionic gonadotropin, which acts as LH and FSH, allows you to restore hormonal balance and preserve testicular function.
By the way, we have a separate article about this topic! Please read it! :) (section «Blog»)
The doses of gonadotropin (hCG – Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) depend on how «powerful» your course is.
If the course is short, up to 6 weeks, and only one drug is used in small doses, then there is no need for gonadotropin. If the course is longer than 6 weeks, the dosages are too high, or a combination of two or more anabolic agents is used, then it is worth doing 2 injections of gonadotropin per week at 250 - 500 IU, starting from the 3-4th week of the course.
There is an opinion that gonadotropin should be administered only after the end of the course, but this is not entirely true. In this case, the testicular tissue will remain without stimulation for a long time and will begin to atrophy. In addition, the inclusion of human chorionic gonadotropin in post-cycle therapy is often counterproductive.
But the introduction of gonadotropin throughout the course allows you to maintain testicular function. It is important to understand that in this case, the purpose of using gonadotropin is not to gain weight, but to ensure safety, so small dosages are needed.
To restore the secretion of your own testosterone after the course, post-cycle therapy is carried out using antiestrogens in various dosages.
Hepatotoxicity
Liver damage is perhaps one of the most hyped side effects of steroids. The media loves to hype this topic, creating the impression that this is an inevitable evil that awaits everyone who touches anabolics. But let’s figure out how things really are.
Firstly, only tablet forms of drugs that have a methyl group in the 17th position cause liver damage. This group is needed so that the drug does not break down in the liver, but, unfortunately, it also makes it toxic. Secondly, the side effect on the liver only appears when using very large doses over a long period of time.
To confirm this, we can recall the studies of fluoxymesterone, dianabol and winstrol on animals. Scientists have found that liver damage occurs only when using doses that are 10 times higher than recommended! For example, the toxic properties of methandrostenolone begin to manifest themselves only at a daily dosage of over 80 mg, while the recommended dose is 20-30 mg.
Important! In order not to damage your liver right from the first course, start the course together with some injectable Testosterone. For example, Testosterone Enanthate is great for gaining weight, and Testosterone Propionate is great for drying. On our website, you can find courses and dosages for both beginners and middle-class athletes.
Another study was conducted on people. They compared two groups of athletes: one used steroids, the other trained naturally. The athletes who used steroids in high doses showed signs of liver damage. But after 3 months, no changes were found1. This suggests that side effects on the liver are usually reversible.
To avoid this, you need to follow simple rules:
- Do not exceed the recommended doses.
- Do not use 17-alkylated drugs (or use them with caution and under the supervision of a doctor).
- Give preference to injectable forms, they are safer for the liver.
Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia, or enlargement of the mammary glands in men, is, of course, an unpleasant side effect of steroids. But, by and large, it appears only out of stupidity, because it is very easy to prevent.
Gynecomastia after taking anabolic drugs (may also occur during taking them)
It is important to understand that gynecomastia is caused only by those drugs that turn into estrogens. These are, for example, methandrostenolone, testosterones, sustanon and others. But oral turinabol, boldenone, primobolan, winstrol, anavar and other drugs almost never cause gynecomastia.
Prevention
So, how can you avoid this? If you plan to use drugs that can turn into estrogens, then start taking aromatase inhibitors. For example, anastrozole 0.5 mg every other day, starting from the second week of the course. Antiestrogens are freely sold in pharmacies, and this gives an almost 100% guarantee of safety.
For example, here is a course that we have already published before, as we can see, here with the correct intake, control and selected dosage, the intake of Anastrozole is half a tablet, every other day or once every 3 days.
| Week | TriTren Mix | Testosterone Enanthate | Anastrozole | Cabergoline | Clomid |
| 1 | - | 250 mg/Monday | – | – | – |
| 2 | - | 250 mg/Monday + 250 mg/Thursday | – | – | – |
| 3 | 150 mg/week | 250 mg/Monday + 250 mg/Thursday | 0,5 mg/every 2-3 days | - | – |
| 4 | 150 mg/week | 250 mg/Monday + 250 mg/Thursday | 0,5 mg/every 2-3 days | - | – |
| 5 | 150 mg/week | 250 mg/Monday + 250 mg/Thursday | 0,5 mg/every 2-3 days | 0,25 mg/week | – |
| 6 | 150 mg/week | 250 mg/Monday + 250 mg/Thursday | 0,5 mg/every 2-3 days | 0,25 mg/week | – |
| 7 | 150 mg/week | 250 mg/Monday + 250 mg/Thursday | 0,5 mg/every 2-3 days | 0,25 mg/week | – |
| 8 | 150 mg/week | 250 mg/Monday | 0,5 mg/every 2-3 days | 0,25 mg/week | – |
| 9 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 10 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 11 | – | – | – | – | 75 mg/week |
| 12 | – | – | – | – | 75 mg/week |
| 13 | – | – | – | – | 50 mg/week |
| 14 | – | – | – | – | 50 mg/week |
Very often you can hear stupid advice that antiestrogens should be used only after the end of the course or only when the first signs of gynecomastia appear. This is a serious mistake, because of which so many athletes suffer from gynecomastia. Antiestrogens should be used throughout the course. Gynecomastia is often irreversible, so it needs to be prevented, not treated!
In general, the best option is to take tests for estrogens and adjust the dose of aromatase inhibitors depending on the results.
Acne
Acne, or simply put, pimples, is another common side effect of steroids. They occur because anabolic agents increase sebum production, which leads to inflammation of the hair follicles and the formation of acne. This is especially pronounced when using highly androgenic drugs.
To avoid this, you need to monitor skin hygiene. Keep your skin clean. Roaccutane is also quite effective, but its use requires consultation with a doctor.
Cardiovascular
Now let’s talk about cardiovascular problems that can arise when taking steroids.
First, this is an increase in blood cholesterol. Anabolic steroids can reduce the level of «good» cholesterol (high-density lipoproteins) and increase the level of «bad» cholesterol (low-density lipoproteins). Theoretically, this can lead to atherosclerosis.
But in practice, as a rule, this does not happen, because the effect is short-term. In 4-6 weeks, the increased cholesterol level does not have time to lead to changes in the organs and blood vessels, and after discontinuing the drugs, the cholesterol level returns to normal. And it is important to understand that an increase in cholesterol does not always occur, and not all drugs have such a side effect.
To prevent this, take omega-3 fatty acids during the course and limit the consumption of animal fats.
Secondly, the use of anabolics can be associated with cardiovascular diseases. This is probably due to their effect on cholesterol. In addition, abuse of drugs of this group can cause hypertrophy of the ventricles of the heart. But it is important to remember that strength training itself also leads to this.
To avoid heart problems, do not take long courses and do not use large doses. Include aerobic exercise in your training program. And, of course, follow the recommendations described in the previous section on cholesterol. You can also use drugs to strengthen the heart, but only after consulting a doctor.
Cholesterol, Heart and Blood Pressure
Cardiovascular problems are one of the serious aspects that must be considered when taking anabolic steroids. It is known that abuse of these drugs is associated with the development of various cardiovascular diseases. Let’s consider the main points:
1. Effect on cholesterol:
Anabolic steroids can negatively affect the lipid profile:
- Reduction in the level of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) - «good» cholesterol.
- Increase in the level of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) - «bad» cholesterol.
Theoretically, this can lead to the development of atherosclerosis.
How to prevent:
- Take Omega-3 fatty acids during the course.
- Limit the consumption of animal fats.
2. Hypertrophy of the ventricles of the heart:
Abuse of anabolic steroids can contribute to hypertrophy of the ventricles of the heart. It is important to remember that intense strength training itself can cause this.
How to prevent:
- Avoid long courses and high dosages.
- Include aerobic exercise in your training program.
- Follow the recommendations for controlling cholesterol levels (see above).
- Consider using drugs to strengthen the heart (only after consulting with your doctor).
Steroids can cause high blood pressure. This is because they retain sodium in the body, constrict blood vessels and increase the volume of circulating blood. It is important to monitor your blood pressure: normal blood pressure should be below 140/90 mmHg, and if you have diabetes, even lower - up to 130/80 mmHg. Blood pressure should be measured regularly, preferably twice a day.
What to do if blood pressure increases? In mild cases, a healthy lifestyle may be enough: a low-sodium diet and aerobic exercise. In more severe cases, your doctor may prescribe medications such as metoprolol (50 mg) and enalapril (5 mg). Captopril can be used to quickly reduce blood pressure. And it is important to remember that blood pressure can be affected by estradiol and prolactin levels, so they also need to be monitored.
How to prevent and treat (in short):
- In mild cases, a healthy lifestyle (low sodium diet, aerobic exercise) may be enough.
- In more severe cases, medication may be required.
- Commonly prescribed:
- Metoprolol 50 mg.
- Enalapril 5 mg.
- Captopril (Capoten) can be used to urgently reduce blood pressure.
It is important to monitor Estradiol and Prolactin levels, as their increase can contribute to high blood pressure. If any signs of cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure appear, you should consult a specialist for examination and treatment.
Baldness
Baldness is, of course, an unpleasant side effect, especially for those who care about their appearance. Steroids can indeed speed up this process in men, but there is an important nuance: this only applies to the scalp. On other parts of the body, on the contrary, the hair may even thicken a little.
Scientists believe that baldness is associated with a gene that is located on the X chromosome. This means that steroids will only trigger this process if you have a genetic predisposition. If no one in your family on the paternal and maternal side has gone bald, then you are also most likely not at risk. But if there were bald people in the family, then the risk increases significantly.
The reason why steroids contribute to baldness is dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Therefore, if you are concerned about this issue, you should choose drugs that do not turn into this metabolite.
What else can be done? Finasteride is used to prevent baldness, but it has quite a few side effects, so it should be used with caution. Minoxidil (for example, Alerana spray), which is registered as a drug for the treatment of baldness, has proven effectiveness. And, of course, you can give preference to low-androgen courses.
But what are low androgen cycles?
Low androgen cycles are essentially a strategy for using anabolic steroids, in which priority is given to drugs with minimal androgenic effects on the body. The goal of such cycles is to minimize side effects associated with androgenic activity, such as acne, baldness, prostate hypertrophy, and others.
The idea is to use drugs that exhibit more anabolic properties (promote muscle growth and strength) and less androgenic properties (affect the development of male sexual characteristics and can cause unwanted side effects).
As a rule, low androgen cycles use drugs such as anavar, primobolan, and nandrolone. Boldenone and Turinabol also have relatively low androgenic activity.
When it comes to the effect of anabolic steroids on baldness, it is important to understand that different drugs have different effects. Here is what it looks like in general:
Weak effect:
- Turinabol
- Anavar
Moderate effect:
- Primobolan
- Boldenone
- Deca (Nandrolone)
- Methandrostenolone
- Testosterone + finasteride (finasteride helps reduce the conversion of testosterone to DHT, which causes baldness)
Strong effect:
- Trenbolone (considered one of the strongest in this regard)
- Testosterone (without finasteride)
- Halotestin
- Winstrol
It is important to keep in mind that this is a general classification, and individual reactions may vary. Genetic predisposition plays a key role.
Testicular Atrophy
Testicular atrophy is another side effect that many people fear. As we have already said, due to the feedback mechanism, when taking steroids, the production of natural gonadotropin decreases. This hormone constantly stimulates the testicles, and if there is not enough of it, the testicular tissue begins to atrophy.
It is important to understand that in severe cases, testicular atrophy can be irreversible! And this, in turn, can lead to impotence.
But the good news is that testicular atrophy is easily prevented with gonadotropin (hCG) injections, according to the schemes that we have already discussed. Usually, testicular atrophy develops only when using large doses during long courses.
In most cases, gonadotropin is only necessary for long courses (more than 1.5-2 months) using large doses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, let’s debunk some popular myths about the harm of steroids. It is important to understand that not everything that is said about anabolics is true.
First, steroids do not reduce the length of the penis. Second, they do not affect the brain (although they can affect mood and behavior). Third, side effects do not always occur, and many of them are reversible with the right approach. Fourth, after using steroids, it is quite possible to achieve muscle growth naturally. Fifth, not all steroids damage the liver and kidneys (this mainly concerns tablets). And finally, pills are not safer than injections, but vice versa.
Remember that the key factor is a reasonable approach, knowledge, responsibility and consultation with a specialist.
Thank you for reading, dear athletes! And all the necessary drugs for the course, both steroids and secondary drugs and PCT drugs with Growth Hormone, you can buy on our official website of the AnabolShop.org team!
Good anabolism to all!