Understanding Steroid Side Effects: How to Prevent and Manage Them

Anabolic Steroids were first created in the mid-20th century and continue to be effective and accessible means for improving athletic performance. Today, steroids can be freely purchased from numerous online stores. Unfortunately, many bodybuilding enthusiasts start using this type of "pharma" without sufficient knowledge. In this article, we will detail the potential side effects of steroids that athletes might encounter and how to avoid them.

Common Side Effects of Steroids: Recommendations for Prevention

Every athlete should remember that all steroids, even the mildest ones, interfere with the hormonal system and have several negative effects. Some are common to all drugs in this group, while others are specific to certain AAS. Based on years of steroid use in sports, here are some general prevention tips:

• Use anabolic steroids only in recommended doses.

• Limit steroid cycles to no more than 12-16 weeks.

• Prefer drugs that have a lesser impact on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis (HPA).

• Choose steroids with low hepatotoxicity.

• Regularly test your health before, during, and after steroid cycles.

• Always use anti-estrogens and follow post-cycle therapy (PCT) after discontinuing AAS.

Contraindications

It is also important to remember some key contraindications for using anabolic steroids:

• AAS should not be used before the age of 21. The hormonal system is not fully developed at a younger age, and steroids can cause irreversible damage.

• Women should avoid anabolic steroids, as all of them are derivatives of male hormones. Virilization is an irreversible process.

• Individuals with cardiovascular problems.

• Those with kidney or liver insufficiency.

• Those with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

• Individuals with atherosclerosis.

Managing the Side Effects of Steroids

Here we will look at serious negative effects of AAS and explain how to minimize the risks.

Disruption of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis (HPA)

Using any AAS can disrupt the production of endogenous testosterone. Some athletes believe that mild steroids like Turinabol or Oxandrolone do not affect the HPA. However, in practice, this is not true. After taking anabolic steroids, the body significantly increases testosterone concentration, causing it to slow down endogenous production. The extent of this process varies depending on the strength of the steroid.

Prevention Methods

The HPA function can be restarted using Gonadotropin. This medication mimics the action of luteinizing hormone, which regulates endogenous testosterone production.

Dosages depend on the strength and duration of the steroid cycle. For Trenbolones, start taking Gonadotropin after six weeks of steroid use, with injections every third day, at 200-1000 IU.

Liver Cell Damage

This side effect is one of the most common but also overestimated in terms of danger. Recent internet articles have exaggerated this "side effect." In reality, only oral AAS are hepatotoxic. Studies have shown that liver problems on Stanozolol and Methandienone cycles occur only when doses exceed the recommended ones by tenfold or more.

Prevention Methods

To avoid these problems, follow these simple tips:

• Use AAS only in recommended doses.

• Prefer injectable anabolic steroids.

Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is the benign enlargement of male breast tissue. It is not dangerous to health and usually occurs in athletes who misuse steroids. It can happen with aromatizing AAS like Testosterone and Methandienone, as well as with Trenbolones and Nandrolones, which increase prolactin levels.

Prevention Methods

For aromatizing anabolic steroids, use aromatase inhibitors. For Trenbolones or Nandrolones, use Cabergoline.

Acne

This common side effect, also known as acne, often occurs in athletes using AAS with high androgenic activity.

Prevention Methods

Maintain clean skin and use Roaccutane to combat acne.

Lipid Imbalance in Blood

Any steroid can reduce high-density lipoprotein (HDL), known as "good cholesterol." Theoretically, this can lead to atherosclerosis, but it would take a long time.

Prevention Methods

To normalize lipid balance, include Omega-3 in your cycle and limit animal fats in your diet.

Cardiovascular Issues

High doses of anabolic steroids can negatively affect the cardiovascular system, primarily causing ventricular hypertrophy under heavy physical load.

Prevention Methods

On strong anabolic cycles, take medications that strengthen the heart muscle. Also, consider these tips:

• Use AAS only in recommended doses and avoid long cycles.

• Include aerobic exercise in your training program.

• Follow the lipid balance tips mentioned earlier.

High Blood Pressure

This side effect can occur due to:

• Active sodium retention in the body.

• Blood vessel constriction.

• Increased blood volume from accelerated hematopoiesis.

Prevention Methods

This "side effect" can be easily managed with medications like Enalapril (5 mg daily) and Metoprolol (50 mg daily). If blood pressure rises quickly, start taking Captopril.

Kidney Dysfunction

Kidneys act as filters, removing toxins from the blood. AAS use increases the load on kidneys, potentially causing dysfunction.

Prevention Methods

To resolve this issue, normalize blood pressure.

Cognitive Function Decline

Several studies have found that AAS cycles suppress cognitive abilities, confirmed by some professional athletes. The phenomenon remains unexplained, but it is relatively rare.

Increased Aggression

Known as "steroid rage," this rare effect occurs only with very high AAS doses. Even professional athletes rarely encounter it. Personality temperament plays a significant role.

Hair Loss

Anabolic steroids can trigger baldness, especially on the scalp, due to high dihydrotestosterone levels.

Prevention Methods

Use anabolic steroids that do not convert strongly to this substance and consider Finasteride and Minoxidil for prevention.

Thrombosis

AAS increase blood clotting, raising the risk of stroke, heart attack, and thrombosis.

Prevention Methods

Athletes over 40 and those with high platelet levels should be cautious. Aspirin can help by thinning the blood. Take 100 mg of Aspirin daily and 75 mg of Cardiomagnil at night during AAS cycles.

Virilization

This irreversible process in women causes masculine traits like breast tissue atrophy and voice deepening.

Growth Stunting

Young athletes whose bodies are not fully developed might face irreversible growth stunting.

Prostate Hypertrophy

This rare side effect affects athletes over 40.

Prevention Methods

Finasteride is an excellent preventive measure.

Temporary Sterility

Contrary to online claims, AAS use may cause temporary sterility, not permanent infertility, due to hormonal balance changes.

Prevention Methods

Anti-estrogens like Toremifene, Clomiphene Citrate, and Tamoxifen can resolve the issue.

Testicular Atrophy

This is linked to HPA suppression, as endogenous testosterone is produced in the testes.

Prevention Methods

Use Gonadotropin to prevent this issue.

Steroid Myths

Finally, let's debunk some common steroid myths:

• Penis size reduction.

• Brain cell destruction.

• All steroid side effects are irreversible.

• Inability to gain mass naturally after starting AAS.

• Any steroid can damage kidneys and liver.

• Steroids are addictive.

While steroids can cause serious side effects, most issues arise from athletes' lack of knowledge about the drugs. If you plan to use steroids, consult with us. We will tailor a suitable cycle and help you avoid side effects, saving you time and money!