Anabolics and anabolic steroids: side effects and complications
SIDE EFFECTS OF TAKEN STEROIDS
Unfortunately, there is more data on negative side effects than on any other aspect of the steroid problem. Note that these consequences mainly occur with abuse, overdose and illiterate use of anabolic steroids. It is well known that such manifestations are characteristic of all types of drugs - from aspirin to antitumor drugs. In the interests of objectivity, we will indicate all foreign sources available to us. The only domestic manual is limited to an inexpressive reprint from a pharmacological reference book, which you can read for yourself.
Negative reactions to anabolic steroid abuse can be very serious. Unfortunately, as already indicated, the media have given such data excessive sensationalism. At the end of the chapter you will find the results of a survey of the athletes themselves. Unfortunately, he only touched on short-term side effects - long-term effects are mostly unclear and unstudied. Any athlete who, despite our warnings, decides to use anabolic steroids should be prepared to experience negative effects that could lead to potentially dangerous chronic conditions.
The most common and significant side effects of steroid use are outlined below.
sodium retention. It causes edema - tissue swelling due to excess water retention. For most athletes, this is expressed in a slight increase in body volume and smoothing of the relief. The “swollen” appearance is the most noticeable sign by which one can determine, even without doping control, that an athlete is on a cycle. Swelling is especially noticeable on the cheeks and under the eyes. In addition to this cosmetic inconvenience, sodium and water retention as a consequence can lead to acute attacks of high blood pressure. In this case, it is prudent to stop using steroids or reduce high blood pressure with medications. This, as you understand, is not the best solution. Sometimes this water retention is a sign of an underlying heart or kidney disease.
Various testosterone preparations can cause particularly high water retention. Often this phenomenon causes thinning, tension and discoloration of the skin.Acne(acne). Anabolic steroids can cause acne or make existing acne worse. Severe acne on the back, chest, shoulders, neck and face is a sign that some athletes are on a cycle. Human skin is capable of destroying androgenic hormones contained in it in very small quantities. When exogenous steroids are used, the concentration of such hormones tends to exceed levels that the skin can handle, allowing bacteria to multiply. This is combined with the increased oiliness of the skin that is inevitable with steroid use, and the situation becomes even more unfavorable. In addition, a person may be genetically predisposed to acne. The degree of skin damage depends on the androgenicity of the steroids taken. You should avoid products that lead to such problems and try to keep your skin dry and clean. To cleanse the body, it is worth using skin antiseptics, as well as sunbathing or ultraviolet radiation. If all this does not help, the last resort is antibiotics. But then the effect of these drugs in other acute cases, for example, with influenza, may be weakened. In addition, antibiotics can cause digestive disorders, leading to dysbiosis.
Gynecomastia. Abnormally enlarged breasts in men are a common side effect that can be used to determine who is using or has used steroids without drug testing. Bill Phillips claims that at least nine Mr. Olympia contestants in recent years have undergone surgery to remove fatty tissue accumulated around their nipples. The main reason for this effect is the aromatization of steroids - the conversion into estrogen in excess dosages. Severe manifestations of gynecomastia also signal the onset of structural degeneration of liver tissue, which cannot cope with excess testosterone.
Keep in mind that any gynecomastia that occurs will not go away. Moreover, it will intensify with each subsequent cycle of steroids. Sometimes this is even accompanied by the secretion of colostrum! If you do decide to use steroids, you can avoid gynecomastia by taking them for short periods of time and in a gentle dosage. Another way is to take anti-estrogenic drugs or aminoglutethimide, drugs that block estrogen receptors (for example, Nolvadex) or drugs that block the aromatase enzyme, which causes the conversion of excess androgens into estrogens.Aggressiveness. An increase in aggressiveness is quite common among steroid users. Some athletes find that this helps them to better tolerate training loads and perform better in competitions. However, more often aggressiveness acts as a negative phenomenon. Many steroid users begin to be hostile towards family, friends, employees - their behavior becomes defiant and even unbearable. They develop emotional instability. Ordinary situations can cause such athletes to have an unnecessarily aggressive reaction, which is further exacerbated by the use of alcohol. This type of behavior is mainly caused by various testosterone esters. The athlete using steroids must anticipate this development and be prepared to use willpower to suppress unwanted outbursts of rage.
Two psychiatrists from Harvard Medical School, Dr. Harrison Pope and David L. Katz, found serious mental disorders in anabolic steroid users: depressive manifestations, visual and auditory hallucinations, uncontrolled temper tantrums, manic episodes. In the West, some psychiatrists and psychologists are already widely using the term "steroid rage" due to the fact that manifestations of this side effect are recorded more and more often.Dr. Kitzman believes that steroid users develop a certain type of psychological dependence. His point of view is supported by Jerry Brainam, who devoted a large article to this issue in the May 1990 issue of Muscle and Fitness magazine. More and more people who use steroids are behind bars for vandalism, assault and even murder. Lawyers in some US states involve experts in investigations to make sure that their clients' behavior is a consequence of taking steroids. Delusions of grandeur and paranoia are also very common signs of this side effect. But in our opinion, this aspect of the impact of anabolic steroids is clearly exaggerated by the authors of the articles, obviously fulfilling a social order.
Arterial hypertension(high blood pressure). High or at least elevated blood pressure becomes a problem for many athletes who use steroids. This tends to happen at the same time due to rapid weight gain and water retention in the body. Initial symptoms may include headaches, insomnia, and difficulty breathing. This condition is fraught with gradual degeneration of blood vessels, which leads to aneurysms, heart attacks, or progressive heart disease. There is no need to say again that chronic high blood pressure is the cause of many diseases of the cardiovascular system, which kill the most people on the planet.
Diseases of the cardiovascular system. As can be seen from the above, anabolic steroids significantly increase the risk of heart disease. But this is explained not only by the development of high blood pressure. Steroid use affects the user's cholesterol levels and profile: total cholesterol levels increase, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels decrease, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels increase. This can lead to the formation of cholesterol plaques on the walls of the arteries, and later to complete blockage of the vessels. Experts advise athletes who are thinking about taking steroids to be sure to take the analysis data into account. If your cholesterol levels are elevated before you start steroid therapy, the danger increases significantly. The degree of risk depends on the type of steroid, dose, duration and schedule of use, diet composition, as well as genetic sensitivity to cardiovascular disease. In addition, training intensity and types of exercise, as well as the presence or absence of other risk factors, also matter.
Increase in heart size. With long-term massive use of steroids, the development of cardiac hypertrophy is possible. This condition can be very dangerous. Bill Phillips gives a sad example: a young athlete, a high school student in Ohio, died from heart enlargement, allegedly caused by long-term steroid use. Symptoms of this effect include difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, and high blood pressure. In this case, you should stop using steroids, reduce your body weight, and work on a low-intensity aerobic exercise program.
Virilization. This is a group of side effects associated with the androgenic activity of steroids. Virilization means hypertrophied development of secondary male characteristics. Most often, the first symptom of this negative reaction is a change in the voice - it becomes low and hoarse. This is not a reversible phenomenon. In men, hair growth on the face and body increases, the skin becomes greasy. Priapism, thinning of scalp hair, alopecia (hair loss in patches) and, in some cases, prostate hypertrophy are also possible. Women may notice the onset of virilization by reducing the size of the mammary gland. Enlargement of the clitoris is another common negative reaction. The skin becomes rougher, its structure changes, sebum secretion increases, and the sweating reaction to various stresses intensifies. Hair appears on the face, and it becomes thicker on the limbs. In extreme cases, male pattern baldness can develop. As a rule, all this occurs against the background of dysmenorrhea (menstrual irregularities up to the cessation of menstruation).
Virilization is directly related to excessive duration of use and increased dosage of androgenic steroids. This, of course, should be avoided, since many virilizing effects become irreversible if their development is not prevented. Competent athletes do not practice long courses, especially when taking highly androgenic testosterone esters, which are mainly responsible for virilization. Experts advise, at a minimum, to avoid those steroids that have a high androgenic index.Cancer. The use of anabolic steroids is very rarely associated with cancer. But such a connection may still exist. As a result of taking steroids, tumors may develop in the liver, raising suspicions of cancer. It must be said that most often these deviations were recorded in people who had been using alpha-alkylated oral medications for a long time. Peliosis hepatitis (liver hemangioma) - blood-filled cysts - is also possible. This condition is considered reversible, but nevertheless increases the risk of developing liver cancer. In January 1984, the Annals of Internal Medicine reported the death of a 26-year-old bodybuilder who had a malignant tumor in the liver.
Liver dysfunction. It has been established that long-term steroid therapy, especially at high dosages, leads to progressive cholestasis, jaundice and other negative changes. There are reports of 7 deaths due to liver failure, all of which were associated with oral steroid use.
If any of the following signs of liver dysfunction appear, you should immediately contact a specialist:Atrophy or enlargement of liver lobes;
changes in texture (eg, increased density or nodules);
pain on palpation and balloting (pressing and releasing);
jaundice;
darkening of urine (not to be confused with discoloration as a result of taking certain vitamins);
visceral pain in the abdominal cavity, aggravated by the canal or movements;
palmar erythema (redness of the palms) and spider hemangioma (brown, star-shaped spot on the skin);
swelling of the tissue at the base of the fingernails;
change in mental status or neurological function.
Jaundice, or hepatitis, should be mentioned separately. This is a serious disease characterized by increased liver tenderness, in which the whites of the eyes and skin become yellow. It is usually reported in athletes who have used very high dosages of steroids for a long time. Jaundice can also be diagnosed by elevated bilirubin levels through a blood test. It should be remembered that this is the most reliable indicator, since external symptoms and signs appear only when the disease is neglected or severe. An athlete with hepatitis should stop taking steroids to avoid serious complications.Bleeding. When using steroids, blood clotting time increases by 2-4 times. Another negative consequence is an increase in nosebleeds, which for many is accompanied by increased blood pressure.
Headache. Many steroid users suffer from severe headaches. This may be a symptom of hypertension. Sometimes athletes suffer from headaches due to excessive contracture of the neck muscles. And migraine-type pain is believed to be based on a hormonal imbalance that develops when taking steroids.
Stomach pain. Oral anabolic steroids can cause stomach discomfort. The best way to avoid this is to avoid taking the medicine that causes these sensations and to take the steroids with food. Loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn are also possible. It is believed that steroids can upset the normal balance of intestinal flora, which causes their users to suffer from various gastrointestinal infections.
Damage to muscles and bones. Athletes who use steroids experience tears, tears and other damage to muscle tissue more often than others. It is believed that this is the result of an imbalance between the increasing contractility of the muscles and the insufficient strength of the ligaments and tendons. At best, this leads to tendonitis and inflammation, at worst - to traumatic injuries. Some authors point to the possibility of muscle cramps and spasms, as well as a decrease in the elasticity of muscle tissue under the influence of steroids. Another observation is the appearance of scars from stretching the epidermis on the deltoids, biceps and pectoral muscles, which may be associated with a decrease in collagen levels in the skin. It is also not uncommon for steroid users to have fractures and cracked bones.
Prostate enlargement and other problems with it. Anabolic steroids are directly related to prostate enlargement, which can develop into a malignant phenomenon. Doctors directly link prostate cancer to exposure to androgens, especially testosterone. Athletes are recommended to undergo appropriate examination at least once a year. Common symptoms of prostate enlargement are urinary disorders (frequent urges or, conversely, complete blockage), difficulties with bowel movements, pain in the spine and pelvic area.
Impotence. Many athletes suffer from changes in libido. At the beginning of the steroid cycle, there is a slight increase in sexual desire, accompanied by an increase in the frequency and duration of erections. But during the use of synthetic hormones, the secretion of endogenous testosterone is reduced, and impotence may occur. It is also possible after the cessation of a steroid cycle, when testosterone is not supplied from the outside, and the body’s own reproductive system has not yet restored the required level of androgens in the system. Steroid users may also develop testicular atrophy, accompanied by low sperm count in semen. Various forms of synthetic testosterone have particularly strong effects. The time required to return to normal reproductive system functions varies from person to person. Researchers indicate that this period can last up to 14-26 weeks.
Premature hair loss. Many athletes who use steroids complain of noticeable thinning of the hair on their scalp. This is especially likely with unfavorable heredity, and can occur in both men and women.
Growth arrest. Young people using steroids risk not realizing their growth potential. The fact is that steroids can “close” the epiphyseal growth zones of tubular bones.
Suppression of immune system activity. After a cycle of steroids, many note an increased susceptibility to viral diseases, colds and even pneumonia. A clear decrease in the effectiveness of immunocompetent cells is observed already during steroid therapy. There is no doubt that steroids weaken the immune system, at least temporarily. This negative effect occurs in those who have taken steroids for more than 10-12 weeks.
Insomnia and other central nervous system disorders. Athletes often complain of difficulty falling asleep during their cycle. This is explained by the fact that steroids have a mild stimulating effect on the central nervous system. The problem is resolved by stopping the use of these drugs.
Metabolic disease. Steroids have a strong impact on the body's metabolic needs, so even if you take enough nutrients, nutritional deficiencies can occur. For example, studies have shown that a steroid course leads to severe deficiency of vitamins B1, B6, B5, A, B12, choline, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, chromium and manganese.
Some athletes report severe fluctuations in blood glucose. Glucose levels begin to decrease, which is accompanied by weakness, dizziness, and fatigue.A general slowdown in the rate of metabolic processes was noted, especially with the systematic use of steroids. There is evidence that these drugs have a negative effect on the thyroid gland, reducing the efficiency of its functioning/This creates great difficulties in achieving relief before competitions.
It has been found that steroids cause the body to retain significant amounts of calcium. After stopping the course, this calcium is intensely released, which can lead to the formation of kidney stones.
Separately, we will say that self-administration of steroids in unsanitary conditions puts the athlete at risk of contracting AIDS. In 1986, a report appeared on the first cases of AIDS in bodybuilders who were not homosexuals and were not part of other risk groups. One of them injected steroids every week for four years.
Of course, this list is far from complete. New research will be conducted, the results of studying the delayed effects of anabolic steroids on the body will appear, and the list will be expanded with far from pleasant additions. You can say: “When will all this happen! But now it’s important for me to enter the competition in the best possible way.” Unfortunately, this is the logic of so many people who resort to steroids.
Author unknown.. source - Internet
Don’t judge strictly... a lot can be disputed, but for beginners, information will help in avoiding reckless actions and stupid questions...
Anabolic steroids are artificial male hormones, but even in medicine they are used extremely rarely (as they are extremely dangerous). Unfortunately, many guys sincerely believe in the legends about the impossibility of building muscle mass without the use of anabolic steroids. This myth is also supported by some coaches who are financially interested in selling “chemistry” to as many athletes as possible. Beginners who come to sign up for a gym often start with the question: “What steroids should I take?” And they are terribly surprised to learn that this is not necessary at all. Others simply confuse anabolic steroids with completely harmless protein powders and amino acids...
Forbidding you to take anabolic steroids is a stupid, pointless and thankless task: as a rule, it is the “forbidden fruit” that is sweet. The best thing is to tell them why they are dangerous. So, here is a kind of “rating” of side effects caused by taking anabolic steroids:
In 1994, tragic news spread throughout the bodybuilding world. "Mr. America" Dennis Newman, a thriving 25-year-old athlete, fell ill with leukemia (blood cancer). He admitted to doctors that he was taking growth hormone, one of the strongest anabolic drugs, which was the cause of the disease. Also, a consequence of taking steroids are changes in the liver, suspected of cancer. After all, it is the liver and kidneys that are subjected to a powerful load when using “chemistry”. A US study found that the average age of steroid users who died from liver cancer was only 18 years!
Stomach pain
Anabolic steroid tablets cause stomach discomfort. Their use is accompanied by negative phenomena - loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, indigestion and heartburn. In addition, the balance of intestinal flora is disrupted, and a person is exposed to various gastrointestinal infections.
Headache
Many steroid users suffer from severe headaches. Doctors believe that migraine-like pain is based on a hormonal imbalance that occurs when taking steroids.
sodium retention
Athletes taking steroids are weighed daily on bathroom scales. When they discover that their weight has increased, they begin to mistakenly think that muscles have begun to grow. In fact, the increase in body volume can be explained by water retention in the body. As a result, this leads to acute attacks of high blood pressure.
Acne
When using anabolic steroids, their concentration in the body goes off scale beyond the level of hormones that the skin can cope with - bacteria begin to multiply. When this is combined with increased sebaceous gland secretion (which is inevitable with steroid use), the situation becomes even more unfavorable.
Diseases of the cardiovascular system
Steroid use negatively impacts cholesterol levels and profiles: total cholesterol levels increase, high-density lipoprotein levels decrease, and low-density lipoprotein levels increase. All this can lead to complete blockage of blood vessels. A similar illness several years ago led to the death of Mr. Olympia contestant Mohammed Benaziza.
Impotence
Anabolic bodybuilders suffer from transient changes in libido. At the beginning of the steroid cycle, there is a slight increase in sexual desire, accompanied by an increase in the frequency and duration of erections. But this is only the beginning. With long-term use of steroids, the ability to achieve and maintain an erection inexorably declines.
The physiological basis of impotence when using synthetic hormones is a decrease in the production of endogenous testosterone. Often, impotence can progress even after stopping the steroid cycle, when testosterone is not supplied from the outside, and the own reproductive system has not yet restored the required level of androgens in the system.
Premature hair loss
Many people who resort to “chemistry” complain of noticeable thinning of the hair on their heads - this phenomenon can be observed in both women and men. This is probably why companies that implant artificial hair are so often advertised in bodybuilding magazines.
Growth arrest
Young people using steroids risk not reaching their growth potential - doctors have discovered the ability of anabolic steroids to close the epiphyseal growth zones of tubular bones.
Immune suppression
After a cycle of steroids, there is an increased tendency to viral diseases, colds and even pneumonia. It has been proven that anabolic steroids greatly weaken the immune system. This negative effect is more pronounced in those whose cycle of taking “chemistry” was more than 10 weeks. Several years ago, the first European bodybuilding champion from the republics of the former USSR, 26-year-old Nikolai Shilo, died in Minsk. Newspapers wrote that the cause of his death was almost an ordinary scratch.
Well, are you still eager to “strengthen yourself” with anabolic steroids?..
Professional athletes often take anabolic steroids. It is a fact. But this is also a misconception. A misconception for both the athlete and the public. An athlete who believes only that anabolic steroids will increase his mass and give strength to his muscles is mistaken. Anabolic steroids are effective, but there is also training. Anabolic steroids alone have no effect.
The famous sports journalist J. Brannon notes that at first anabolic steroids seem to work, but then their effect is not felt.
Anabolic steroids are unpredictable. Sometimes the weight begins to increase months after taking steroid drugs. Throwing and hesitation begins, the search for doses and dosage regimens begins. Some combine anabolics with growth hormone. New drugs, mainly insulin-like, are appearing on the black market. And everywhere there is a veil of secrecy. Open play begins only after one or another athlete, after taking crazy doses, goes to the doctor. Only here everything falls into place.
The results of biochemical and other tests are usually disappointing. There is only one conclusion: anabolic steroids are harmful!
The side effects of anabolic steroids are quite well known. With an increase in the concentration of sex hormones in the blood due to their exogenous intake, an athlete may experience damage to the reproductive organs and complete infertility, the development of hypertension, kidney and liver damage, oily skin and acne, as well as a high probability of malignant formations.
Male athletes taking anabolic steroids may, among other things, develop female-type breasts, testicular atrophy and cessation of production of male sex hormones and sperm, resulting impotence, as well as hair loss and prostate cancer.
In women, side effects include active body hair growth, menstrual disorders, reduction in breast size and deepening of the voice. The harmful effect of anabolic steroids on the female reproductive system has a similar mechanism. The only difference is that more purely female sex hormones are produced. The main one is estrogen. The mechanism of development of female infertility is associated with an imbalance of sex hormones.
J. Brannon, in a review of anabolic steroids published in the Russian edition of the journal "Muscular Development", discusses other dangerous side effects of anabolic steroids. In one of the examples he gave, the study was conducted on two twin bodybuilding athletes. The only difference between the athletes who achieved some success was their attitude to anabolic steroids. One of the brothers was a “clean” athlete, and the other took anabolic steroids.
Studies have shown differences in testosterone levels among athletes. The excess of the level of this hormone above the norm in an athlete taking a doping drug was significant. Examination methods using echocardiographic equipment also made it possible to assess the functional state and structure of the heart. Thus, the athlete-“chemist” was diagnosed with heart pathology. It was found that his left ventricle of the heart was enlarged and the muscle wall was “coarsened.” Scientists consider the latter sign to be the cause of sudden deaths of athletes taking anabolic steroids.
K. Alcivanovich
"Side effects of anabolic steroids" and other articles from the section
Andriol (active ingredient - testosterone undecanoate) is one of the few new steroids, along with Methyltestosterone, it is the only orally acting testosterone preparation. Testosterone itself is completely ineffective when taken orally, since it is immediately inactivated in the liver when absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Andriol does not show signs of feminization, is eliminated by the body very quickly, and is not indicated for women, because androgenic components are very strongly manifested in the body when taking the drug. When using Andriol, sometimes there are phenomena of high blood pressure, accumulation of fluid in the body, acne, supersexuality, and in women all this leads to phenomena of masculinization.
- Winstrol Depot (active ingredient - stanozolol) - according to some experts, “in all respects it is completely useless. At typical traditional doses, Winstrol has no side effects worth mentioning, but at any dose it does not promote any significant muscle or strength gains. It is as of little use to women as it is to men” (Kzrr R., 1999). Side effects of the drug include the formation of scars at the injection site, i.e. on the buttocks, which forces Winstrol to be injected into the shoulders, legs or even the calf muscles.
- A growth hormone (active ingredient - somatropin, trade names: crescormon, humatroup, norditropin) - used for long-term muscle building. This is the biggest risk an athlete can take, as side effects are irreversible. Growth hormones are surrounded in their use and application by an aura of mystery, some call it a miracle remedy that gives a gigantic increase in strength and mass in the shortest possible time, others consider it completely useless in achieving athletic results and explain this by the fact that the drug stimulates the growth only of those lagging behind in physical development. children's development. The hormone has a strong anabolic effect and promotes increased protein synthesis, which is expressed in muscle hypertrophy and muscle hyperplasia. The latter is expressed quite interestingly; steroids do not have a similar effect. Secondly, growth hormone has a strong effect on the fat burning process. Growth hormone strengthens connective tissue, tendons, bones and cartilage, which is probably one of the main reasons for the strength gains that are observed in some athletes. But, when using the hormone, the body’s need for thyroid hormone, insulin, corticosteroids, gonadotropins, estrogens, androgens and anabolics increases. This is the reason that growth hormone, as the only drug taken, is much less effective and can have its optimal effect on the body only with additional intake of steroids, thyroid hormone and insulin. And this is the summation of side effects. Growth hormone causes side effects that are not similar to the effects of steroids. The main problem is a possible lack of blood sugar or possible hypofunction of the thyroid gland. Acromegaly, diabetes, myocardial hypertrophy, high blood pressure, kidney and liver growth can theoretically occur with excessive and long-term use of growth hormone. More frequent problems with growth hormone occur when an athlete additionally injects insulin.
- Deca-Durabolin (active ingredient - nandrolone decanoate) - causes the accumulation of nitrogen in the muscle cell in an amount greater than it releases, which leads to a positive nitrogen balance. At the same time, most athletes experience a noticeable accumulation of water in the body, which in high dosages leads to an elastic and watery appearance. Promotes the accumulation of water in connective tissues. Due to the fact that Deca is a long-acting anabolic, there is a danger of excess water accumulation before competition at a higher dosage. At dosages above 400 mg per week, androgen-related effects may occur, which is expressed in an increase in blood pressure, a slowdown in the process of blood clotting, which can lead to frequent nosebleeds and bleeding long-term non-healing wounds, as well as increased activity of the sebaceous glands and sometimes progressive acne. Young athletes sometimes report a headache. When taking very high doses over a longer period of time, men may experience delays in spermatogenesis, i.e. the testicles will produce less testosterone. This is the reason that Deca-Durabolin, like almost all steroids, causes a delay in the release of gonadotropins from the pituitary gland. In women, at high doses, androgen-induced masculinization phenomena may occur: decreased voice timbre (often irreversible), increased hair growth, acne, and sometimes clitoral hypertrophy.
- Dianabol (active ingredient: methandrostenolone/methandienone), trade names: anabol, nerabol, dialon, etc.) is an oral steroid that has a strong effect on protein metabolism. Under its influence, protein synthesis is enhanced, the effect is expressed in a positive nitrogen balance in the body, it promotes the flow of calcium into bone tissue. Dianabol can cause gastrointestinal disturbances. In women, it leads to noticeable phenomena of masculinization, so Dianabol is hardly indicated for them. In high dosages and long-term use, dianabol is toxic to the liver. Due to the fact that Dianabol quickly increases weight through strong accumulation of water, increased blood pressure and tachycardia are possible. Dianabol is highly aromatized and easily converted into estrogens, causing gynecomastia in some individuals and worsening an already poor condition. It can cause acne on the face, neck, chest, back and shoulders. stimulates the activity of the sebaceous glands. In individuals with a hereditary predisposition, dianabol can accelerate baldness, the reason for which is the high conversion of its chemical substance into dihydrotestosterone. Due to its significant effect on the level of endogenous testosterone, it reduces the level of testosterone production in the body by 30-40%, which explains the pronounced antigonadotropic effect. As you stop taking the drug, you often experience a loss of strength and muscle mass because... the water accumulated in the body while taking the drug is again removed from it. When taken in high doses, increasing aggressive behavior in a person is sometimes observed. Therefore, in people of an “explosive” nature, taking it can lead to uncontrollable actions. Particularly characteristic are the side effects when taking domestically produced dianabol; when using it, some strange side effects that go beyond the usual norm are noted, with variations from lightheadedness, vomiting to real diseases that have confined more than one athlete to bed for several days. But its main difference is that the drug has a strong effect on the liver.
- Durabolin (active ingredient - nandrolone phenylpropionate, trade names: activin, durolone, phenobolin, etc.) - quite similar to Deca-durabolin and its predecessor. But unlike deca-durabolin, durabolin requires frequent and regular injections. Among the side effects, masculinization phenomena in women are possible, such as hoarseness, decreased voice timbre, hirsutism, acne, etc., but as a rule, they develop when taking high doses of the drug.
- HCG, human choriogonadotropin (active ingredient - choriogonadotropin, trade names: A.P.L., biogonadil, choragon, chorion plus, glucor, gonadotrafon, pregnyl, etc.) - is not an anabolic/androgenic steroid, but a natural hormone that is formed in the placenta of a pregnant woman. HCG has almost the same qualities as luteinizing hormone, and is therefore used to enhance testosterone production. Many weightlifters and bodybuilding athletes experience decreased sexual interest when taking the drug at the end of a heavy training cycle, shortly before and immediately after competitions, and especially at the end of the steroid cycle. HCG is considered an unacceptable doping in competition. Taking HCG can cause the same side effects as taking testosterone. With increased testosterone production, estrogen levels also increase, which can result in gynecomastia (enlargement of the mammary glands). The man has a noticeable growth of the chest. In high doses, the drug can cause the appearance of acne, as well as the accumulation of water and mineral salts in the body. In very young athletes, HCG, like anabolic steroids, can cause bone growth to stop growing prematurely.
- Clenbuterol (active ingredient - clenbuterol hydrochloride) is not a steroid hormone, but a 2-beta sympathomimetic, although it can be compared in action to steroids. Clenbuterol has an anti-catabolic effect, i.e. reduces the percentage of protein that breaks down in muscle cells. Clenbuterol is not a hormonal drug, therefore it does not have the strong side effects typical of anabolic steroids. Possible side effects of Clenbuterol are anxiety, palpitations, slight trembling of fingers, headaches, increased sweating, drowsiness, sometimes muscle spasms, high blood pressure and nausea.
- Lasix (active ingredient - furosemide) - is a diuretic and is used to reduce body weight due to intense dehydration of the body. Side effects of Lasix include disturbances in the functioning of the circulatory system, dizziness, dehydration, muscle spasms, vomiting, vascular collapse, diarrhea, and a feeling of malaise. Cardiac arrest may occur.
- Nolvadex (active - tamaxifent citrate) is neither androgenic nor anabolic, it belongs to the group of hormones and is an anti-estrogen. Normally, its scope of application is the treatment of certain forms of breast cancer in women. Nolvadex is often taken simultaneously with anabolic steroids, since the action of most steroids can increase the level of estrogen in the blood with feminization phenomena (gynecomastia, increased accumulation of fat and increased accumulation of water in the body), and the anti-estrogen Nolvadex counteracts this. But in some cases, Nolvadex does not lower estrogen levels, but may, on the contrary, increase it. The drug weakens the anabolic effect of some steroids. Side effects include vomiting, increased body temperature, confusion, stupor, visual disturbances, and in women, menstrual irregularities may occur, which manifests itself in scanty or absent periods.
- Omnadren 250 (active ingredients: testosterone phenylpropionate) is a four-component testosterone preparation. Omnadren is used, as a rule, due to the accumulation of water in the muscles. The drug is characterized as “Omna-skull” (due to the pastiness of the face, which is noticeable on the cheeks, forehead, and under the eyes). Side effects are similar to those of other testosterone drugs; the most common, along with fluid retention, is the appearance of acne and increased aggressiveness.
- Parabolan (active ingredient - trenbolone hexahydrobenzylcarbonate) - a strong androgenic steroid, it does not cause sudden weight gain. Parabolan is quite toxic, affecting primarily the kidneys, then the liver. Athletes who take it in high doses for more than a few weeks often notice unusually dark urine. In some cases, blood may appear in the urine. Along with this, many athletes exhibit aggressive behavior, which is caused by the strong androgenic effect of the drug. However, compared to other drugs, acne and hair loss are very rare. As you stop taking the drug, there is a clear decline in strength, while the muscle gains last longer.
- Proviron (active ingredient: masterolone) is a synthetic, orally acting androgen that does not have anabolic properties. In medicine, it is used in the treatment of disorders caused by a lack of male sex hormones, to increase decreased testosterone production. At high dosages, it can lead to retention of electrolytes and water in the body and the development of edema. The most common side effect of Proviron is severe painful sexual superstimulation and, in some cases, prolonged erection. This condition can lead to all sorts of problems. Women should take Proviron with caution, as all sorts of androgenic side effects cannot be ruled out.
- Sustanon 250 (active ingredient - testosiberone propionate, a mixture of four testosterones) - begins to act quickly and at the same time remains in the body for several weeks. It has a pronounced androgenic effect without retaining water in the body. Side effects are similar to those of testosterone enanthate, although they occur less frequently and are not as severe. Depending on the timing and dosage of Sustanon, common androgen-related side effects may occur, such as acne, aggression, sexual hyperstimulation, fat deposition in the skin, accelerated hair loss, and decreased production of sex hormones.
- Testosterone enanthate (the active ingredient is testosterone enanthate, in the USA there are 14 more drugs containing the active chemical substance testosterone enanthate) - an ester of natural testosterone. It is responsible for the normal development of male sexual characteristics. In medicine, testosterone enanthate is used: in boys and adolescents it is used in growth therapy, and in women it is used as an additional treatment for certain forms of breast tumors in the postmenstrual cycle. Testosterone enanthate is a long-acting steroid that provides a long-lasting effect on the body. Depending on the metabolism and hormonal system, the effect of the drug is 2-3 weeks, so theoretically very long intervals between injections are possible. A very strong androgenic effect and an intense anabolic effect, very strongly stimulates regeneration processes in the body, so it quickly acts in terms of increasing vitality, increasing energy and accelerating compensation phases. But already 2 weeks after stopping the drug, the skin loses its texture, becomes smooth, flat, and the muscles become swollen. She looks like she's inflated with air. Beginners in steroid cycles should avoid all types of testosterones. With high-dose therapy with testosterone drugs, a cessation or decrease in spermatogenesis is often observed. Therefore, the side effects of testosterone enanthate are, first of all, phenomena caused by its strong androgenic effect and increased accumulation of water in the body. As a rule, they are the cause of hypertension that often occurs when taking testosterone enanthate. Quite often, taking the drug is accompanied by the appearance of widespread acne on the back, chest, shoulders, arms, and a little less on the face, and more often the rash appears not while taking testosterone enanthate, but after stopping taking it. Another side effect is painful sexual superstimulation with frequent erections that appears at the beginning of taking the drug. Testosterone can lead to accelerated growth and maturation of bone tissue, to the preferential growth of the epiphyses, and, consequently, to the cessation of the body growth process. Side effects include testicular atrophy, decreased spermatogenesis, and increased aggressiveness. Large doses can cause steroid psychoses - “psychoses of megadoses of androgens.” Side effects also include decreased voice timbre and accelerated hair loss, while changes in voice and alopecia are irreversible, hirsutism and clitoral hypertrophy are only partially reversible.
- Testosterone propionate (active ingredient - testosterone propionate) - testosterone ester, unlike long-acting testosterone enanthate and cypionate, propionate has a significantly shorter duration of action. In women, when used correctly, androgen-related side effects can be avoided. Side effects of propionate are similar to those of enanthate, but they occur less frequently. In case of genetic predisposition, the drug in very high doses can cause known androgen-related side effects: acne, hair loss, increased body hair, decreased voice. Increased libido is often observed in both men and women. Gynecomastia, despite the high level of propionate convertibility, occurs less frequently than when taking other testosterones. Possible water retention in the body.
- Esiklen (hubernol, active ingredient - formsbolone) - is a steroid, although it differs from other steroids, it is of little use in terms of its anabolic effects. At the site of its injection, local inflammation of the muscle tissue develops, the affected muscle swells and increases in size.
Anabolic steroids (AS) They are effective in improving athletic performance, but they can cause a number of unwanted side effects that can jeopardize health. Before using AS, you need to know/understand the consequences of their use.
Many anabolic drugs were originally invented for medical use. Over time, their anabolic properties have attracted athletes. It should be taken into account that athletes use these drugs in dosages that are many times higher than therapeutic ones.
Anabolic steroids can have a strong effect on internal organs and the hormonal system. The frequency and severity of side effects varies greatly and depends on many factors, such as the type of drug, dosage, duration of use, and individual sensitivity/tolerance.
General measures to prevent and prevent side effects can be identified:
- do not conduct highly androgenic courses;
- do not conduct courses longer than 12 weeks;
- do not take medications in large dosages;
- give preference to drugs that suppress the secretion of your own to a lesser extent testosterone, and are also not toxic to the liver;
- carry out correctly PCT;
- systematically take tests in order to monitor the state of the hormonal system.
Anabolic steroids side effects
The most common side effects are described below, as well as generally accepted recommendations to avoid/minimize them:
- liver damage. ACs that have a methyl group at position 17 (tablet drugs) can have profound negative effects on the liver. It should be noted that in most cases, side effects that affect the liver are reversible. During PCT, use hepatoprotectors, they stimulate the removal of bile and promote liver restoration. When choosing a steroid, it is worth considering that drugs in injectable form have a much less negative effect on the liver than in tablet form;
- suppression of the production of own testosterone. Suppression of testosterone production is a consequence of the use of AS. To normalize the state of the hormonal system, they are used gonadotropin And ;
- acne (blackheads). Anabolic steroids increase sebum production, which clogs pores. In order to avoid this side effect, you need to monitor the condition of your skin, keep it clean (it should not be oily), and systematically wash your face with soap. If acne occurs, wipe the skin 1-2 times a day with salicylic alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Try to exclude fast carbohydrates, fatty and fried foods from your diet;
- gynecomastia . Occurs due to aromatization of anabolic drugs. Aromatase inhibitors help block the aromatization process;
- left ventricular myocardial hypertrophy. The use of AS affects the cardiovascular system. To avoid heart problems, it is recommended not to carry out long courses, and also not to use large dosages of drugs;
- increased cholesterol levels. Some AS can increase the level of “bad cholesterol” in the blood. To prevent this side effect, take Omega-3;
- increased blood pressure. Anabolic steroids increase blood pressure, which Metoprolol and Enalapril can help normalize;
- testicular atrophy. This effect occurs due to the suppression of natural testosterone production. To avoid this, athletes take gonadotropin;
- growth stop. This side effect is relevant at a young age, and is one of the reasons why AS is strongly not recommended for use at a young age;
- infertility. Associated with changes in hormonal levels. To solve this problem, post-cycle therapy is carried out;
- prostate hypertrophy. The main cause is dihydrotestosterone, which is formed from testosterone. In sports circles, for the prevention/treatment of this phenomenon, the use of Finasteride is recommended;
- blood clot formation. AS can lead to increased blood clotting, which increases the risk of blood clots. Drugs that prevent platelets from sticking to each other (antiplatelet agents) can help avoid this effect;
- AS can also cause side effects such as virilization, baldness, increased aggression and others.
Contraindications to the use of steroids:
- it is highly undesirable to use the AU until the age of 25. The use of these drugs at a young age can lead to changes in hormonal levels, which in turn can cause bone growth to stop;
- atherosclerosis;
- high blood pressure;
- It is not advisable for women to use anabolic drugs, as this can cause masculinization;
- the presence of heart disease is an absolute contraindication, so the use of steroids can aggravate the condition;
- prostate tumor;
- renal and liver failure.
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