Updated May 2024
Disclaimer: The following information is for educational purposes only, and we do not promote, encourage or condone the use of anabolic steroids off-prescription.
Anabolic steroids are synthetic drugs that mimic the male hormone testosterone. While steroids for medical reasons are legally available by prescription, bodybuilding with steroids is widespread, and athletes and sports enthusiasts also use anabolic steroids for performance-enhancing benefits. Although personal possession of steroids is not penalised, they are classified as a Class C substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, making their sale without prescription illegal.
Generally, the safest steroid cycle is a testosterone-only cycle. Other relatively safer options include cycles with just one type of anabolic steroid that is intended for human use. Specific androgenic-anabolic steroids (AAS) are prescribed to treat medical conditions, but this does not mean they are safe when used off prescription.
During a steroid cycle for bodybuilding and muscle growth, doses are typically much higher than medically prescribed amounts. Opting for shorter cycles and lower doses can help mitigate some risks. Regular monitoring of bloodwork and overall health can also reduce potential dangers, but it is important to understand that risks cannot be completely eliminated.
If you’re contemplating using anabolic steroids to boost muscle mass or athletic performance, it’s vital to recognise the potential for significant side effects and addiction. The safest route is to avoid anabolic steroids altogether, but if you decide to use them, there are steps to minimise the negative impact they can have on your health. Read on to learn about different types of anabolic steroids, their side effects, and the safest steroids and user practices.
Anabolic steroids are derivatives of testosterone, the male sex hormone responsible for male characteristics during puberty, such as a deeper voice, body and facial hair, and muscle strength. When anabolic steroids are used without a prescription, to increase muscle mass, decrease fat, and enhance performance they can cause several undesirable side effects.
Anabolic steroids can come in tablet form or injected into muscles.
Common types of anabolic steroids include:
• Proviron
• Sustanon
• Anadrol
• Anavar
• Dianabol
• Restandol
• Winstrol
• Deca-Durabolin
• Andriol
• Halotestin
• Primobolan.
Medically, anabolic steroids can treat hormonal problems, certain cancers, osteoporosis, and other rare conditions. Outside of medicine, both women and men use steroids to improve athletic performance and alter physical appearance by increasing muscle mass and reducing body fat.
If you see exceptionally large bodybuilders, this could be down to more than just a strict diet and training regime. In almost all cases, extreme muscle mass and definition will be a result of steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs.
Abusing anabolic steroids can lead to severe side effects, including:
| Physical Effects — Men | Physical Effects — Women | Psychological Effects | Health Risks |
| Baldness | Menstrual problems | Aggression | Blood clots |
| Erectile dysfunction | Loss of breast tissue | Delusions | High blood pressure |
| Infertility | Facial and body hair growth | Hallucinations | Heart disease |
| Shrunken testicles | Acne | Mood swings | Liver damage |
| Water retention | Clitoral growth | Stroke | |
| Low sperm count | Water retention | Prostate cancer | |
| Acne | Deepening voice | Kidney damage | |
| Gynecomastia (breast tissue growth) |
Steroids disrupt natural testosterone production, leading to withdrawal symptoms, which can include:
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Muscle aches
• Depression
• Anxiety
At Harley Street MD in London, one of the most common questions we are asked is, “How can I take steroids safely?”.
The answer to this question may well depend upon who you talk to. It’s undeniable that steroids have been used in a medical capacity for decades and in a less official performance-enhancing one for almost as long. While some athletes and bodybuilders claim they haven’t experienced harmful side effects, the reality is there is no way to take steroids safely, and their effects can vary widely.
However, there are measures you can put in place to help reduce the harm and withdrawal symptoms that steroids can cause. Over 100 different kinds of steroids have unique properties and potential side effects. The illegality of purchasing steroids leads to uncertainty about the substance’s authenticity, posing significant health risks.
Steroids obtained from a gym, dealer or online could be fake or may have been labelled incorrectly. If you decide to use anabolic steroids, ensure you know exactly what you’re taking and that it hasn’t been tampered with. The safest option if you’re considering using steroids to gain muscle is to find a medical professional who can monitor your health and help manage side effects.
Classified as Class C substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, anabolic steroids are legal to possess as steroids for personal use. Possessing, importing, or exporting steroids with the intent to supply is illegal and could lead to prosecution and up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.
After completing a steroid cycle, your body’s natural testosterone production can be compromised. When you complete a steroid cycle, post cycle therapy (PCT) can help you get back on track, this protocol is designed to boost testosterone back to healthy levels. PCT should be conducted under a qualified physician’s care to ensure its effectiveness and safety.
Using any type of illicit anabolic steroid carries serious health risks. Steroids increase red blood cell production and body weight, which can raise blood pressure and cholesterol levels, leading to heart failure and cardiovascular disease. They also pose risks to kidney function and can cause nephrotoxicity, leading to kidney disease and failure.
Dr. Chia Tan is fully registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) and does not advocate the use of anabolic steroids. However, he firmly believes that as a doctor, his primary responsibility is to help individuals maintain optimal health, regardless of their personal choices. Harley Street MD is one of the only CQC-registered clinics in London offering treatment for steroid use with accurate medical testing to monitor health and reduce the harmful effects of steroids.
If you use anabolic steroids, human growth hormone (HGH), or any other performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), it is crucial to monitor your health through accurate medical tests. This proactive approach can help minimise the potentially harmful effects associated with steroid use.
Below are the steroids that are available via prescription for various medical treatments.
• Testosterone-only cycle: The safest oral steroid, available in both oral and injectable forms. Used in testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and anabolic steroid cycles, though doses for muscle building are much higher than TRT doses. Additionally, the actual dose taken can be difficult to determine without regular blood tests due to the irregularity of counterfeit testosterone injections.
• Anavar (Oxandrolone) cycle: This could be considered the second safest oral steroid, and it is often used to treat muscle wasting. Research demonstrates oxandrolone therapy increases muscle strength and lean body mass. Counterfeit Anavar is easy to make as it is in tablet form. According to various bodybuilder forums, there is a high percentage of “fake” Anavar sold on the black market. Kidney damage is the main side effect of Anavar.
• Deca-Durabolin (Nandrolone) cycle: An injectable steroid that is shown to significantly increase weight and lean body mass when prescribed to treat wasting in HIV patients. It’s also prescribed for the treatment of kidney disease and osteoporosis. A serious side effect of Deca-Durabolin is an increase in blood pressure, which could lead to heart disease and heart failure.
Veterinary steroids are some of the most dangerous and harmful types of illegal steroids sold on the black market. Two veterinary steroids that you may come across are:
• Trenbolone: Among the most dangerous steroids, affecting the brain, kidneys, joints, cardiovascular system, and kidneys. It was tested only on cattle.
• Boldenone: Known as the “horse steroid,” it is illegal for use in meat production in the EU and many other countries. It can raise blood pressure and is classified as a probable human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
To make a steroid cycle safer, it should be supervised by a doctor who can perform regular blood tests to monitor liver and kidney function, tumour markers, and prostate profile. Early detection of issues can prevent more serious health consequences.
Post-cycle therapy and regular blood tests to check testosterone levels when resting between cycles are also vital to ensure the body is restoring normal testosterone production. Another risk factor that you should not be underestimated is where you buy steroids. It’s easy to buy steroids online, but these are almost always counterfeit. According to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs report, counterfeit steroids do not contain the dose specified, can be contaminated with bacteria, and may include unknown and potentially dangerous substances.
The use of counterfeit steroids subsequently increases the associated risks of anabolic steroids. Additionally, incorrect techniques when self-administering intramuscular steroid injections can cause various serious issues, such as infections, tissue damage, blood vessel breakage, and nerve damage.
The research and study references we used, in addition to our internal research, have all been referenced here; most of them have an external link to the scientific publication. We work hard to bring you the most recent, impartial, factual, and evidence-based information to help you make informed decisions.
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