Side effects of steroids and how to reduce the harm of steroids. Side effects of anabolic steroids
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Date of:
2014-12-04
Views: 44 664 Grade: 4.9
Important! The “Your Trainer” website does not sell or encourage the use of anabolic steroids and other potent substances. The information is provided so that those who still decide to take them do so as competently and with minimal risk for good health.
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- Use insulin for those who are not gaining weight.
- Add 3-4 grams of AAS per week, after two years of chemicalization.
- Including growth hormone in your, so to speak, courses, etc.
7. INSULIN
No matter what anyone says about the ability to gain weight on insulin and not gain weight, don’t believe it. This hormone increases primarily the permeability and susceptibility of fat cells, and muscle cells secondarily. Look at the mass monsters in the off-season. None of them can do without this substance. Hypoglycemic coma ALWAYS strikes at the most unexpected moment. And the dose is individual for everyone. There have been severe reactions to just 4 IU. In addition, the nutrition when using this product must be IDEAL. But a simple amateur cannot afford this. Let’s also not forget about the active growth of visceral fat. Around the heart as well. Further, I think everything is clear. Rumor has it that these things are very effective. It’s just that they are little studied and in high quality form are not available to mere mortals. Application schemes from overseas specialists cost thousands of dollars. Some of our competitive level fans use them. I know for sure that it is local intramuscular. The rest is a mystery. What they sell on regular websites under the guise of peptides is 100% crap. Look like that's it. This corticosteroid went to the masses thanks to Yuri Bombela, whom I greatly respect. But I just can’t agree with him about the dexa. There is a regimen that allows (according to supporters of this regimen) to gain a certain amount of muscle mass. So, we tried it on several people who wanted it in practice. The guys fell for the cheapness and availability of the substance. As a result, two of them gained fat in the abdominal area and developed acne. And the third received such fluid retention that he was forced to stop the experiment. No one has grown any real meat. In Soviet times, guys from basements also did similar things. Positive Feedback I haven’t heard from representatives of those times. If someone is not convinced, I advise you to look at the package insert that comes with the medicine. To the side effects section.
10. SYNTHOL
Much has been said about this scandalous substance. So I'll just add the following. The correct use of this oil is the responsibility of medical professionals working with professional bodybuilders. The main word in this sentence is PROFESSIONAL. Those who undertake to cope with it using the “I can do it!” method often look unattractive. And this is not counting the prospects of affecting deep nerves, inflammatory and purulent processes and the death of soft tissues due to hypoxia and insufficient blood supply. Well, what are the consequences of oil getting into blood vessel, I don’t think there’s any need to explain. You can do without all this just fine. A sensible amateur is a person who not only looks good, but also feels good. Believe me, an arm of 50 cm, against the backdrop of abs on the stomach, is quite possible to achieve without ever resorting to the above-mentioned substances. Even at the most advanced amateur level of chemicalization, you can get by with a minimum set of pharmaceuticals, provided you have a brain. There is nothing to say about beginners just getting started with medications. If the owner of the resource gives the go-ahead, I promise to write something similar about
Steroid drugs are prohibited for use in sports by world anti-doping organizations.
I don’t think it’s a secret to anyone that steroid drugs pose a great danger to human health. Athletes who came to use this kind drugs, they often regret using anabolic steroids. When taking them, a whole range of side effects often occurs. It should be noted that steroid drugs are prohibited for use in sports and for self-administration without a doctor’s prescription. During the hormonal treatment Side effects may also occur, usually due to an incorrectly selected drug, excessive duration of treatment, lack of background therapy and other possible factors. All information is taken from verified medical sources.
General prevention
side effects
- Do not prescribe large dosages of steroid drugs;
- Do not use drugs with a high degree of androgenic effects for more than 8 weeks;
- The drugs of choice for hormonal therapy should be steroids that do not inhibit testosterone production;
- Patients should be prescribed drugs that do not have a strong toxic effect on the liver;
- If possible, if there is a need to use anti-estrogenic agents to normalize endogenous testosterone production and prevent estrogenic side effects in male patients.
Contraindications for use
- Steroid drugs should not be prescribed to patients under 25 years of age, since the effect of anabolic drugs on a young body can lead to irreversible consequences: endocrine disorders, growth retardation, short stature, erectile dysfunction, depression, etc.
- You should think twice before prescribing highly androgenic steroid drugs to women. Virilization (the appearance of secondary male sexual characteristics) is irreversible;
- Congenital and acquired heart defects are also contraindications, since the use of steroids can exacerbate the disease;
- Disorders of the liver and kidneys;
- Hypertonic disease;
- Atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries.
Special cases
Product suppression
endogenous testosterone
Suppression of the production of your own sex hormone is inevitable when using steroid drugs. When hormonal substances enter the body, an endocrine response is formed in response to an increase in the concentration of hormones in the blood, which contributes to the inhibition of testosterone production in the testes. This process is carried out using a mechanism feedback. The human body always strives to conserve energy and balance, so if the level of any of the hormones begins to increase, the body's hormonal system suppresses the production of that hormone to restore its own balance. The result of this is the normalization of the levels of all endogenous hormones. For example, when nandrolone is introduced into the body, the amount of testosterone in the blood begins to decrease; after completing the intake of anabolic drugs, as a rule, a complete recovery should occur hormonal levels, however, this process can take months, which can affect a person’s quality of life.
Prevention
To prevent side effects from steroids, you should use hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), an effective drug for normalizing the secretion of endogenous testosterone and preventing the development of testicular atrophy. In the human body, gonadotropic hormones (FSH and LH - follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones) are produced regularly. Both of these hormones provide correct flow spermatogenesis and processes of endogenous testosterone production. With long-term use of steroids, the production of gonadotropic hormones decreases and, as a result, testicular atrophy develops. The use of hCG, which acts on the principle of gonadotropic hormones, helps restore endocrine balance and preserve the functionality of the testicles. The dosage of hCG depends on the degree of androgenic and anabolic activity of the steroids taken. If the duration of the course is less than 45 days and one hormonal drug is used, then hCG may not be used. If the duration of hormonal treatment is more than 45 days and the use of two or more drugs, and even in increased dosages, additional use of hCG is extremely necessary (500 IU weekly during hormonal therapy; the dosages of all prescribed drugs must be calculated by a doctor). You can often come across information that the administration of hCG should be carried out after a course of treatment, but this point of view is incorrect, since with combined courses the testicles may not be stimulated for a long time gonadotropic hormones, which, accordingly, will lead to atrophy of the gonads. The use of hCG throughout hormonal therapy helps to achieve a balance in the levels of all hormones in the body. human body and maintain sexual activity at peak levels. It should also be noted that the need to take hCG is not related to the synergistic effect of gonadotropin, but to the prevention of the negative effects of steroid drugs on the body. To normalize the production of endogenous testosterone, anti-estrogenic drugs can often be used.
Toxic influence
to the liver
Steroid toxicity to the liver is the most common side effect in practice. negative influence drugs can be avoided. Some sources claim that absolutely all anabolic drugs harm liver function, while taking any other medications is also harmful to liver tissue, especially if the dosage is exceeded and long-term use medicines. First of all, serious liver dysfunction occurs when taking steroid drugs in oral form, which have a methyl group in the 17-alpha position in their chemical structure. Methyls significantly slow down the half-life active substance, however, this fact is also a significant disadvantage, since in this case liver tissue is destroyed. Plus, side effects on the liver develop only when the prescribed dosage is exceeded. Proof of this are the results of many experiments involving animals on which methandrostenolone, stanozolol and other steroid drugs were tested. Experts have found that the destruction of liver cells develops only when 10-fold dosages of anabolic drugs are introduced into the body. For example, the toxic effect of taking methandienone is recorded only when the dosage is increased to 80 mg per day or more, despite the fact that the average therapeutic dosage is 5-10 times less. Later, clinical trials were conducted with the participation of athletes who were divided into 2 subgroups: some participants used steroids, other subjects were engaged exclusively in natural training. Blood samples were taken from both subgroups during the experiment to assess liver function. Participants using steroid drugs in excessive dosages experienced negative changes in liver tissue. Considering that liver tissue is “renewed” every 12 weeks (in the absence of other negative factors), after this period, liver function is completely restored. Based on such observations, it can be assumed that negative side effects on the liver are completely reversible.
Prevention
- Adhere to the dosages prescribed by your doctor;
- Do not use alkylated steroids;
- Injectable forms of drugs do not have a toxic effect on the liver.
Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia– enlargement of the mammary glands in men. This side effect can be avoided by the correct selection of drugs for hormonal therapy. Gynecomastia develops, as a rule, due to the use of easily aromatizing steroids, which are quickly converted into estrogens (methandienone, testosterone esters, etc.). The selection of the drug should be taken into account for the prevention of gynecomastia.
Prevention
When including easily aromatizing drugs in the course of treatment, you should also add antiestrogenic agents that block the enzyme aromatase. Taking antiestrogens will prevent such a side effect as gynecomastia, which is irreversible without surgical intervention. Often, various scientific sources provide information that anti-estrogenic drugs should be taken after the first symptoms of breast enlargement in men appear. This is a big mistake, so drugs that block the action of estrogen in the body must be used throughout the entire period of hormonal therapy. At first, gynecomastia is a reversible phenomenon, and the best treatment, in this case, is prevention. The best option in this case would be systematic testing for estrogen levels with further adjustment of dosages of anti-estrogenic drugs.
Acne
Dermatological manifestations, in particular acne, occur due to the fact that steroids enhance the work of the sebaceous glands in the skin, which contributes to the development inflammatory reaction and the appearance of acne. In most cases, this is due to taking drugs with androgenic activity.
Prevention
- Regularly wash your skin, take a shower at least once a day, and preferably after waking up and before going to bed.
Increased concentration
cholesterol
Steroid medications can lower levels of “good” cholesterol (or high-density lipoproteins) and also increase levels of “bad” cholesterol (or low-density lipoproteins). Theoretically, both of these factors contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. In reality, this is not observed, especially in young patients. During the period of hormonal therapy (30-60 days), the increase in the concentration of “bad” cholesterol does not contribute to the development of any negative changes in the blood vessels; moreover, after the end of steroid treatment, cholesterol is completely normalized (again, if no changes were recorded before the start of the course). problems with blood vessels). It should be noted that an increase in cholesterol concentration does not develop often, since not all steroid drugs have this side effect.
Prevention
- During treatment, take unsaturated Omega-3 fatty acids in capsule form or from food;
- Reduce your consumption of yolks and fatty foods;
- Take to lower cholesterol levels.
Cardiovascular diseases
It is no secret that the use of anabolic drugs contributes to the development of heart and vascular diseases. This is likely due to their effect on cholesterol levels. In addition, excessive use of steroids contributes to the development of left ventricular hypertrophy. It should be noted that strength work also contributes to this.
Prevention
- Patients should not be prescribed steroid drugs in large dosages;
- You should play sports (if your health is normal), with an emphasis on aerobic activity;
- You should follow your doctor's recommendations;
- Take medications to strengthen the heart muscle.
- Use medications plant origin, for example, the drug better protects the heart muscle from hypoxic damage and normalizes blood flow in the main arteries.
High blood pressure
This side effect occurs due to the fact that steroid drugs:
- Accumulate sodium ions inside cells;
- They have a vasoconstrictor effect (reduce the vascular lumen);
- Increases blood volume in the body.
A normal pressure is 120 to 80 mm Hg. Art., numbers up to 140 per 90 mm Hg are considered normally elevated. Art. To monitor blood pressure levels, it must be measured regularly. At home you need to have a tonometer and measure your arterial pressure, preferably 2 times a day (morning and evening).
Kidney disorders
The renal pelvis filters the blood and excretes waste metabolites in the urine. The use of steroid drugs may increase the load on the kidneys, but they do not have a nephrotoxic effect.
Prevention
- Maintaining your blood pressure level is normal.
Consequences for the psyche
Excessive aggressiveness when using steroid drugs is quite rare and, as a rule, when using high dosages. One study proved that the use of anabolic steroids is not associated with the appearance of aggressiveness; often, it is influenced only by temperament.
For a stable psyche, as well as for constant exposure stress on the body it is recommended to take herbal preparation“Nervo-Vit”, which will help a person in the difficult fight against stress and eliminate its consequences.
Alopecia (hair loss)
Steroid drugs contribute to the occurrence of alopecia in males, especially in older age. Hair loss is very noticeable on the parietal part of the head. Experts suggest that alopecia is caused by heredity, so steroid drugs can lead to baldness if your immediate male relatives already have alopecia. Anabolic steroids may worsen this process. The main factor in alopecia is the presence of a large amount of dihydrotestosterone in the blood; therefore, to avoid this, it is necessary to use anabolic agents that are not converted to dihydrotestosterone.
Prevention
- Steroids that convert to dihydrotestosterone should not be used as the drug of choice for hormone replacement therapy;
- To prevent alopecia, Finasteride is a good drug, which is used quite often, but has a lot of side effects;
- Minoxidil cream is also effective against alopecia.
Thrombosis
The use of steroid drugs increases the prothrombin index, or in other words, leads to the formation of blood clots in the vessels. In some cases, in people from the older age group, rapid platelet aggregation increases the likelihood of stroke and heart attack, which develop precisely because of too intense blood clotting in the great vessels.
Taking the drug "Dandelion-P" prevents the occurrence of thrombosis and increases vascular blood flow. Another herbal preparation “Hondro-Vit” also contains dandelion root, and cold processing technology allows you to preserve all the therapeutic properties of dandelion.
Prevention
To reduce the negative effects of steroid drugs, people over 45 years of age are recommended to prescribe anticoagulants against the background of hormone replacement therapy. A good option would be to take acetylsalicylic acid in low and moderate dosages, but do not forget that frequent use Aspirin-based NSAIDs can cause bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.
Masculinization
Masculinization is a whole range of irreversible side effects from taking steroid drugs associated with the development of secondary sexual characteristics: low chest voice, breast atrophy, enlargement of the external genitalia, “male” face, hirsutism, etc. Similar symptoms develop quite often when women use hormonal drugs with a high degree of androgenic activity.
Slow bone growth
in length
Unfortunately, growth retardation is an irreversible process. This side effect is only important during puberty, since active bone growth occurs at this time. Therefore, it is not recommended to use or prescribe steroid drugs to persons under 20 years of age. Drugs with the greatest influence on growth high risk aromatization.
The natural-based drug “Osteomed” will help you prevent growth retardation and strengthen bone tissue.
Hyperplasia
prostate gland
Firstly, it should be noted that anabolic drugs only occasionally lead to prostatic hyperplasia and, as a rule, this is noted only after 45 years, and this is often due to heredity. The main reason for the development of this pathology is the presence of too high levels of dihydrotestosterone in the blood.
Prevention
To prevent the occurrence of prostate hyperplasia, the drugs Leveton Forte and Eromax are used.
Low fertility
in men
100% infertility after taking steroids is rare. Typically, with the use of anabolic drugs, a short-term decrease in fertility develops, up to its complete absence. Fertility is completely normalized after discontinuation of hormonal medications.
Prevention
To quickly normalize testosterone levels in the body, herbal preparations “Leveton” and “Eromax” are used.
Testicular atrophy
Through a feedback mechanism, the production of endogenous hCG decreases. This hormone regulates the functionality of the testicles, therefore, if the level of hCG decreases, the tissue of the testes gradually atrophies. Testicular atrophy, by the way, may be irreversible, especially with long-term use of illegal drugs. The consequence of all this is the occurrence of erectile dysfunction, decreased libido and, in some cases, testicular cancer.
Prevention
To prevent atrophy, hCG 500 IU is used weekly. This condition occurs when the prescribed dosage and duration of treatment are exceeded.
To prevent atrophy during the course and rapid recovery during “rollback”, the drugs “Eromax” and “Leveton Forte” are used. Their effectiveness has been proven more than once by many independent studies.
Andriol (active substance― testosterone undecanoate) is one of the few new steroids, along with Methyltestosterone, it is the only orally acting testosterone preparation. Testosterone itself oral intake completely ineffective, since immediately upon absorption from gastrointestinal tract are inactivated in the liver. 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 increased 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 with an aura of mystery; some call it a miracle remedy that shortest time gives a gigantic increase in strength and mass, 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. 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 similar effect do not possess. 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 common problems with somatotropic 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 elastic and watery appearance. Promotes the accumulation of water in connective tissues. Due to the fact that Deca is an anabolic long acting, 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 note headache. When taking very high doses over a longer period of time, men may experience delays in spermatogenesis, i.e. the testes 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.) - an oral steroid that has strong impact 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 may cause gastrointestinal distress. 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 because... 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 removed from it again. When taken in high doses, there is sometimes an increase in aggressive behavior person. 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 noticeable breast growth. 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 destroyed in muscle cells. Clenbuterol is not 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, disturbances visual function, and in women there may be a violation menstrual cycle, which manifests itself in scanty menstruation or its absence at all.
- 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, aggressiveness, sexual hyperstimulation, fat deposition in the skin, accelerated loss hair, 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 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. Other side effect- 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 process of body growth. 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. At 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 high level 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.
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 pharmacological reference book, which you can get to know 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 increase in 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 hidden disease heart or kidney.
Particularly large water retention can be caused by various drugs testosterone. 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 Ural Federal District. If all this does not help, the last resort is antibiotics. But then the actions of these drugs in others acute cases, for example, with the flu, 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 been subjected to surgery to remove fatty tissue accumulated around the 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 resort to steroids, you can avoid gynecomastia by taking them for short periods 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 cope with training loads more easily and perform better in competitions. However, more often aggressiveness acts as negative phenomenon. Many steroid users begin to be hostile towards family, friends, and co-workers - their behavior becomes defiant and even intolerable. They develop emotional instability. Ordinary situations can cause such athletes to react unreasonably aggressively, which is further aggravated by alcohol consumption. This type of behavior is mainly caused by various testosterone esters. An athlete using steroids must anticipate such developments and be prepared to use willpower to suppress unwanted outbursts of rage.
Two psychiatrists from Harvard Medical School, Drs. Harrison Pope and David L. Katz, found serious mental disorders in people using anabolic steroids: depressive symptoms, visual and auditory hallucinations, uncontrolled outbreaks irritability, 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 being 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 usually occurs simultaneously due to rapid weight gain and water retention in the body. Primary symptoms There may be headaches, insomnia, and breathing difficulties. 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 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, student, died from heart enlargement, allegedly caused by long-term use of steroids high school in Ohio. 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, and 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. Clitoral enlargement 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 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 is information about 7 deaths as a result liver failure, and all serious cases of abnormal liver function were associated with oral steroids.
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 serious illness, characterized by increased liver soreness, 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 increased level bilirubin, which requires 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- increased frequency of nosebleeds, which in many people 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 may 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, and heartburn are also possible. It is believed that steroids may upset the normal balance 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. IN best case scenario this leads to tendonitis and inflammation, and in the worst case, 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. Broken and cracked bones are also common among steroid users.
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 steroid cycle is discontinued, when testosterone is not supplied from the outside, and the own reproductive system has not yet been restored required level 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. Time required to return to normal functions reproductive system, everyone is different. 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.
Suspension of growth. 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 tendency 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 at least temporarily weaken immune system. This negative effect occurs in those who have taken steroids for more than 10-12 weeks.
Insomnia and other central nervous system disorders nervous system . 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 metabolic needs of the body, and therefore even when taking a sufficient amount nutrients their deficiency may 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 was noted metabolic processes, especially with 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! And now it’s important for me to enter the competition in in the best possible way". Alas, 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...