Steroid Side Effects for the Newbies - Must Read

[Tatyana]

I found this and thought it was great.


Purpose of this thread is to enlighten first time users of what they are undertaking, so much focus goes on getting bigger that I think there is a complacency about what may go wrong as a result, I blame this partly on the poor reception side effects threads get, both Paul G and I have done them before but they get little in the way of attention, never underestimate the power of denial!

I used Mick Harts Laymans guide to steriods as the template only for this article but thats all as its utter sh1te and not particularly helpful. I found some more info here and on this thread here.

The side effects listed here may be direct i.e liver damage or indirect i.e Hepatitus meaning that for example as long as you don't share a needle you won't get Hepatitus this way but that if you take c17 alpha alkylated steroids you will get some liver toxicity.

All of the side effects listed here are possible but I am not saying they are probable, however the common ones are hyperlinked to threads by members reporting those side effects so you can see they can happen or articles for further reading.

I have suggested some self help methods in red, there is also more help in the linked threads and articles, but the best help is to cease use of the steroids altogether as this commonly is the cure to most of the side effects, few are permanent. If symptoms persist go to your GP, if in doubt go to your GP.

1. Hair Loss

With androgenic AAS, there is an increase in hair turnover which may result in male pattern baldness developing. I find this stops when I use HCG?

Use low androgenic AAS, possibly use HCG, which although stimulates FSH (follicular stimulating hormone) it is in reference to follicles in the testes NOT hair follicles.

2. Headaches

As a result mostly of high blood pressure.

Use an AI such as Femora or Arimidex during cycle to prevent water retention.

3. Eyes

Yellow staining from Jaundice caused by liver damage.

Cease steroid use immediately, especially C17AA (dbol etc). Consult a GP.

4. Chest

Gynocaemastia, Reduction in breast size (women).

Use an AI or SERM (clomid/Nolva) during cycle and construct a good PCT.

5. Liver

Tumours, Liver damage, Liver Failure.

Avoid C17AA steroids, do NOT drink alcohol on cycle or take other liver toxic medications (i.e Paracetamol) unless absolutely necessary. Try Milk thistle, ALA or Liv 52.

6. Abdomen

Nausea, Vomiting, Diahorrea, Indigestion

Take orals with food, use antiacids as necessary.

7. Prostrate

Prostatic hypertrophy (enlargement), Prostate cancer from raised IGF1.

Get prostrate checked regularly especially if you find peeing difficult even though you need to go regularly. Take Saw Palmetto and Selenium.

8. Skin

Rashes, Acne, Stretch Marks, yellowing of skin with jaundice, co****ning of the skin (women).

Good nutrition, vitamin supplementation, zinc supplementation, with severe acne steroids aren't for you, with jaundice cease AAS use immediately and seek a GP.

9. Muscles/Tendons/Ligaments

Increased risk of injury to these areas as more motor units than usual utilised per rep, providing greater force.

Use a progressive programme, warm up well (at least 3-5 sets).

10. Ankles/Knees

Swelling from fluid retention and pressure.

AI such as Femora or Arimidex.

11. Brain

Mood swings, aggression, irritablility, rage, insomnia, fatigue, personality changes, depression, increased libido, reduced inhibitions, increased confidence, Psychological Addiction (withdrawal and dependancy disorders).

DO NOT TAKE AAS IF YOUR LIFE IS NOT 100% IN ORDER! AAS doesn't make you upset but if you already are, it ampifies the emotions, sometimes dramatically.

12. Face

Facial puffiness from water retenion, Hursuitism, increased hair growth (undesirable in women), Hypertrophy of sebaceous glands (greasy skin)

Use an AI or SERM during and after cycle.

13. Voice

Deepening of voice.

Avoid androgenic AAS.

14. Heart

Increased risk of heart disease, myocardial hypertrophy (enlarged heart), decreased HDL and elevated LDL cholesterol, increased Blood Pressure.

Excellent diet, supplementation with vitamins, Garlic and fish oils. Regular exercise.

15. Kidneys

Kidneys stones from proteinuria and raised LDL cholesterol, kidney failure.

Drink lots of water 4L +, take vit C 3g+ per day, Fish oils up to 12g per day, Cranberry extract.

16. Genital

Hypogonadism (shrunken balls), Impotence (post cycle), sterility (Azoospermia), frequent erections, infertility, enlarged clitorus (females), Cessation of menstrual cycle.

Use HCG during cycle 500iu e3d, and post cycle. Use SERMS in your PCT for a sensible period.

17. Injection Sites

Infection, Allergic Reaction, Hepatitus B&C, Aids.

18. Bones

Premature closing of the epiphysis resulting in cessation of longitudinal growth (stunted growth). Osteoporosis from excessive protein intake.

Do not take AAS before your growth plates (epiphysis) have sealed. In men this is normally by age 21, in women by age 18 but people differ. If in doubt don't do it!

19. General

Increased cancer risk, reduced Immune system, increased Insulin resistance simulating Type 2 Diabetes, decreased thyroid function through reduction of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone).

Excellent nutrition, anti oxidant supplementation, combat free redicals, fresh fruit and veg in diet. Quit smoking!


It would also be really useful for people who have experienced any of the above side effects to put there experiences here and how they dealt with the problem or treated it.

Needless to say there will be many of us who haven't experienced some, most or any of the problems listed but it isnt the threads intention to formulate an argument but to inform of the possible consequences of taking this route.




References

1. Alen, M., P. Rahkila. Anabolic-androgenic steroid effects on endocrinology and lipid metabolism in athletes. Sports Med. 6: 327-332, 1988
2. American College of Sports Medicine. Position stand on the use of anabolic-androgenic steroids in sport. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 19(5): 534-539, 1987
3. Bahrke, M.S., C.E. Yesalis, J.E. Wright. Psychological and behavioral effects of endogenous testosterone levels and anabolic-androgenic steroids among athletes; a review. Sports Med. 10(5): 303-337, 1990
4. Cohen, J.C., R. Hickman. Insulin resistance and diminished glucose tolerance in power lifters ingesting anabolic steroids. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 64: 960-963, 1987
5. De Piccoli, B., F. Giada, A. Benettin, F. Sartori, E. Piccolo. Anabolic steroid use in body builders: an echocardiographic study of left ventricular morphology and function. Int. J. Sports Med. 12(4): 408-412, 1991
6. Haupt, H.A. Anabolic steroids and growth hormone. Am. J. Sports Med. 21(3): 468-474, 1993
7. Wilson, J.D. Androgen abuse in athletes. Endocr. Rev. 9(2): 181-199, 1988

 

[JLowe02]

execllent thread, Tat. The most common short term side effects i see, and what many of my buddies see, are increased acne, hypogonadism, increased blood pressue, and other problems related to excessive water retention. Nipple soreness also accurs, but less frequently. In my opinion these are minor and correctable sides, but still should be closely monitored.

For the long term sides, such as heart related conditions, the only real way to combat this is a proper diet and excercise regimen, with proper supplementation, and cycle length/dosage.

All in all, aas can be relatively safe and side effect free for the most part, if used wisely. But first time users, or generally noob users should be aware of the life-threatening sides first, and then be fully aware and prepared to combat the much more common, and mostly temporary sides such as acne. blood pressure, etc.

done appropriately, the risk can be minimal, but its always present.

 

[Harleymarleybone]

Some good info here. But sprinkled with some myths too. First garlic has been proven ineffective for lowering cholesterol http://www.news-medical.net/?id=22254

Also, there is no evidence as far as I I have seen that AAS, or testosterone specifically, causes prostate cancer, though there is evidence it can grow cancer cells once they are significantly formed.

There is also no evidence that things like milk thistle provide any significant measure of liver protection from AAS use.

But always good to be aware of the possible dangers of AAS use.

 

[needtogetaas]

I think this thread should be merged with the (are you ready for steroids)sticky.

 

[GUARDIAN]

Good read.

 

[sweed]

awesome post for the newbs to read.

 

[Cardinal Slin]

Although there are a few things I would not completely agree with, definitely a bump for all the same questions floating around.

 

[fast_lane]

I found this and thought it was great.


Purpose of this thread is to enlighten first time users of what they are undertaking, so much focus goes on getting bigger that I think there is a complacency about what may go wrong as a result, I blame this partly on the poor reception side effects threads get, both Paul G and I have done them before but they get little in the way of attention, never underestimate the power of denial!

I used Mick Harts Laymans guide to steriods as the template only for this article but thats all as its utter sh1te and not particularly helpful. I found some more info here and on this thread here.

The side effects listed here may be direct i.e liver damage or indirect i.e Hepatitus meaning that for example as long as you don't share a needle you won't get Hepatitus this way but that if you take c17 alpha alkylated steroids you will get some liver toxicity.

All of the side effects listed here are possible but I am not saying they are probable, however the common ones are hyperlinked to threads by members reporting those side effects so you can see they can happen or articles for further reading.

I have suggested some self help methods in red, there is also more help in the linked threads and articles, but the best help is to cease use of the steroids altogether as this commonly is the cure to most of the side effects, few are permanent. If symptoms persist go to your GP, if in doubt go to your GP.

1. Hair Loss

With androgenic anabolic steroids, there is an increase in hair turnover which may result in male pattern baldness developing. I find this stops when I use HCG - human chorionic gonadotropin - ?

Use low androgenic AAS, possibly use HCG, which although stimulates FSH - follicle stimulating hormone - (follicular stimulating hormone) it is in reference to follicles in the testes NOT hair follicles.

2. Headaches

As a result mostly of high blood pressure.

Use an aromatase inhibitor such as Femora or Arimidex during cycle to prevent water retention.

3. Eyes

Yellow staining from Jaundice caused by liver damage.

Cease steroid use immediately, especially C17AA (Dianabol - methandrostenolone - etc). Consult a GP.

4. Chest

Gynocaemastia, Reduction in breast size (women).

Use an aromatase inhibitor or selective estrogen receptor modulator (clomid/Nolvaldex - tamoxifen citrate - ) during cycle and construct a good PCT - post cycle therapy - .

5. Liver

Tumours, Liver damage, Liver Failure.

Avoid C17AA steroids, do NOT drink alcohol on cycle or take other liver toxic medications (i.e Paracetamol) unless absolutely necessary. Try Milk thistle, alpha lipoic acid or Liv 52.

6. Abdomen

Nausea, Vomiting, Diahorrea, Indigestion

Take orals with food, use antiacids as necessary.

7. Prostrate

Prostatic hypertrophy (enlargement), Prostate cancer from raised IGF1.

Get prostrate checked regularly especially if you find peeing difficult even though you need to go regularly. Take Saw Palmetto and Selenium.

8. Skin

Rashes, Acne, Stretch Marks, yellowing of skin with jaundice, co****ning of the skin (women).

Good nutrition, vitamin supplementation, zinc supplementation, with severe acne steroids aren't for you, with jaundice cease AAS use immediately and seek a GP.

9. Muscles/Tendons/Ligaments

Increased risk of injury to these areas as more motor units than usual utilised per rep, providing greater force.

Use a progressive programme, warm up well (at least 3-5 sets).

10. Ankles/Knees

Swelling from fluid retention and pressure.

aromatase inhibitor such as Femora or Arimidex.

11. Brain

Mood swings, aggression, irritablility, rage, insomnia, fatigue, personality changes, depression, increased libido, reduced inhibitions, increased confidence, Psychological Addiction (withdrawal and dependancy disorders).

DO NOT TAKE AAS IF YOUR LIFE IS NOT 100% IN ORDER! AAS doesn't make you upset but if you already are, it ampifies the emotions, sometimes dramatically.

12. Face

Facial puffiness from water retenion, Hursuitism, increased hair growth (undesirable in women), Hypertrophy of sebaceous glands (greasy skin)

Use an aromatase inhibitor or SERM during and after cycle.

13. Voice

Deepening of voice.

Avoid androgenic AAS.

14. Heart

Increased risk of heart disease, myocardial hypertrophy (enlarged heart), decreased HDL and elevated LDL cholesterol, increased Blood Pressure.

Excellent diet, supplementation with vitamins, Garlic and fish oils. Regular exercise.

15. Kidneys

Kidneys stones from proteinuria and raised LDL cholesterol, kidney failure.

Drink lots of water 4L +, take vit C 3g+ per day, Fish oils up to 12g per day, Cranberry extract.

16. Genital

Hypogonadism (shrunken balls), Impotence (post cycle), sterility (Azoospermia), frequent erections, infertility, enlarged clitorus (females), Cessation of menstrual cycle.

Use HCG during cycle 500iu e3d, and post cycle. Use SERMS in your PCT for a sensible period.

17. Injection Sites

Infection, Allergic Reaction, Hepatitus B&C, Aids.

18. Bones

Premature closing of the epiphysis resulting in cessation of longitudinal growth (stunted growth). Osteoporosis from excessive protein intake.

Do not take AAS before your growth plates (epiphysis) have sealed. In men this is normally by age 21, in women by age 18 but people differ. If in doubt don't do it!

19. General

Increased cancer risk, reduced Immune system, increased Insulin resistance simulating Type 2 Diabetes, decreased thyroid function through reduction of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone).

Excellent nutrition, anti oxidant supplementation, combat free redicals, fresh fruit and veg in diet. Quit smoking!


It would also be really useful for people who have experienced any of the above side effects to put there experiences here and how they dealt with the problem or treated it.

Needless to say there will be many of us who haven't experienced some, most or any of the problems listed but it isnt the threads intention to formulate an argument but to inform of the possible consequences of taking this route.




References

1. Alen, M., P. Rahkila. Anabolic-androgenic steroid effects on endocrinology and lipid metabolism in athletes. Sports Med. 6: 327-332, 1988
2. American College of Sports Medicine. Position stand on the use of anabolic-androgenic steroids in sport. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 19(5): 534-539, 1987
3. Bahrke, M.S., C.E. Yesalis, J.E. Wright. Psychological and behavioral effects of endogenous testosterone levels and anabolic-androgenic steroids among athletes; a review. Sports Med. 10(5): 303-337, 1990
4. Cohen, J.C., R. Hickman. Insulin resistance and diminished glucose tolerance in power lifters ingesting anabolic steroids. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 64: 960-963, 1987
5. De Piccoli, B., F. Giada, A. Benettin, F. Sartori, E. Piccolo. Anabolic steroid use in body builders: an echocardiographic study of left ventricular morphology and function. Int. J. Sports Med. 12(4): 408-412, 1991
6. Haupt, H.A. Anabolic steroids and growth hormone. Am. J. Sports Med. 21(3): 468-474, 1993
7. Wilson, J.D. Androgen abuse in athletes. Endocr. Rev. 9(2): 181-199, 1988

Very good info,just one thing i'd would have liked to know is the"solutions u offer as an exemple for the kidneys,are they for prevention or is it more a once the sides are there solution?

Another question i have,its regarding smoking and steroids...I have a freind at the gym that restarted smoking cigarettes and he is doing orals,i was telling him about problems with hdl/ldl related sides from orals and telling him that since his ldl is probably low he's getting even more plaque in his artherys but i'm not shure about that....Am i right?And until he stops smoking what could he do to prevent plaque?Take fish oil?Thanks!

 

[Greatercow]

sticky !

 

[partagus]

This is great stuff. This is just one of the reasons why this is the best board on the net. Great job!!!

 

[eddymerckx]

fantastic post tat--a must read for all

 

[Tatyana]

Very good info,just one thing i'd would have liked to know is the"solutions u offer as an exemple for the kidneys,are they for prevention or is it more a once the sides are there solution?

Another question i have,its regarding smoking and steroids...I have a freind at the gym that restarted smoking cigarettes and he is doing orals,i was telling him about problems with hdl/ldl related sides from orals and telling him that since his ldl is probably low he's getting even more plaque in his artherys but i'm not shure about that....Am i right?And until he stops smoking what could he do to prevent plaque?Take fish oil?Thanks!

I just posted this as I found it, I probably should have edited a few bits.

With regards to kidney stones, it looks like some people are stone formers or they are not, it is still a bit of a medical mystery.

I have written a paper on it, I just found it so boring I don't remember a lot to be honest.

I think the majority of stones contain either urea or uric acid, urea is from the breakdown/deamination of protein and amino acids, uric acid is from the breakdown of DNA, which would mean limiting your protein intake.

I will have a look for the paper and have a quick read again.

As far as smoking goes, the issue is that smoking generates a lot of free radicals in the body.

These free radicals attack certain molecules in the body, and the oxidisation of LDL cholesterol seems to be one of the favs. This oxidised LDL also attracts a lot of the immune system cells or white blood cells, and they do their job releasing even more reactive oxygen species (very similar to free radicals), they die and stick to this whole reactive fatty mess, which then can stick to the vessel walls in areas called fatty streaks.

BTW, even infants have fatty streaks in their blood vessels, it does seem to be something we just have.

Fibrinogen in the blood is also activated by all of the cytokines etc that the immune sytem cells are releasing and fibrin is incorporated or covers the plaque.

It becomes an issue when one of these gloopy, reactive masses is stuck in one of the veins that supply the heart.

If the plaque is stable, it is not a big deal, except if it blocks a lot of the vessel, and then this can result in angina.

If the plaque leaks at all, more is added to it. If it ruptures, there is a HUGE rush of immune system cells to the area and the entire vein can be blocked off again, causing a heart attack.

So this whole process is worse when we have

- higher levels of LDL cholesterol (diet and exercise related)

- a lot of free radicals

Smoking not only generates free radicals, but it uses up huge amounts of the anti-oxidants in our bodies (vitamin C, vitamin E for example, there are a lof of them).

Even if the vitamins keep up with the smoking, our immune system generates free radicals/reactive oxygen species to kill stuff (our immune system is a nasty tough little beast), and these free radicals could oxidise LDL.

The solution is not as simple as taking more anti-oxidants either. In one really long term study called the Framingham, it was found that men who smoked and took vitamin E (maybe another vit as well) had a higher incidence of lung cancer).

It is tough to quit smoking, but get him to think about how much money he will save (and can spend on cycles or supps), and how much less he will wrinkle, and how he won't stink of fags and the girlies won't want to kiss an ashtray.

 

[Huge_Dmax]

Great read for this newby! Learning so much here.

 

[aquatic_glories]

for the hairloss part, it looks like if you are already prone to MPB and certain parts o my head already has thin or weak hair, they usually fall out with AAS use. the strong genetically unprone parts dont go anyway.
also looks like topical androgen blockers such as Ketoral or Nizoral really helps a lot, a lot!!

that brings another debate back... trenbolone is very androgenic however if we link hair loss to DHT then it shouldnt cause hair loss.

what do you guys think?