Steroid Cycles & Side Effects: A Complete Bodybuilder’s Guide

Steroid Cycles & Side Effects

Steroid Cycles & Side Effects, common steroid cycles such as bulking and cutting phases, along with the potential physical and hormonal side effects of anabolic steroid use.

For many, bodybuilding is the key to dealing with life’s stresses and building self-confidence. If you’ve recently started bodybuilding or are a veteran bodybuilder, there’s a good chance you’ve considered or are already using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), especially anabolic steroids. And it’s unlikely you’ve consulted or sought medical advice about your steroid use.

In the fitness and bodybuilding world, the allure of rapid muscle gain and performance enhancement has led many to consider anabolic steroid cycles. While these substances can bring about significant changes to the body, they also carry many potential risks. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what a steroid cycle is, how it generally works, and the dangers associated with misuse.

What are anabolic steroids?

Anabolic steroids are synthetic drugs made from testosterone. The technical term for this compound is “anabolic androgenic steroids” (AAS).

Testosterone is the primary androgen and stimulates the development of masculine characteristics. Testosterone levels are naturally higher in men than in women.

Healthcare providers primarily prescribe anabolic steroids to treat low testosterone (hypogonadism), but they are also used for other conditions, such as promoting muscle growth in certain cancers and in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

List of Anabolic Steroids

There are several types of prescription anabolic steroids, including:

Androgenic and Anabolic Steroids (AAS)

  • Nandrolone Decanoate is available in injectable form and is often referred to as Deca. This prescription drug is generally considered safe and is one of the most used AAS in the world. The most common risk of this steroid is liver damage and liver tumors. Trade names include Deca-Durabol, Decabol.
  • Methandienone, also known as D-bol, is one of the most common oral AAS. It has been linked to liver damage. Trade names include Dianabol, Danabol, Dronabol, Anabol, Aberbol, Chinlipan, and Metanabol.
  • Trenbolone is used to increase muscle mass in livestock. It is available in oral and injectable form but is usually administered by injection and is sometimes called Tren Injection. It is one of the most popular steroids and can cause acute and chronic liver and heart disease. It is sold under names such as Trenabol, and Trenarix-E. The veterinary version is called Trenbolone Acetate.
  • Stanozolol is a well-known steroid used in horse racing. It is sold in oral and injectable form and can cause liver damage and heart disease. Trade names include Anasynth, Menabol, Neurabol Caps, Stanol, Stanozolol, Stantstab, Stromba, Strombaject, Tevabolin, Winstrol, and Winstrol Depot. Stanozolol also has a veterinary version, with trade names including, Winvol, and Winstrol
  • Nandrolone is sold in oral and injectable form. This steroid has health benefits, but illegal use increases the risk of kidney and liver damage, heart disease, and impotence. The official generic names are Nandrolone Cyclohexylpropionate, Nandrolone Decanoate, Nandrolone Phenpropionate, Nandrolone Cyclotate, Nandrolone Laurate, and Nandrolone Phenylpropionate.
  • Oxandrolone is known as a steroid in the treatment of AIDS patients with muscle wasting and is sold as an oral preparation called Anavar tablets. Although less toxic than other steroids, it can still be harmful and cause liver damage and heart disease. Brand names include, Anavar, and Anarix.
  • Androl is one of the oldest steroids and is sold only as an oral preparation. It is sold under the brand name Androl 50mg, and many users consider the use of this steroid safe. However, if not used as prescribed, it can cause liver damage and heart disease.

Steroid Cycles & Side Effects

What steroid cycles are and how they’re structured?

A steroid cycle refers to a specific period of time during which anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are used to obtain desired physical outcomes, such as increased muscle mass and reduced body fat. These cycles are usually followed by a withdrawal period to allow the body to recover.

What a typical cycle consists of:

  • Duration: Cycles range from 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the user’s goals and experience.
  • Dose: Beginners can start with a low dose and gradually increase it in subsequent cycles.
  • Stacking: Combining multiple steroids for increased effect.
  • Post Cycle Therapy (PCT): A phase aimed at restoring the body’s natural hormone production.

Common cycles for bulking, cutting, and strength.

1. Bulking Cycle:

  • Goal: Increase muscle mass and strength.
  • Common steroids: Dianabol, Testosterone Enanthate, Deca Durabolin.
  • Duration: Usually 8-12 weeks

2. Cutting Cycle:

  • Goal: Reduce body fat while maintaining muscle mass.
  • Common steroids: Winstrol, Anavar, Trenbolone.
  • Duration: Usually 6-10 weeks.

3. Strength Cycle:

  • Goal: Increase power and performance.
  • Common steroids: Anadrol, Testosterone Propionate.
  • Duration: Varies depending on goals and experience.

The Risks of improper usage and self-administration of Anabolic Steroids

What are the possible side effects of anabolic steroids?

Possible side effects vary depending on the type and brand of anabolic steroid prescribed. It is important to speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about the side effects of any specific medication you are taking or considering taking.

In general, common side effects of prescription anabolic steroids include:

  • Acne or oily skin.
  • Swollen ankles due to mild fluid retention.
  • Prostate irritation (which can cause urinary symptoms such as difficulty urinating).
  • Breast enlargement or tenderness in men.
  • Reduction in breast size in women.
  • Worsening sleep apnea.
  • Shrinking of the testicles.
  • Vaginal dryness, burning, itching, or bleeding.
  • Changes in menstrual cycle.

What are the possible side effects and complications of anabolic steroid abuse?

Misuse of anabolic steroids can cause a variety of side effects that can range from mild to harmful and even life-threatening. Most side effects are reversible once the medication is discontinued, but some may be permanent.

Over-the-counter doses are often 10 to 100 times higher than the doses prescribed by health care professionals to treat illnesses. This means that side effects from over-the-counter medications are often more severe than those from prescription anabolic steroid use.

Side effects and complications from anabolic steroid misuse include:

  • High blood pressure
  • Blood clots
  • Heart problems, including heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Liver damage
  • Short stature (in adolescents)
  • Severe acne and cysts
  • Male pattern baldness
  • Aggression
  • Delusions
  • Depression

Side effects and complications from anabolic steroid abuse in men include:

Side effects and complications from anabolic steroid abuse in women include:

  • Deepening of the voice.
  • Reduction in breast size.
  • Excessive growth of body hair.

Final Notice

Anabolic steroids are powerful drugs that affect hormone levels and body composition. It is important to consider the possible health risks and follow your healthcare provider’s instructions when taking them. Do not take more than the recommended daily dose, share with others, or sell them. If you suspect you may be dependent on anabolic steroids, talk to your healthcare provider as soon as possible.