Can Steroids Be Used Safely Without Side Effects?

Anabolic steroid use has been promoted and criticized by the media

such an extent that the majority of the public is unaware of many

of the critical facts associated with the drug. As with any

chemical substance, a certain amount of caution should be

exercised; however, with the proper precautions the benefits are

innumerable.


A steroid is an artificial substance that alters the hormone levels

of the body, particularly those of the male hormone testosterone .

This increased hormone level stimulates the body's cells to divide

and grow at a greater rate of speed, causing increased tissue mass

(i.e. the greater muscle mass associated with the use of steroids).

With the proper diet and exercise, steroids can be a valuable asset

in the quest for a lean, muscular physique.


Steroids have received the negative reputation they have because

their systemic effects can cause a large range of side effects,

including but not limited to the formation of cysts and tumors on

the liver and kidneys, damage to the vessels of the heart,

hypertension, uncontrollable episodes of rage, infertility and

testicular shrinkage in men and the growth of facial hair and

cessation of menstruation in women. These side effects are

considered typical for steroid use, long term or otherwise;

however, over time methods have been developed to decrease or

eliminate these affects altogether.


The key to avoiding adverse effects with steroid use is to follow

the directions. Steroids should be administered in cycles, with six

to twelve weeks on and ten to twelve weeks off. This break is

required to allow hormones to return to their normal levels,

preventing both a majority of the side effects resulting from

sustained elevation and the chance of the steroid no longer being

effective due to a decreased sensitivity of cell receptor sites.

Most professional athletes that use steroids on a regular basis

restrict their number of cycles to two a year.


Many users also complete a self prescribed round of PCT, or post

cycle therapy, where a SERM such as clomiphene citrate and/or

tamoxifen citrate are taken in conjunction with an aromatase

inhibitor; these decrease the sensitivity of the cells binding

capabilities to the hormone, allowing hormone levels to return to

normal much more quickly. Decreased caloric intake and supplemental

potassium have been noted to decrease the severity of many of the

other side effects associated with steroid use if done while the

user is completing a cycle; however, caloric levels should still be

sufficient to meet the body's needs.


It should be noted that because of the possibility of severe

adverse reactions anabolic steroids have been declared a controlled

substance available only by prescription in some countries, such as

the United States, Canada and Britain. In these countries steroids

are sold on the black market by distributors who obtain the drugs

from manufacturers in Eastern Europe; the potential for tampered,

contaminated or synthetic drugs is great. Prior to purchasing

steroids in any country, the source should be confirmed as

reputable and the products safe and of a high quality.


There is no way to guarantee that steroid use will come without

side effects; however, with the proper precautions steroids can

facilitate a speedy, safe approach to a more muscular body.