STERIODS
– THE SIDE EFFECTS AND HOW TO COMBAT THEM!
Written by Ironman (Anabolics Moderator for
www.bodybuildingforyou.com forums)
Overview
The action of testosterone can be in ways both beneficial and
detrimental to the body. On the plus side, this hormone has a
direct impact on the growth of muscle tissues, the production
of red blood cells and overall well being. But it may also negatively
effect the production of skin oils, growth of body, facial and
scalp hair, and the level of both "good" and "bad"
cholesterol in the body (among other things). In fact, men have
a shorter average life span than women, which is believed to be
largely due to the cardiovascular defects that this hormone may
help bring about. Testosterone will also naturally convert to
estrogen in the male body, a hormone with its own unique set of
effects. Raising the level of estrogen in men can increase the
tendency to notice water retention, fat accumulation, and will
often cause the development of female tissues in the breast (gynecomastia).
Clearly we see that most of the "bad" side effects from
steroids are simply those actions of testosterone that we are
not looking for when taking a steroid. Raising the level of testosterone
in the body will simply enhance both its good and bad properties,
but for the most part we are not having "toxic° reactions
to these drugs. A notable exception to this is the possibility
of liver damage, which is a worry isolated to the use of c17-alpha
alkylated oral steroids. Unless the athlete is taking anabolic/androgenic
steroids abusively for a very long duration (hence my recommendation
of keeping cycles short; 8 weeks), side effects rarely amount
to little more than a nuisance. One could actually make a case
that periodic steroid use might even be a healthy practice. Clearly
a person's physical shape can relate closely to one's overall
health and well-being. Provided some common sense is paid to health
checkups, drug choice, dosage and off-time, how can we say for
certain that the user is worse off for doing so?
Acne
Acne is an obvious indicator of steroid use., teenage boys generally
endure periods of irritating acne as their testosterone levels
begin to peak, but this generally subsides with age. But when
taking anabolic/androgenic steroids, an adult will commonly be
confronted with this same problem. This is because the sebaceous
glands, which secrete oils in the skin, are stimulated by androgens.
Increasing the level of such hormones in the skin may therefore
enhance the output of oils, often causing acne to develop on the
back, shoulders, and face. The use of strongly androgenic steroids
in particular can be very troublesome, in some instances resulting
in very unsightly blemishes all over the skin. To treat acne,
the athlete has a number of options. The most obvious of course
is to be very diligent with washing and topical treatments, so
as to remove much of the dirt and oil before the pores become
clogged. If this proves insufficient, the prescription acne drug
Accutaine might be a good option. This is a very effective medication
that acts on the sebaceous glands, reducing the level of oil secreted.
The athlete could also take the ancillary drug Proscar/Propecia
(finasteride; 5-alpha-reductase enzyme inhibitor) during steroid
treatment, which reduces the conversion of testosterone into DHT,
lowering the tendency for androgenic side effects with this hormone.
It is of note however that this drug is more effective at warding
off hair loss than acne, as it more specifically effects DHT conversion
in the prostate and hair follicles. High dose vit B5 intake has
proven to be useful against acne. It is also important to note
that testosterone is the only steroid that really converts to
DHT, and only a few others actually convert to more potent steroids
via the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme at all. Many steroids are also
potent androgens in their own right, such as Anadrol and Dianabol.
Thus they can exert strong androgenic activity in target tissues
without 5-alpha-reduction to a more potent compound, which makes
Propecia useless. Of course one can also simply take those steroids
(anabolics) that are less androgenic. For sensitive individuals
attempting to build mass, nandrolone would therefore be a much
better option than testosterone.
Aggression
Aggressive behavior can be one of the scarier sides to steroid
use. Men are typically more aggressive than women because of testosterone,
and likewise the use of steroids (especially androgens) can increase
a person's aggressive tendencies. In some instances this can be
a benefit, helping the athlete hit the weights more intensely
or perform better in a competition. Many professional power lifters
and bodybuilders take a particular liking to this effect. But
on the other hand there is nothing more unsettling than a grown
man, bloated with muscle mass, who cannot control his temper.
A steroid user who displays an uncontrollable rage is clearly
a danger to himself and others. It is important to note that steroids
do not turn a calm mannered individual in to a short tempered
one, this is a view peddled by the media.
Anaphylactic Shock
Anaphylactic shock is an allergic reaction to the presence of
a foreign protein in the body. It most commonly occurs when an
individual has an allergy to things like a specific medication
(e.g. penicillin), insect bites, industrial/household chemicals
and foods (e.g. nuts). Symptoms include wheezing, swelling, rash,
fever, a drop in blood pressure, dizziness, unconsciousness, convulsions
or death. This reaction is not really seen with hormonal products
like anabolic/androgenic steroids, but this may change with the
manufacture of counterfeit pharmaceuticals. Being that there are
no quality controls for black market producers, toxins might indeed
find their way into some preparations (particularly injectable
compounds). My only advice would be to make every attempt to use
only legitimately produced drug products, preferably of First
World origin. When anaphylactic shock occurs, it is most commonly
treated with an injection of adrenaline.
Birth Defects
Anabolic/androgenic steroids can have a very pronounced impact
on the development of an unborn fetus. Adrenal Genital Syndrome
in particular is a very disturbing occurrence, in which a female
fetus can develop male-like reproductive organs. Women who are,
or plan to become pregnant soon, should never consider the use
of anabolic steroids. It would also be the best advice to stay
away from these drugs completely for a number of months prior
to attempting the conception of a child, so as to ensure the mother
has a normal hormonal chemistry. Although anabolic/androgenic
steroids can reduce sperm count and male fertility, they are not
linked to birth defects when taken by someone fathering a child.
Blood Clotting Changes
The use of anabolic/androgenic steroids is shown to increase prothrombin
time, or the duration it will take for a blood clot to form. This
basically means that while an individual is taking steroids, he/she
may notice that it takes slightly longer than usual for a small
cut or nosebleed to stop bleeding. During the course of a normal
day this is hardly cause for alarm, but it can lead to more serious
trouble if a severe accident occurred, or an unexpected surgery
was needed. Realistically the changes in clotting time are not
extremely dramatic, so athletes are usually only concerned with
this side effect if planning for surgery.
Cancer
Although it is a popular belief that steroids can give you cancer,
this is actually a very rare phenomenon. Since anabolic/androgenic
steroids are synthetic version of a natural hormone that your
body can metabolize quite easily, they usually place a very low
level of stress on the organs. In fact, many steroidal compounds
are safe to administer to individuals with a diagnosed liver condition,
with little adverse effect. The only real exception to this is
with the use of C17-alpha-alkylated compounds, which due to their
chemical alteration are somewhat liver toxic. In a small number
of cases (primarily with Anadrol) this toxicity has lead to severe
liver damage and subsequently cancer. But we are speaking of a
statistically insignificant number in the face millions of athletes
who use steroids. These cases also tended to be very ill patients,
not athletes, who were using extremely large dosages for prolonged
periods of time. Steroid opponents will sometimes point out the
additional possibility of developing Wilm's Tumor from steroid
abuse, which is a very serious form of kidney cancer. Such cases
are so rare however, that no direct link between anabolic/androgenic
steroid use and this disease has been conclusively established.
Provided the athlete is not overly abusing methylated oral substances,
and is visiting a doctor during heavier cycles, cancer should
not be a concern.
Cardiovascular Disease
The use of anabolic/androgenic steroids may have an impact on
the level of LDL (low density lipoprotein), HDL (high density
lipoprotein) and total cholesterol values. HDL is considered the
"good" cholesterol since it can act to remove cholesterol
deposits from the arteries. LDL has the opposite effect, aiding
in the buildup of cholesterol on the artery walls. The general
pattern seen with steroid use is a lowering of HDL concentrations,
while total and LDL cholesterol numbers increase. The ratio of
HDL to LDL values is usually more important than one's total cholesterol
count, as these two substances seem to balance each other in the
body. If these changes are exacerbated by the long-term use of
steroidal compounds, it can clearly be detrimental to the cardiovascular
system. This may be additionally heightened by a rise in blood
pressure, which is common with the use of strongly aromatizable
compounds.
It is also important to note that due to their
structure and form of administration, most 17-alpha-alkylated
oral steroids have a much stronger negative impact on these levels
compared to injectable steroids. Using a milder drug like Winstrol
(stanozolol), in hopes HDL level changes will also be mild, may
therefore not turn out to be the best option. One study comparing
the effect of a weekly injection of 200mg testosterone enanthate
vs. only a 6mg daily oral dose of Winstrol makes this very clear.
After only six weeks, stanozolol was shown to reduce HDL cholesterol
by an average of 33%. The HDL reduction with the testosterone
group was only 9%. LDL (bad) cholesterol also rose 29% with stanozolol,
while it actually dropped 16% with the use of testosterone. Those
concerned with cholesterol changes during steroid use may likewise
wish to avoid oral steroids, and opt for the use of injectable
compounds exclusively. We also must note that estrogens generally
have a favorable impact on cholesterol profiles. Estrogen replacement
therapy in postmenopausal women for example is regularly linked
to a rise in HDL cholesterol and a reduction in LDL values. Likewise
the aromatization of testosterone to estradiol may be beneficial
in preventing a more dramatic change in serum cholesterol due
to the presence of the hormone.
Since heart disease is one of the top killers
worldwide, steroid using athletes (particularly older individuals)
should not ignore these risks. If nothing else it is a very good
idea to have your blood pressure and cholesterol values measured
during each heavy cycle, being sure to discontinue the drugs should
a problem become evident. It is also advisable to limit the intake
of foods high in saturated fats and cholesterol, which should
help minimize the impact of steroid treatment. Since blood pressure
and cholesterol levels will usually revert back to their pre-treated
norms soon after steroids are withdrawn, long-term damage is not
a common worry.
High Blood Pressure/Hypertension
Athletes using anabolic/androgenic steroids will commonly notice
a rise in blood pressure during treatment. High blood pressure
is most often associated with the use of steroids that have a
high tendency for estrogen conversion, such as testosterone and
Dianabol. As estrogen builds in the body, the level of water and
salt retention will typically elevate (which will increase blood
pressure). This may be further amplified by the added stress of
intense weight training and rapid weight gain. Since hypertension
can place a great deal of stress on the body, this side effect
should not be ignored. If it is left untreated, high blood pressure
can increase the likelihood for heart disease, stroke or kidney
failure. Warning signs that one may be suffering from hypertension
include an increased tendency to develop headaches, insomnia or
breathing difficulties. In many instances these symptoms do not
become evident until BP is seriously elevated, so a lack of these
signs is no guarantee that the user is safe. Obtaining your blood
pressure reading is a very quick and easy procedure (either at
a doctors office, pharmacy or home); steroid-using athletes should
certainly be monitoring BP values during stronger cycles so as
to avoid potential problems.
If an individual's blood pressure values are
becoming notably elevated, some action should/must be taken to
control it. The most obvious is to avoid the continued use of
the offending steroids, or at least to substitute them with milder,
non-aromatizing compounds. High blood pressure medications such
as diuretics, can dramatically lower water and salt retention.
Catapres (clonidine HCL) is also a popular medication among athletes,
because in addition to its blood pressure lowering properties
it has also been documented to raise the body's output of growth
hormone.
Kidney Stress/Damage
Since your kidneys are involved in the filtration and removal
of by-products from the body, the administration of steroidal
compounds (which are largely excreted in the urine) may cause
them some level of strain. Actual kidney damage is most likely
to occur when the steroid user is suffering from severe high blood
pressure, as this state can place an undue amount of stress on
these organs. There is actually some evidence to suggest that
steroid use can be linked to the onset of Wilm's Tumor in adults,
which is a rapidly growing kidney tumor normally seen in children
and infants. Such cases are so rare however, that no conclusive
link has been established. Obviously the kidneys are vital to
one's heath, so the possibility of any kind of damage (although
low) should not be ignored during heavy steroid treatment. If
the user is notices a darkening in color of urine (in some cases
a distinguishable amount of blood), or pain/difficulty when urinating,
then kidney problems may be a concern. Other warning signs include
pain in the lower back (particularly in the kidney areas), fever
and edema (swelling). If organ damage is feared, the administered
steroidal compounds should be discontinued immediately, and the
doctor paid a visit to rule out any serious trouble. If steroid
use is still necessitated by the individual, it may be a good
idea to avoid the stronger compounds and opt for one of the milder
anabolics. Primobolan, Anavar and Winstrol for example do not
convert to estrogen at all, and likewise may be acceptable options.
Also favorable drugs in this regard are Deca and Equipoise, which
have only a low tendency to aromatize.
Liver Stress/Damage
Liver stress/damage is not a side effect of steroid use in general,
but is specifically associated with the use of c17 alpha alkylated
compounds. As mentioned earlier, these structures contain chemical
alterations that enable them to be administered orally. In surviving
a first pass by the liver, these compounds place some level of
stress on the organ. In some instances this has led to severe
damage, even fatal liver cancer. The disease peliosis hepatitis
is one worry, which is an often life threatening condition where
the liver develops blood filled cysts. Liver cancer (hepatic carcinoma)
has also been noted in certain cases. While these very serious
complications have occurred on certain occasions where liver-toxic
compounds were prescribed for extended periods, it is important
to stress however that this is not very common with steroid using
athletes. Most of the documented cases of liver cancer have in
fact been in clinical situations, particularly with the use of
the powerful oral androgen Anadrol (oxymetholone). This may be
directly related to the high dosage of this preparation (50mg
per tab). The manufacturer's recommendations calls for the use
of as many as 8 or 10 tablets daily for ill patients receiving
this medication. This is of course a far greater amount than most
athletes would ever think of consuming, with three or four tablets
per day being considered the upper limit of safety. It is also
important to note that the actual number of cases involving liver
damage have been few, and have not been a significant enough of
a problem to warrant discontinuing this compound. The average
recreational steroid user who takes toxic orals at moderate dosages
for relatively short periods is therefore very unlikely to face
devastating liver damage.
Although severe liver damage may occur before
the onset of noticeable symptoms, it is most common to notice
jaundice during the early stages of such injury. Jaundice is characterized
by the buildup of bilirubin in the body, which in this case will
usually result from the obstruction of bile ducts in the liver.
The individual will typically notice a yellowing of the skin and
eye whites as this colored substance builds in the body tissues,
which is a clear sign to terminate the use of any c17 alpha alkylated
steroids. In most instances the immediate withdrawal of these
compounds is sufficient to reverse and prevent any further damage.
Of course the athlete should avoid using orals for an extended
period of time, if not indefinitely, should jaundice occur repeatedly
during treatment. It is also a good idea to visit your physician
during oral treatment in order to monitor liver enzyme values.
Since liver stress will be reflected in your enzyme counts well
before jaundice is noticed, this can remove much of the worry
with oral steroid treatment.
Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is the medical term for the development of female
breast tissues in the male body. This occurs when the male is
presented with unusually high level of estrogen, particularly
with the use of strong aromatizing androgens such as testosterone
and Dianabol. The excess estrogen can act upon receptors in the
breast and stimulate the growth of mammary tissues. If left unchecked
this can lead to an actual obvious and unsightly tissue growth
under the nipple area, in many cases taking on a very feminine
appearance. To fight this side effect during steroid therapy,
many find it necessary the use some form of anit-estrogen. This
includes an estrogen antagonist such as Clomid or Nolvadex, which
blocks estrogen from attaching to and activating receptors in
the breast and other tissues, or an aromatase inhibitor such as
Proviron, Cytadren, Arimidex or Aromasin which blocks the enzyme
responsible for the conversion of androgens to estrogens. Aromasin
is currently the most effective option, but is also the most costly.
It is worth noting however, that a slightly
elevated estrogen level may help the athlete achieve a more pronounced
muscle mass gain during a cycle. But in my opinion it is safer
to sacrifice a little gain for peace of mind. Puffiness or swelling
under the nipple is one of the first signs of pending gynecomastia,
which is often accompanied by pain or soreness in this region
(an effect termed gynecodynea). This is a clear indicator that
some type of antiestrogen is needed. If the swelling progresses
into small, marble like lumps, action absolutely must be taken
immediately to treat it. Otherwise if the steroids are continued
at this point without ancillary drug use, the user will likely
be stuck with unsightly tissue growth that can only be removed
with a surgical procedure.
It is also important to mention that progestins
seem to augment the stimulatory effect of estrogens on mammary
tissue growth. There appears to be a strong synergy between these
two hormones here, such that gynecomastia might even be able to
occur with the help of progestins, without excessive estrogen
levels being necessary. Since many anabolic steroids, particularly
those derived from nandrolone (e.g. Deca), are known to have progestational
activity, we must not be lulled into a false sense of security.
Even a low estrogen producer like Deca can potentially cause gyno
in certain cases, again fostering the need to keep anti-estrogens
close at hand if you are very sensitive to this side effect.
Hair loss
The use of highly androgenic steroids can negatively impact the
growth of scalp hair. In fact the most common form of male pattern
hair loss is directly linked to the level of androgens in such
tissues, more specifically the DHT metabolite of testosterone.
The technical term for this type of hair loss is androgenetic
alopecia, which refers to the interplay of both the male androgenic
hormones and a genetic predisposition in bringing about this condition.
Those who suffer from this disorder are shown to posses finer
hair follicles and higher levels of DHT in comparison to a normal,
hairy scalp. But since there is a genetic factor involved, many
individuals will not ever see signs of this side-effect, even
with very heavy steroid use. Clearly those individuals who are
suffering from (or have a familial predisposition for) this type
of hair loss should be very cautious when using the stronger drugs
like testosterone, Anadrol, Halotestin and Dianabol.
In many instances the renewal of lost hair can
be very difficult, so avoiding this side effect before it occurs
is the best advice. For those who need to worry, the decision
should probably be made to either stick with the milder substances,
or to use the ancillary drug Propecia/Proscar (finasteride; 5-alpha-reductase
enzyme inhibitor). Propecia offers little benefit with drugs that
are highly androgenic without 5-alpha-reduction such as Anadrol
and Dianabol. We must also remember also that all anabolic/androgenic
steroids activate the androgen receptor, and can promote hair
loss given the right dosage and conditions.
Immune System Changes
The use of anabolic/androgenic steroids has been shown to produce
changes in the body that may impact an individual's immune system.
These changes however can be both good and bad for the user. During
steroid treatment for instance, many athletes find they are less
susceptible to viral illnesses. New studies involving the use
of compounds like oxandrolone and Deca with HIV+ patients seem
to back up this claim, clearly showing that these drugs can have
a beneficial effect on the immune system. Such therapies are in
fact catching and many doctors are now less reluctant to prescribe
these drugs to their ill patients. But just as a person may be
less apt to notice illness during steroid treatment, the discontinuance
of steroids can produce a rebound effect in which the immune system
is less able to fight off pathogens. This most likely coincides
with the rebound production of cortisol, a catabolic hormone in
the body, which may act to suppress immune system functioning.
When steroids are withdrawn, an androgen deficient state is often
endured until the body is able to rebalance hormone production.
Since testosterone and cortisol seem counter each other's activity
in many ways, the absence of a normal androgen level may place
cortisol in an unusually active state. During this period of imbalance,
cortisol will not only be stripping the body of muscle mass, but
it may also cause the athlete to be more susceptible to colds,
flu etc. The proper use of ancillary drugs (e.g. clomid) for recovery
at the end of a cycle will help to reduce this (see article #2
on recovery)
Prostate Enlargement
Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in males.
Benign prostate enlargement (a swelling of prostate tissues often
interfering with urine flow) can precede/coincide with this cancer,
and is clearly an important medical concern for men who are aging.
Prostate complications are believed to be primarily dependent
on androgenic hormones, particularly DHT, much in the same way
estrogen is linked to breast cancer in women. Although the connection
between prostate enlargement/cancer and steroid use is not fully
established, the use of steroids may theoretically aggravate such
conditions by raising the level of androgens in the body. It is
therefore a good idea for older athletes to limit/avoid the intake
of strong 5-alpha reducible androgens like testosterone, methyltestosterone
and Halotestin, or otherwise use Proscar (finasteride), which
was specifically designed to inhibit the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme
in scalp and prostate tissues. This may be an effective preventative
measure for older athletes who insist on using these compounds.
Drugs like Dianabol and Anadrol, which do not convert to DHT yet
are still potent androgens, are not effected by its use however.
It is also important to mention that not only androgens but also
estrogens are necessary for the advancement of this condition.
It appears that the two work synergistically to stimulate benign
prostatic growth, such that one without the other would not be
enough to cause it. It has therefore been suggested that non-aromatizable
compounds may be better options for older men looking for androgen
replacement than lowering androgenic activity in the prostate.
It is easier to accomplish, and should be accompanied with less
side effects. It would also be very sound advice, regardless of
steroid use, for individuals over 40 to have a physician check
the prostate on a regular basis.
Sexual Dysfunction
The functioning of the male reproductive system depends greatly
on the level of androgenic hormones in the body. The use of synthetic
male hormones may therefore have a dramatic impact on an individual's
sexual wellness. On one extreme we may see a man's libido and
erection frequency become extremely heightened. This is most commonly
seen with the use of strongly androgenic steroids, which seem
to have the most dramatic stimulating impact on this system.
On the other extreme we may also see a lack
of sexual interest, possibly to the point of impotency. This occurs
mainly when androgenic hormones are at a very low. This will often
happen after a steroid cycle is discontinued, as the endogenous
production of testosterone is commonly suppressed during the cycle.
Removing the androgen (from an outside source) leaves the body
with little natural testosterone until this imbalance is corrected.
The loss of its' metabolite DHT is particularly troubling, as
this hormone may have a strong affect on the reproductive system
that may not be apparent with other less androgenic hormones.
It is therefore a very good idea to use testosterone-stimulating
drugs like HCG and Clomid/Nolvadex when coming off of a strong
cycle (see article #2 on recovery), so as to reduce the impact
of steroid withdrawal. Impotency/sexual apathy may also occur
during the course of a steroid cycle, particularly when it is
based strictly on anabolic compounds. Since all "anabolics"
can suppress the manufacture of testosterone in the body, the
administered drugs may not be androgenic enough to properly compensate
for the testosterone loss. In such a case the user might opt to
include a small androgen dosage (perhaps a weekly testosterone
injection).
It is also interesting to note that it is not always simply an
androgen vs. anabolic issue. People will often respond very differently
to an equal dose of the same drug. While one individual may notice
sexual disinterest or impotency, another may become extremely
rampant!. It is therefore difficult to predict how someone will
react to a particular drug before having used it.
Stunted Growth –age!
Many anabolic/androgenic steroids have the potential to impact
on an individual's stature if taken during adolescence. Specifically,
steroids can stunt growth by stimulating the epiphyseal plates
in a person's long bones to prematurely fuse. Once these plates
are fused, future liner growth is not possible. Even if the individual
avoids steroid use subsequently, the damage is irreversible and
he/she can be stuck at the same height forever. Not even the use
of growth hormone can reverse this, as this powerful hormone can
only thicken bones when used during adulthood. Interestingly enough
it is not the steroids themselves, but the buildup of estrogen
that causes the epiphyseal plates to fuse. Women are shorter than
men on average because of this effect of estrogen, and likewise
the use of steroids that readily convert to estrogen can prematurely
suppress/halt a person's growth. In fact, the use of steroids
like Anavar, Winstrol and Primobolan (which do not convert to
estrogen) can actually increase one's height if taken during adolescence,
as their anabolic effects will promote the retention of calcium
in the bones. This would also hold true for non-aromatizing androgens
such as trenbolone, and Halotestin. Thus maybe the youngsters
on the board can see my argument about waiting a few years!
Testicular Atrophy
When the administration of androgens from an outside source causes
a surplus of hormone, it will cause the body to stop manufacturing
its own testosterone. Specifically this happens via a feedback
mechanism, where the hypothalamus detects a high level of sex
steroids (androgens, progestins and estrogens) and shuts off the
release of GnRH (Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone). This in turn
causes the pituitary to stop releasing LH and FSH the two hormones
(primarily LH) that stimulate the Leydig's cells in the testes
to release testosterone (negative feedback inhibition has been
demonstrated at the pituitary level as well). Without stimulation
by LH and FSH the testes will be in a state of production limbo,
and may shrink from inactivity. In extreme cases the steroid user
can notice testicles that are unusually and frighteningly small.
This effect is temporary however, and once the drugs are removed
(and hormone levels rebalance) the testicles should return to
their original size. Many regular steroid users find this side
effect quite troubling, and use ancillary drugs like HCG (see
article #2) during a steroid cycle in order to try to maintain
testicular size during treatment.
Virilization
Since anabolic/androgenic steroids are synthetic male hormones,
they can produce a number of undesirable changes when introduced
into the female body. This includes the possibility of virilization,
which is the tendency for women to develop masculine characteristics
when taking these drugs. Virilization symptoms include a deepening
or hoarseness of the voice, changes in skin texture, acne, menstrual
irregularities, increased libido, hair loss (scalp), body/facial/pubic
hair growth and an enlargement of the clitoris. In extreme cases
the female genitalia can become very disfigured, and may actually
take on a penis-like appearance. Women must clearly be very careful
when considering the use of steroids, especially since most virilization
symptoms are irreversible. The stronger androgenic compounds should
obviously be off-limits, with cautious female athletes restricting
themselves to the use of only mild anabolics such as Winstrol,
Primobolan and Anavar. Since even these milder anabolics have
the potential to cause problems, users should additionally remember
to be conservative with drug dosages and duration of intake. After
each cycle of course a notable break from treatment would be a
good idea as well, so that the body has sufficient time to reestablish
a hormonal balance.
IM
Ironman (Anabolics moderator on www.bodybuildingforyou.com)
IMPORTANT! Articles related to the use of illegal
performance enhancing drugs are for information purposes only
and their use is not endorsed by www.bodybuildingforyou.com
Share your review and feedback of this supplement
or any supplement, fat burner. Email
Me I appreciate all feedback on all types of
supplements, good or bad.
