The awareness of the dangers and benefits of anabolic steroids is high among the general public, with frequent media coverage highlighting extreme cases of performance-enhancing drug (PED) abuse by both genders.
Even with the negative associations of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) with grave health conditions or fatalities, there remains a substantial subset of up to one million individuals in Britain who use these substances for aesthetic enhancement rather than athletic performance (1).
This situation prompts critical inquiries: what motivates numerous individuals to continue using anabolic steroids? Furthermore, how come these are routinely prescribed in medical practice? Below is a comprehensive exploration to address these queries.
14 Benefits of Anabolic Steroids
1. Unparalleled Muscle Development
Anabolic steroids have proven extremely effective at promoting significant muscle growth in patients afflicted by muscle-wasting conditions, or cachexia.
The anabolic action of steroids is attributed to their remarkable ability to greatly enhance protein synthesis and the retention of nitrogen within muscle cells.
Once steroids’ impressive outcomes in medical treatments became recognized, bodybuilders quickly adopted their use to optimize body composition.
Instances have been recorded where routine steroid cycles have led to gains surpassing 50 pounds of lean muscle mass, specifically when used at dosages intended for bodybuilding as opposed to those meant for therapeutic use.
Bodybuilders, seeking these cosmetic benefits, have turned to this medical resource illegitimately, marking the distinction between lawful and illicit drug utilization.
With the prohibition of steroids for muscle enhancement in professional bodybuilding, these individuals have resorted to acquiring them through the black market.
2. Boosted Fat Reduction
All anabolic steroids are variants of external testosterone and, therefore, act to enhance lipolysis, which is fat burning.
Some highly androgenic steroids, like Trenbolone and Testosterone, are discovered to have more significant fat loss capabilities. This is due to the more substantial impact of androgen receptors on diminishing adipose tissue.
Typically, anabolic steroids target the reduction of subcutaneous fat, which is externally visible, while possibly increasing visceral fat that encases abdominal organs. This can result in a bodybuilder appearing trim externally yet having a bloated or distended stomach, often referred to as a steroid gut.
However, Anavar stands as an exception, encouraging the reduction of both visceral and subcutaneous fat, thereby enabling a more tapered waistline. Anavar is identified to be notably proficient in fat reduction, owing to its stimulating impact on T3 levels, a hormone intrinsically capable of influencing metabolism, thermogenesis, and fat breakdown.
3. Enhanced Strength
A common outcome of anabolic steroid use is substantial increases in muscular strength, particularly with bulking agents.
This is attributable to factors such as:
- A heightened anabolic hormonal milieu (elevated serum testosterone levels)
- Augmented muscle glycogen
- Boosted ATP generation
- An increase in muscle mass (and correlating overall weight gain)
One frequent observation is that natural bodybuilders reach a plateau in strength gains, only to then add an impressive 50 pounds to their compound exercises after initiating their first steroid cycle.
Elite competitors in powerlifting and strongman contests also consume potent AAS to amplify their muscular force. Steroids like Anadrol, Superdrol, Trenbolone, Dianabol, and Testosterone are among the most formidable for strength gains according to our clinical observation of patients who partake in strongman contests.
For bodybuilders who prioritize muscle mass over strength, it may be prudent to avoid maximal lifts while on powerful steroids. Sudden strength surges can elevate the risk of injuries, as muscles and ligaments may not be conditioned to abrupt increases in weight and intensity.
Bodybuilders we assist have sometimes sustained muscle tears or hernias, occasionally necessitating surgical intervention. Incrementally increasing weights in each session can substantially mitigate injury risk, allowing the body more time to adapt to rapid anatomic transformations.
4. Hastened Recovery
Anabolic steroids significantly shorten recovery periods, expediting the healing process for individuals recovering from traumas and burn injuries. Athletes, as well as bodybuilders, leverage steroids to enable longer, more intense training sessions which can enhance performance and overall physique.
Bodybuilders from the golden age especially exploited this benefit, spending multiple hours a day in the gym, and achieving immense muscle size increases
5. Boosted Stamina
Anabolic steroids are known for their ability to augment muscle stamina, primarily through the enhancement of red blood cell counts.
Yet, some steroids can hamper cardiovascular efficiency by causing considerable water retention, leading to denser blood and consequently, reduced circulation.
Steroids that are most effective for stamina are those that have minimal impact on cholesterol levels, thereby reducing stress on the cardiovascular system. They should also steer clear of causing significant water retention, hence avoiding unnecessary weight gain and preserving optimal blood fluidity.
In our observations, the following steroids are commonly chosen by athletes for superior stamina:
- Testosterone
- Turinabol
- Winstrol
- Anavar
These substances have been detected in a variety of athletes, ranging from mixed martial arts fighters to sprinters, baseball professionals, and Olympians.
6. Elevated Self-Assurance
The addictiveness of anabolic steroids is not merely due to their physical enhancements.
The surge in testosterone levels from anabolic steroid use often leads to more dominant behavior, amplifying feelings of confidence, ambition, motivation, and dominance.
Testosterone, in particular, can greatly affect mood, with elevated levels linked to increased dopamine production (a neurotransmitter associated with happiness).
Such alterations in hormonal balance and brain chemistry could potentially increase a male’s chances of attracting a romantic partner. However, the durability of such relationships may hinge on their perceptions of steroid use.
Nonetheless, this perceived increase in alpha traits may be fleeting, since steroids temporarily raise testosterone levels, but post-cycle, natural levels may diminish.
7. Cost-Efficiency
Anabolic steroids are generally accessible and affordable, presenting a tempting option for those who already invest significantly in natural supplements like protein powders, BCAAs, and pre-workouts.
Barring the choice to consistently use expensive drugs such as HGH, Anavar, Primobolan, or Testosterone Undecanoate, the financial burden of steroids is relatively light, especially if users cycle off regularly and avoid high dosages.
8. Beard Enhancement
One not-so-obvious perk of anabolic steroids is their contribution to beard growth. Androgenic steroids possess significant levels of the 5a-reductase enzyme, which converts testosterone to DHT (dihydrotestosterone).
This conversion can thin or even cause hair loss on the scalp, but conversely, it can boost hair growth elsewhere.
Consequently, it is common for men taking steroids to notice denser and more vigorous beard growth, a side effect of higher DHT levels.
This is also why many men who sport full beards may simultaneously experience baldness—a hallmark of DHT’s effects. On the flip side, men with luxuriant scalp hair often have trouble cultivating full beards.
9. Cognitive Benefits
According to our findings, elevated testosterone levels can bolster cognitive functions in men, improving memory and overall mental acuity (3).
Research also links androgen deprivation to a drop in cognitive abilities.
Hence, it appears that clarity of thought, intelligence, and recall capacity can be momentarily improved through the use of anabolic steroids.
Nevertheless, chronic use of large steroid doses may lead to diminished cognitive function, especially concerning visuospatial memory (4). Such findings have begun to link aggressive steroid use with cognitive degeneration akin to dementia.
10. Increased Vascularity
For many in the bodybuilding community, prominent veins are a sought-after trait for a chiseled and impressive form.
Steroids can boost vascularity through multiple mechanisms:
We’ve observed that steroids can diminish collagen production, leading to a thinner dermal layer. This allows veins to be more visible, sitting closer to the skin’s surface.
This explains why more mature bodybuilders tend to have enhanced vascularity—collagen synthesis naturally wanes with age.
Moreover, steroids foster vascularity by reducing the layer of subcutaneous fat, which often conceals veins, particularly during the off-season for bodybuilders.
Steroids also spur the creation of red blood cells, boosting muscle blood flow and thereby aiding vascularity.
Some steroids even function as diuretics, eliminating water that pools around muscle cells and can mask muscle definition and vascularity. Compounds like Anavar, Winstrol, and Trenbolone are known for these diuretic effects, resulting in a more defined and vascular muscular appearance in users.
11. Masculine Facial Structure
Steroids tend to accentuate masculine facial features, such as a pronounced jawline and more defined eyes. These changes have been observed in female users as well when taking steroids with virilizing properties.
The use of HGH can exacerbate these features, often causing the jaw to grow larger due to acromegaly and leading to an increase in the size of the skull, feet, nose, and hands.
12. Effects on Fluid Balance
Certain anabolic steroids can cause a reduction in body water due to their minimal aromatase activity, which is the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to estrogen. This can result in a more chiseled physique with enhanced muscle striations and definition.
Steroids often used during cutting phases can contribute to a shredded look, especially in individuals who are already quite lean.
A low water retention is especially advantageous for competitors getting ready for a bodybuilding show. Compounds like Proviron, Trenbolone, Anavar, and Winstrol have been utilized by bodybuilders we oversee to minimize water retention as much as possible.
Conversely, some steroids with active aromatase can cause the body to hold onto fluids, leading to a puffy appearance and less defined muscle structure. Steroids known for causing this ‘wet’ look include Dianabol and Anadrol.
13. Sustained Muscle Fullness
Experiences of intense muscle fullness during training are common amongst users of steroids, reminiscent of the iconic depiction by Arnold Schwarzenegger in Pumping Iron.
These pumps can reach a level of discomfort, especially notable in the back muscles during exercises like deadlifts, to the point where some individuals are compelled to prematurely end their training sessions.
Outside of the gym environment, steroid users may still display a notable muscle fullness, attributed to increased blood, glycogen, and intracellular fluid within the muscle cells.
14. Lasting Impact on Muscle Cells
It’s widely believed in the bodybuilding community that cessation of steroid use will result in lost muscle gains. Nonetheless, research suggests that anabolic steroids impart a lasting increase in muscle cell nuclei (5), which may allow former users to maintain muscle volume through natural training later on.
Therefore, the perceived muscle loss in ex-steroid users is more frequently tied to discontinuing weight training rather than the lack of anabolic steroid administration.
As demonstrated by Lee Priest, former Mr. Olympia competitor, it is possible to preserve muscle mass post-steroid use with consistent training, benefiting from the additional muscle cell nuclei accrued through prior steroid use.
FAQ
Do the Advantages of Anabolic Steroids Surpass the Negative Consequences?
The answer varies from person to person. For instance, individuals predisposed to heart or liver conditions could face substantial risks if using anabolic steroids long-term.
Moreover, each steroid presents a unique profile of benefits versus risks. For example, Anadrol may offer high benefits at the cost of pronounced side effects, while milder substances like Anavar may present less health concerns (6).
Personal values also play a role; some might accept a reduced lifespan (7), if it means achieving a goal such as winning the Mr. Olympia title.
What Are Steroids’ Adverse Effects?
While side effects depend on the specific compound, typical steroid-related side effects include:
- Hypogonadism (diminished testosterone)
- Elevated blood pressure
- Scalp hair loss
- Skin breakouts
- Greasy skin
- Liver toxicity
- Breast tissue growth in men
- Shrinking testicles
- Sterility
- Depressive symptoms
- Anxious feelings
- Aggressive tendencies
- Sleep disturbances
The occurrence and intensity of these side effects are variable and are influenced by genetic predisposition, dosage, and duration of use (8).
Summary
While the enhancements to body composition and mental health from anabolic steroids can be significant, it’s crucial to understand that these improvements may be transitory, and adverse effects can emerge after the cessation of use.
Readers should approach steroid use with considerable caution, especially without medical oversight or when acquiring products from unverified sources.
REFERENCES
(2) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1501119/
(3) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17132744/
(4) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3608708/
(5) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3892473/
(6) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11365632/
Dr. Grant Fourie, a specialist in male hormones, is based in Cape Town, South Africa. He provides comprehensive treatments for conditions related to low testosterone, such as erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and mood changes. His methods include hormone replacement therapy and other modern treatment options.
Contact me via email or phone to book personal appointment in my clinic: The Village Square, Cape Town - South Africa