Steroid Facts 2

There are generally two methods of delivery of anabolic steroids in the body. These delivery methods comprise of oral ingestion or intamuscullar injection. The most popular injectable forms of anabolic steroids used in America today (in order of popularity) are Deca-Durabolin, Testosterone Cypionate, Equipose and Sostenon 250. Injectable steroids tend to be less toxic on the liver than orals. This is because orals have an altered chemical composition that allows them to stay intact through the digestive process and through liver metabolism. This altered chemical configuration is the addition of an alkyl substitute on the 17th carbon position of the steroid molecule. Many people still like oral steroids better for obvious reasons ( You don't have to stick yourself and end up with a continuously sore rear end). The most popular of these oral steroids in the USA today are Anadrol 50, Winstrol v (stanazolol) and Primobolan orals.
The aforementioned steroids all have mixed androgenic and anabolic properties. So which ones are the most effective and have no or little side effects? Unfortunately all anabolic steroids have undesirable side effects. Typically the perfect steroid would be purely anabolic because the majority of the side effects associated with steroid abuse usually occur because of the drugs androgenic qualities. Some mild steroids such as Deca-durabolin, Winstrol V and Primobolan have minimal androgenic qualities and therefore would be considered ‘clean steroids’ or the safest to use. Highly androgenic steroids such as the testosterone’s and Anadrol 50 are the most potent steroids available. These high androgens are also the strongest anabolics and are favorites among bodybuilders looking for extreme results. They also have a high price tag which consists of high liver toxicity and adverse reactions on the hypothalamus-pituitary-testicular axis resulting in abnormal hormonal secretions. Long term use also results in receptor breakdown and can result in the inability for the steroids to aid in the muscle growth process.

In an attempt to reduce the risks associated with steroid abuse, and increase the benefits, many athletes have placed much emphasis on proper cycling of their steroids. They use different combinations of steroids throughout this cycle at specified times for their desired results. These combinations are called stacks. Some steroid stacks used by bodybuilders are more effective as bulking agents and are utilized in the off-season training. Others are better at cutting and are utilized in pre-contest preparation. As mentioned before cycling steroids also helps to prevent down regulation of receptor sites and makes the benefits obtained from particular steroids to be stronger and longer lasting.
The negative effects obtained from using steroids can be numerous and very serious. The media has sensationalized these side effects as scare tactics to some degree but the fact still remains that anabolic steroids can cause many adverse health related conditions. Remember that steroids are potentially very addicting. Users often lose most of the size and strength gains that they achieve while on steroid cycles . During this time they may also experience depression and anxiety because of the suppression of natural occurring androgens due to the steroid use. Many users never completely get off of the drugs because of this.

The list is quite long but here are some of the most common side effects associated with steroid use: sodium retention, acne, gynecomastia, aggression, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, palpitations, enlarged heart, virilization, cancer, decreased blood clotting ability, headaches, anxiety, depression, impotence, stomach aches, jaundice, muscle tears, enlarged prostate, premature hair loss, stunted growth, immune system suppression, insomnia, sterility, and anaphylactic shock.

Although these risks are very real many individuals have decided to chose this path. And no matter what the consequences may or may not be from using steroids the fact is that people are going to keep on using them. All of the aforementioned scare tactics and legislation won’t curb the use of steroids. There is only one thing that will prevent an athlete determined to be the best at his/her) sport from doing steroids.... an effective steroid alternative.