Are Steroids Worth It? Benefits, Risks, and What to Know Before Using Them
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Anabolic steroids are often discussed in gyms, bodybuilding communities, sports forums, and social media. People considering them may ask a simple question: Are steroids worth it?
The answer depends heavily on what someone means by “steroids.” Some steroid medicines, including certain testosterone products, have legitimate medical uses when prescribed for appropriate conditions. However, using anabolic-androgenic steroids without medical supervision for muscle growth or performance enhancement involves significant health risks.
Anabolic steroids can increase muscle mass and strength, but the potential benefits need to be considered alongside cardiovascular, hormonal, liver, reproductive, and psychological risks. The FDA and National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) have both highlighted serious risks associated with anabolic steroid misuse. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
What Are Anabolic Steroids?
Anabolic-androgenic steroids, commonly called anabolic steroids or AAS, are synthetic substances related to testosterone.
The anabolic effects are associated with tissue and muscle growth, while androgenic effects relate to male sex characteristics.
Anabolic steroids are different from corticosteroids such as prednisone, which are used to reduce inflammation and treat conditions such as asthma, allergies, and autoimmune diseases.
Some testosterone products are FDA-approved for specific medical conditions involving testosterone deficiency. That is different from taking testosterone or anabolic steroids at higher-than-prescribed doses for bodybuilding or athletic performance. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Why Do People Use Steroids?
People may consider anabolic steroids because they want to:
- Increase muscle size
- Improve strength
- Change their physical appearance
- Support bodybuilding goals
- Enhance athletic performance
- Gain weight or muscle more quickly
NIDA notes that appearance and performance enhancement is a major reason people use anabolic steroids. However, the possibility of developing problems related to continued use means that the perceived benefits should not be considered in isolation. (NIDA)
What Are the Potential Benefits of Anabolic Steroids?
When anabolic steroids are used medically for an appropriate condition, their benefits can be different from those associated with non-medical bodybuilding use.
In the context of anabolic steroid misuse, people generally seek effects such as:
Increased Muscle Mass
Anabolic steroids can promote muscle growth by increasing the effects of testosterone and related anabolic processes.
Increased Strength
Some users experience substantial increases in strength, which is one reason anabolic steroids have historically attracted athletes and bodybuilders.
Changes in Physical Appearance
Greater muscle development can produce noticeable changes in body composition and appearance.
However, achieving these effects does not mean that using non-prescribed anabolic steroids is risk-free.
What Are the Risks of Steroid Use?
The biggest issue when asking “Are steroids worth it?” is that the potential physical changes need to be considered alongside possible short- and long-term health consequences.
The FDA has reported serious adverse effects associated with anabolic steroid and steroid-like bodybuilding products, including liver injury, kidney damage, heart attack, stroke, blood clots, sexual dysfunction, acne, hair loss, and mood changes. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Heart and Cardiovascular Risks
Anabolic steroid misuse can affect cardiovascular health.
Reported problems include:
- Changes in cholesterol
- Increased blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Blood-clotting complications
NIDA also identifies early heart attacks and strokes among serious potential consequences associated with anabolic steroid use. (NIDA)
Liver Problems
Some anabolic steroid products can cause significant liver problems.
The FDA has reported cases of serious liver injury associated with bodybuilding products labeled as containing steroids or steroid-like substances. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
This is particularly concerning with products purchased from unverified sources because the actual ingredients may not always match the label.
Hormonal Changes
Anabolic steroid use can interfere with the body’s natural hormone production.
In men, reported effects can include:
- Testicular shrinkage
- Reduced sperm production
- Infertility
- Changes in sexual function
- Breast enlargement
In women, androgenic effects can include increased facial or body hair, voice deepening, menstrual changes, and other masculinizing effects. (FDA Access Data)
Mental and Mood Effects
Steroid misuse can also affect mood and psychological wellbeing.
Reported effects include:
- Irritability
- Mood changes
- Depression
- Aggression
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Psychosis in some cases
NIDA notes that stopping anabolic steroids can also be associated with depression, which may contribute to continued use. (NIDA)
What Happens When You Stop Steroids?
Stopping anabolic steroids is not always straightforward.
People who have been taking high doses may experience withdrawal-related symptoms after reducing or stopping use. Reported symptoms can include depressed mood, fatigue, irritability, sleep problems, reduced libido, and cravings.
FDA prescribing information for testosterone describes withdrawal symptoms and physical dependence associated with supratherapeutic testosterone use. (FDA Access Data)
This is one reason people should speak with a healthcare professional rather than attempting to manage significant steroid-related problems without medical advice.
Are Prescription Testosterone and Anabolic Steroids the Same Thing?
Not exactly.
Testosterone is a naturally occurring hormone and is also available as prescription medication. In the United States, FDA-approved testosterone products are indicated for men with low testosterone associated with specific medical conditions. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Prescription testosterone should therefore not automatically be equated with non-medical anabolic steroid use.
The dose, reason for treatment, medical supervision, monitoring, and patient’s underlying health all matter.
Are Steroids Safe for Everyone?
No medication or performance-enhancing substance is completely risk-free.
The risks can vary depending on the substance, dose, duration of exposure, other medications or substances being used, and a person’s existing health conditions.
Products purchased online can introduce another concern. The FDA has warned that some bodybuilding products marketed as supplements have contained undeclared steroids or steroid-like substances. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
That means a product’s label may not always provide a complete picture of what a consumer is actually taking.
Are Steroids Worth It for Muscle Growth?
For someone considering anabolic steroids solely to gain muscle or improve appearance, the decision involves a trade-off between the desired physical effects and potentially serious health consequences.
Muscle growth can also be pursued through:
- Progressive resistance training
- Adequate protein and overall nutrition
- Sufficient calories when appropriate
- Consistent sleep
- Proper recovery
- Evidence-based training programs
- Professional guidance when needed
These approaches generally take longer than pharmaceutical shortcuts, but they avoid many of the risks associated with non-medical anabolic steroid use.
Are Steroids Worth the Risk?
There is no universal answer for every person because medically prescribed steroid-related treatments and non-medical anabolic steroid use are not the same situation.
For someone with a legitimate medical condition, a properly prescribed medicine may provide benefits that outweigh its risks when monitored by a healthcare professional.
For non-medical use, however, the potential muscle and performance benefits have to be weighed against documented risks involving the cardiovascular system, liver, kidneys, reproductive system, hormones, and mental health.
The FDA recommends discussing bodybuilding products and products intended to increase muscle mass or athletic performance with a healthcare professional. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Frequently Asked Questions
Are steroids worth it for bodybuilding?
Anabolic steroids can produce substantial changes in muscle size and strength, but non-medical use carries potentially serious health risks. Anyone considering them should discuss the risks with a qualified healthcare professional.
Are anabolic steroids safe?
Anabolic steroids are not risk-free. Misuse has been associated with cardiovascular, liver, kidney, reproductive, hormonal, and psychological problems. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Can steroids cause permanent damage?
Some complications associated with anabolic steroid misuse can be serious or potentially long-lasting. Examples include fertility problems, hormonal disruption, cardiovascular complications, and liver injury.
Do steroids affect testosterone production?
Yes. Exogenous anabolic steroids and testosterone can suppress the body’s natural hormone production. The effects can vary depending on the substance and duration of use.
Can steroids cause infertility?
They can. Anabolic steroid misuse has been associated with reduced sperm production, testicular shrinkage, and male infertility. (FDA Access Data)
What should I do if I have side effects from steroids?
Speak with a healthcare professional and explain exactly what product you have taken, including any supplements or other medicines. Seek urgent medical attention for symptoms such as chest pain, severe shortness of breath, jaundice, severe abdominal pain, or other potentially serious symptoms. The FDA specifically highlights several of these symptoms in its guidance on bodybuilding products. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
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Final Thoughts
So, are steroids worth it?
Anabolic steroids may produce the muscle and strength changes that some people seek, but those effects come with documented health risks, particularly when steroids are used without medical supervision or at doses above those prescribed.
Anyone considering testosterone or another anabolic steroid should first understand the difference between medically indicated treatment and non-medical performance enhancement. A healthcare professional can help assess the potential benefits, risks, alternatives, and appropriate monitoring.
For bodybuilding products bought online, extra caution is warranted because some products may contain undeclared or unapproved steroid-like substances. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not start, stop, or change a prescription medicine without speaking with a qualified healthcare professional.