What Are The Side Effects of Steroids?

Hack Beast Mode… What are steroids? What are the main steroid side effects? How to ease symptoms of steroid side effects Why do people use steroids? What are the legal alternatives to steroids? CrazyBulk's safe steroid alternatives Megaboost your gains with Crazy Bulk

Curious about using steroids to boost your muscle gains but worried about the side effects? You're in the right place.

Many muscle-building fitness enthusiasts wonder if steroids could be the key to achieving their goals faster. But it's crucial to understand the potential risks before diving in. 

Here, we'll give you a breakdown of what steroids are, the different types and the side effects of steroids in a no-nonsense way​​—giving you the know-how you need to make the right choice. 

Let's explore what you need to know to decide if steroids are the right path for you.

What are steroids?

Steroids are synthetic substances that mimic the effects of hormones your body naturally produces, which are often made in labs. 

There are two main kinds: corticosteroids and anabolic steroids, each serving different purposes. 

Both types of steroids have specific uses and can have significant effects on the body, both beneficial and potentially harmful.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are similar to hormones that our adrenal glands produce. These steroids help control inflammation and the immune system. 

Doctors often prescribe them to treat conditions like asthma, arthritis, and treat allergic reactions. They’re also used to treat rheumatologic diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels). 

You can take corticosteroid drugs as pills, creams, inhalers, or injections. These steroids are great for reducing swelling, pain, and redness.

Anabolic steroids

Anabolic steroids are synthetic versions of testosterone, the male hormone that helps build muscle and bone. 

Medically, they help people with conditions like delayed puberty or muscle loss due to illness. But, some athletes and bodybuilders misuse them to quickly bulk up and improve performance, which can be illegal and dangerous. 

They can help increase muscle mass and strength, enhance athletic performance, and speed up recovery from intense workouts. 

How they work

Steroids work by entering cells and changing how they function. Corticosteroids can turn off the body’s response that causes inflammation, while anabolic steroids help muscle cells produce more protein, which ultimately leads to more muscle gains.

What are the main steroid side effects?

When considering taking steroids, you have to take into consideration the side effects it can have on your body. While not all users experience side effects, it is still a possibility. 

Steroid side effects are dependent on the type, how they are used and how the user's body reacts to it. 

Let’s get into the potential side effects for both corticosteroids and anabolic steroids.

Corticosteroids

These are often used to reduce inflammation and treat various medical conditions. Firstly, we’ll get into some short-term side effects of taking corticosteroids.

• Increased appetite and weight gain: Corticosteroids can stimulate appetite, leading to overeating. This can result in noticeable weight gain, often around the face, abdomen, and other areas.
• Heighten blood sugar levels: Steroids can raise blood sugar levels, which may lead to increased risk of developing diabetes or worsening blood sugar control in individuals with existing diabetes.
• Mood changes: Users might experience mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or even euphoria. These emotional changes can affect personal relationships and overall mental wellbeing.
• Insomnia: Steroids can disrupt sleep patterns, making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. This can contribute to fatigue and decreased daytime function.
• Fluid retention: These steroids can cause the body to hold onto extra fluid, leading to swelling (edema), especially in the legs, feet, or face. This can make you feel bloated and uncomfortable.

While steroids can offer impressive short-term benefits, their long-term use comes with serious side effects that can majorly impact your health. 

Now, before making a decision on whether you’re going to take corticosteroids, you need to understand potential risks. 

These are some long-term effects of taking these kinds of steroids for an extended period… 

• Weaker bones (osteoporosis): Long-term use of corticosteroids can decrease bone density, making bones more fragile and prone to fractures. This is especially concerning for older adults and people with existing bone conditions.
• Muscle weakness: Prolonged use can lead to muscle wasting and weakness, reducing strength and physical endurance. This can impact daily activities and overall mobility.
• Thinning skin: The skin may become thinner and more fragile, leading to easy bruising, stretch marks, and slower wound healing. This can also increase the risk of skin infections.
• Increased risk of infections: Corticosteroids suppress the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. This can lead to frequent illnesses and longer recovery times.
• Cataracts or Glaucoma: Long-term use can affect eye health, increasing the risk of cataracts (clouding of the lens) and glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye), which can lead to vision problems if not managed properly.
• Adrenal insufficiency: Corticosteroid drugs can reduce the body’s ability to produce natural hormones from the adrenal glands. This can lead to symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and low blood pressure, particularly if the steroid use is suddenly stopped.

Anabolic steroids

While anabolic steroids can boost muscle growth and enhance performance, they also come with a range of short-term side effects that can affect your body and mood. 

Here's what you need to know about the immediate impacts of taking them…

• Acne and oily skin: Increased oil production in the skin can lead to acne outbreaks, particularly on the back, shoulders, and face. Oily skin can also exacerbate existing skin conditions.
• Fluid retention: Similar to corticosteroids, anabolic steroids can cause swelling in various parts of the body, leading to a bloated appearance and discomfort.
• Mood swings and aggression: Users may experience extreme mood swings, including increased aggression, irritability, and even violent behavior. This is sometimes referred to as "roid rage."

Using anabolic steroids can quickly propel your muscle gains, but it's crucial to be aware of the potential long-term effects.

If the steroid use involves high doses or is prolonged, it can have serious and lasting impacts on your health, far beyond the initial benefits. 

• Liver damage: Anabolic steroids, especially oral forms, can be toxic to the liver. This can lead to liver damage, liver tumors, or hepatitis. Symptoms might include jaundice (yellowing of the skin), abdominal pain, and dark urine.
• Heart issues: Long-term use can cause cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure, increased cholesterol levels, and a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes. Steroids can affect the heart’s structure and function, leading to potential heart disease.
• Hormonal imbalances…

• Mental health problems: Prolonged use can result in psychiatric issues like mood disorders, depression, and anxiety. Some individuals may also experience psychosis or severe changes in personality.

Read: The Best Steroids For Bulking

How to ease symptoms of steroid side effects

Dealing with the side effects of steroids can be a real hassle, but there are ways to manage those pesky symptoms.

Let’s get into them.

Be sure to…

• Consult your doctor
• Adjust dosage under professional guidance
• Stay hydrated
• Eat a balanced diet
• Exercise regularly
• Monitor your blood sugar levels

Remember: Always follow your healthcare provider’s guidance for managing side effects effectively.

Why do people use steroids?

Steroids are on the radar for a lot of folks, and not just for the gym goers. Whether it's to pump up their muscles, recover faster from intense workouts, or tackle certain health issues, people turn to steroids for a variety of reasons. 

So, let’s take a peek into what drives people to choose these powerful supplements.

Medical purposes

Some steroids are used to treat medical conditions. For example, doctors might prescribe corticosteroids to reduce inflammation or treat autoimmune diseases like arthritis or asthma. These steroids help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Muscle building

Anabolic steroids are often used by athletes and bodybuilders to increase muscle mass and strength. 

They work by mimicking the effects of testosterone, which can help build muscle faster and enhance physical performance.

Recovery

Some people use steroids to speed up recovery from injuries or intense workouts. The idea is that steroids can help repair muscle tissue more quickly, allowing for faster gains and less downtime.

Hormone replacement

In some cases, steroids are used to replace hormones that are missing or low in the body. For instance, men with low testosterone levels might use anabolic steroids as part of hormone replacement therapy to restore normal hormone levels.

While steroids can offer significant benefits for muscle building and medical treatment, it is advised you consult with a healthcare professional before taking them. Steroid side effects can be detrimental to your health and need to be taken under professional guidance to avoid harmful risks.

What are the legal alternatives to steroids?

What if we told you there’s a way to power-up your muscle-building journey without the risks of steroids? 

Yeah, you heard that right. There are several legal steroid alternatives that can help you intensify your workouts and become a beast in the gym, all while staying safe and healthy. 

Let’s explore some exciting supplement options to help you annihilate your goals.

1. Protein supplements

Boost your muscle growth with high-quality protein supplements like whey, casein, or plant-based proteins. 

These help repair and build muscle after intense workouts, giving you the extra edge you need to become a beast.

2. Creatine

Creatine is a powerhouse supplement that can increase your strength and endurance. It helps your muscles produce more energy during high-intensity exercises, allowing you to push harder and power-up your performance.

3. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)

BCAAs, including leucine, isoleucine, and valine, are essential for muscle recovery and reducing fatigue. They help intensify your workouts by keeping your muscles fueled and ready to go.

4. Beta-Alanine

This supplement helps buffer lactic acid in your muscles, delaying fatigue and boosting your overall workout intensity. It’s perfect for powering-up those tough training sessions.

5. Nitric oxide boosters

Nitric oxide boosters, like L-arginine and L-citrulline, improve blood flow and muscle pump during exercise. They help you train harder and longer, contributing to impressive gains and making you feel like a true beast.

6. Natural testosterone boosters

Herbal supplements like fenugreek and ashwagandha can support your body’s natural testosterone production. They’re a great way to intensify muscle growth and improve overall vitality.

These legal alternatives can help you build muscle effectively while avoiding the potential side effects of steroids. Embrace these options to power-up your fitness game and unleash your inner beast.

FYI: If you are on steroids and you want to transition to a natural alternative,  It’s important to follow the prescribed dose and taper off gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

CrazyBulk’s legal and safe steroid alternatives

D-Bal

If you are after fast muscle gains, increased strength and need the perfect supplement for bridging between cycles to maintain your gains, this is the product for you.

D-Bal’s special formula contains Ashwagandha, which increases your VO2 max, aids your total body fat reduction, gives you leaner muscle while bulking and  lowers your cholesterol.

Clenbuterol

Clenbutrol boasts powerful thermogenic and performance enhancing properties that will help you hack Beast Mode.

Looking for a product to help you excel with your cutting cycles, fat loss, lean muscle retention, energy & endurance? Take a closer look at Clenbuterol.

HGH-X2

HGH-X2 is a blend of high quality plant extracts which helps to support and enhance your workouts. 

It contains 100mg of the South American Maca plant per capsule, which can increase energy and stamina levels. 

Anavarol

Anvarol, a legal alternative to the anabolic steroid Anavar, enhances your strength and energy by stimulating phosphocreatine synthesis within your muscle tissue.

This supplement is ideal for cutting cycles, you’ll shred fat whilst retaining lean muscle, giving your body a super lean and cut look. Suitable for both men and women.

Tren-Max

Tren-Max increases your free testosterone levels, giving you more strength during workouts.

Expect immense muscle gains, awesome strength and power, amazing physical conditioning, fast healing and everything else in between.

Related: Legal Steroids: What Are They And How Do They Work

Megaboost your gains with Crazy Bulk’s Bulking Stack

If you need something that will accelerate the bulking process and maximize your muscle growth, look no further.

CrazyBulk’s Bulking Stack has everything you need to charge you up and intensify your muscle gains! 

Not only will the stack activate your inner Beast Mode and help you smash through every workout, but it will help you pack on more muscle mass, improve your strength, and speed up your recovery time.

In the stack, you’ll get..

• D-BAL
• DECA-MAX
• TREN-MAX
• TESTO-MAX

This is the perfect combination to get you to dominate your workouts and supercharge your muscles. Go get some.