Think of Testosterone First. Of all the anabolic/androgenic steroids produced, testosterone esters like cypionate, enanthate, and Sustanon tend to have the lowest negative impact on health when taken in muscle building and performance-enhancing doses. Testosterone drugs provide a hormone identical to that already produced in the body, presenting the same spectrum of physical and physiological effects. In addition to being one of the most efficient muscle-builders available, testosterone generally has a positive (not negative) effect on libido, supports a positive mood, and supplements necessary estrogen so that cholesterol levels are less negatively shifted. The exclusive use of testosterone drugs for body or performance enhancement is advised if possible.
Use Health Support Supplements. Anabolic/androgenic steroid users can help lower the negative health impact of steroid use with the consumption of natural health support supplements. To begin with, the negative cardiovascular effects of these drugs can be offset (at least to some degree) with cholesterol supplements. Fish oil is recommended as a base, which should be stacked with a number of other clinically studied cholesterol support ingredients including green tea, garlic powder, resveratrol, phytosterols, niacin, and policosanol. The blended product Lipid Stabil (Molecular Nutrition) includes these ingredients and is recommended. Cholesterol support supplements should be taken at all times during anabolic steroid therapy. Next, those taking oral steroids should be reducing liver strain with a liver support supplement. Recommended products include Liver Stabil (Molecular Nutrition), Liv-52 (Himalaya Drug Company), and Essentiale Forte (Aventis). One of these products should be taken at all times during therapy with hepatotoxic agents.
Always Cycle Steroids. A steroid cycle usually consists of 6 to 12 weeks of drug use followed by an equal period of time or more abstaining from all anabolic/androgenic steroids. This practice is advised for a number of reasons. For one, as you supplement male steroid hormones your body will reduce the production of its own testosterone. Cycling helps reduce the risk of developing long-term fertility and hormonal issues, which are sometimes caused by the uninterrupted use of steroids for many months or years. Cycling also lets your general markers of health (such as cholesterol levels, hematocrit, and blood pressure) return to their normal state periodically, reducing the impact temporary changes may have over time. Those individuals who use anabolic/androgenic steroids for long periods of time without interruption run a greater risk that these negative changes in health markers will result in long-term health issues.
Use Reasonable Dosages. High doses of steroids are not necessary to achieve significant muscle growth, especially if moderate physique or performance enhancement is desired. A dosage limit of 400 mg per week on injectables is advised. In the case of testosterone cypionate, 400 mg per week equates to at least 4 to 5 times the level of hormone naturally produced in a healthy male body. This level of use will produce dramatic muscle gain if combined with proper training and diet. In fact, during the 1970s and 80s the dosage range of 200-400 mg per week was considered “standard” for the bodybuilding use of testosterone, nandrolone, boldenone, or methenolone. There is actually little real need for extreme doses of 750-1,000 mg or more of steroid per week, or to supplement an injectable base with additional orals. High doses may produce a faster rate of gain, but are generally not cost effective for the extra muscle they provide. Additionally, high doses of steroids greatly increase cardiovascular strain and the incidence of other side effects.
Get Regular Blood Tests. Comprehensive blood testing including an examination of hormones, cholesterol, blood cell concentrations, and enzymes is the most useful tool for assessing the negative health impact of steroid use. Changes in cholesterol, for example, can help quantify for the user what effect a particular drug regimen is having on their cardiovascular health. The individual then has the opportunity to better assess long-term risk if this cycle is to be repeated. At a minimum, blood testing should be conducted before a cycle is initiated, 3 to 4 weeks into a cycle, and a couple of months after a cycle. This allows for 1) a baseline for later comparison; 2) a snapshot of the on-cycle health impact; and 3) an opportunity to assess if natural homeostasis has been restored post-cycle.
Use Proper Injection Procedures. Careful attention to correct injection procedures can help eliminate some of the complications associated with nonmedical steroid use. Steroids are given via deep intramuscular injections. The most common site of application is the upper outer quadrant of the gluteus muscle, although the drugs are also commonly injected to the upper outer thigh and shoulder. Site injections (in smaller muscle groups like the biceps, triceps, or calf muscles) for cosmetic purposes are discouraged, as they are technically more difficult to navigate and more prone to complications. Comfortable injection volumes should also be used, generally no more than 3 mL per application. Each injection site should be rotated so that the same muscle is not injected more than once every two weeks. A general focus should be made on cleanliness, including the use of alcohol pads on the vials and skin before injection, and the proper disposal of all needles and empty vials/ampules after use.
Watch Your Diet. Anabolic/androgenic steroids can allow an individual significantly more latitude with their diet than normal. The caloric demand typically increases due to the effects of these drugs on muscle mass and metabolism, allowing more calories to be consumed each day without adding fat mass. It is important not to let this latitude affect your health in a negative way. Remember, the use of steroids at physique- and performance-enhancing doses is expected to cause an unfavorable shift in cholesterol levels and other cardiovascular health markers, favoring a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Simultaneously feeding your body greater amounts of saturated fats, cholesterol, and simple carbohydrates can make the impact of these drugs even worse. Diets low in saturated fats, cholesterol, and simple sugars are recommended, and are known to reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Note, however, that diet alone is not effective at countering the negative cardiovascular effects of steroid use, but dietary restrictions can reduce these risks.
