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- Anabolic steroids are powerful hormones that must be used carefully.
Women may additionally suffer from menstrual changes, cervical cancer, virilization symptoms such as an enlarged clitoris, deepening of voice, and abnormal hair growth.
It goes without saying that Human Growth Hormone (HGH) should not be used in anyone’s first few cycles. However, with HGH use there is the added increased risk of cancer and diabetes, joint swelling, joint pain, changes in bone structure, Acromegaly (Abnormal growth of organs).
Steroid use in youth can negatively impact growth and have permanent side effects.
- Prioritize training, nutrition and sleep over steroids.
Bodybuilding and powerlifting takes years and the goal should be longevity. It is not worth jumping on extremely high levels of testosterone in order to create the body image that has been popularized by the media. Many fitness models and bodybuilders will take several times the recommended steroid doses. This greatly increases the risk of injury inside and outside the gym in addition to costing thousands of dollars. These individuals will often have extremely short careers in bodybuilding and powerlifting as they burn out after constantly blasting for months on end. By prioritizing training, nutrition and sleep over steroids as well as taking smaller doses of AAS, you can have a longer lifting career and go further in this career.
If you choose to take steroids there is a lot of knowledge that is required to run a safe cycle, which minimizes side effects.
- Post cycle therapy is mandatory
The issue arises when it comes to gaining muscle on future cycles. The body develops a form of ‘tolerance’ to steroids meaning that higher doses are required to achieve the same muscle gain. This is where post cycle therapy comes in. After taking steroids for a cycle, lets say 12 weeks; it is recommended that you come off them for another 12 weeks. When off AAS, your body will be producing less testosterone than it was before the cycle and it takes time for your testosterone to go back to its normal levels. By coming off steroids all together you will be able to minimize negative side effects. The old school bodybuilders such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Kevin Levrone knew this and would have periods of the year when they went completely drug free. A good rule of thumb is time on = time off.
If you want to restore your natural testosterone levels post cycle then Clomiphene citrate (clomid) and tamoxifen (nolvadex) can be employed. These drugs are able to block estrogen at the hypothalamus and the pituitary, which in turn increases follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in the male body. Increased LH can help stimulate the production of testosterone in the testes. ***
Overall, when steroids are used intelligently alongside a proper nutrition plan and training regime then they can yield spectacular results. However, you must research them in great detail before commencing a cycle. For this you will find Canadian Brawn an excellent resource for you. Here you are able to post your questions and drawn on decades of experience. Remember “experience is the best teacher”.
*https://globalnews.ca/news/191655/steroids-big-in-canada/
**https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8925377
*** http://www.fitnessuncovered.co.uk/performance-drugs/post-cycle-therapy-pct-guide