While steroid users don’t usually see themselves as injecting drug users, they still run the risk of getting viruses like hep C. One study found 9.5% of steroid injectors were hep C positive!*
Anabolic steroids, also known as roids, are a class of natural and synthetic steroid hormones that promote cell growth and division, resulting in growth of several types of tissues, especially muscle and bone. Testosterone is the most potent natural anabolic steroid.
Desired effects of steroids
Most anabolic steroids work in two simultaneous ways. First, they work by binding the androgen receptor and increasing protein synthesis. Second, they also reduce recovery time by blocking the effects of the stress hormone, cortisol, on muscle tissue.
Examples of anabolic effects include increased protein synthesis and muscle mass, bigger appetite and increased bone growth and production of red blood cells.
An ideal anabolic steroid has been widely sought. Many synthetic anabolic steroids have been developed in an attempt to find molecules that produced a higher degree of desired effects. Unfortunately, the most effective steroids known for increasing lean body mass also have the strongest negative side-effects.
Injecting anabolic steroids
Anabolic steroids should never be injected by persons unfamilar with safe injection sites and practices or without first consulting a doctor or your Needle Syringe Program. Steroids are commonly injected IM (intramuscularly). A swab should always be wiped once, in one direction only, across the injection site. Always use a new fit, and never share injecting gear with other users. Steroid injectors run all the risks of bacterial infections, hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS that other injecting drug users do.
Common injection sites include the buttocks, shoulders and thighs. The triceps, biceps and latissumus dorsi also have been used, however, this practice can be dangerous. Care must be taken to maintain cleanliness when injecting. Infection and disease can result if careless procedures are used.
Care must also be taken when selecting an injection site. The sciatic nerve runs right up the back of each leg and up the middle of both buttocks. Blood vessels are also abundant in other areas. Injections into nerves will be extremely painful and dangerous. Injection into vessels is dangerous as well, as this can cause an embolism or other complications.
A common dose is typically on the order of a few tens of mg/day (for oral steroids) to several hundred mg/day (for injectable steroids.) As with any drug, increasing the dosage increases the risk of the side-effects.
Minimising the side-effects
Typically, bodybuilders, athletes and sportsmen who use anabolic steroids try to minimise the negative side-effects. For example, users may increase their amount of cardiovascular exercise to help negate the effects of left ventricle hypertrophy in the heart.
Some steroids are converted to estrogen, potentially causing some combination of the side-effects listed. During a steroid cycle, users may take an aromatase inhibitor and/or a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM).
Furthermore, to combat the natural testosterone suppression and to restore proper functioning of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and -gonads, what is known as ‘post-cycle therapy’ (PCT) is self prescribed. PCT takes place after the course of anabolic steroids. The aim is to return the body’s endogenous hormonal balance to its original state within the shortest space of time.
Those prone to premature hairloss due to steroid use have been known to take the prescription drug finasteride for prolonged periods of time. This reduces the conversion of testosterone to DHT, the latter having much higher potency for alopecia. Finasteride is useless in the cases when steroid is not converted into a more androgenic derivative. Finasteride is also used as a masking agent by those who are subject to steroid testing.
If you are use steroids and/or want to minimise side-effects, talk to a suitable doctor to discuss your options. Since anabolic steroids can be toxic to the liver or can cause increases in blood pressure or cholesterol, many users consider it ideal to get frequent blood work tests and blood pressure tests. It is generally considered mandatory for all users to get regular blood tests while using anabolic steroids.
Possible side-effects
Examples of general side-effects include:
• Increased growth of pubic, beard, chest, and limb hair • Deepening
of the voice
• Increased libido • Suppression of endogenous sex hormones
• Disproportionate ear size • Possible elevated blood pressure
• Higher cholesterol levels • Acne
• Left ventricle enlargement and thickening • Liver damage and
overgrowth of gums
Male-specific side-effects
• Breast development
• Premature baldness and prostate cancer
• Reduced sexual function
• Temporary infertility
• Smaller testicles.
Female-specific side-effects
• Body hair increase
• Deepening of the voice
• Enlarged clitoris (clitoral hypertrophy)
• Temporary decrease in menstrual cycles.
Adolescent-specific side-effects
• Stunted growth
• Accelerated bone maturation
• Enlarged penis/clitoris
• Slight beard growth.
* “Pumping Iron, risking infection?” Drug and Alcohol Dependence,
2002; 65(3): 303-308.
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Thanks to QuIHN for permission to reprint this story from their users magazine, Tracks. Check out their website at www.quihn.org
