Perhaps one of the most controversial topics today and it appears to have no end in sight, anabolics reign supreme on the list of taboo topics, as well as a top the list of “things in life that work.” There is no question, anabolics do a host of things training and nutrition alone cannot but one must understand these powerful hormones are not without risk. This risk is one of the reasons so much controversy surrounds them but the extent of the risk is something that has never been proven outright.

Things We Know:

When it comes to anabolics, irresponsible use can lead to problems; how severe the problems are however again not set in stone.

• It can raise LDL cholesterol
• It can lower HDL cholesterol
• It can raise blood pressure
• It can cause gynecomastia
• It can cause testicular atrophy
• It can cause infertility

From that list there should be one common theme that stands out and that is the word “CAN.” Yes, anabolics “can” do these things but that does not mean they will and to state in a manner of absolute certainty that these things will happen is not only absurd but irresponsible. Take Aspirin for example, it has a list of side effects a mile long: heartburn; nausea, black and bloody stools, diarrhea, loss of hearing, bruising, vomiting swelling of the face including the mouth and lips, difficulty breathing, itching, hives, rash, a tightening of the chest, etc. That is a host of side effects that “Can” happen if you take aspirin but that doesn’t mean you should throw all your aspirin in the trashcan.

Let’s look at the side effect listed above that “can” be caused by the use of anabolics. Each and every one of these side effects is avoidable or reversible; none of these side effects are permanent with the exception of gynecomastia. However, although gynecomastia can at times be permanent, if you catch it early it can be taken care of and more importantly in most cases, if you are responsible with your Anabolic steroid use there are measures you can take to ensure the problem never arises to begin.  The same can be said in regards to cholesterol; yes, anabolics can affect your cholesterol levels but they can also be brought back into a normal range through proper diet. Now we’re talking about individuals who have normal cholesterol levels that change due to Anabolic steroid use, for those individuals diet can almost always fix the problem; if you have cholesterol problems before hand then your situation may be different. Compare that to aspirin; side effects from aspirin cannot be remedied by diet.

Things We Don’t Know

There is more speculation about anabolics than probably anything else on earth and there are claims that cover a list a mile long regarding anabolics and they are spoken with absolute authority when in-fact no one can prove or back these claims.

• It will kill you
• It will increase the risk of cardiovascular disease
• It will cause psychiatric effects promoting aggression and violence
• It will increase the risk of coronary artery disease

Every one of the claims on the above list is quoted daily yet you will not find one example of any of those in any piece of factual data. Go ahead, read the list again and show one example of any of those being true. The truth, you can’t, yet they are touted as gospel truth time and time again.

The Bottom Line

There are many things about anabolics we do not know; there have been studies performed but they are quite limited and studies done on doses in the supraphysiological range are even fewer; but it is an important note, some studies have been done using anabolics in the supraphysiological range and the results have been positive in favor of Anabolic steroid use; I’m guessing you’ve never heard of these studies on the six o’clock news. The bottom line is anabolics are very powerful hormones, they should only be used responsibly but there is no evidence that they will kill you. This is what we know and to insinuate in any other way is misguided.

Mass Stack