Steroids, supplements and the like

[Faísca]

From time to time we hear a lot about these things. The fact is that most who take them are rarely aware of what they do.

So, I would like to ask to those who know a little bit more than I do, what are the upsides and downsides of using them. What happens in the short run and what can happen in the long run. What are the odds of having problems such as cardiac conditions, cancers, etc.

Let's make a really informative thread, so people are aware of what they step into.

[dijss]

very good thread,indeed!
well,first of all i have never used steroids,mainly because i 'm afraid of the side effects(cancer,infertility,etc)and secondly i never had intention of becoming bodybuilder.these guys are awful,in my opinion...
when i was boxing i was taking mainly amino acids.now i take a combonation of caffeine pills and, as i have said before,tribuplex,that triggers the production of testosterone.
all those years that i use supplements,the only bad effect that i have seen on me is acne in my back,that dissapears right after i stop the consumption of the supplements.

[Faísca]

Originally Posted by dijss

very good thread,indeed!
well,first of all i have never used steroids,mainly because i 'm afraid of the side effects(cancer,infertility,etc)and secondly i never had intention of becoming bodybuilder.these guys are awful,in my opinion...
when i was boxing i was taking mainly amino acids.now i take a combonation of caffeine pills and, as i have said before,tribuplex,that triggers the production of testosterone.
all those years that i use supplements,the only bad effect that i have seen on me is acne in my back,that dissapears right after i stop the consumption of the supplements.

Ok, the testosterone has both anabolic and virilizing effects, so, what about beard and chest hair, for instance?

And doesn't the testosterone production stimulation cause premature baldness?

[Milesian]

Originally Posted by Johannes de León

And doesn't the testosterone production stimulation cause premature baldness?

It is likely, as DHT (Dehydrotestosterone) is thought to be responsible for male pattern baldness in individuals with a genetic predisposition.

[svin]

I think that the side effects of steroids are over exaggerated. If you use them wisely (would be better if someone who is pro at sport medicine helps you) you can have positive effects with minimum risk. Also, there is no sense in steroids if you can't bench press at least 130kg. Such results can be easily reached without them.

Sadly, I don't have extra money and I'm not in friends with someone who has real practical knowledge on this subject, that's why I stay away from steroids.

As for supplements, I use glutamine, vitamin E, C and drink protein shakes when I don't have time to have normal meal (fat free cottage cheese for example). Aso I tried creatine but I did not notice any effect.

I don't drink and smoke.

[Semper Fi]

Short term effects:

Acne (particulary on the back)
High blood pressure
Testicular shrinkage
Water retention (instant weight gains)
Aggressiveness, impatience
On-cycle strength increase
Erectile dysfunction
Feeling of invincibility (you can achieve anything)
Desire to train all the time

Long term effects:

Damage to endocrine system (perhaps)
Liver damage
Gynecomastia (male breast development)
Impotence (perhaps)
Many others

Particular effects can be observed with different steroids. For example, one steroid will probably cause terrible acne, whereas another will never cause acne. Effects are also dependent on length of cycle, amounts and stacks used and suitablility of PCT (post cycle therapy).

As far as baldness goes, if one has a predisposition for male pattern baldness then I would say you're asking for trouble.

Virilisation? Perhaps in adolescents and women.

[Freebooter]

Does anyone have any experience with whey? I mean the 100% natural whey with no artificial flavouring or anything of that nature.

I've been considering taking it for some time. Most of my protein comes from soy, fish, meat, poultry, and quinoa. But if I can get a protein source that doesn't come with all the unnecessary fats then that'd be great.