Should I take anabolic steroids?

Our read is that anabolic steroids can increase muscularity and aid recuperation from orthopedic injuries, with some muscle mass potentially retained after discontinuation. However, experts caution about significant negative side effects, including cardiovascular damage, liver and kidney issues, and potential irreversible impact on fertility and natural testosterone production.

The mechanical verdict from our sources is: Well Supported.

When considering anabolic steroids, Peter Attia advises starting with a solid plan, a knowledgeable coach, very low doses of all compounds, and slowly scaling up while noting effects. He also notes that cycling anabolic steroids allows for recovery of the pituitary and a return to normal function.

• 01Peter Attia states that an 8-week course of anabolic steroids and growth hormone may aid recuperation from orthopedic injuries.
• 02Peter Attia notes that bodybuilders may switch to purer anabolics with less water retention during leaning out phases.
• 03Peter Attia claims that anabolic steroids increase the number of satellite cells incorporated into musculature, contributing to higher muscularity.
• 04Peter Attia indicates that initial gains in lean body mass from steroid use are partly due to increased intracellular water and blood volume.
• 05Andrew Huberman reports that high doses of anabolic steroids can cause gynecomastia in males due to testosterone conversion to estrogen.
• 06Peter Attia suggests that cycling anabolic steroids allows for recovery of the pituitary and return to normal function.
• 07Andrew Huberman observes that extreme leanness and visible vasculature in the neck can indicate steroid use.
• 08Andrew Huberman mentions that Sibutramine and anabolic-androgenic steroids were common undeclared substances in sports supplements.
• 09Paul Saladino states that anabolic steroids causing thymic involution are capable of aromatization.
• 10Peter Attia emphasizes that significant results from anabolic steroids require a foundation of diet, training, and sleep.
• 11Paul Saladino notes that elevated liver enzymes (AST/ALT) 2x normal can indicate anabolic steroid abuse.
• 12Peter Attia advises that when starting anabolic steroids, begin with a solid plan, a knowledgeable coach, very low doses of all compounds, and slowly scale up while noting effects.
• 13Peter Attia estimates that approximately half of supplemental muscle gained from anabolic steroids may be retained after discontinuing use.
• 14Peter Attia points out that bodybuilders taking a month off anabolic steroids is insufficient for recovery as long-acting compounds can take months to clear.
• 15A tracked voice suggests that a single DNA site can record months of androgen exposure, potentially enabling extended detection windows for anabolic steroids.
• 16Peter Attia notes that SARMs are proportionally more successful than anabolic steroids in achieving selectivity but have lower anabolic activity.
• 17Bryan Johnson states that previously, pharmaceutical interventions for enhancement were limited to anabolic steroids and growth hormone with significant side effect profiles.
• 18Peter Attia mentions that managing side effects of anabolic steroids, such as estrogenic and DHT effects, was not sophisticated in the early 2000s, relying on 'bro rules' rather than scientific principles.
• 19Peter Attia observes that many bodybuilders from Arnold Schwarzenegger's era are still alive, possibly due to using a fraction of the drugs compared to current users.
• 20Peter Attia notes that anabolic steroids are sometimes used for palliative care in childhood leukemias.
• 21Peter Attia states that his anabolic steroid use represents a 20-year reduction in lifespan in the worst-case scenario.
• 22Peter Attia monitors blood work regularly, including before, during, and after anabolic steroid use, to assess health status.
• 23Peter Attia notes that women seeking a physique for bodybuilding may use SARMs like enobosarm to avoid virilization compared to anabolic steroids.
• 24Peter Attia states that anabolic steroids primarily increase muscle mass, not automatically strength.
• 25Peter Attia mentions that Derek used a combined weekly dosage of 1,500 mg to 2 g of anabolic compounds during his peak bodybuilding phase.
• 26Peter Attia observes that young individuals often believe they are invincible and can use anabolic steroids without consequence.
• 27Andrew Huberman explains that anabolic steroids, typically testosterone derivatives, are used to enhance performance by allowing faster recovery and increased protein synthesis.
• 28Peter Attia notes that high body fat correlates with poor health and lower tolerance of anabolic steroids.

Peter Attia would have used less anabolic steroids and not exceeded 500 milligrams in future bodybuilding competitions due to sensitivity, diminishing returns, and psychological side effects. He also emphasizes that starting anabolic steroids or TRT requires careful consideration of life goals, especially for individuals who desire children, as steroid use can impact fertility. Peter Attia believes the claim that 90% of people using anabolic steroids for over two years can resume normal testosterone production is likely incorrect. He warns that steroid abuse can lead to negative health outcomes such as poor skin, aesthetic issues, and detrimental effects on cardiovascular, liver, and kidney health. Peter Attia has also noted that anabolic androgenic steroid use has caused potential cardiovascular damage and a larger left ventricular wall, and likely significant prostate damage. Bryan Johnson suggests that the potential benefits of anabolic steroids, such as muscle gain and fat loss, are often not clearly defined by users, and that using anabolic steroids at age 19 is generally a miscalculation due to the trade-off equation. Paul Saladino states that steroids have significant negative side effects. David Sinclair gives a definite 'no' for steroids as a treatment. Andrew Huberman warns that taking excessive amounts of anabolic steroids and diuretics has led to deaths and that anabolic steroid use may have negative long-term health effects. Peter Attia also highlights that prolonged suppression of testicular function from anabolic steroid use may lead to irreversible loss of sperm production or natural testosterone production.

The verdict would change if new evidence emerged demonstrating a clear, consistent, and safe method for achieving the benefits of anabolic steroids without the significant and potentially irreversible negative health consequences, particularly regarding cardiovascular health, liver function, and fertility. Additionally, if long-term studies showed a high rate of full recovery of natural hormone production and fertility after steroid use, the verdict might shift.