The effects of steroid use on the immune system

Author: Yuri Klimishin - an iron enthusiast and veteran of the "chemical" front.
2015-04-21

Important! We do not advocate for the use of steroids and other potent substances. All information is provided so that those who still decide to take them can do so with minimal health risks.

So, as we all know, all drugs have side effects in one way or another, but knowing this doesn't make it any easier, as sometimes a person may experience numerous side effects during a cycle without gaining any benefit at all.

This article is for those who have issues with the conversion of testosterone and its derivatives, as well as with elevated prolactin levels. These two hormones have similar side effect symptoms—such as acne and gynecomastia. Interestingly, acne can sometimes be more severe from prolactin than from estrogen.

When it comes to hormone conversion, the quality of the cycle decreases, and the quality of weight gained also tends to worsen. Therefore, it’s very important to take medications that do not convert and lack progestogenic activity. Such medications can be taken by everyone, but they’re not strictly necessary, as people are different, and those who have no issues with testosterone may find that simply using inhibitors suffices.

Side effects can arise not only from the hormones themselves at elevated dosages but also from the quality of production and the purification of the products, which is equally significant.

How Steroids Affect Immunity

Currently, there is no single accepted medical theory about how steroids negatively affect the immune system. Two main theories exist. The first is that prolonged exposure to steroids leads to a sharp decrease in the levels of three primary components responsible for both general and intracellular immunity. The second theory suggests that under the influence of steroids, particularly androgens, there is a slow but steady atrophy of the thymus (thymus gland).

In my opinion, the first theory seems more plausible. While the thymus does decrease in size, it primarily regulates the body’s anti-cancer resistance. Common colds are not related to cancer. Thus, I lean towards the first explanation.

On the other hand, a substance like dexamethasone (a corticosteroid) directly exerts immunosuppressive effects on our bodies. So, it’s best to stay away from it, especially since it is entirely unnecessary at the amateur level.

The Growth Hormone can provoke excessive production of antibodies (immunoglobulins), which in turn initiates certain reactions in the body. To clarify, an excessive amount of antibodies becomes unnecessary for the primary functions and begins to block the molecules of our natural somatotropin. Furthermore, growth hormone combined with AAS (anabolic-androgenic steroids) can lead to a sharp increase in natural killer cells. These are special white blood cells that aggressively combat viruses, infections, and even cancer cells. Normally, these cells are present in very low quantities. However, when they appear in excess, they start to destroy the body's own tissues, leading to autoimmune diseases. As you can see, the situation is quite complex.

Regarding specific AAS that are particularly notable for suppressing our immune functions, this includes ALL oral anabolic steroids as well as Nandrolone and Trenbolone. Testosterone, on the other hand, stands apart in this regard. When used at adequate dosages, it does not significantly suppress overall immunity. However, it does tend to more rapidly deplete the thymus gland (thymus). Nevertheless, in general, all steroids have a negative impact on the immune system when used for extended periods. This effect is particularly pronounced during cutting, when the body is already weakened by a lack of carbohydrates, an excess of proteins, and high cortisol levels.

How to Protect Your Immunity During a Cycle?

Glutamine. In my opinion, boosting immunity is the only real benefit of this product. It's an essentially non-essential amino acid, for those who might not be aware. Typically, it is recommended to consume 4-8g per day. I lean towards 8-10g split into two doses for a more noticeable impact on immunity. When to take it is up to you, but I advise drinking it on an empty stomach if there are no gastrointestinal issues.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Well, these unsaturated fatty acids are known even to aliens. We won’t enumerate all their qualities, or we’ll run out of space. It is sufficient to say that if you do not consume enough of them, your immune system suffers VERY significantly. In fact, everything suffers, but we are focused on immunity here. The daily requirement for a chemical athlete is at least 3-4g. There is no defined maximum, but moderation is key. By the way, in my personal opinion, the best source of Omega-3s is fish oil. I tend to be a conservative in these matters.

Apilak. This is a preparation based on royal jelly from bees. Until recently, I didn’t pay much attention to it, but after speaking with the highly respected Yuri Bombela, I've changed my opinion. We tried it with a few guys. It excellently supports the immune system. It also positively affects the organs and systems of the body as a whole. However, it should only be used when there have already been alarming signs from the immune system. After all, it is a medication. Even if it's natural, it is still a pharmacological agent.

It is recommended to take it in tablet form at 10 mg. Make sure to take it in the morning on an empty stomach and dissolve the tablets rather than swallowing them. Stomach acid can deactivate the beneficial effects of this agent. The daily dose is around 1-2 tablets. You can take more, but it has an unpleasant side effect: disruption of the sleep process. If sleep is disrupted, then the immune system is really compromised, and nothing will help. Another potential drawback of taking Apilak is increased appetite. While it's fine to want to eat, it usually leads to cravings for sweets rather than healthy foods.

As for the rest of the range of products for the immune system, I neither condemn them nor deny their potential benefits. However, based on my practical experience, the three aforementioned options have proven to be the most effective.

What to Do if You Catch a Cold Unexpectedly?

To maximize your protection from such unpleasantness during a cycle, glutamine and unsaturated fatty acids should be taken year-round. However, if you do fall ill during a cycle and your goal is mass gain, then the recommendations are simple:

• Immediately eliminate oral steroids.
• Reduce protein intake and increase carbohydrates.
• Stop training.

This is, first and foremost. And treat the illness using all available methods. Naturally, under no circumstances should you turn to antibiotics. However, if you are experiencing issues during a cutting phase, you should at least pause the cutting until you recover. Of course, this will not help improve your final results, but it will at least ensure a quicker recovery.

So, what might happen if you're a fanatic and continue your low-carb diet and cardio while dealing with a cold? Believe me, nothing good. It could even lead to a complete breakdown of the body's adaptation capabilities. This can result in the end not just for your muscles but for your well-being as well.

And here’s a little unwelcome secret. Professional athletes often incorporate one of the interferon-based medications in such situations. For example, Interferon itself. This medication can indeed help you recover from a cold very quickly. However, its spectrum of side effects (which often manifest in practice) would give even the most dedicated sports enthusiast pause.

I will conclude here. Remember that the immune system is also under strain right after a cycle. You understand, when testosterone levels drop and cortisol levels spike, nothing beneficial for your immune function will occur. Therefore, the main task here is to treat yourself with care. During PCT (if it's applicable), it makes perfect sense to include Apilak. If you have a month to a month and a half break before your next cycle, and PCT is not meaningful, then continue taking Apilak anyway. Omega-3s and glutamine are essential and should be taken without question. Wishing everyone good health.