Do you need to take steroids in tablet form?

Author: Yuri Klimishin - an iron enthusiast and veteran of the "chemical" front.
2015-01-08

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.

In this article, I want to express my subjective opinion regarding AAS (androgenic-anabolic steroids) that we take orally. Despite the fact that I really dislike them, I understand that in some cases, they are indispensable.

I have mentioned multiple times that the most important task at the amateur level is to achieve the desired result while maintaining normal health. And it is precisely oral steroids that most often provoke health issues.

They are used because of the more convenient method of administration. There are no other advantages. Yet, it is possible to do without tablets. Especially since a large portion of what is taken orally is still broken down by the body and does not have any positive effect.

Today, a wide range of injectable steroids is available, which a simple athlete could only dream of before. So, maybe it's time to stop following the stereotypes of the past? I strongly recommend using oil-based steroid esters for most of the year. Use tablets only in cases of extreme necessity, and not every time. Let’s consider AAS in oral form and examine the practical value of these drugs for the average person.

Side Effects of Oral Steroids

Before starting the review, I will mention the dangers of their excessive consumption. This is not just theoretical nonsense but based on personal experience and observations of friends in practice.

1. Increased liver sensitivity. The liver increases in size and begins to ache during physical exertion, after taking medications, after a hearty meal, and during prolonged sitting.

2. Increased propensity for aromatization. An unhealthy liver starts to convert testosterone to estradiol more actively. Dosages that were easy to handle yesterday may today lead to signs of feminization (gyno, etc.).

3. Gastrointestinal issues. Heartburn, nausea, abdominal pain, anorexia, diarrhea, and constipation can suddenly manifest even when there seemingly shouldn’t be any reason for them.

4. Risk of kidney stone formation. This is particularly relevant now, as we are taking steroids from illegal manufacturers. Tablets may contain talc and impurities alongside the active ingredient. This sediment doesn’t always pass through the kidneys without affecting them or remaining behind.

5. Decreased sensitivity to medications. This means that the damaged (to put it bluntly) liver does not respond to the full extent of the steroid dosages taken. We need more than we ideally should. It’s unfortunate. Moreover, Growth Hormone does not work at all if there are significant issues with the liver. It would be disappointing in the future to spend a considerable amount of money on Genotropin and achieve no results.

Which Tablets to Avoid

1. Oxymetholone, methyltestosterone, fluoxymesterone – forget about these altogether. These substances are meant for competitive athletes.

2. Methandienone should also be discarded. An injectable version is available now, and we should leave tablets behind.

3. Oxandrolone and stanozolol should only be used during cutting phases and body definition. They are practically useless for bulking.

4. Oral Turinabol is excellent for the first or second cycle in one's life. It can serve as a budget-friendly and safe alternative to oxandrolone and stanozolol during cutting.

5. In serious mass gain cycles, it is better to give preference to boldenone and methenolone (Primobolan).

6. Occasionally, you might come across furazabol and norethandrolone. The former is practically a complete analogue of stanozolol, while the latter is the oral version of nandrolone. Why overpay and still strain your liver? There's no need.

As you can see, with a sensible approach, the number of tablets in your regimen can be reduced to an absolute minimum. Especially since we already have enough anti-estrogens, fat burners, vitamins, and other ballast.

In conclusion, if your liver is already damaged, only Heptal can truly help. Everything else is more about prevention and self-suggestion. It is expensive but will definitely be beneficial after a cycle containing oral steroids. As for those who are afraid of and avoid injections: either change your attitude or the harm will outweigh the benefits.