Steroids are powerful compounds primarily used for medical purposes to treat a range of conditions, including autoimmune disorders, inflammation, and hormone-related issues.

However, their potent ability to enhance muscle mass and physical performance has led to widespread misuse. This misuse is not only illegal but can also result in serious health consequences, including hormonal imbalances, cardiovascular issues, and psychological effects.

Given these risks, those looking to enhance their physical performance should consider legal alternatives to steroids. But with so many options available, how do you know which legal steroid is best for you?

Don’t worry, we’re here to help. In our comprehensive review, we cover everything you need to know about steroids, their legal alternatives, and how to choose the best one for your fitness needs.

What Are Steroids?

The word “steroid” gets tossed around a lot, but it actually refers to a whole family of chemical compounds. In the body, steroids play a crucial role as building blocks for cell membranes and act as signaling molecules, telling cells what to do. 

When some people say “steroids,” they’re thinking of corticosteroids, which are manufactured drugs that mimic the anti-inflammatory effects of natural hormones produced by your adrenal glands. Corticosteroids are lifesavers for people with conditions like asthma or eczema, tamping down inflammation and easing symptoms. 

But there’s another side to the steroid story: anabolic steroids. These are synthetic versions of testosterone that can boost muscle mass and strength, tempting some athletes to take a dangerous shortcut. Anabolic steroids may cause damage to the liver and heart and land athletes in disqualification territory if they’re competing in sports.

What Are Steroids Used For?

The term “steroids” can be a little confusing because it encompasses two different types of medications with distinct purposes. Let’s break down the two main categories:

Corticosteroids

These are superstars when it comes to battling inflammation. They mimic the natural anti-inflammatory hormones your body produces and come in various forms like pills, creams, inhalers, and even injections. Here’s where they shine:

  • Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis involve your immune system attacking healthy tissues. Oral steroids can calm the overactive immune system and reduce inflammation.

  • Allergic Reactions: Whether it’s itchy eyes from hay fever or a severe allergic response, oral steroids or steroid tablets can be lifesavers by reducing swelling, redness, and that annoying itch.

  • Asthma: Corticosteroids in the form of inhalers can help reduce inflammation in the airways, making breathing much easier for people with asthma.

  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis cause inflammation in the digestive tract. Steroid tablets can be a powerful tool to manage these conditions by easing pain and diarrhea.

  • Skin Conditions: Eczema and psoriasis cause uncomfortable inflammation on the skin. Topical steroids applied directly to the affected area can provide much-needed relief.

Anabolic Steroids

Anabolic steroids are an interesting case where the line between medical use and misuse can be blurry. In general, anabolic steroids are not widely used in medicine. Their potential side effects are just too serious for most doctors to prescribe them.

However, there are some limited exceptions. In certain situations, doctors might prescribe a very controlled course of anabolic steroids to help patients with specific conditions:

  • Muscle Loss Due to Illness: People with illnesses like cancer or HIV/AIDS can experience significant muscle wasting. In these cases, a doctor might prescribe a low dose of anabolic steroids to help rebuild muscle tissue and improve strength.

  • Low Testosterone: A condition called hypogonadism can cause low testosterone levels in men, leading to symptoms like fatigue and muscle weakness. Here, anabolic steroids can be a treatment option to restore testosterone levels and improve symptoms.

  • Aplastic Anemia: This is a rare blood disorder where the body doesn’t produce enough red blood cells. In some cases, an anabolic steroid medication might be used to stimulate bone marrow and increase red blood cell production.

It’s important to remember that these are very specific situations, and even then, doctors will only prescribe anabolic steroids if the potential benefits outweigh the risks. There are always careful considerations of dosage, duration of treatment, and close monitoring by a medical professional.

Steroids in Fitness

When it comes to fitness and building muscle, some athletes turn to anabolic steroids, which are synthetic versions of testosterone. These can be a real double-edged sword.

On the one hand, they can help you pack on muscle mass and strength much faster than you could naturally. Imagine lifting weights and seeing results in half the time – that’s pretty tempting, right? Plus, they can shorten recovery time between workouts, so you can hit the gym harder and more often.

What’s the Catch?

Anabolic steroids come with a hefty risk factor. Think of them like a shortcut with hidden tolls. There can be a whole range of side effects, some scary, some just annoying. We’re talking liver damage, increased risk of heart problems, mood swings, even aggression (think roid rage!). 

And for men, there can be some unwelcome changes, like shrinking testicles or man boobs. Not exactly the look most people are going for.

Plus, steroids are illegal for non-medical use in most sports. Getting caught means getting disqualified, which can be a major blow to any athlete’s career.

Are Anabolic Steroids Worth the Risk?

Most experts would say a resounding no. There are plenty of ways to build muscle safely and effectively. With hard work, a good diet, and a solid workout program, you can achieve amazing results without resorting to steroids. 

It might take longer, but you’ll be much healthier and happier in the long run. You may also consider adding to your fitness regime any of the best legal steroids or steroid alternatives.

Benefits of Steroids

The benefits of a steroid medication depend entirely on which type you’re talking about. Corticosteroids are superstars for managing inflammation. They come in various forms and can be a lifesaver for people with conditions like asthma or eczema, where they reduce swelling, redness, and discomfort. 

Corticosteroids in the form of oral and topical steroids can also help control flare-ups from autoimmune diseases and ease pain caused by inflammation in the joints or muscles. 

However, anabolic steroids, the kind sought after by bodybuilders, are a different story altogether. While they can accelerate muscle growth and improve strength, they come with a hefty risk of side effects. Plus, they are not usually legitimate medical treatments unless they are recommended in very special cases, as we mentioned earlier.

Side Effects of Steroids

Just like the benefits, the side effects of steroids depend on the type you’re taking, how you’re taking them and how long they stay in your system. Let’s break down the side effects of the two main categories:

  1. Corticosteroids: These generally have a good safety profile when used correctly, but side effects can become more likely with higher doses or long-term use. Some potential problems include:

  2. Increased appetite and weight

  3. Mood swings and trouble sleeping

  4. Increased risk of infection

  5. Bone weakening (osteoporosis)

  6. Hypertension and diabetes

  7. Anabolic steroids: These synthetic versions of testosterone come with a much higher risk profile. Here are some of the potential consequences:

  8. Liver damage

  9. Increased risk of heart problems

  10. Mood swings and aggression

  11. Stunted growth and development

  12. Shrinking testicles and infertility

  13. Virilization in women

  14. L-Arginine: Helps with delivering nutrients to muscles and also encourages growth hormone production, aiding in muscle growth and recovery [1].

  15. L-Glutamine: Essential for making proteins, supporting your immune system, and keeping your gut healthy. L-glutamine can also help ease muscle soreness and speed up recovery [2].

  16. Cats Claw Bark (Uncaria tomentosa): Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, it can support your immune system, which is vital for recovery and overall health [3]

  17. Nettle Leaf Extract: Believed to help with testosterone levels and aiding in muscle development and recovery [4].

  18. L-Arginine: Helps in delivering nutrients to your muscles more efficiently and also triggers the release of growth hormone [1].

  19. L-Glutamine: Crucial for synthesizing proteins, this amino acid can also help you recover faster from muscle soreness and improve post-workout recovery times [2].

  20. L-Lysine: Plays a part in growth hormone secretion, contributing to muscle growth and recovery [5].

  21. Glycine: Supports growth hormone production and can help improve sleep quality [6].

  22. Pahlavani, N., et al. “The Effect of L-Arginine Supplementation on Body Composition and Performance in Male Athletes: A Double-Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial.” European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, vol. 71, no. 4, 2017, pp. 544–548, doi:10.1038/ejcn.2016.266.

  23. Almeida, Ewin B., et al. “L-Glutamine Supplementation Improves the Benefits of Combined-Exercise Training on Oral Redox Balance and Inflammatory Status in Elderly Individuals.” Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, vol. 2020, 2020, pp. 1–13, doi:10.1155/2020/2852181.

  24. Sandoval-Chacón, M., et al. “Antiinflammatory Actions of Cat’s Claw: The Role of NF-KappaB: CAT’S CLAW AND OXIDATIVE STRESS.” Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, vol. 12, no. 12, 1998, pp. 1279–1289, doi:10.1046/j.1365-2036.1998.00424.x.

  25. Bhusal, Khuma Kumari, et al. “Nutritional and Pharmacological Importance of Stinging Nettle (Urtica Dioica L.): A Review.” Heliyon, vol. 8, no. 6, 2022, p. e09717, doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09717.

  26. Xiao, Chao-Wu, et al. “L-Lysine Supplementation Affects Dietary Protein Quality and Growth and Serum Amino Acid Concentrations in Rats.” Scientific Reports, vol. 13, no. 1, 2023, doi:10.1038/s41598-023-47321-3.

  27. Caldow, Marissa K., et al. “Glycine Protects Muscle Cells from Wasting in Vitro via mTORC1 Signaling.” Frontiers in Nutrition, vol. 6, 2019, doi:10.3389/fnut.2019.00172.

This article appears in Feb 19 – Mar 4, 2025.

I am a professional writer and editor with a solid experience of crafting content for Health and Wellness. I see myself as a neurodivergent mental health advocate, and creator at heart.