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have been written on each subject, ad infinitum. But, in order to climb over that genetic wall and make significant gains beyond our individual potential, chemical assistance will be needed.

Information is the key to making a good decision about whether to use anabolic steroids or not. Without getting into moral or legal ramifications, it should be noted that these are powerful drugs and there can be significant side effects that vary from one type of steroid to another. Adolescent type acne can and does occur frequently, shrinking of the testicles and male pattern baldness can occur in men and deepening of the voice as well as overdevelopment of the clitoris can occur in women along with liver toxicity if taking orals and injection site pain and/or infection if using injectables. Steroid abuse has been linked to heart disease (but then again, what HASN'T been linked to heart disease?) and can definitely cause development of excessive breast tissue in men (gynocomastia) that may require surgery to remove. On the up side, if used responsibly in the recommended dosage and for the recommended period of time a cycle of a steroid stack can produce gains of lean muscle mass and reduction of body fat that is reminiscent of one's teenage years. Levels of growth hormones will be at an all time high and many users report an overall sense of well being and satisfaction with life in general when on a steroid cycle. True, most of the gains experienced during the cycle will not be retained after the cycle is over, typically 8 to 10 weeks, and up to 60% of those gains will be lost during the post cycle phase, but looking at it from another perspective there is no other more effective way to gain the 40% or so that will be retained following a steroid cycle.

Obviously if an individual has existing health concerns, particularly diabetes, hypoglycemia, liver disease or heart disease or is on any medication at all for blood pressure, glaucoma or really just about anything else at all, anabolic steroid use should not be even considered. The risks for significant health issues are simply too great. As a personal opinion, a healthy, average adult who uses steroids responsibly and in the recommended fashion is not likely to experience an adverse effect, barring an unforeseen complication. The problems, when they do occur, most commonly arise from abuse or misinformation. Decide what is most important to you and behave in responsible fashion. Fully research the subject from every angle and talk to those who have been there and then make the decision that is right for you.

Learn more about this author, Chris Fertig.
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