The Bottom Line:
- The main theme of the text is exploring the potential side effects and experiences of taking steroids for 30 days, from the perspective of a lifetime natural bodybuilder.
- The author interviews experienced bodybuilders like Jaws and Clement, who share their firsthand accounts of the immediate effects of starting steroid use, including increased strength, muscle growth, energy, and appetite.
- The text delves into the scientific research on the muscle-building potential of steroids, highlighting that natural lifters can gain 20-40 lbs of muscle in a lifetime, while those on steroids can gain 45-120 lbs.
- The author also learns about the potential long-term side effects of steroid use, such as testicular shrinkage, erectile dysfunction, and hormonal imbalances, which can lead to a lifelong dependence on testosterone.
- Ultimately, the author is left with a difficult decision to make, weighing the temptation of rapid muscle growth against the risks and long-term consequences of abandoning his natural bodybuilding lifestyle.
The Veteran Bodybuilder’s Journey with Steroids
The Immediate Impact: Strength and Muscle Gains
For Jaws, the veteran bodybuilder, the decision to start using steroids was a significant turning point in his career. As he transitioned from being a natural competitor to an enhanced one, he experienced an immediate impact on his strength and muscle-building abilities.
Jaws recounts the first time he injected himself with testosterone, the most common steroid used by new users. Despite his initial hesitation and shaky hands, he eventually had his girlfriend administer the injection. From that moment on, Jaws felt a noticeable difference in his energy, motivation, and confidence.
“I was just like in my head thinking, ‘I’m already feeling stronger.’ I felt like I don’t know, I just want a Super Saiyan, and now it’s like I’m on a mission, like I’m going after it,” Jaws shared.
Clement, a 26-year-old ex-steroid user, had a similar experience. He described feeling “the biggest dude in the world” and becoming more masculine in his decision-making. The increased energy, vitality, and constant desire to progress in the gym were immediate effects he experienced.
The research supports these anecdotal accounts. Studies have shown that individuals who take exogenous testosterone, even without exercise, can build more muscle than those who exercise without the hormone. For Jaws, who had already been training naturally for 8 years, the impact was significant.
The Muscle-Building Potential
The potential for muscle growth is one of the primary reasons why many individuals, including athletes, actors, and social media influencers, choose to use steroids. According to the research, natural lifters can typically gain 20 to 40 pounds of muscle in their lifetime, while those on gear can see gains of 45 to 120 pounds.
Jaws, who had gained around 30 pounds of muscle naturally over the years, was intrigued by the prospect of being able to add 10 to 20 pounds of muscle in a single year with the help of steroids. This potential for rapid muscle growth was a tempting prospect, especially when compared to the slower progress he had experienced as a natural lifter.
The Downsides: Hormonal Imbalances and Dependence
However, the use of steroids comes with its own set of challenges and risks. Jaws experienced firsthand the impact on his hormonal balance, including the shrinkage of his testicles and issues with erectile dysfunction.
As John JWT, a steroids coach and educator, explained, the long-term effects of steroid use are a significant concern, even for those using them for a short period. Genetics play a crucial role in how individuals respond to these substances, and some may experience severe side effects while others may see minimal health consequences.
Ultimately, the decision to use steroids is a complex one, with both potential rewards and significant risks. Jaws’ journey highlights the importance of understanding the full scope of the implications before making such a choice.
The Immediate Impact: Increased Energy, Strength, and Appetite
Immediate Surge in Energy, Strength, and Appetite
The transition to using steroids can bring about a remarkable transformation in one’s physical capabilities. Both Jaws and Clement, two individuals with firsthand experience, described the immediate impact they felt upon starting their steroid regimen.
Jaws, a seasoned bodybuilder, recounted his initial experience with the hormone. He felt a surge of strength and energy, almost as if he had transformed into a “Super Saiyan.” Jaws expressed a newfound sense of determination and focus, driven to push his limits in the gym.
Similarly, Clement, a former steroid user, described a significant boost in his masculine traits. He became more decisive, with his brain “firing 24/7.” Clement also experienced a notable increase in his energy levels and vitality, which fueled his enthusiasm for the gym and his pursuit of progress.
Beyond the physical changes, the hormonal imbalance created by steroid use can also impact an individual’s appetite. Clement acknowledged that he became “so hungry all the time,” indulging in cheat meals without experiencing significant weight gain. He attributed this to his body’s ability to efficiently burn through the excess calories.
The strength gains were equally impressive, with Clement reporting noticeable improvements within just a few weeks. He found himself easily lifting weights that he had previously struggled with, and his numbers continued to climb rapidly as the cycle progressed.
These accounts highlight the immediate and profound impact that steroids can have on an individual’s physical capabilities, energy levels, and appetite. While the initial effects may seem enticing, it is crucial to consider the potential long-term consequences and risks associated with steroid use.
The Muscle-Building Potential
The research on the muscle-building potential of steroids is quite remarkable. According to the available data, natural lifters can typically gain between 20 to 40 pounds of muscle over the course of their lifetime. However, for individuals who choose to use steroids, the potential for muscle growth skyrockets, with estimates ranging from 45 to 120 pounds.
For someone like the narrator, who has gained a total of around 30 pounds of muscle through natural training, the prospect of potentially adding 10 to 20 pounds of muscle in a single year on steroids is undoubtedly enticing. This dramatic increase in muscle mass could significantly impact one’s physical appearance and performance.
However, it is important to note that the individual response to steroid use can vary greatly, as Jaws and John JWT both emphasized. Genetics play a crucial role in determining how an individual’s body will react to the introduction of exogenous hormones. Some may experience remarkable results, while others may face a range of side effects with minimal gains.
The Concerning Side Effects
As the narrator delves deeper into the world of steroids, he uncovers some concerning side effects that give him pause. Jaws candidly shares his experience with erectile dysfunction, a common issue that can arise from long-term steroid use. The narrator also learns about the potential for testicular shrinkage, a physical change that can be distressing for many users.
Furthermore, Clement’s account of his aggressive outbursts while on steroids highlights the potential impact on mood and emotional regulation. The narrator becomes increasingly concerned about the long-term consequences of becoming dependent on testosterone injections and the challenges that may arise when attempting to discontinue their use.
These revelations prompt the narrator to reconsider his initial enthusiasm for the potential benefits of steroids. The risks and potential downsides become increasingly apparent, leading him to seek expert advice from John JWT, a respected steroids coach and educator.
The Muscle-Building Potential: Natural vs. Enhanced
The Immediate Muscle-Building Boost
When Jaws, a veteran bodybuilder, first started using steroids, he was amazed by the immediate impact on his strength and muscle growth. He recounted feeling like a “Super Saiyan,” with a newfound sense of mission and determination. Similarly, Clement, a 26-year-old former steroid user, described experiencing a surge in energy, motivation, and confidence from the very beginning. The hormonal changes brought about by steroid use can have a profound effect on an individual’s physical and mental state.
The Muscle-Building Potential
According to the research, natural lifters can expect to gain anywhere from 20 to 40 pounds of muscle over their lifetime. However, for those who use steroids, the potential for muscle growth skyrockets, with estimates ranging from 45 to 120 pounds. Jaws, who had already achieved success as a natural bodybuilder, was able to make even more dramatic gains once he started using steroids. The ability to pack on muscle mass at a rapid pace is one of the primary reasons many individuals are tempted to explore the use of performance-enhancing drugs.
The Potential Drawbacks
While the muscle-building potential of steroids is undeniable, there are significant drawbacks to consider. Jaws and Clement both experienced side effects, such as erectile dysfunction and mood changes, that can have a profound impact on an individual’s quality of life. Additionally, the long-term health consequences of steroid use, including the potential for organ damage and hormonal imbalances, are a serious concern that must be weighed carefully. As steroids coach John JWT explains, even short-term use can carry significant risks, and the individual response to these substances can vary greatly based on genetics and other factors.
The Unintended Consequences: Testicular Shrinkage and Erectile Dysfunction
The Hormonal Imbalance: Impacts on Mood, Energy, and Appetite
Taking steroids, particularly testosterone, can create a significant hormonal imbalance in the body. This imbalance can have far-reaching effects, impacting not just muscle growth, but also mood, energy levels, confidence, libido, and even appetite.
Jaws, a veteran bodybuilder, described his immediate experience after starting steroid use. He felt a surge of energy and motivation, almost like he had “gone Super Saiyan.” Clement, a 26-year-old former steroid user, echoed this sentiment, saying he felt “the biggest dude in the world” and became “definitely the typical masculine person.” The increased energy and drive to train were palpable, with both men reporting a heightened sense of focus and determination in the gym.
However, the hormonal changes also manifested in other ways. Clement found himself constantly hungry, indulging in cheat meals daily while still maintaining a lean physique. The increased appetite was a common side effect, as the body tried to fuel the rapid muscle growth.
These hormonal fluctuations can also have a significant impact on mood and emotional well-being. Jaws mentioned experiencing some “Ed issues,” or erectile dysfunction, which can be a common side effect of steroid use. The sudden drop in natural testosterone production can lead to a range of sexual and reproductive problems, including testicular shrinkage, as the body struggles to maintain a healthy hormonal balance.
The Risks of Dependency and Long-Term Consequences
The prospect of rapid muscle growth and enhanced performance can be tempting, but the long-term consequences of steroid use cannot be ignored. As Jaws discovered, becoming dependent on exogenous testosterone can lead to complications when trying to discontinue use, as the body may struggle to restart its own natural production.
John JWT, a steroids coach and educator, emphasized that the true dangers of steroid use are often the long-term effects, even with short-term use. He explained that individual genetics play a significant role in how the body responds to these substances, with some experiencing severe side effects while others may see minimal impact.
The decision to use steroids is not one to be taken lightly, as the risks extend beyond the immediate physical changes. The hormonal imbalance can have lasting effects on mood, sexual function, and overall well-being, potentially leading to a lifelong dependence on exogenous hormones.
The Unintended Consequences: Testicular Shrinkage and Erectile Dysfunction
One of the most well-known and concerning side effects of steroid use is the impact on the male reproductive system. As Jaws explained, the testicular shrinkage, or “peanuts,” as he described it, is a common occurrence when the body is flooded with exogenous testosterone.
This happens because the brain senses the increased testosterone levels and, in turn, reduces the production of its own natural testosterone from the testes. As a result, the testes essentially “shut down” and shrink in size, as they are no longer needed to produce the required amount of testosterone.
The consequences of this hormonal imbalance can extend beyond just physical changes. Jaws also experienced issues with erectile dysfunction, a common side effect of steroid use. As the body struggles to maintain a healthy hormonal balance, sexual function can be impaired, leading to difficulties in intimate situations.
These unintended consequences are not limited to the short-term; they can persist even after discontinuing steroid use. Restoring the body’s natural testosterone production can be a challenging and lengthy process, leaving users potentially dependent on exogenous hormones for an indefinite period.
The Long-Term Risks: Expert Advice on the Hidden Dangers
The Potential for Permanent Damage: Understanding the Long-Term Risks
While the short-term benefits of steroid use may seem enticing, it’s crucial to consider the long-term risks that can have a lasting impact on one’s health. As steroids coach and educator John JWT of J3 University explains, the true dangers of prolonged steroid use should always be at the forefront of one’s mind, even when considering short-term usage.
The Unpredictable Nature of Genetic Response
One of the key factors that can determine the severity of side effects is an individual’s genetics. As John points out, some people may experience every single side effect, while others can use a significant amount of steroids and barely see any detrimental health effects. This unpredictability is a crucial consideration, as it means that even with careful planning and dosage, the outcome can be vastly different from person to person.
The Irreversible Consequences of Hormonal Imbalance
Another long-term risk of steroid use is the potential for permanent hormonal imbalances. As Jaws, the veteran bodybuilder, experienced, the suppression of natural testosterone production can lead to issues like erectile dysfunction, even after discontinuing steroid use. This highlights the delicate balance of the body’s hormonal system and the lasting impact that exogenous hormone introduction can have.
In conclusion, while the short-term benefits of steroid use may be alluring, the long-term risks, such as the unpredictable nature of genetic response and the potential for irreversible hormonal imbalances, should give anyone considering this path pause. The decision to use steroids is not one to be taken lightly, and it’s essential to weigh the potential rewards against the significant and often hidden dangers.
