In today’s fitness-driven culture, the pursuit of the perfect physique has led many young men down a risky and often misunderstood path: the use of anabolic steroids and growth hormones. While these substances may promise rapid muscle growth and a lean, shredded appearance, the hidden consequences can be severe, both physically and psychologically.
This blog has been written with information taken from the Wealth of Health podcast episode ‘Natty or Not? The Steroids Epidemic’.
The Normalisation of Steroid Use
In recent years, the use of anabolic steroids has become increasingly common, particularly among young men between the ages of 18 and 25. Many are introduced to these drugs at gyms, where they’re influenced by peers or online influencers boasting muscular physiques. Social media has intensified this phenomenon, with platforms saturated by images of impossibly perfect bodies. These ideals have shifted the perception of what a ‘normal’ or ‘fit’ male body should look like, with many now believing that extremely muscular and lean bodies are not only desirable but achievable without aid.
The reality is starkly different. The physiques often admired are frequently the result of heavy steroid cycles and performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). What’s more concerning is that many users take these substances without any medical supervision, creating a cocktail of risks that can include testosterone, diuretics, growth hormones, and fat burners, all mixed together with no understanding of how they interact.
Understanding Anabolic Steroids
Anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of testosterone, the male sex hormone. While they are sometimes prescribed for legitimate medical reasons, such as hormone deficiencies or delayed puberty, they are often abused in much higher doses for the purpose of enhancing athletic performance or appearance. These pharmacological doses far exceed what the body would naturally produce and push the individual’s hormonal system beyond its normal limits.
Short-term benefits of anabolic steroids include increased muscle mass, reduced recovery time, and enhanced physical performance. However, the side effects are significant and far-reaching. Some of the physical complications include:
- Severe acne
- Liver damage or tumours
- Gynecomastia (development of breast tissue in males)
- High blood pressure
- Infertility
- Hair loss
- Testicular atrophy
- Increased risk of heart disease
Psychological effects are also well-documented and include aggression (commonly referred to as ‘roid rage’), mood swings, depression, and even psychosis in extreme cases. Some users may become addicted, both physically and mentally, leading to long-term dependency.
The Dangers of Growth Hormone Abuse
Beyond anabolic steroids, many bodybuilders and gym-goers are turning to growth hormone (GH) to further enhance their appearance. GH can promote fat loss and muscle development, especially when combined with anabolic steroids, a synergy that can accelerate the desired aesthetic. But with increased benefits come heightened risks.
Excessive use of GH can lead to a condition known as acromegaly; a rare disorder typically caused by a benign tumour on the pituitary gland. In this condition, the body produces too much GH, resulting in abnormal bone growth. Features of acromegaly include:
- Enlargement of the jaw (prognathism)
- Broadening of the nose
- Enlarged ears and lips
- Spade-like hands and feet
- Dental separation due to gum overgrowth
- Prominent brow ridges
These physical changes can make individuals appear more ‘primitive’ in facial structure, and once these changes occur, they are often irreversible.
GH also has internal risks, including increased blood pressure, joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and most worryingly, a heightened risk of cancer. Growth hormone speeds up cell division, and this includes the potential acceleration of cancerous cells. For example, there is significant research showing a link between long-term GH use and an increased risk of colon cancer.
Unregulated Use and Underground Markets
Many users source steroids and growth hormone from unregulated or underground markets, making the entire process even more dangerous. These drugs can be counterfeit, contaminated, or inaccurately dosed. Without professional oversight, users are essentially experimenting on themselves with potent hormones that have serious physiological effects.
It’s not uncommon for individuals to self-diagnose and create their own cycles of use, often copying regimens from online forums or gym acquaintances. This DIY approach leads to misuse and increases the likelihood of serious complications. For instance, when steroid cycles are stopped abruptly without proper post-cycle therapy (PCT), the body’s natural hormone production may be suppressed, leading to long-term endocrine dysfunction, fatigue, depression, and infertility.
Diuretics are another concerning addition to this cocktail. Used to reduce water retention and enhance muscle definition, diuretics can dehydrate the body and disrupt electrolyte balances. This can result in muscle cramps, kidney damage, and even cardiac arrest in extreme cases.
Long-Term Consequences and Infertility
Many young men begin using these substances in their teens or early twenties, unaware of the long-term consequences. One of the most common issues is infertility. Over time, the use of anabolic steroids and growth hormone can suppress the body’s natural testosterone production and impair the function of the testes.
This becomes especially problematic later in life when users decide to start families. Many end up seeking medical help when they discover they can no longer produce sperm or have drastically reduced fertility. Hormone abuse during critical years of physical and hormonal development can cause irreversible changes.
Some users also experience bone structure changes, such as broader jaws or unusually large hands, further indicating abnormal hormonal growth. These effects not only alter appearance but can contribute to joint pain, arthritis, and impaired function. Gym-goers often report pain during lifts, tingling in the hands due to carpal tunnel syndrome, and overall reduced mobility.
The Reality Behind the ‘Perfect’ Body
The cultural pressure to attain a shredded, muscular physique has shifted perceptions of what is healthy or achievable. Many young gym-goers compare themselves to influencers and bodybuilders who are, in fact, enhanced through heavy drug use. This creates an unrealistic benchmark and fosters insecurity, body dysmorphia, and in many cases, dependence on steroids to maintain self-esteem.
What’s often overlooked is that there is always a price to pay. Whether it’s your cardiovascular health, fertility, mental wellbeing, or long-term physical condition, the cost of achieving the ‘ideal’ body can be devastating.
There’s also a psychological toll. Users may struggle with identity and confidence once they stop using the substances. They may feel they’re losing their gains or reverting to a less ‘desirable’ version of themselves, making it difficult to stop and creating a cycle of dependence.
Moving Forward: Education and Caution
It’s crucial that young people are properly educated about the risks associated with steroid and hormone abuse. Decisions about health and fitness should be informed and made with full awareness of the long-term implications.
In the UK, the misuse of anabolic steroids is a controlled issue under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Possession is not illegal, but supply and distribution are. However, legal consequences are only one part of the problem, health risks are far more concerning.
If someone is considering enhancing their physique, they should consult medical professionals, nutritionists, or certified trainers rather than relying on hearsay or online ‘bro science’. The goal should be sustainable, natural fitness, not short-term transformation with lifelong consequences.
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to improve your physique, but it’s essential to understand that extreme results come at an extreme cost. The pursuit of health and strength should not compromise your wellbeing.
The desire for physical perfection has led many into dangerous territory, where powerful hormones are used without knowledge, guidance, or regard for the risks. Anabolic steroids and growth hormones may offer short-term aesthetic benefits, but they come with severe long-term consequences. From infertility and heart disease to irreversible bone changes and increased cancer risk, the damage can be profound.
Education, self-awareness, and medical guidance are essential. If you or someone you know is considering using these substances, take a step back, do your research, and weigh the cost. Fitness should enhance your life, not endanger it.
Echelon Health Offers World Leading Health Assessments
Preventative health assessments play a crucial role in identifying potential health risks before they become serious issues, and they are especially important for individuals considering performance-enhancing substances like steroids. Regular check-ups and screenings can help detect early signs of conditions that may arise from steroid use, such as cardiovascular issues, hormonal imbalances, and liver damage. By incorporating preventative health measures into a fitness regimen, individuals can better understand the potential impacts of steroids on their overall health and make informed decisions to safeguard their well-being.
At Echelon Health, we are proud to offer a Platinum Assessment that is highly effective in detecting a wide array of illnesses. In fact, we can identify up to 92% and 95% of the preventable causes of death in men and women, respectively.
If you have any questions contact our team to speak with our Head of Private Clients or check out our health assessment packages for more information on the assessments we can offer you!
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Further Reading
https://www.uclh.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/patient-information-pages/understanding-steroids
https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/steroids
