Anabolic steroids

Synthetic anabolic steroids are modified forms of testosterone that differ chemically through changes to the basic structure.

What are anabolic steroids / AS?

Anabolic steroids are muscle-building substances that are produced artificially. They are probably the best-known representative of anabolic agents.

The chemical structure of AS is similar to the male sex hormone testosterone. Testosterone and anabolic steroids have both an anabolic (muscle building) and an androgenic (masculinizing) effect. The latter means the development of typical male sexual characteristics such as beard growth, deep voice, strong body hair, etc.

Due to their combined anabolic and androgenic effect, AS are abbreviated as anabolic androgenic steroids (ASA). They are often simply referred to as AS for short, which is not entirely correct. This is because ASA are merely a subgroup of AS.

In which areas are anabolic steroids used?

Initially, anabolic steroids were developed during the Second World War to quickly treat weakened and malnourished prisoners of war. Ernst Laqueur isolated them from bull testicles for the first time. Attempts were then made to produce them artificially - without an androgenic effect.

In medicine, they were used for their protein-forming effect in muscle atrophy (muscle wasting) and as a therapy for anaemia. Nowadays they are used as medication for testosterone deficiency, osteoporosis, muscle atrophy, weakness and developmental problems.

Anabolic steroids are widely used in sports today, especially in competitive sports, bodybuilding and weight training. Here they are used for doping, performance enhancement, aesthetic purposes and muscle building. You can read more about the effects of AS below. According to the Italian sports scientist Alessandro Donati, around 15 million people worldwide take a total of around 700 tons of anabolic steroids every year.

Consumers take anabolic steroids in cycles. As a habituation effect sets in after a certain period of use and to intensify the effect, many athletes stack. Stacking involves combining different anabolic substances and switching between different preparations.

Oral vs. injected steroids: which ASA is available?

In general, a distinction is made between injectable and oral steroids. There are also the so-called prohormones testosterone and nortestosterone. These are precursors of the hormones mentioned.

Oral ASS (anabolic androgenic steroids)

Oral steroids are taken in the form of capsules or tablets. Some are also available in liquid form.

Many people think that tablets are safer than injections.

Many believe that tablets are safer than injections. However, oral steroids often have more side effects on the liver. They are also less effective and do not last as long.

As they have a short half-life, they must be taken several times a day. Experienced users start with the cure and switch to injections during the cycle. In principle, orally active steroids are detectable for a shorter time in doping tests than injected steroids.

Probably the most popular oral steroids are:

• Methandienone (Dianabol)
• Methenolone acetate
• Methyltestosterone
• Oxandrolone (Anavar)
• Oxymetholone
• Stanozol
• Andriol (testosterone undecanoate)

ASA in injectable form (anabolic androgenic steroids).

The most common form of steroids are those that are injected. Injectable steroids must be administered by injection into a muscle, for example the buttock (intramuscular injection).

In contrast to steroids in tablet form, they do not have to be taken daily. Depending on the preparation, the active ingredient lasts for several days as it remains in the bloodstream for much longer. It can therefore usually be detected for a longer period of time during doping tests.

AS are dissolved in oil or water. They are injected directly into the muscle. They penetrate the skin and subcutaneous tissue. The buttocks, thighs or the deltoid area of the arm are best suited for this.

The needles for injecting anabolic steroids must be able to penetrate deep enough. Syringes with 22-gauge (1 ½ inch) or 23-gauge (1 inch) and a 3 ml housing are often used for this purpose. The skin and injection site must also be disinfected.

Injectable steroids include:

• Testosterone enanthate
• Testosterone cypionate
• Testosterone propionate
• Sustanon - testosterone mixture
• Boldenone undecylenate (Equipoise)
• Drostanolone propionate (Masteron)
• Drostanolone enanthate
• Nandrolone decanoate (Deca Durabolin)
• Stanozolol (Winstrol)
• Trenbolone acetate
• Trenbolone Enanthate
• Trenbolone hexahydrobenzyl carbonate (Parabolan)

How do anabolic androgenic steroids work?

As the name implies, anabolic androgenic steroids have both an anabolic and an androgenic effect.

Anabolic effect:

It increases the build-up of protein (albumen) in the muscles. Even without prior training, beginners can build muscle mass with the help of steroids. However, it is worth combining it with intensive and regular training.

The body's ability to regenerate is also increased. This allows people to recover more quickly after training and train more frequently and with shorter breaks.

Androgenic effect:

This refers to the development of typical male characteristics such as beard growth, deep voice, strong body hair etc. as well as the effect on the psyche.

An athlete who takes anabolic steroids is usually only aiming for an anabolic effect. Unfortunately, this is not entirely possible, although synthetic production is becoming increasingly efficient.

Overview of the benefits of anabolic steroids:

• Muscle building through increased protein biosynthesis in the muscle cells
• Faster regeneration during and after training
• increased fat loss
• Positive nitrogen balance, which leads to a muscle-building metabolism
• Increased performance
• Increased training aggression
• Increased energy and stamina
• Improved strength

Side effects of steroids

The side effects of anabolic steroids vary depending on the duration of use and dosage. There are various side effects that can occur. These include acne, heart problems, liver damage, enlarged prostate, breast growth in men, reduced testicles, hair loss, hormonal disorders and psychological problems.

Women can experience changes such as more body hair, irregular periods, a larger clitoris and a deeper voice. This is called virilization or masculinization. Long-term use of AS can damage the heart and lead to psychological dependence.

It is important to pay attention to cycle support after taking AS. This includes on-cycle therapy and post-cycle therapy.

Are anabolic androgenic steroids legal in Germany?

Attention: We cannot make any binding legal statements, but would like to explain the legal situation known to us (as of October 2021). Please always inform yourself about the current laws in your country before purchasing and using anabolic steroids.

The first time that anabolic steroids were banned was in 1974, after a detection method had been developed. They were tested for the first time at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal.

The production of synthetic AS, including testosterone, has been banned since 1984. Detection during doping tests is still not easy today.

In Germany, it is illegal to manufacture, trade, sell or dispense anabolic substances such as AS. This is regulated by the Anti-Doping Act. Anabolic steroids also fall under §6a of the German Medicines Act (AMG) and are therefore only available on prescription.

Sometimes there are exceptions for "small quantities", which are defined in the Doping Substance Quantity Ordinance (DmMV). More information in the LINK. Exceeding the limits for anabolic AS is illegal and can be punished. Possession, purchase and import are prohibited.

You may only possess or purchase a small amount of anabolic AS. These may not be used for doping in sport. If, for example, you possess anabolic steroids for medical or non-sporting reasons, you are not liable to prosecution. You should not use anabolic steroids for sporting purposes - especially in competitions.

Don't prefer anabolic steroids by injection? There are other AS that are legal, such as SARMs and prohormones. They have strong effects but fewer side effects.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us!