In a supplement store, a product sits on the shelf called "Natural Testosterone Booster" or "Legal Steroid Alternative". It looks legal, is sold freely, and the advertising promises incredible results. But there is a catch – what is inside might be something completely different from what is written on the label.
Globally, approximately 3.3% of the population abuses anabolic steroids. In the USA, this translates to 3 to 4 million people who use these substances without a medical prescription. And here come the questions: Steroids – what are they? What exactly are prohormones and designer steroids? Why are they problematic, and what do they do to the human body?
What are steroids and what are anabolic steroids
Basic definition of steroids
Let's first look at the absolute basics, namely what steroids are. Many of us automatically associate this word with bodybuilders with massive muscles. In reality, it is a category of substances that includes a multitude of hormones naturally present in the human body. The steroid family includes testosterone, estrogen, cortisol, cholesterol, and bile acids.
So not all steroids are "bad" – the human body needs them to function normally.
The difference between natural and synthetic steroids
Natural steroids are produced by the human body through precisely controlled, automatic regulation. When the organism needs more of a certain hormone, it sends a signal. When there is enough, production stops.
Different types of steroids are produced in different places in the body. For example, the primary male hormone, testosterone, is produced in the testes in men, and in smaller amounts in the adrenal glands and ovaries in women.
On the other hand, synthetic anabolic steroids are chemically modified versions of testosterone created in a laboratory. The testosterone molecule resembles a LEGO structure made of 17 carbon atoms. Scientists in a lab modify it – adding, removing, or swapping certain parts. For example, they might attach a "protective brick" to the C-17 position so the steroid survives the journey through the digestive tract. But this enhancement places a significant burden on the liver.
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What are anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS)
Moving further, we come to the question of what anabolic steroids are and how steroids work in the human body. Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are synthetic substances created to promote muscle growth and minimize masculinizing effects. When used, they bind to receptors in muscle cells and send a signal to the cell nucleus: "Start producing more proteins!"
The result, according to research from the journal Sports Medicine: an increase in strength by 5-20% and a weight gain of 2-5 kg. However, this involved the short-term use of relatively low doses.
💡 Even though scientists are trying to create "clean" anabolic steroids solely for muscle growth, it probably won't be possible. They all act through the same receptor, so side effects are an inseparable part of the package. |
What are prohormones and designer steroids
Prohormones - chemical principle and origin
Prohormones are like a semi-finished product – they are substances that convert into an active hormone in the body with the help of enzymes. It is a complex category that includes different generations of compounds with varying effects.
Older prohormones (1st generation - before 2004): The most well-known are androstenedione, androstenediol, DHEA, and 19-norandrostenedione. At the turn of the millennium, these substances began to be sold en masse in nutrition stores as legal "natural testosterone boosters." However, research yielded skeptical results. A study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology (1999) tested these prohormones for 12 weeks at doses below 300 mg daily and found: no effect on muscle growth, no performance improvement, but a significant drop in HDL cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol).
Newer prohormones (2nd and 3rd generation - after 2004): After the ban on original prohormones in 2004 (Anabolic Steroid Control Act), new compounds entered the market: 1-androstenedione (1-Andro), 4-androstenedione (4-Andro), epiandrosterone, and others. Manufacturers continued to develop chemically modified substances that technically bypassed regulations but had similar anabolic effects.
Examples of the most commonly used prohormones:
1-Andro and 4-Andro: Basic testosterone precursors often used alone or in combination. 1-Andro is known for "dry" muscle mass gains without water retention, while 4-Andro converts directly into testosterone.
Methyl-1-Etiocholenolol (CAS: 13974-35-1): A methylated derivative with a strong anabolic effect. Methylation at the C-17 position allows for oral administration but significantly increases liver toxicity.
Hexadrone (CAS: 63321-10-8): Also known as 6-chloro-androst-4-en-3-one-17b-ol, it belongs to the stronger prohormones used for gaining strength and muscle mass.
5-Alpha-Hydroxy-Laxogenin: Unlike hormonal prohormones, this is a plant steroid (phytosteroid) extracted from the plant Smilax sieboldii. Theoretically, it should not suppress natural testosterone production, but clinical studies on its effectiveness in humans are very limited.
Max LMG / Methoxydienone (CAS: 2322-77-2): A methandienone derivative with an added methoxy group. It is one of the strongest oral prohormones with a rapid onset of action, but also a high risk of hepatotoxicity.
Trenavar / Trendione (CAS: 4642-95-9): A precursor to trenbolone, one of the strongest anabolic steroids. After conversion in the body, it produces effects similar to trenbolone – a significant increase in strength and fat reduction, but with an extremely high risk of side effects.
These substances have a proven anabolic effect. A study in the Journal of Applied Physiology (2014) tested 1-Andro (3β-hydroxy-5α-androst-1-en-17-one) on 17 resistance-trained men over 4 weeks:
Increase in lean muscle mass: +6.3%
Decrease in body fat: -24.6%
Increase in squat strength: +14.3%
But at the same time, severe changes occurred:
Creatinine (a marker of kidney function): +19.6%
AST (a marker of liver damage): +113.8%
Decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR - kidney blood clearance rate): -18.0%
Decrease in albumin (a protein produced by the liver, an indicator of its function): -5.1%
Designer steroids and bypassing regulation
Designer steroids are chemicals created with a single goal: to bypass the law. The most well-known include Superdrol (methyldrostanolone), M1T (methyl-1-testosterone), or DMZ (dimethylazine) – substances that have never undergone clinical trials but are sold as "dietary supplements." Manufacturers take the chemical formula of a banned steroid, alter it slightly, and create a substance that acts the same way but is technically not (yet) banned.
They are sold under names like "Natural Steroids," "Legal Steroids," or "Testosterone Boosters." But in reality, they are full-fledged anabolic steroids.
Why these substances are problematic from a legislative perspective
In Slovakia and throughout the EU, anabolic steroids are prescription-only medications. But designer steroids and prohormones bypass the laws by masquerading as "dietary supplements" – they do not have to undergo clinical testing, do not have to prove safety, and oversight is minimal. Studies repeatedly show that the differences between what is on the label and what is inside can be enormous.
Since the dietary supplement market is not sufficiently regulated, the risk of buying a contaminated product is real. When buying any dietary supplements, always verify:
Laboratory purity tests - serious manufacturers provide independent laboratory analyses (COA - Certificate of Analysis) proving that the product contains exactly what is stated on the label.
Quality certifications - indicated by marks like GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), ISO certificates, or third-party verification.
Manufacturer transparency - trustworthy brands openly share their ingredients, the origin of raw materials, and test results.
💡 Sellers who offer genuinely high-quality products have nothing to hide and have their products regularly tested by independent laboratories. |
How steroids affect the human body
Impact on the hormonal axis (HPTA)
What are steroids for and what do they cause in the body? To understand the mechanism of action, we will look at three key areas: the hormonal axis, muscles, and the cardiovascular system.
The natural testosterone production system works like a thermostat: the hypothalamus measures testosterone levels, and if they are low, it signals the pituitary gland, which sends LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) to the testes. The testes start producing testosterone. And when there is enough, the hypothalamus gives the command to stop production.
So what happens when using steroids? The situation resembles a room with a thermostat where someone brings in an electric heater. The thermostat detects the heat and turns off the central heating – but the heat isn't coming from the boiler, it's coming from outside.
The exact same thing happens in the body:
Week 1-2: LH and FSH drop almost to zero.
Week 3-6: The testes begin to shrink, and the production of natural testosterone drops to zero.
After discontinuing use: The testes are shut down and shrunken; the body's own system does not work.
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The recovery of natural testosterone production takes 6-12 months (sometimes longer, and in some cases, it never recovers). After discontinuation, one may experience extreme fatigue, depression, muscle loss, zero libido, and infertility.
Effects on Muscles and Strength - What is Myth and What is Reality
We often encounter dramatic "before and after" photos where someone has added 15-20 kg of muscle in 12 weeks. These transformations are real - but what is behind them?
A typical example of an amateur user:
A man (25 years old, 178 cm, 75 kg) with 2 years of training experience starts a 12-week cycle of testosterone + trenbolone (one of the strongest steroids). The result: an increase from 75 kg to 92 kg (+17 kg), dramatic muscle enlargement, and highly visible veins all over the body.
What actually happened:
Out of the 17 kg gained, approximately 8-10 kg is water and carbohydrates stored in the muscles (glycogen).
5-7 kg is pure lean muscle mass.
2-3 kg can be fat (steroids also increase appetite).
After ending the cycle: a loss of 8-12 kg within 4 weeks.
This pattern repeats in thousands of cases. Steroids do indeed accelerate muscle growth, but most of the visible transformation is temporary - it involves water retention, increased glycogen stores in the muscles, and the "pump" during use.
Long-term perspective:
A user who gains 17 kg in 12 weeks, after ending the cycle and restoring natural hormonal balance (6-12 months), usually retains only 3-5 kg of the original gain. This represents less than what they would have gained through natural training over the same period.
Impact on the Cardiovascular System
A Danish study followed 545 men who used anabolic steroids: mortality was 3 times higher, and hospitalizations were 2 times higher. Many died from heart failure or heart attacks.
What do steroids cause in the cardiovascular system? The changes are extensive and often irreversible:
HDL cholesterol drops by 50%, LDL increases → high risk of atherosclerosis.
Thickening of the heart wall, formation of scar tissue, impaired pumping function.
Increased risk of blood clots → heart attack, stroke, pulmonary embolism.
Documented cases of premature deaths:
Andreas Münzer (†31 years old, 1996) An Austrian professional bodybuilder with extremely low body fat. He died from multiple organ failure. The autopsy revealed extensive microscopic tumors in the liver, an enlarged heart, and kidneys with severe changes. Furthermore, more than 20 different substances were found in his blood, including steroids, growth hormone, insulin, diuretics, and thyroxine.
Mohammed Benaziza (†28 years old, 1992)
The Moroccan IFBB professional died just a few hours after winning a Grand Prix. Cause: a massive heart attack caused by a combination of extreme dehydration (diuretics) and the strain on the heart from steroids.
Dallas McCarver (†26 years old, 2017)
This professional bodybuilder died suddenly at the age of 26. The autopsy revealed a significantly enlarged heart, severe atherosclerotic changes in the arteries, and a markedly enlarged liver. A combination of steroids, HGH, and insulin was found in his body.
"Joesthetics" - Jo Lindner (†30 years old, 2023)
A German fitness influencer with 8.5 million followers on Instagram. He died suddenly at 30 years old from an aneurysm (a ruptured bulging artery). A few days before his death, he published a video talking about his steroid cycles and experiencing chest pain.
Health Risks - Steroid Side Effects and Adverse Effects
What do steroids cause in the short and long term? Steroids and their effects can be divided into three categories:
Short-term vs. long-term risks
Short-term effects (can be reversed after discontinuation): acne, water retention, increased blood pressure, sleep disturbances, mood swings, and aggression.
Short-term effects (may persist): enlargement of breast tissue in men (gynecomastia), testicular shrinkage, infertility.
Long-term effects (may be irreversible): cardiovascular diseases, liver damage, permanent cessation of natural testosterone production (hypogonadism), psychological issues, premature death (3 times higher risk).
Impact on the Liver, Heart, and Psyche
Liver: Oral steroids are chemically altered to survive the digestive process, but this "shield" is toxic to the liver.
Heart: Thickening of the heart muscle, scar tissue, increased risk of heart attacks. A person may feel fine while their heart is actively being damaged.
Psyche: During use – hypomania, aggression, impulsive behavior. After discontinuation – severe depression, anxiety, fatigue, loss of libido.
💡 In recent years, psychiatrists have increasingly diagnosed steroid users with muscle dysmorphia – also known as "bigorexia." It is a psychological disorder similar to anorexia, but in reverse: a person with muscle dysmorphia sees themselves as too weak and small, even when they have massive muscles. |
Risks for Young Athletes
At the ages of 15-25, the body is still developing, and steroids can permanently disrupt this development. The hormonal system and HPTA axis are not fully developed, and the damage can be more permanent. There is also a risk of stunted growth because steroids can prematurely close the growth plates in the bones. Last but not least, adolescence is a period of identity formation. When using steroids, there is a higher risk of body image disorders and a greater susceptibility to risky behavior.
However, these risks do not deter many young athletes – especially in professional sports, where doping is a widespread problem.
Steroid Abuse in Sports
Why steroids are banned (WADA)
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) adds a substance to the prohibited list if it meets at least 2 out of 3 criteria: (1) it enhances performance, (2) it poses a health risk, (3) it violates the spirit of sport. Anabolic steroids meet all three.
Steroids are banned at all times, for everyone, without exception. You can find more information in the document Prohibited List of Substances and Methods of Doping 2026.
Ethical and health consequences of doping
Doping is not just about chemical substances. It is about values and what sports actually mean. Steroids create an uneven playing field and pressure on others – either cheat, or you'll never win. When professional athletes use steroids, they normalize dangerous behavior. Furthermore, it creates a false image of what can actually be achieved naturally.
Real-World Case Studies from Sports
Ronnie Coleman (8× Mr. Olympia)
In documentary films, he openly admitted to using steroids, but he never specified the doses. Today, he suffers from severe health problems - he has undergone 13 spinal surgeries, walks with a cane, and is nearly an invalid. At the age of 59, he looks like an 80-year-old man.
Rich Piana (†46 years old)
The YouTube influencer openly discussed his usage: "I take 2.5 grams a week. Everyone knows it's harmful, but that's the reality if you want to be big." He died at the age of 46 from a heart attack. His heart and liver weighed approximately twice as much as those of an average adult male.
Liver King (Brian Johnson): An influencer who presented himself as someone who achieved his massive physique through an ancestral lifestyle (eating raw meat, liver). In December 2022, his email conversation with a doctor was leaked, in which he detailed his steroid protocol:
Testosterone: 200 mg per week
BPC-157, TB-500 (peptides for recovery)
Growth hormone: 1.32 mg daily
Insulin before meals
Estimated costs: $11,000 per month on pharmacology
After being exposed, Liver King confessed: "Yes, I take steroids. I lied because I wanted to show that it is possible naturally... I was a fool." https://www.instagram.com/p/DGLvqjeSVyc/
What Current Research Says
Findings from PubMed and Clinical Studies
Scientific literature speaks clearly: steroids work, but the price is high. We have mentioned several research papers and studies in the article; here, we will just summarize a few facts.
Meta-analysis of 25 studies (2018): Showed an increase in lean muscle mass (SMD - standardized mean difference of 0.62) and an increase in strength. Only 13 out of 25 studies reported side effects; usage was mostly short-term (6–12 weeks), and doses were lower than in the real world.
Danish study (2019): Mortality is 3 times higher, and hospitalizations are 2 times higher.
Study on designer steroids (2015): Easily accessible in supplements, severe side effects (hepatotoxicity, disruption of testosterone production, infertility). The impact on reproductive health is likely underestimated.
Long-Term Consequences Observed in Studies
Recovery after steroids (2023): The duration of testosterone production recovery is extremely variable — from months to years. In some cases, it never fully recovers. Factors include the duration of use, dose, type of steroids, and age.
Psychological consequences (Harvard 2008): A long-term study showed that up to 30% of steroid users may develop an addiction, accompanied by symptoms of depression, decreased libido, and prolonged hypogonadism after discontinuation.
Stances of Physicians and Endocrinologists
The medical community unanimously agrees: the illegal use of steroids is a serious public health issue.
The Endocrine Society (the most prominent endocrinological organization) issued this official statement (2014): "The abuse of anabolic steroids presents a significant health risk. Side effects include cardiovascular complications, hepatotoxicity, reproductive dysfunction, and psychological issues. Use without medical supervision is dangerous and is not recommended."
The European Society of Endocrinology holds a similar position — steroids without medical supervision are dangerous.
Are There Safe Alternatives?
Nutrition and Training vs. Pharmacological Interventions
The good news is: results can be achieved even without steroids. The bad news is that it will take longer, and discipline is essential.
Optimizing protein intake: 1.6–2.2 g/kg daily, divided into 4–6 meals, ideally 20–40 g per serving.
Progressive overload: Gradually increasing weights, repetitions, or shortening rest periods.
Real expectations without steroids:
First year: 5–10 kg of muscle (men), strength doubles
Second year: 2–5 kg, strength +30–50%
Third year and beyond: 0.5–2 kg annually, strength +10–20%
Macronutrients and recovery: Carbohydrates before and after training, fats for proper hormone production (20–30% of intake), and protein evenly distributed throughout the day. Muscles grow during the recovery phase — 7–9 hours of sleep, 1–2 rest days per week.
Legal Supplements with Proven Effects
For those looking for a safe way to support hormonal balance and performance, there are proven supplements that work with the body's natural mechanisms. Most commonly, these are combinations of plant extracts (e.g., Tribulus terrestris, Ashwagandha, Tongkat Ali), minerals (zinc, magnesium), and vitamins (vitamin D3, B-complex).
These solutions do not replace exogenous hormones but aim to support their natural production and stability. When choosing, the quality of ingredients, purity, and manufacturer transparency are crucial.
In our e-shop, you will find products with verified compositions and quality certificates, for example:
To testosterone support and hormonal balance:
T-1000 TESTO EXTREME – a comprehensive formula to support testosterone with Tribulus terrestris, zinc, and vitamin D3.
EPI CAT – contains epicatechin, which naturally supports anabolic processes.
Super PCT III – optimization of hormonal balance after demanding training phases.
For professional research use (IN VITRO):
MAXIMUS – a multi-component research stack focused on the study of strength, muscle mass, and metabolism under controlled laboratory conditions.
IBUTA MOREN – a research product designed to analyze processes associated with growth hormone and recovery.
GIGANTO – an advanced research stack designed to monitor muscle progression, recovery, and hormonal signaling.
Check out more from our category: Special Products
In addition to testosterone boosters, these proven supplements also support overall health, performance, and hormonal balance:
Creatine Monohydrate: The most researched supplement; it increases phosphocreatine in muscles and regenerates ATP. Completely safe.
Protein Supplements: For those who do not reach 1.6–2.2 g/kg daily from their regular diet. Whey protein after training, casein before bed.
Omega-3: EPA and DHA protect the heart and blood vessels (whereas steroids destroy them), reduce inflammation, and improve cholesterol. Supplementing 1–2 g daily is recommended if fatty fish consumption is not at least 2–3 times a week.
Zinc and Magnesium: A zinc deficiency can significantly reduce testosterone levels. Magnesium supports sleep quality and recovery, which indirectly affects hormonal balance.
Caffeine: A proven impact on performance; it increases alertness and reduces fatigue.
Beta-alanine: Helps during activities lasting 60–240 seconds (a set of squats, interval training). It increases carnosine levels in muscles, allowing for more intense and longer workouts.
Why Prevention Is Better Than "Shortcuts"
Prohormones and designer steroids have their benefits, but also severe risks. Abroad — especially in the USA, Great Britain, and Germany — this topic is discussed more openly. There are communities where people share experiences and protocols, often under medical supervision or as part of research projects. In Slovakia, this topic is still a taboo.
The goal of this article is not to moralize, but to provide the most comprehensive information possible. When choosing any supplement, always verify its quality, origin, and whether it contains prohibited substances. Every supplement should only act as a support, not as a replacement for natural training and a healthy lifestyle.
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Read also:
The Hidden Face of Dietary Supplements: What Are We Really Consuming?
How to Determine Testosterone Levels: A Guide for Hormonal Detectives
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