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Steroids come in different forms. There are injectable steroids, oral steroids and then there are creams. All of these supplements can help bodybuilders achieve their dream physique.
Conventionally, the general perception is that injectable steroids are more potent than oral steroids; but there are many who swear by taking oral supplements to get bigger and stronger. If you haven’t tried them before, it’s time you did some research.
This article will take you through all that you need to know about oral steroids and how they work in building muscle. Read on!
What is an oral steroid?
An oral steroid is a type of supplement wherein the active ingredient is taken orally rather than via injections. This way, the supplement gets absorbed directly into the bloodstream without having to be broken down by the liver.
Oral steroids are also sometimes referred to as oral anabolics. The main thing that distinguishes them from injectable steroids is that they don’t get metabolized in the same way. Oral supplements are usually taken orally, but there are some people who prefer mixing it with water and injecting it into their bodies.
Oral steroids were first introduced in the early 1950s to help treat muscle wasting diseases. By the 1960s, they were being used by competitive bodybuilders.
Oral steroids often include ingredients such as Stanozolol, Methandienone(Dianabol) and that’s why they are often referred to as ‘synthetic anabolic steroids.
Why are oral steroids somehow better than injectable steroids?
IT has been a known fact that injectable steroids are generally considered to be more potent than oral supplements. However, not many people know that it’s actually possible to take oral supplements orally without having to worry about the severe downsides of injectables.
One of the biggest reasons why bodybuilders prefer taking oral steroids is convenience. Oral products are easier for your body to absorb and they cause fewer side effects than injectable steroids.
However, it is best to exercise caution when taking oral supplements because they can cause major damage if not taken the right way. It is also better to consult a doctor before you start taking any kind of steroidal supplementation so that you get an informed opinion on what you are doing.
Another impressive reason why there is a rise in the popularity of oral steroids is cost. Injectable supplements are more expensive than oral ones because they have to be broken down by the liver before being absorbed into your bloodstream.
Oral steroids are also preferred by many bodybuilders because they are safer than injectables. This is mostly due to the fact that oral supplements can be taken orally, whereas injectables need to be injected.
It is also explained that oral steroids are more ‘legal’ than injectable steroids because they aren’t as likely to violate local and international laws and regulations as liquid products and intramuscular injections.
However, this does not mean that all illegal steroids are injectable. Many countries have laws in place which make it illegal to market or sell oral steroids that contain certain potent ingredients.
How do oral steroids work inside the body?
There are varying ways in which oral steroids work in your body. They supplement the natural process of muscle building by increasing protein synthesis and decreasing catabolism.
There are three main phases in which oral supplements work inside your body: bulking, maintaining, and cutting. All three phases require different dosages because each phase has a specific goal. The amount that you should take also depends on the type of steroid you are taking.
Bulking is a term that bodybuilders use to refer to an increase in muscle size. In most cases, this phase involves using high doses of steroids for a long period of time which can be anywhere from 6-12 weeks. During bulking, your goal is to put on as much weight as possible.
During the maintaining phase, your goal is primarily to maintain the mass that you have gained during the bulking phase. This means that your steroid dosage should be low and this period of supplementation should only last for a short term which could range from anywhere between 4-8 weeks.
Many bodybuilders believe that this is actually the most crucial phase of supplementation because it helps you to keep the muscle that you have put on during bulking.
The cutting stage is all about losing weight and getting rid of any unnecessary fat deposits. This means that your steroid dosage will be lower than in bulk, but it should still be high enough to give you the significant gains which are required for cutting.
This stage is commonly referred to as an ‘off-season’ because it allows you to take a break from your bulking phase and give your body the time it needs to recover. These 4-8 weeks are crucial for muscle growth, so it is important that you do not skip this stage!
What are the usual positive effects of oral steroids?
As we have mentioned above, there are varying ways in which oral steroids work. This also means that the results and effects of oral steroids also vary from one steroid to the other. However, the usual positive effects of oral bulking steroids are the following:
Increased testosterone levels: Just like injectable steroids, oral steroids can also increase the levels of testosterone in the body. This is due to the fact that all steroids are derivatives of the male hormone testosterone.
Increased muscle mass: Many bodybuilders use oral steroids in order to increase their muscle mass because they believe that this is the easiest way to get results. This means that if you are looking for quick gains, then oral supplements can be a great solution for you.
Enhanced strength: There are many studies that prove that oral steroids help you to enhance your strength levels. This means that if you are looking for an alternative to injectables, then this is one of the best options out there!
Enhanced recovery levels: When you supplement with oral steroids, your body recovers much quicker from a strenuous workout session which means that you can work out more often in order to see results.
Higher endurance levels: Many bodybuilders also use oral supplements in order to enhance their endurance levels. This means that if you are looking for more strength and stamina, then oral steroids can be a great solution for you.
Improved libido levels: There are also many bodybuilders who use oral steroids in order to improve their intimate performance. In most cases, this is due to the fact that these supplements can help you increase your libido levels and enhance your sperm count.
Better concentration levels: Another common positive effect of oral steroids is that it helps you to remain focused and improve your concentration levels. This means that if you are looking for a supplement that can help you stay concentrated, then this might be a great option for you!Increased red blood cell count: Steroids can also increase your body’s ability to transport oxygen to the muscles, which can result in you having more energy. This means that if you are looking for supplements that will give you more oxygen, then this might be a great option for you!
What are the usual downsides and side effects of oral steroid abuse?
Oral steroids may be a guaranteed safer alternative to injectable steroids, but this does not mean that they are completely safe. In fact, oral steroids come with their own downsides which, in some cases, can be worse than injectable steroids. But these side effects only occur mostly when oral steroids are used irresponsibly or abused. These side effects are the following:
Liver damage: This is one of the most common side effects of oral steroid use because it causes a buildup of fat in the liver. This leads to various diseases and even liver failure in some cases. If you avoid stacking oral steroids and use them for a limited amount of time, then this is not going to be an issue.
Acne: Many individuals also report having acne as one of the side effects of taking oral supplements. In most cases, these acne outbreaks can even lead to more severe skin conditions such as rosacea.
Lower testosterone levels: For a drug that aims to increase testosterone levels, it’s almost unbelievable that oral steroids can also cause a decrease in testosterone levels. This is due to the fact that the more you use oral steroids, the more your body starts to rely on them for producing testosterone.
Raised estrogen levels: Just like injectable steroids, oral steroids can also cause your body to produce higher amounts of estrogen. But this is not something that you need to worry about if you stack responsibly and use them intermittently.
Increased risk of cancer: This is another dangerous side effect that can occur if you abuse oral steroids for years. The problem with these supplements is that they are also very chemically active, which means that they have the potential to cause mutations in your cells.
Increased risk of cardiovascular disease: Have you noticed how some bodybuilders who use oral steroids have a protruding chest and a swollen appearance? This is because of the increased levels of estrogen which also lead to high cholesterol.
Increased blood pressure: Again, this is another common side effect that can come from the use of oral steroids. If you suffer from hypertension, then it’s highly recommended that you avoid using these supplements.
These are only some of the negative effects that you need to be aware of when it comes to oral steroid abuse. Just like injectable steroids, these supplements are not completely safe and they should only be used if absolutely necessary!
The proper dosage instructions for oral steroids
Each oral steroid has its own recommended dosage. This is the number of milligrams per day that you need to take in order to receive its full benefits.
The general rule for oral steroids is that you have to keep the total daily dose under 2000mg.
To make it clearer, here are some examples of oral steroids and their proper dosages:
Anavar: The usual dosage of this oral steroid ranges between 10 and 30mg. However, the dosage would also depend on your own particular needs.
Winstrol: The usual dosage is around 5-15mg per day, but you can increase it up to 25mg if needed.
Deca Durabolin: Much like Anavar, the normal dosage of this supplement ranges between 10 and 30mg per day. Once again, however, it would also depend on your own personal needs.
Adding up all these numbers, you can see that it’s not advisable to take more than 2000mg of oral steroids per day. This is because if you do, there is a high risk of suffering from the negative side effects mentioned above.
Can oral steroids be stacked for better results?
Stacking refers to the practice of combining two or more supplements for better results.
For example, if you stack Deca Durabolin and Anavar together, then you can expect a higher level of anabolic activity in combination with a lower level of side effects.
The problem with stacking is that it can be difficult to figure out which supplements can be stacked together. This is where your trusted physician or local gym trainer would come in handy.
However, if you are someone who has been taking oral steroids for years, then it’s best to leave the stacking to the pros. The reason for this is that stacking can be very dangerous if not done correctly, especially with supplements that have strong side effects.
When in doubt, always consult your trusted physician or an experienced trainer before beginning any stacking regimen.
Here are some examples of oral steroid stacks that have been popular among bodybuilders for years:
Winstrol + Testosterone: This is the most common testosterone replacement therapy used by bodybuilders.
Anavar + Testosterone: Bodybuilders often use this stack to help them become leaner without gaining bulk.
Deca Durabolin + Sustanon 250: Another popular combination for those who are looking to bulk up without adding too much body fat.
The legal status of oral steroids
Oral steroids are classified as controlled substances by the FDA, which means that they require a prescription.
This classification also means that people who take these supplements without first obtaining a written prescription can be arrested and convicted under drug possession laws.
On top of this, it’s highly advised to avoid buying oral steroids from black market suppliers since you don’t know if they are real or fake.
Examples of oral steroids that are popular
There are a lot of oral steroids out there and it can be difficult to find which ones are needed for specific physical or fitness goals. To make it a bit easier for you, here are some oral steroids followed by a description of what they are and what they are used for:
Anavar: This oral steroid is known for its ability to help the user become leaner while also maintaining muscle mass. For this reason, it’s usually used by bodybuilders for cutting cycles.
Winstrol: This oral steroid is best known for its ability to help the user increase their overall strength and durability without gaining many sizes or weight. Since it can be taken both orally and injected, it’s usually used by athletes for weightlifting competitions.
Deca Durabolin: This oral steroid is best known for its ability to increase the body’s nitrogen retention while also increasing the body’s overall strength and adding lean muscle mass. For this reason, it can be taken both orally and injected, which makes it suitable for use in weightlifting and bodybuilding competitions.
Testosterone: This is one of the most widely used and abused oral steroids because it’s responsible for promoting muscle mass and strength gain while also improving athletic performance and libido levels. For this reason, it’s often used by athletes competing in weightlifting and football matches.
Anadrol: Although associated with side effects that might make it difficult and dangerous for some people to use, Anadrol is one of the best-known oral steroids in terms of size and strength gain. For this reason, it’s often used by bodybuilders during bulking cycles.
HGH: Human Growth Hormone (HGH) supplements are popular among users who want to add lean muscle mass without adding too much weight or bulk.
Ostarine: Since it can be taken both orally and injected, this is one of the most popular oral steroids among athletes participating in bodybuilding and fitness competitions.
Arimidex: This is an aromatase inhibitor that reduces the level of estrogen in the body to help prevent side effects associated with the use of oral steroids.
Turinabol: This is another popular type of steroid used by athletes because it can help them increase their overall strength and durability without adding a lot of size or weight.
Clenbuterol: Although known for its ability to promote rapid fat burn, this oral steroid is also responsible for causing several negative side effects.Dianabol: Known for its ability to increase the body’s nitrogen retention, this is one of the most popular oral steroids among athletes participating in weightlifting and other forms of strenuous physical activity.
Frequently asked questions about oral steroids
Are oral steroids safer than injectable steroids?
Although the short-term use of oral steroids is generally considered safe, several medical experts have warned that it’s possible for a user to experience a number of long-term health problems if they continue taking these steroids for an extended period of time.
Are oral steroids legal?
This will solely depend on the location in which you are using these types of steroids. If you are using them in the United States, for example, they are only available through a prescription from your doctor.
Do oral steroids show up on drug tests?
Yes, several types of oral steroids do show up on drug tests because these substances produce almost identical metabolites to those produced by injectable types of steroids.
Can women take oral steroids?
Although some medical experts and steroid manufacturers insist that certain types of oral steroids are safe for use by both men and women, other users may experience severe negative side effects as a result of using these products.
Summary and conclusion
In conclusion, oral steroids are very effective in helping users gain muscle, increase strength and endurance. Users are strongly advised to use steroids under the care of a medical professional or sports specialist for recommended dosage, duration of treatment, etc.