Steroid Safety Dosage: Studies Using Real-World Doses

600 mg of Testosterone per Week

The first study, published in the American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism in July 2001, examined the dose-response effects of testosterone on body composition, muscle size, strength, function, sexual and cognitive function, and various health markers. Normal males aged 18-35 participated in this study. They were divided into five groups, each receiving weekly injections of 25, 50, 125, 300, or 600 milligrams for 20 weeks. This treatment period was preceded by a 4-week control (no drug) period, followed by a 16-week recovery period. The greatest gains in strength and lean body mass were observed in the highest dose group, with the 600 mg group averaging over 17 pounds of lean body mass gain over the 20-week steroid treatment. There were no significant changes in prostate-specific antigen (PSA), liver enzymes (indicating liver stress), sexual activity, or cognitive function at any dose. The only noted negative effect was a slight reduction in HDL (good) cholesterol in all groups except those taking 25 mg. The 600 mg group experienced the most significant reduction of 9 points, but their average HDL level remained 34 points after 20 weeks of treatment. All other groups remained within the normal reference range (40-59 points).

600 mg of Nandrolone per Week

Next, we look at a study conducted on men with HIV, which documented the lean mass-building effects of nandrolone decanoate. Thirty participants received the same high weekly dose of this drug, with half undergoing resistance training, thus dividing them into trained and untrained groups. The dosing regimen was substantial, starting at 200 mg in the first week, 400 mg in the second week, and peaking at 600 mg for the following 10 weeks. The dose was tapered down from week 13 to week 16, allowing the drug to gradually leave the patients' systems. The study carefully monitored potential negative metabolic changes, including cholesterol and lipid levels (including HDL and LDL subfractions), triglycerides, insulin sensitivity, and fasting glucose levels. Despite the high doses, no adverse changes were observed in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, or insulin sensitivity. In fact, the resistance training group noticed significant improvements in LDL particle size distribution, lipoprotein(a) levels, and triglyceride values, indicating a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Carbohydrate metabolism also significantly improved in this group. The only negative effect observed was a reduction in HDL (good) cholesterol values, similar to the testosterone study, with an 8-10 point decrease between the two groups.

100 mg/Day of Anadrol

Finally, we examine a study on the potent oral steroid oxymetholone (Anadrol). This steroid is considered one of the most dangerous among bodybuilders, often respected and cautiously used. This study reflects real-world Anadrol usage, avoiding common overdosage and prolonged intake seen in bodybuilding. Thirty-one elderly men aged 65-80 were divided into three groups, receiving daily doses of 50 mg, 100 mg, or a placebo for 12 weeks. Changes in lean body mass and strength were measured, along with common safety markers including total cholesterol, LDL and HDL cholesterol levels, serum triglycerides, PSA (prostate-specific antigen), and liver enzymes. Muscle mass and strength gains correlated with the dose, with results similar to those observed with weekly testosterone enanthate doses of 125 mg or 300 mg over 20 weeks (approximately 6.4 and 12 pounds of lean mass increase for the 50 mg and 100 mg doses, respectively). There were no significant changes in PSA, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol values, or fasting triglycerides. However, HDL cholesterol values significantly decreased (by 19 and 23 points in the 50 mg and 100 mg groups, respectively). Liver enzymes (transaminases AST and ALT) increased only in the 100 mg group, but the changes were not significant and were not accompanied by liver enlargement or severe liver disease.

Conclusion

A total of 121 men participated in these three studies, which involved the use of moderate to high doses of steroids over three to five months. Despite potential shock to most opponents of anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use, an unbiased assessment of metabolic changes and health risks did not show any significant short-term dangers. In all three cases, the main negative effect of steroid use was a reduction in good (HDL) cholesterol values, a reasonable concern for assessing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. However, it is unclear whether this specific risk factor's short-term increase correlates with significant long-term health damage. It may be offset by other positive metabolic changes (if any) attributed to the combination of AAS use and exercise.

Combining Western and Traditional Medicine Can Cause Serious Consequences: Warn Family Members Not to Do So

Logically, based on similar parameters used in these three studies, the isolated use of steroids should pose relatively minimal health risks. At the very least, it is difficult to argue that the cyclical use of moderate drug doses is equivalent to playing Russian roulette with your body, as most media opponents of these drugs seem to suggest. But do not be mistaken. These same study results consistently demonstrated that when using doses necessary for significant physical or performance enhancement, blood lipids undergo changes conducive to atherosclerosis. This underscores the potential for long-term abuse of anabolic-androgenic steroids to harm cardiovascular health.