Types of Steroids – What are their Benefits & Side Effects?

When looking at the different types of steroids it is important to look at what benefits and side effects they will offer you.

While steroids can be broken down into two categories, bulking steroids and cutting steroids, this does not necessarily mean that each steroid in these categories works the same.

If you are interested in learning more about the various types of steroid available then I would recommend that you continue reading.[toc]

What are Anabolic Steroids?

Anabolic steroids are a synthetic substance derived from testosterone, a male sex hormone.

Originally created in the 1930s to treat hypogonadism, which is a condition that stops the testes from producing enough testosterone to promote growth, development and sexual function.

Soon it was discovered that using anabolic steroids offered numerous performance enhancing benefits so they were soon used by athletes to give themselves a competitive edge.

They have subsequently been banned by most sporting competitions, and are illegal to buy in many parts of the world.

How do Anabolic Steroids Work?

Basically using an anabolic steroid will help to replicate the effects of testosterone, causing both anabolic and androgenic changes to your body.

• Anabolic = Muscle growth, bone density increase and higher blood cells
• Androgenic = Sexual characteristics

Most steroids will focus more on the anabolic benefits rather than the androgenic.

When steroids are taken they will travel through your bloodstream until they come into contact with a steroid receptor molecule, which is found in your muscle cells.

This will stimulate the receptor, causing it to produce more protein and to release enzymes that can build muscle through protein synthesis.

There are other steroids that are anti-catabolic, so using them will not cause any breakdown of muscle tissue.

Commonly Used Steroids

There are numerous steroids available, here are some of the most common ones:

#1: Testosterone

It makes sense that this is the most popular steroid as it is the base of all steroids.

There are 3 main types:

1. Cypionate
2. Enanthate
3. Propionate

For those looking to primarily build muscle then testosterone enanthate is the best choice. Those looking to cut body fat should choose cypionate or enanthate.

#2: Anavar (Oxandrolone)

Usually used for those cutting fat, but has also been shown to increase strength too.

It is said to be the safest anabolic steroids for women.

#3: Winstrol

Otherwise known as Stanozol, using Winstrol can be used for both bulking and cutting.

#4: Trenbolone

There are 2 types of Trenbolone available; acetate and enanthate.

Trenbolone can be used to help build muscle and burn body fat. As it is one of the strongest steroids available it is the one with the biggest risk of side effects.

#5: Deca Durabolin (Nandrolone)

This is one of the safest steroids available, is used by those looking to add muscle mass.

#6: Dianabol (Methandrostenolone)

Dianabol is one of the oldest steroids, but still one of the most popular.

It is used primarily for those looking to gain muscle and strength.

#7: Equipoise (Boldenone)

Again, another bulking steroid that also helps to boost stamina, perfect for ensuring you have plenty of energy to complete your workouts.

#8: Sustanon

Sustanon is used to boost both muscle and strength.

#9: Anadrol (Oxymetholodone)

This is one of the cheapest and one of the least effective steroids available.

It has been shown that most of the gains made while using this steroid are lost after you have stopped using it.

Benefits of Using Steroids

It has been shown in numerous studies that using steroids can boost performance, this is why they have been banned from most sporting competitions.

Using them can help build lean muscle mass [1], strength, increased stamina and faster recovery times.

Research has also found that using steroids can also help drastically cut body fat, and also can increase bone density, which will reduce the risk of fracture.

These are often not short-term gains either. Researchers in Sweden found that powerlifters who had stopped using steroids still held a competitive advantage many years after they had stopped using them [2].

Potential Side Effects of Steroid Use

Using steroids obviously can offer various benefits, but there are also some risks [3] involved too.

The risks of steroid use include:

• Increased blood pressure
• Higher risk of heart disease
• Increased risk of liver disease
• Greater risk of injury
• Infertility
• Increased aggression, often referred to as “roid rage”
• Acne on face, back and chest
• Unusual hair growth
• Hair loss
• Gynecomastia (man boobs)

While some of these side effects can be reversed once you stop using steroids, many won’t and may even be permanent.

Steroid FAQs

The following are questions we often get asked about by our readers, feel free to ask your own questions using the comment form found below this article.

What Cycle is Most Effective?

There are too many different steroids and cycles to discuss here, we have an article that goes into more detail about steroid cycles here.

What is the Half-Life of Steroids?

The simple answer to the question is that the time that steroids will stay in your system will vary depending on what steroid has been used.

For more information on the half-life of steroids, I would recommend reading the following article.

Are Steroids Legal?

Steroids are not legal without a prescription, so unless you have one you are breaking the law when you buy them.

In many places around the world (such as the UK, Australia, New Zealand and the USA) it is also illegal to import them.

Should you use PCT?

It is incredibly important that you undergo PCT (Post Cycle Therapy) after a course of steroids.

The main reason for this is to restart your natural production of testosterone, which will often slow or even stop when using anabolic steroids.

An effective PCT plan can help rebalance your hormones, which will ensure those hard-earned gains are not lost. And to prevent or at least reduce the risk of encountering further issues.

The best time to start a PCT plan is immediately after the steroid cycle. For more information on Post Cycle Therapy, you should read the following article.

Where can you Buy Steroids?

While steroids are illegal to buy you won’t have to look very hard to buy them if you really wanted them.

There are numerous places online that sell them, and we all know that one guy down your local gym who is able to supply you.

The question you should be asking is whether you want to take the risk of using them.

Safe and Legal Alternative to Steroids

If you are looking for a safe and legal alternative to steroids then I would recommend those available to buy online via the Crazy Bulk website.

All of their products are made using natural ingredients so are safe to use, with no side effects.

They sell both bulking supplements and cutting supplements.

Best Legal Bulking Steroid Alternative

Our recommended legal bulking steroid alternative would be D-Bal, which is a legal alternative to Dianabol (Methandrostenolone).

It is made using various BCAAs, Whey Protein Concentrate and Tribulus Terrestris that can help boost nitrogen retention within your muscle tissue.

When this occurs you will start to experience an increase in protein synthesis too, which will result in an increase in both strength and muscle mass.

Other benefits on offer include:

• Muscle and strength gains
• Better nitrogen retention and protein synthesis
• Improved blood flow and oxygen retention

D-Bal is safe to use, with high-quality ingredients being used. As well as the highest possible manufacturing standards being adhered to.

Best Legal Cutting Steroid Alternative

For cutting body fat to help reveal your newly acquired muscle mass I would recommend that you take a look at Clenbutrol, which is a legal alternative to Clenbuterol.

Benefits on offer include:

• Fat burning
• Improved performance
• An increase in endurance
• Retain muscle while cutting fat

Fat burners in the past have relied on ingredients such as Ephedrine, but this ingredient has been shown to cause numerous side effects.

Clenbutrol instead uses Citrus Aurantium, which is a safe, but still an effective alternative.

For even greater results you should check out some of the ‘stacking’ options available.

When stacking supplements you can save more money off your purchase too. Currently, there is a buy two get a third FREE option available.

There is also free delivery available to both USA and UK customers, with discrete shipping too.

If you are in any doubt about the benefit of using any of the Crazy Bulk products then you only need to visit their website. They have numerous customer testimonials available to back up its claims. I would suggest you check them out today!