We’d want to emphasize that no steroid is completely safe, especially when purchased on the black market for purely aesthetic reasons.
Because anabolic steroids are also prohibited, users of AAS have a risk of developing life-threatening adverse effects.
However, certain steroids are safer than others, which is why the FDA has permitted several AAS in medicine (whereas others are not).
Bodybuilders, on the other hand, often ingest much higher dosages of anabolic steroids than those used in medical treatment, thus increasing the danger of adverse effects.
Furthermore, bodybuilders frequently take steroids without consulting a medical doctor on a regular basis, which is yet another danger.
However, the following are the mildest and least harmful steroids that a bodybuilder can use:
- Testosterone
- Anavar
- Deca Durabolin
Testosterone
Testosterone is a prescription steroid approved by the FDA for use in millions of men all over the world who suffer from low testosterone levels. This is known as testosterone replacement therapy or TRT. Testosterone was named to the WHO’s List of Essential Medicines, which considers it essential for treating endocrine diseases.
Testosterone is a hormone that causes characteristics in men, including increased sexual desire, aggressiveness, muscularity, and fat loss. From 2001 to 2011 testosterone prescriptions have almost tripled, suggesting that there is presently an issue with low testosterone levels. Testosterone is primarily used in bodybuilding bulking cycles to promote huge amounts of muscle and strength;
Testosterone, when injected correctly, maybe one of the safest steroids available. Despite being on the market for more than 80 years, testosterone causes significant muscle growth (20-30 pounds) and is still one of the most popular bodybuilding steroids. ANY STEROID OR DRUG can be hazardous if administered incorrectly (or fatal).
Oral testosterone is not available (undecanoate) in the United States, however, it is accessible (undecanoate) in other countries. Oral testosterone is less popular than injectables when it comes to bodybuilding since to its higher market price.
Testosterone Side Effects
Due to it being a shot and immediately entering the circulation, testosterone has little to no hepatic concern (liver stress).
Oral testosterone (undecanoate) is also safe for the liver, which absorbs it via the intestinal lymphatic route; as a result of this, hepatotoxic strain is avoided. 2,800mg per week of oral testosterone is tolerable, which is a realistic dose for bodybuilders since this will not greatly affect the HPTA.
Blood Pressure
Testosterone is likely to raise blood pressure due to changes in HDL/LDL cholesterol ratios. However, when compared to other anabolic steroids, such cholesterol shifts are minor.
There are a few factors that explain why testosterone does not have a major effect on blood pressure. To begin with, it transforms into estrogen and has a beneficial impact on lipids. Secondarily, because testosterone does not travel through the liver, it fails to stimulate hepatic lipase, an enzyme that may cause cholesterol levels to be skewed in the wrong direction.
When therapeutic doses of oral testosterone are given to overweight men, there is evidence that it may improve their cardiovascular health. This, however, is most likely a consequence of a reduction in body fat rather than an increase in blood pressure.
When most bodybuilders take moderate to high dosages of testosterone, their blood pressure will rise; the severity of the rise depends on the dose and cycle length. After 12 weeks, 280mg/week of testosterone enanthate had a minor detrimental impact on HDL cholesterol in research. 300mg/week of testosterone (enanthate), when taken for 20 weeks, resulted in only a 13% decrease in HDL levels.
Meanwhile, 600mg/week resulted in a reduction of 21%.
Note: Taking an AI (aromatase inhibitor) will raise blood pressure because it prevents the conversion of testosterone to estrogen, which decreases HDL levels.
Estrogenic Side Effects
Estrogenic activity in testosterone can cause gynecomastia and edema (water retention), however, a SERM (such as Nolvadex) considerably lowers the chance of gyno occurrence.
Incidents of gynecomastia are particularly rare when combining low doses of testosterone with a SERM.
It has also been reported that estrogenic activity may play a key role in fat loss. Testosterone’s conversion to estrogen via aromatase stimulates adipocytes, which encourages lipolysis (fat breakdown).
Estrogenic side effects are usually not an issue with bodybuilders when high doses of testosterone are used. This is because the aromatase enzyme is suppressed due to excessive levels of androgens in the blood. At this point, the estrogen level will be too low for gynecomastia or water retention to occur.
The dosage required for testosterone-induced increases in muscular strength has been shown to suppress serum cortisol by 23% while also decreasing estradiol levels by 45%.
Androgenic Side Effects
Hair loss on the scalp, prostate enlargement, and acne are all possible testosterone side effects. Dr. Ziegler created Dianabol after learning that Soviet strongmen had to use urinary catheters as a result of cycling testosterone in the Olympic Games.
As a result, Dianabol was designed to be less androgenic than testosterone – but more anabolic. As a result, despite testosterone’s minute qualities, it may not be suitable for someone with preexisting prostate problems or someone seeking to prevent hair loss.
Testosterone Suppression
Testosterone, like all anabolic steroids, will reduce endogenous testosterone levels. Unless a PCT (post-cycle therapy) is used to shorten the recovery time, low testosterone might be felt for many months after.
To restore male testosterone production, HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), Clomid (clomiphene citrate), or Nolvadex (tamoxifen citrate) may be taken post-cycle.
Anavar (Oxandrolone)
Anavar is an oral steroid, often used in cutting cycles to enhance fat loss and lean muscle gains. Anavar is one of the few steroids that is adept at building muscle and burning fat simultaneously. Muscle gains are not extreme on Anavar. However, an increase of 10-15lbs is common.
Anavar is a mild steroid that has been authorized by the FDA for medical use. It’s frequently given to those who have trouble gaining weight as a result of trauma, infection, or surgery (as a result of osteoporosis).
Surprisingly, Anavar may be dianabol results after 4 weeks given to women and children without producing any major negative effects. This demonstrates Anavar’s limited characteristics in comparison to other steroids, which lead to masculinization in women or/and being too hazardous for children.
Anavar is known as the “girl steroid” among bodybuilders since it is typically safe for them (in low to moderate doses). Many AAS have been found to cause the clitoris to grow, reduce breast size, induce hair growth on the body; as well as change voices.
However, not just bodybuilders take Anavar; but rather, many men use it to boost muscular strength, power, and endurance.
Anavar Side Effects
Liver toxicity
When it comes to liver health, most oral steroids are not well regarded. This is because c-17 alpha alkylation occurs when orals are prepared using c-17 alpha alkylation, making them enter the circulation before being processed by the liver. As a result, the organ becomes overloaded with ALT and AST liver enzymes.
Nonetheless, Anavar is one of the few exceptions to this pattern, with it posing significantly less liver toxicity (compared to other orals).
It’s not entirely clear why this is the case, but it’s possible that the kidneys play a bigger part in Oxandrolone processing than they do with other substances. As a result, lowering liver strain.
To avoid Anavar’s liver-toxic side effects, it’s advised to take it in lower doses.
Cholesterol levels
Cholesterol levels will drop, according to some researchers, significantly less than other anabolic steroids; though somewhat greater than testosterone.
For an oral steroid, Anavar is certainly not the worst compound for the heart; however, its effects are notable.
Men who took 20 mg/day of Anavar for 12 weeks had a 30 percent decrease in HDL cholesterol, according to research.
The HDL reduction was modest at a 40mg/day Anavar dosage (33% in total). When administered at 80mg/day, the decrease was substantial; it fell 50%. LDL levels increased in each of the groups at roughly the same rate as HDL.
For men, the usual bodybuilding dosage is 20mg of Anavar per day. However, it is never taken for lengthy periods of time (such as 12 weeks), but rather 6-8 weeks on average. As a result, a typical Anavar cycle will most likely reduce HDL cholesterol by less than 30%; maybe even 20-25%.
The degree of BPs lowering from omega-3 supplements is fairly modest. However, it’s something to be aware of and take precautions against. Fish oil intake at 4g/day can help prevent such increases in BP, providing some form of cardiovascular protection on cycle.
Virilization in Women
Although Anavar is considered a “female-friendly” steroid, virilization (or masculinization) can occur in women using large dosages. Doses over 10mg/day will enhance the likelihood of negative effects, along with a cycle that lasts longer than 6 weeks.
Doesn’t Aromatize
The lack of conversion to estrogen is beneficial for body composition since there will be no water retention. As a result, this results in dry, bloated muscles.
There is no chance of gynecomastia with Anavar since there is no aromatization activity. However, low estrogen levels are one cause for higher cholesterol levels seen on Anavar compared to testosterone.
Testosterone Suppression
When using any steroid, natural testosterone production will be reduced. However, because Anavar does not fully shut down users, it only causes modest suppression.
A study found a 45 percent decrease in testosterone levels when men took 20mg and 40mg for 12 weeks.
This is a high dose and an excessive period of time, even by bodybuilding standards.
A small dose of Dianabol (15mg) taken for 8 weeks can reduce testosterone by 69%. Users may expect their testosterone functions to return in a few weeks after the cycle is completed. A PCT, on the other hand, may be used to accelerate this process, which also applies to women.
Deca Durabolin
Deca Durabolin (nandrolone) is a prescription medicine used to treat anemia, osteoporosis, and other maladies that cause muscle loss. Because of its mild nature, it is considered popular in medicine and among bodybuilders. It has similar effects to testosterone but lacks strong estrogenic and androgenic side effects.
The researchers believe that Deca Durabolin administered for 16 weeks in 17 HIV-positive men resulted in significant increases in weight (in the form of lean body mass) and no subject experienced toxicity.
Deca Durabolin is a powerful anabolic steroid that has been shown to have a tiny impact on HDL cholesterol. HDL levels decreased by 26% in people who took 600mg/week of Deca for 10 weeks. This is a little less powerful than testosterone and somewhat comparable to a moderate Anavar dose.
Users are unlikely to suffer from male pattern baldness, prostate enlargement, or greasy skin/acne due to the low androgenic effects of Deca Durabolin.
Deca Durabolin Side Effects
In women, Deca Durabolin can be virilizing and cause masculinization. In low doses, it may not affect a woman’s sex drive or muscle definition. However, high dosages, such as those used by male bodybuilders can cause decreased libido and clitoral enlargement.
Many users have reported that they have had dark skin on their nipples after discontinuing Deca Durabolin use even though it is considered a “mild” steroid. The estrogenic side effects of the drug help prevent bloating from water retention but also contribute to gynecomastia. Some men choose not to cycle this anabolic steroid due to its potential to bring back estradiol levels quickly after cycling off of the drug and can be irreversible.
Other possible side effects of Deca Durabolin are headache, appetite loss, nausea, nervousness, sexual dysfunction (decreased libido and erectile function), vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, acne vulgaris, hair loss, or thinning hair.
Some women have reported temporary enlargement of the clitoris while on Deca Durabolin. The proliferation of estrogen receptors was so significant that after discontinuing its use virilization symptoms have occurred in women.
Estrogen
Deca Durabolin, like other anabolic steroids, converts to estrogen at a rate of 20% when converted. Deca has significant progesterone effects that can activate estrogen receptors in the mammary glands; thus, it still carries a risk of gynecomastia.
High progesterone levels can cause water retention, resulting in the characteristic smooth look associated with Deca use during the off-season. Avoiding this side effect requires the use of SERM’s, anti-progestins, or other compounds that act as proper estrogen blockers.
If you are using Deca Durabolin with another anabolic steroid, it is important to know which one has the greater impact on estrogenic effects so you can stack accordingly.
Anavar and testosterone suspension have low aromatase activity but if stacked together, they may become excessive in their estrogenic effects. If your goal is weight loss, then adding some form of the non-aromatizing mass drug will help you achieve this aim.
Oral steroids can also convert to estrogen due to their first-pass metabolism through the liver. This includes Anavar, Dianabol (methandrostenolone
Testosterone suppression
A typical dose of Deca is 300-400mg per week, and it’s commonly stacked with other steroids. Testosterone levels were reduced by 57% when 100mg of Deca was taken once each week. A PCT should be a high priority after an Anavar cycle because 300mg per week decreased test levels by 70%.
FAQ
What is considered the safest oral steroid?
The safest oral steroid is testosterone (undecanoate). However, Anavar and Primobolan are also very mild compounds with few negative effects. The heart, liver, and testes are the most important organs to safeguard while taking a steroids cycle, and these three oral steroids are the least harmful in this respect. For women, Anavar is the safest oral option; it may be argued that it is also the most appealing drug for preserving femininity.
What is the Safest Steroid Cycle?
Optimal performance is achieved when testosterone levels are restored to normal, and estrogen levels remain at their peak (of course this depends on the individual). A level of 20-30mg/day of Nolvadex should be sufficient, but frequently an even higher dose is employed. It must be noted that high doses can reduce sex drive or erectile function.
The first priority should be preventative measures so both the liver and lipid profiles are protected. The best way to accomplish this is by using supplements such as milk thistle, which protects the liver against toxins. For an added measure of protection, liver enzyme support may also be used; this helps ensure that hormone production does not shift into overdrive while estrogen remains suppressed.
Is using steroids safe?
Anabolic steroids, when used responsibly under the supervision of a doctor and with full knowledge of potential risks, can be safe. However, we do not recommend the use of anabolic steroids to anyone and we urge you to consult your doctor before taking them.
How can I take steroids safely?
To take steroids safely, you need to ensure that your organs are healthy. Blood tests should be performed before and during the cycle to monitor organ health, as well as before and after the cycle to see if levels have gotten too high or gotten out of optimal range.
Is it safe to use only testosterone with no other anabolic steroid?
For recreational users, 100mg per week is generally sufficient for most men. It may also be possible to get by on lower doses, but this depends more on genetics than anything else. The more you can get away with while still maintaining natural testosterone production, the healthier it will be for you in the long term.
What are the effects of taking steroids?
There are many reported side effects, but not all will apply to you. Individuals react differently to drugs based on their unique reactions to cellular and molecular compounds. Steroids can cause liver problems, acne, aggression, oily skin, increased body hair, male pattern baldness in those genetically susceptible to it. There are better versions of every drug that reduce the negative side effects or have no side effects whatsoever. This is why it’s important for you to research which steroids work best for your personal needs and chemistry; some will be more effective than others even at low doses.
Summary
Although no anabolic steroid is completely safe, certain are considered to be key medicines by prominent health organizations. Many steroids have been authorized by the FDA, but they are still illegal throughout much of the world. When steroids are taken for medical purposes under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional, they become lawful.