It’s always safest not to take substances that do not follow quality or safety laws. The substances could contain toxic or contaminated ingredients.
Any anabolic steroid use has risks for your health.
Ways to reduce risks from anabolic steroids
There are ways to reduce the risk of harm if you use anabolic steroids. Select a piece of advice to find out more.
Consider if there is extra risk for you - such as health conditions or how you feel.
There are always risks if you use drugs. But some people may be more at risk than others.
If you or someone in your family has any health conditions or mental health difficulties, you may be more at risk of harm.
For example, you may be more at risk from anabolic steroids if you have:
- high cholesterol
- heart disease
- high blood pressure
- a history of psychosis or bipolar disorder
It can be hard to know your level of risk. Some people have health conditions and do not know it.
If you feel low, anxious or stressed, you are more at risk of a negative or challenging experience.
Delay using steroids for as long as possible.
The younger you start using steroids the greater the risk of long-term problems.
Starting anabolic steroids before age 21 can affect your growth or hormone development.
Give yourself time before you start.
Any anabolic steroid use has risks for your health. Before you decide to start, give yourself time to think about what using steroids would mean for you.
It can help to think about:
- how you feel - for example, if you feel low or anxious
- your physical and mental health and any extra risks such as high blood pressure
- how you feel about the side effects
- why you want to take anabolic steroids
- if you feel pressure to look a certain way
- social accounts you follow that show unrealistic bodies - some influencers say they are natural but they use steroids or edit their photos
- other ways you could meet your training goals
- your other priorities that may be affected
Consider reducing your risks if you inject anabolic steroids.
Injecting drugs increases the risk of vein damage or infections.
Needle exchange services welcome people who want sterile injecting equipment. The service is free and confidential. The staff will only ask for your initials and year of birth.
Our drugs helpline can tell you where to get advice and packs for steroid injecting.
Freephone: 1800 459 459 - Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm
Email: helpline@hse.ie
Get regular blood tests.
Blood tests can show your risk of health conditions before you have symptoms.
Ask your GP about blood tests to check:
- cholesterol levels
- red blood cells
- liver and kidney function
- sex hormones
- thyroid values
- infections such as hepatitis C and HIV
Your GP or pharmacist can also check your blood pressure. It's best to tell your GP or pharmacist what substances you use.
But if you do not feel comfortable talking to your own GP, you could contact a:
- GP in another area
- drug service
- private blood testing company
If you do blood tests without medical support, contact a GP if your results are unclear or outside normal ranges.
Keep track of what you use.
Take breaks between use. Continuous use increases your risk of harm.
Do not let someone else inject you or prepare your dose.
Use a buddy system for high risk situations.
Anabolic steroids do not usually cause overdoses. But substances people use with anabolic steroids can cause medical emergencies.
Consider having a buddy system if you take anabolic steroids with:
- insulin
- insulin-like growth factors
- clenbuterol
- drugs that speed up messages between your brain and body - such as cocaine or amphetamines
In a buddy system, you:
- have someone with you when you use steroids or other substances
- agree with your buddy on what to do in case of an emergency or overdose
Know what to do in case of a drug emergency.
If you take any kind of drug, it is important to know:
- signs of a drug emergency, including signs related to mental health
- what to do in case of overdose or other emergencies
An overdose happens when someone has too much of a drug or another substance in their system. It can be a life-threatening condition.
Getting help can prevent serious damage or death. Your wellbeing is the main priority.
Find more ways to reduce risks from drugs.
Mixing anabolic steroids with alcohol or other drugs
Using anabolic steroids with alcohol, medicines or other drugs can have unpredictable effects.
People who take anabolic steroids may:
- have periods of taking the drug and having a break (cycling)
- take a higher amount of the drug followed by a period on a lower amount (blasting and cruising)
- take more than 1 type of substance at a time (stacking)
- combine stacking and cycling (pyramiding)
But there is no evidence that these methods reduce long-term side effects or other risks. Mixing drugs and continuous use always increases the risk of harm.
Non-urgent advice: Contact a GP if you:
- have side effects that worry you
- think something is wrong with private blood test results
Emergency action required: Call 112 or 999 if
you or someone else has:
- facial drooping, weak arms or slurred speech
- severe distress, confusion or panic - they cannot calm down and may be a danger to themselves or others
- a very fast or irregular heartbeat
- chest pains
- a seizure (fit)
- sudden, severe shortness of breath
- a collapse or a loss of consciousness
Stay with them until help arrives.
Tell the medics everything you know about the drug and give them any leftover drug if possible. It will help them decide the right treatment.
If you are worried about anabolic steroids
If you are worried about your own or someone else’s use, you can find support. This can be when anabolic steroids affect your health, relationships, work or other areas of your life.
Non-urgent advice: Drugs and alcohol helpline
You can contact the helpline for support, information or advice on treatment and support options.
Freephone: 1800 459 459
Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm
Email: helpline@hse.ie