What Steroids, HGH, And Other Popular PEDs Do To Your Body

Stanozolol (Winstrol)

Like all anabolic steroids, the idea here is to build muscle mass and strength, and a dedicated regimen of stanozolol will do that. It’s popular with veterinarians, who use the drug (known commercially as Winstrol) to give sick animals a bit more of an appetite, but for humans, it must be taken at regular intervals over time for the effects to be noticeable. It was Ben Johnson’s drug of choice at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, as well as disgraced former MLB player Rafael Palmeiro. The potential side effects are varied and severe, including hypertension, heart problems, and increased risk of injuries, to name just a few.

Androstenedione

Androstenedione, made famous by former Cardinals slugger Mark McGwire, is a naturally occurring hormone in both men and women that is secreted mainly from the adrenal glands. Athletes would use it to help boost testosterone levels and experience the benefits therein: more muscle mass, faster recovery from pesky injuries, and so forth. The U.S. government banned its sale in 2004, citing “serious, substantial concerns about its safety,” and it appears to have largely fallen out of favor with professional athletes.

Methenolone enanthate (Primobolan)

Primobolan, another from the family of anabolic steroids, was what Alex Rodriguez reportedly tested positive for back in 2003, along with testosterone, and Barry Bonds was apparently also a fan. Side effects are said to be less severe, as compared to other steroids, and is thus more amenable to use with “stacking” — when users combine one or more anabolic steroids. It’s especially popular with bodybuilders.