Oral Steroids

What Are Oral Steroids?

Steroid medications are synthetic/man-made versions of natural hormones produced in the human body. Bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts often resort to steroids to power their bodybuilding journey by gaining muscle mass and strengthening endurance. And they do so by taking anabolic steroids in their oral form. 

Anabolic steroids have a similar composition to that of testosterone. Athletes boost their muscle mass and achieve a leaner physique by resorting to anabolic steroids. There are different oral medications to serve your purpose, but you have to consult a doctor first. Only a doctor is qualified to assess your fitness goals and prescribe you the right anabolic steroid in its oral form. 

Most athletes and bodybuilders prefer using anabolic oral steroids for achieving a remarkable transformation. The best oral steroids for bodybuilding that mimic the effects of testosterone are:

• Dianabol 
• Trenbolone
• Anadrol
• Deca durabolin
• Anavar 
• Winstrol

…and more

Anabolic steroids work on the human body by enhancing nitrogen retention and improving protein synthesis. This means that bodybuilders can endure a strenuous workout regimen without feeling fatigued. Coupled with a healthy diet and exercise, anabolic oral steroids are known to deliver fast results.

Whether the oral steroid is suitable for the bulking phase or the cutting phase will be determined by the doctor. The same goes for the dosage and the cycle duration. 

Uses of Oral Steroids

Bodybuilders use anabolic steroids for a wide range of purposes. 

• Gaining weight at a rapid pace
• Shedding off stubborn fat
• Retaining lean muscle mass
• Achieving a buffed-up and muscular body
• Faster recovery after a workout
• Improving metabolic rate

In the medical industry, oral steroids are prescribed by doctors for the prevention of:

• Inflammatory bowel diseases
• Autoimmune diseases
• Muscle conditions
• Joint problems
• Allergies 
• Asthma

Benefits of Oral Steroids

Anabolic steroids are available in oral and injectable forms; users can choose the form they find the most convenient. Oral steroids are highly preferable for:

• Being easily consumable
• Acting fast and showing quick results
• Not having the need to visit the doctor’s clinic for each dose
• No food restrictions as such

Medical Dosage

The first and foremost thing is to have a doctor on board. He needs to know your medical history and take your body composition, age, sex, and personal goals into account to determine the right dosage. The accurate dosage depends on how experienced you are with the use of steroids or what your fitness goals are. Beginners start the steroid cycle with the lowest dose and then go up as their tolerance improves. 

The dosage has to be fixed by a licensed physician. Follow the prescription without making any changes to it yourself. In case of a missed dose, take the tablet but only if it is not too close to the next dose. To be on the safer side, inform your doctor about the missed dose and know the right course of action.

Also, pay heed to the cycle duration. Whether the steroid has been prescribed for 3 weeks or 6 weeks, you have to continue taking the tablets according to the prescription. And after the cycle, start a PCT to acclimate your body to the sudden influx of synthetic hormones.

Oral steroids are to be taken with water. Swallow the tablet whole instead of crushing or chewing it (this reduces the efficacy of the medication)

Dietary Instructions

While there are no dietary restrictions as such, bodybuilders are advised to follow a nutrient-rich and protein-rich diet. The meals should be balanced and contain the necessary vitamins and nutrients your body needs. It is advisable to cut down on your sodium intake to do away with the possibilities of bloating and water retention. Also, stay away from processed food items containing saturated fat.

It is always a good idea to have a dietician on board to have a specially curated diet plan that will work best for your desired bodybuilding goals. Follow the diet chart, along with the doctor’s prescribed dosage, to enjoy optimal benefits from anabolic oral steroids.

Side Effects of Oral Steroids

No matter what anabolic steroid you have been prescribed, it is going to come with its fair share of side effects.

In both men and women:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Mood swings
• Diarrhea
• Hot flushes
• Rashes
• Acne and oily skin
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Hair fall
• Anxiety or depression
• Fluctuations in libido
• Loss of bone density
• Fluctuations in blood sugar levels

In men:

• Gynecomastia
• Testicular atrophy
• Low sperm count
• Frequent and painful erections
• Chances of prostate cancer

In women

• Male pattern baldness
• Voice deepening
• Clitoral enlargement
• Excessive body and facial hair growth
• Menstrual irregularities

Severe side effects

• Cardiovascular issues
• Liver or kidney damage
• Blurry vision

Not every individual is going to experience the same side effects. But the initial days of an oral steroid cycle are going to bring in an onset of side effects. If the symptoms are mild and have no impact on your health whatsoever, there is no reason to worry. On the contrary, extreme symptoms should be quickly reported to the doctor. In case of blurry vision or shortness of breath, visit emergency care without any delay.

Warnings

Anabolic oral steroids cannot be bought over the counter; you have to hold a valid prescription to purchase them online. Also, get on a steroid cycle only after consulting with a doctor. Let the doctor know about your personal fitness goals so as to prescribe the right dosage and also what medications you are currently on in order to avoid possible drug interactions.

Drug overdose can be fatal, and drug interactions can wreak havoc on your health. Adhere to the recommended dosage and other guidelines mentioned in the prescription. Do not forget to mention if you are allergic to any drug. In the case of an accidental overdose, have someone take you to emergency care right away. This may prevent something fatal from happening.

Storage and Disposal

Oral steroids need to be kept in the packaging they come in, otherwise the tablets may lose their efficacy. Make sure that no child or pet comes near the steroids. Ideally, one should store the tablets at a temperature ranging from 20°C-25°C, away from direct sunlight and not exposed to moisture.

When disposing of the oral steroids, do so with responsibility. Refrain from throwing them away carelessly in a trash bin or flushing them down the drain. The tablets may land in someone’s unwanted hands, resulting in drug misuse. It will be a good idea to use a medicine take-back program to dispose of the medicines.