The landscape of fitness and bodybuilding is shifting dramatically, with an increasing number of influencers openly discussing their use of steroids on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. A recent global meta-study estimates that steroid use among gym-goers ranges from **6 percent** in certain countries to an alarming **29 percent** in others. According to **Timothy Piatkowski**, a researcher at **Griffith University** in Australia, the past decade has seen a significant cultural change regarding steroid use, with many influencers positioning themselves as knowledgeable guides for their followers.
Piatkowski highlights that influencers’ understanding of health risks associated with steroid use varies considerably. Some acknowledge the dangers, suggesting that risks can be managed, while others embrace the title of “trenfluencers,” openly promoting the use of trenbolone, a potent steroid originally designed to combat muscle wasting in cattle. This trend raises critical questions for millions seeking to enhance their physiques: Are these substances truly safe, or are influencers leading their audiences down a perilous path?
A lack of comprehensive research on the long-term health risks of steroids complicates this issue. Piatkowski explains that many studies do not accurately reflect the dosages and usage patterns of real-world users. To address these gaps, he and other researchers are collaborating with steroid users to conduct more relevant studies. Unfortunately, this disconnect has led some influencers to dismiss conventional medical advice, pushing users to seek guidance from fitness forums instead.
Social media platforms have facilitated a surge in steroid use, providing both a supportive community and a marketplace for various substances. Users can now easily access drugs ranging from **SARMS** (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) to synthetic forms of human growth hormone. Collectively, these substances are classified as image- and performance-enhancing drugs, though their mechanisms of action differ significantly.
Anabolic steroids, synthetic derivatives of testosterone, are among the most commonly misused substances. A **2022 study** estimated that around **500,000** men and boys in the UK alone had used anabolic steroids for non-medical purposes in the previous year.
Understanding the Effects of Steroids
To evaluate the safety of steroids, it is essential to comprehend their effects on the body. Anabolic steroids primarily target hormone receptors that encourage the development of male sex characteristics, particularly in muscle and bone tissue. As **Channa Jayasena**, a researcher at **Imperial College London**, explains, these steroids can lead to increased muscle mass and bone growth, which is appealing for those seeking faster results in their fitness journeys. In a clinical setting, some steroids are prescribed for treating muscle-wasting conditions like HIV, and research indicates that lower doses can be well-tolerated.
However, the non-medical use of steroids often deviates from clinical guidelines. Users frequently engage in “stacking” multiple drugs, cycling on and off between doses, or employing “blast and cruise” protocols—taking high doses followed by lower ones. These practices lack extensive scientific backing, and many influencers promote them with claims of reduced health risks or enhanced muscle growth.
The allure of experimenting with drug combinations stems from the belief that such methods can mitigate the adverse side effects of anabolic steroids. The most widely recognized side effects include cardiovascular complications. Research shows that anabolic steroid use can elevate blood pressure, decrease “good” cholesterol levels, and increase “bad” cholesterol levels, contributing to significant heart issues. A Danish population study found that anabolic steroid users faced a **threefold** higher risk of death compared to non-users, with cardiovascular disease and cancer being the leading causes.
Psychosocial Impacts and Health Risks
Beyond cardiovascular concerns, the psychosocial effects of steroid use are particularly troubling. The term “roid rage” captures the aggressive and sometimes violent behavior exhibited by some users, particularly those consuming high doses. Jayasena points out that deaths among steroid users often stem from three primary causes: cardiomyopathy, suicide, and homicide. While the relationship between steroid use and criminal behavior remains contentious, evidence suggests that discontinuing steroid use can trigger depressive episodes and suicidal thoughts, especially if natural testosterone production has diminished.
A study led by Jayasena revealed that nearly **30 percent** of men who stopped using steroids experienced significant depression or suicidal ideation. The psychological toll may be exacerbated by residual steroids persisting in the brain’s emotional centers.
Kidney function deterioration and increased cancer risk are also potential hazards of steroid misuse, although data regarding these risks is less conclusive. Some negative effects, such as elevated cholesterol and blood pressure, appear to improve after ceasing steroid use. However, others, particularly mood disorders and infertility, may require extensive treatment. The most severe consequences, like structural heart changes, can linger for years post-usage.
As users become increasingly aware of potential risks, many are experimenting with different methods of steroid consumption, including adjusting dosages and timing. Unfortunately, studies on the safety of these practices are scarce. One study by Jayasena indicated that using post-cycle therapy medications can significantly reduce the risk of suicidal thoughts after steroid cycles. Meanwhile, Piatkowski’s research comparing “blast-cruise” regimens found that these users reported fewer negative health effects after stopping.
Given the rapid evolution of steroid use practices, researchers emphasize the need for more longitudinal and cohort studies to accurately assess risks and develop effective harm reduction strategies. Without robust evidence, medical professionals often struggle to provide informed guidance to patients who use steroids.
Clinician **Greg James** from **Kratos Medical** in Cardiff, UK, notes that some patients are now combining steroids with appetite-suppressing **GLP-1 drugs** and other peptides, seeking advice on safety. He admits, however, that there is a significant lack of long-term safety data for these combinations.
In response to limited clinical information, researchers like Piatkowski are engaging directly with users to develop more relevant studies. This approach recognizes users as valuable sources of lived experience, which can inform and enhance research initiatives. One study by Piatkowski analyzed steroid samples sourced from users, revealing that over **20 percent** contained harmful contaminants such as lead and arsenic, while more than half were incorrectly dosed.
As the dialogue surrounding safer steroid practices continues, researchers advocate for a collaborative approach that involves influencers and users in the conversation. Piatkowski argues that legitimizing knowledge within these communities can lead to safer behaviors and better outcomes for users.
With the ongoing discussions around steroids, it becomes increasingly important for both users and health professionals to understand the potential risks and benefits associated with these substances, fostering a more informed and responsible approach to their use.