Is AAS use worth it?

[WORLD]

Has the use of AAS improved the overall quality of your life?

I have a friend who contemplates starting because he doesn't know if it will ultimately be worth it in the end. I for one cannot give him advice because I've only done one cycle.

So, to the more experienced users, in terms of a normal lifestyle which doesn't include competing, is it worth it?

If it helps to clarify your point of view, maybe you can say something about yourself to justify your opinion. Give some negatives vs positives, for example.

Discuss!

[ubcpower]

This is actually a pretty good discussion. Itll be interesting to see what some vets say when they look back at 20-30 years of AAS use and take into consideration all the sacrifices and pro/cons that have come with it and really weigh it out

[Seth]

I'm not a user yet, but I've decided to start after weighing the pros and cons that applied to me. So I though I'd share the main lines around which my decision revolved.

First, there's obviously the physical effects. The anabolic gains and side effects (hair loss, acne, etc) So basically, I get more muscular, but I have to deal with some unwanted side effects, but with all the products around, there's ways to use intelligently. So for me that was an easy decision on this point. Then there's the psychological effects. I'm talking about self-esteem gains related to your new physical image, less insecurity about your physique etc... But also the negative effects of possibly having moral issues with the use of drugs. This was relatively easy too. The reals problem, in my opinion, will be on the social side of things. How will your friends, coworkers, subordinates, superiors, family and loved one react if and when they find out(and also how you react to their reaction). It could be disastrous or it could be fine, depending on a lot of factors. Your social life could also benefit from use. Personally my bodybuilding habits are killing my social life; the less gains I make, the more I focus on bbing, and right now there isn't much space left for everything else(I'm either in the gym, in the kitchen(includes eating while at work) or sleeping). Ultimately, I think my social life will benefit from the use. That's why I decided to start.

Asking other people for advice is a good idea, but with the importance of the choice being made, the decision has to be taken by the persons themselves after a long profound reflection.

[WORLD]

I'm not a user yet, but I've decided to start after weighing the pros and cons that applied to me. So I though I'd share the main lines around which my decision revolved.

First, there's obviously the physical effects. The anabolic gains and side effects (hair loss, acne, etc) So basically, I get more muscular, but I have to deal with some unwanted side effects, but with all the products around, there's ways to use intelligently. So for me that was an easy decision on this point. Then there's the psychological effects. I'm talking about self-esteem gains related to your new physical image, less insecurity about your physique etc... But also the negative effects of possibly having moral issues with the use of drugs. This was relatively easy too. The reals problem, in my opinion, will be on the social side of things. How will your friends, coworkers, subordinates, superiors, family and loved one react if and when they find out(and also how you react to their reaction). It could be disastrous or it could be fine, depending on a lot of factors. Your social life could also benefit from use. Personally my bodybuilding habits are killing my social life; the less gains I make, the more I focus on bbing, and right now there isn't much space left for everything else(I'm either in the gym, in the kitchen(includes eating while at work) or sleeping). Ultimately, I think my social life will benefit from the use. That's why I decided to start.

Asking other people for advice is a good idea, but with the importance of the choice being made, the decision has to be taken by the persons themselves after a long profound reflection.

Great post, I agree with it all.

[Kilburn]

Has the use of AAS improved the overall quality of your life?

I have a friend who contemplates starting because he doesn't know if it will ultimately be worth it in the end. I for one cannot give him advice because I've only done one cycle.

So, to the more experienced users, in terms of a normal lifestyle which doesn't include competing, is it worth it?

If it helps to clarify your point of view, maybe you can say something about yourself to justify your opinion. Give some negatives vs positives, for example.

Discuss!

what i will say is natural training really sucks ass unless you are lucky enough to be in 5-10% that happened to be born genetically gifted. considering how much i've grown on gear it's now very clear to me that my natural genetics just suck and my natural test levels probably were not very high at all. so my point is if you're serious about bodybuilding like i was and you set a goal for yourself in your mind about how you want to look just realize that it might not be possible for you to achieve it WITHOUT steroids.

as for quality of life. it's hard to say. i do notice that guys will respect you more when you're bigger. people in general will be less likely to try and fuk with you. i'd say this is a good thing. as for women, i get more looks now i guess but it doesn't mean they'll just drop their panties for you right away unfortunetly. but if you're doing it for women you might aswell not even bother. some women are turned off by it, it's like they know in the back of their minds that they wont beable to handle you and it scares them. smart people will most likely realize what you're doing and the thought of steroid use is a turn off for most of them. for whatever reason women hate steroids.

its up to you to figure out for yourself if its worth it or not. here is a before and after pic. these are the gains ive made in a little over a year. if i ever use slin and GH i can only imagin what i would look like after:

edit: if you're wondering. that's about 45 pounds of muscle added.

http://img66.imageshack.us/img66/6946/progress2yw9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img66.imageshack.us/img66/progress2yw9.jpg/1/w385.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img66/progress2yw9.jpg/1/)

[WORLD]

what i will say is natural training really sucks ass unless you are lucky enough to be in 5-10% that happened to be born genetically gifted. considering how much i've grown on gear it's now very clear to me that my natural genetics just suck and my natural test levels probably were not very high at all. so my point is if you're serious about bodybuilding like i was and you set a goal for yourself in your mind about how you want to look just realize that it might not be possible for you to achieve it WITHOUT steroids.

as for quality of life. it's hard to say. i do notice that guys will respect you more when you're bigger. people in general will be less likely to try and fuk with you. i'd say this is a good thing. as for women, i get more looks now i guess but it doesn't mean they'll just drop their panties for you right away unfortunetly. but if you're doing it for women you might aswell not even bother. some women are turned off by it, it's like they know in the back of their minds that they wont beable to handle you and it scares them. smart people will most likely realize what you're doing and the thought of steroid use is a turn off for most of them. for whatever reason women hate steroids.

its up to you to figure out for yourself if its worth it or not. here is a before and after pic. these are the gains ive made in a little over a year. if i ever use slin and GH i can only imagin what i would look like after:

edit: if you're wondering. that's about 45 pounds of muscle added.

http://img66.imageshack.us/img66/6946/progress2yw9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img66.imageshack.us/img66/progress2yw9.jpg/1/w385.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img66/progress2yw9.jpg/1/)

Okay, good.

We all know what sort of results you can achieve from using, and your pics prove it. I was looking more for experiences with everyday life issues. Your example of getting respect is definitely a positive. Women hating steroids, and people getting turned off by the fact that you use, well, they are both obviously negatives. These are the sort of things we have to weigh out, right?

Has anyone had any bad experiences with friends and family finding out?

Does anyone regret ever starting?

[xxSCHiSMxx]

Has the use of AAS improved the overall quality of your life?
Yes, especially Test. It helps w/ my anxiety disorder as good, or better, than any prescribed meds.

One thing that I can say for sure, aas has not decreased the quality of my life. I'm sure I'll never regret using.

[BAM]

I think AAS has made my life considerably better.
(and no.. that is not me in the avatar) :)

[outshine]

I'd say overall my quality of life has gone way up.There is of course the physical aspect. I love the attention I get from being big and muscular. But his is boring and physical gains are for the most part temporary and everyone knows about the possible physical side effects.

My favorite part about AAS is the psychological aspect. It is hard to explain but when I'm on I get this sense of well being. Testosterone, in this respect, is my favorite recreational drug. It is like I'm injecting whatever makes super man super. I also like like increased libido and aggression. I am a fairly docile person by nature but when I am on it's like I am an entirely different person. It makes me assume alpha male status, with other guys and with girls.

However, there is a flip side. Certain compounds (tren) make me feel all moody and raise my anxiety levels. Also coming off ****ing sucks and so does training naturally. I am honestly pshycologicaly addicted. This is my fifth "last cycle".

[Ah...Fk]

The thing that has always annoyed me is that steroids are taboo with lots of people.

When you are a kid you hear "drugs are bad" you hear terrible things about marijuana and alcohol etc. Well before you know it you and all your peers have smoked a couple cigs, chuged many beers, smoked a bunch of doobs and maybe even snorted rails or used extacy and so on... Steroids are the one thing that many of these occasional recreational drug users have never considered and still remain a dangerous cheating kind of thing in their minds. Know what I mean?

So I would not offer up the info. to anyone unless you knew them well. People love to talk shit and they may say you have muscled just because of those terrible dangerous roids!!!

lol.

Im doing a light cycle after about 7 years off. Im 30 and really pumped to get back for a cycle every couple years or so. Watch bigger stronger faster for a good look at the steroid debate.


Also there is nothing like eating really well, training hard as hell and knowing you will reap the rewards of your efforts. Having amazing pumps and increasing strength/gains is really fun and it motivates you to keep your diet/training etc. on the right track.

[Rhinobolt10]

Without a doubt, it has definitely improved my life, the least of which has been the physical... but yeah... that's friggin great too.

I don't really care how this sounds, but I like the mental changes I've gone through the most. I don't know if it's the aas, or just the confidence I've gained, but one way or another I'm a totally different person.

I've gotten so much better at my job it's retarded, I'm not going to get into what I do, but I know for sure aas helped.

I don't sweat the small stuff anymore, I don't care if some random person doesn't like me... actually I don't care if anyone doesn't like me. I've become 100% more self validated.

Besides all that, I've got one shot at being alive, I don't get to press rewind and try again. This is something I want to do, this is the way I want to look, and I don't particularily care how I do it, I just care that I do it.

[WORLD]

Without a doubt, it has definitely improved my life, the least of which has been the physical... but yeah... that's friggin great too.

I don't really care how this sounds, but I like the mental changes I've gone through the most. I don't know if it's the aas, or just the confidence I've gained, but one way or another I'm a totally different person.

I've gotten so much better at my job it's retarded, I'm not going to get into what I do, but I know for sure aas helped.

I don't sweat the small stuff anymore, I don't care if some random person doesn't like me... actually I don't care if anyone doesn't like me. I've become 100% more self validated.

Besides all that, I've got one shot at being alive, I don't get to press rewind and try again. This is something I want to do, this is the way I want to look, and I don't particularily care how I do it, I just care that I do it.

Excellent response. I can agree that mentally, you feel as if you can achieve whatever you want with complete confidence.

We're getting some good posts on this topic. I know that we're obviously going to have some biased opinions here for the support of its use, but does anyone have anything to add as far as the negative aspects are concerned?

What are we taking away from ourselves by using?

[td1111]

My situation is a little different. At the age of 18 I was 6'2" and 150lbs. This was after being very chubby throughout childhood and going too hard on the diet and cardio, and I lost muscle and possibly stunted my future muscle growth abilities. I worked out on and off to the age of 30. I recall the tremendous dissappointment of working out harder than everyone else in the gym, and not gaining any size on my skinny legs and arms. It didn't matter how much rest I got, or how much protein I ate, I just couldn't gain anything after a certain point. Even after taking lots of time off, my genetics wouldn't allow growth.

As you can imagine, killing yourself in the gym for no gains can quickly kill all motivation. Had I not tried my first cycle a couple of years ago, I am almost positive I would have given up entirely on fitness and just lived with skinny arms and legs and a beer gut. My first cycle I gained almost 30lbs of lean mass on non-aromatizing compounds! I did everything right in the gym, and ate massive amounts of protein and quality foods. This confirmed my idea that I was working out properly, but just had horrible genetics.

I'm on my 4th cycle now, which is my first cutter. The AAS have blessed me with the ability to diet and cardio hard without muscle loss. I'm about a month away from a single-digit body fat percentage, and with the muscle I've got, I will at least achieve a nice basic "beach body", although still on the slim side.

So, for me, a life without AAS would have been to give up on fitness entirely and probably eat junk food and be fat and depressed. AAS has inspired me to discpline myself and go all the way to acheive my dream body. Being on AAS for a time-limited cycle really motivates me to be tight with the diet and hit the gym, because I simply must take advantage of my time on cycle.

Negatives? I've got mild gyno (lumps under the nipples), and usually lipid profiles/cholesterol get far out of whack on cycle, so it is an invisible health risk. But I think all the clean food and cardio/vitamins/liver/cholesterol supplements and time off cycle cancel that out well enough.

Acne was terrible my first cycle and I got a script for Accutane, which helped immensely, but now I have permanently dry skin and more facial wrinkles than I would have had otherwise.

Lots of pros and cons, but I'm glad I'm here :)

[wrought]

What are we taking away from ourselves by using?

Depends on the level and duration of your usage. The gym rat who does a couple of cycles spaced out over a few years shouldn't suffer much, if any, permanent side effects. You stay on for a long time at high dosages and you can look forward to low test levels due to permanently suppressed test production, reduced fertility, high blood pressure, shitty lipid profiles, etc etc etc.

[Gettin'r'round]

I'd say it depends. If you can stick to a few cycles per year, OK. However if you have an addictive personality you'll get hooked like any other drug. If you are an asshole with anger issues, not ok. A former gym owner I knew is now doing time for wife beating. The first time he got parole, 2nd time jail. Nice guy but not when on juice. Also for the newbs you will NOT see too much on the really bad negative's. Check this out:

http://www.professionalmuscle.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16710

I would say it's worth it in my case. I never did a cycle for too long and dosages were not excessive.

[Carbonbase]

Great post WORLD!

The positives
Really helped with self-confidence, not that I had none but this will give you way more. People will see that and it can get you places.
Having not to worry about your image removes a lot of stress. Stress = bad
To get the most out of your AAS cycles you have to eat clean and train right. Which are 2 things that already very good for you.
Done right AAS use poses no major risks IMO

The negatives:
There is always the health risk…
People like your friends and family, that have no knowledge of training, dieting and most of all AAS will tend to discredit your achievements if somehow they would know that you use. What I mean by that is that no one in my entourage knows that I use. The common ignorant person will blame all your achievements on steroids. Most people will never understand the real sacrifice that needs to be done trough the dieting and training. So if they were to know, because of media's bad publicity on drugs, they would basically discredit all the hard work. So what I hate is when I cycle, gain 10-20lbs which ever, people immediately say, you take roidz…what they don’t and almost never say is…you must diet and train really hard. You immediacy get discredited.
Put my theory on peoples common knowledge many times like this…People would come up to me and say "you must train hard?". I would say; "Nope!, I just take protein supplements and vitamins, I don’t have time to train." 9/10 people would say "Really!?"…fu**ing morons!
So all and all people don’t understand shit about anything in the training world.
So my advise is: Treat people like mushrooms, keep them in the dark and feed'em shit.

[Gettin'r'round]

There are a few lines to answer with if your asked "do you use steroids?". The one I've used is "steroids will kill you", obviously I'm alive and well and looking great so that shuts'em uP!. The one I want to use (but too nice too) "do you do donuts?".

[Carbonbase]

^^ a shit!!! that one is awsome! I'm totaly stealing that line from you.
Fatty McFat's morons! lol
And that steroids can kill you line is very good too. People are so stupid they will buy anything!

[pseclint]

as of now its all worth it..........

[WORLD]

Great post WORLD!

The positives
Really helped with self-confidence, not that I had none but this will give you way more. People will see that and it can get you places.
Having not to worry about your image removes a lot of stress. Stress = bad
To get the most out of your AAS cycles you have to eat clean and train right. Which are 2 things that already very good for you.
Done right AAS use poses no major risks IMO

The negatives:
There is always the health risk…
People like your friends and family, that have no knowledge of training, dieting and most of all AAS will tend to discredit your achievements if somehow they would know that you use. What I mean by that is that no one in my entourage knows that I use. The common ignorant person will blame all your achievements on steroids. Most people will never understand the real sacrifice that needs to be done trough the dieting and training. So if they were to know, because of media's bad publicity on drugs, they would basically discredit all the hard work. So what I hate is when I cycle, gain 10-20lbs which ever, people immediately say, you take roidz…what they don’t and almost never say is…you must diet and train really hard. You immediacy get discredited.
Put my theory on peoples common knowledge many times like this…People would come up to me and say "you must train hard?". I would say; "Nope!, I just take protein supplements and vitamins, I don’t have time to train." 9/10 people would say "Really!?"…fu**ing morons!
So all and all people don’t understand shit about anything in the training world.
So my advise is: Treat people like mushrooms, keep them in the dark and feed'em shit.


Thanks man.

I agree with your point on people discrediting your hard work when/if they find out you use.

Has anyone ruined any relationships due to someone finding out?


as of now its all worth it..........

Ahhh key words, "as of now"

What do you personally think could go wrong?

[WORLD]

I'd say it depends. If you can stick to a few cycles per year, OK. However if you have an addictive personality you'll get hooked like any other drug. If you are an asshole with anger issues, not ok. A former gym owner I knew is now doing time for wife beating. The first time he got parole, 2nd time jail. Nice guy but not when on juice. Also for the newbs you will NOT see too much on the really bad negative's. Check this out:

http://www.professionalmuscle.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16710

I would say it's worth it in my case. I never did a cycle for too long and dosages were not excessive.

That post on professional muscle is insane!

[Redz]

Yes it is!

[guest1]

I'd compare the question to this : is it worth doing two chicks instead of one even though one might have the clap ?




















****ing right it is.

[michealJ]

Wow most all positive feed back!
I would have to say to know the truth you have to try it everyone is different.....or maybe not since everyone says its all good.
for me I made some okay gains maybe lack of quality gear ... or maybe lack of quality put in by me. I know going off was hard....it was emotional roller coaster....
I do okay oh natural and have reserved my self to knowing that ill never be huge with ripped abs .... be happy with what you have and work with it!

[Kiem]

I started off as a hater. Would tell my friends it was bad and all that stupid shit. But when I injured myself lifting and was told I might not be able to go to the gym anymore it crushed my ego and I threw everything out the window. I dolved deep into research to find a solution to my problem, eventually found all these forums and the informations necessary to make a decision. It was either very long layoff from the gym, surgery or hormones to speed up healing. I jumped on the hormones first then gear and never looked back. For me it was a positive experiance which helped me stay in the gym and made me look awsome.

I don't have any negatives yet, and hope with research and asking questions, on these forums, that none come my way.

BTW before juicing I was naive and thought that most of the extremely ripped guys in the gym were natural and if I work hard enough I would get there. My friend who juiced would point out who was on and I never believed him.. Now I know better....

[WORLD]

What do you guys think about fertility and AAS use?

[Seth]

Well, it depends if you want kids. Personally I'm absolutely positive I don't want any, so I wouldn't mind if aas made me sterile. But for someone else the risk might be too much.

[Ritch]

I started off as a hater. Would tell my friends it was bad and all that stupid shit. But when I injured myself lifting and was told I might not be able to go to the gym anymore it crushed my ego and I threw everything out the window. I dolved deep into research to find a solution to my problem, eventually found all these forums and the informations necessary to make a decision. It was either very long layoff from the gym, surgery or hormones to speed up healing. I jumped on the hormones first then gear and never looked back. For me it was a positive experiance which helped me stay in the gym and made me look awsome.

I don't have any negatives yet, and hope with research and asking questions, on these forums, that none come my way.

BTW before juicing I was naive and thought that most of the extremely ripped guys in the gym were natural and if I work hard enough I would get there. My friend who juiced would point out who was on and I never believed him.. Now I know better....

Would really like to know what kind of injury you had and what hormones or gear you used to speed up the healing process.

[GTZ3]

What do you guys think about fertility and AAS use?

Pro bodybuilder have kids ... fertility drugs work very well.

If you dont want to take that chance then freeze some fresh swimmers now while your still young, if 5, 10, 15 years down the line youve got an understanding chick that wants kids - BAM, youve probably got some healthy ass sperm from your youth and you dont have to stress about having 8 kids because you overdosed on clomid and HCG.

[mcgee]

only reason I took steroids was to live a long and healthier life :)

[tex]

my nuts used to be the size of softballs......thanks to steroids they are now the size of tennis balls and i can wear regular pants now

[michealJ]

That's why you don't come off in the first place.. Lol


LOL Thanks Flexy...... I wish I had your money ..slight cost factor

[Gettin'r'round]

Pro bodybuilder have kids ... fertility drugs work very well.

If you dont want to take that chance then freeze some fresh swimmers now while your still young, if 5, 10, 15 years down the line youve got an understanding chick that wants kids - BAM, youve probably got some healthy ass sperm from your youth and you dont have to stress about having 8 kids because you overdosed on clomid and HCG.

that would only happen if your significant other was using said drugs.

[GTZ3]

youre right ... got a little carried away there. You get my drift though.

[Gettin'r'round]

yea, I re-read but was too lazy to edit my post....

Stick to moderate dosages for moderate periods IMO.

[wrought]

Pro bodybuilder have kids ... fertility drugs work very well.

That sounds nice, but the reality is it ain't that easy. There are a lot more guys in the 30-40 age range who have decided that its time to have kids and are now finding out that they're essentially shooting blanks. While clomid and HCG may work eventually in some cases, its still a long and stressful process that I would strongly encourage people to avoid if they can.

[bigben]

Use is worth it if you train hard and make the best of it. You don't get out of this world alive, so if any risk is too much, you'd better stay out of the sun and probably not leave your home. Have a plan, follow it, know what to expect. There is some risk that is beyond your control, but its no different than driving a motorcycle or going for a swim in a lake. If your attitude is that you want to win at any cost - and therefore know no limits, you'd better make sure you can handle it.

[AlbertaBeef]

I didn't start AAS until I was 40 and trained naturally and happily for many years using only food and diet as my anabolics. Using hormones has been a blessing and enhanced my training, healthy lifestyle and over all presence and well being. If used responsibly I put it in the same catagory as any other supplement I use.

[Rhinobolt10]

my gf, who I'm pretty sure I'm going to marry was adopted, and if for some reason I'm shooting blanks later, I'll be more than happy to adopt.

[Kiem]

my gf, who I'm pretty sure I'm going to marry was adopted, and if for some reason I'm shooting blanks later, I'll be more than happy to adopt.

Good for you, we think the same.

[BolicPower]

I've fairly new type, but my source is in mid 40's, and he's been on for 20+ years ALMOST straight , with high and low months and right now he's sick (not gear related) but he says it's made him feel better about himself and do it all over, all the hype over abuse etc is BS. i forget how high he's gone but it was like 3grams weekly to 500weekly at low times, when he was off, and i'm trying to follow same routin and see how works, i'm basicly bridging now at 500mg prop weekly and will start a cycle at 1grams to 1.5 grams test enth in month. for 3-4 months, he says long as you get lots of blood your good. and eat ,sleep well, protein a must , so only people you see with problems are the skinny dudes that get Bitch tits with 100grms enth, lol. This guys is huge. i guess just know your body, i'm alot bigger then him in height and natural weight, but i hope to match in time in proportion,

[Rhinobolt10]

Good for you, we think the same.

Of course I'd like to have my own, but I think it would be a great experience. I can't really get into the details, but the adoption saved my gf's life so i'm all for adopting.

[Seth]

Larry, I'm with you on this one. The way I see it is that there are sooo many orphans out there. When you adopt you both get what you want; you get a legacy, and he gets a caring family. My childhood sucked and I had loving parents, I can't even begin to imagine what those kids go through.

[Big D]

Larry, I'm with you on this one. The way I see it is that there are sooo many orphans out there. When you adopt you both get what you want; you get a legacy, and he gets a caring family. My childhood sucked and I had loving parents, I can't even begin to imagine what those kids go through.

thats exacly how i think,

[Amoral]

my gf, who I'm pretty sure I'm going to marry was adopted, and if for some reason I'm shooting blanks later, I'll be more than happy to adopt.

I was actually adopted! And if it wasn't for my awesome parents now, who knows where the f*ck I'd be...

[kyle]

That post on professional muscle is insane!

I read the thread on professional muscle. I think its a wake up call. A human body can only take that much abuse for so long before It starts to fall apart. I alot people are in denile about there steroid abuse, everyone is an individual and peoples bodies handle things differently but if we wait until we feel that something is wrong, it can be to late as it was in the fellows case. Anyways I'm going to make sure I get blood work done before and after every cycle no excuses.

[bigdaddydrew123]

i dont regret it i actually feel better on test at my age,44,i live healthier on other aspects ie eating training.the only negative is bp went from very low toupper end of normal.i come from a small family so 200 lbs is gigantic in my family.being bigger is not natural for us gene wise.but i would not change it and dont regret it,i think overall its good for you if your not excessive.

[broken7]

"do you do donuts?".

hahaha genius

[KINE]

For me AAS has been an extremely positive experience. I have never suffered side effects. The only thing i was worried about was hairloss so I got a script for propecia. The only thing that really phukn bothers me about the game is the counterfeit gear, the chance of getting fake stuff...and I don't like having to resort to ug...but thats just me.