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Steroids come in all shapes and sizes but injectables are often the gentlest on the body and the easiest to tolerate, despite the more challenging route of administration.

Quite aside from the effects of the steroids themselves, you’ll also need to consider whereabouts you plan on injecting as some sites are preferable to others.

Here’s a quick look at the difference between subcutaneous and intramuscular, along with everything you need to know.

Injecting intramuscularly (IM)

For the most part, steroids are designed to be injected intramuscularly and there’s a wide range of sites to choose from. Most can hold between 3-5cc of fluid without too much of a problem but you should rotate the muscles used so that ideally you don’t inject any one area more than once in 7-10 days.

The buttocks

The gluten are a big hit with many users because the muscle is one of the biggest in the body, with scant nerve endings. These two factors combined make it one of the best sites to use.

You’ll need to aim for the upper, outer part of your buttocks as you’ll find that not only is this less painful as there’s few muscle endings, but also there’s far less blood vessels to hit too.

Twisting around to jab yourself in the butt might not feel terribly easy at first but with practice you’ll find it gets less challenging.

The thighs

This is another site which is very popular, being that it is large and much easier to administer. The other reason why it’s often used is that it’s much simpler to deliver the injection, without the need to twist round uncomfortably.

Because the thigh muscles are so big, it’s possible to inject deep into the muscle using both hands. For many people this is their favorite site.

Pecs

Not a particularly common site to use but more those who are more experienced may decide to give it a go.

Using the chest area provides an additional site to rotate the injections around. Inject into the deepest section of the pecs in a slightly across motion to get the best result.

Deltoids

This is a site which is more commonly used again, being reasonably easy to access and not too sensitive.

To be effective you’ll need to inject into the deepest part of the shoulder; this should be higher than the armpit and in the area known as the lateral head.

Biceps and triceps

If you like using your deltoids as an injection site, your triceps and biceps may also be a good spot for you.

Always make sure you inject into the deepest area to achieve the right result.

Subcutaneous

This isn’t usually the preferred route for injecting steroids but in some cases, it may be possible, depending on the type of drug and how fast acting it is.

The thing to bear in mind is that subcutaneous injections must be much smaller as there’s not the same room to accommodate larger amounts of fluid.

The upper arm, thigh and lower back can all be used for subcutaneous injections but the most popular by a long stretch is the abdomen. This is because it’s simpler to administer and there’s more subcutaneous tissue.

Injecting into the abdomen is relatively easy but you’ll need to take it slowly. It’s also much easier to acquire scar tissue so rotation is imperative and you should always leave at least an inch between the area you inject into. Stay away from the belly button by at least two inches.

If you’re a serious bodybuilder and want to take your physique to the next level, you might be considering taking a supplement, such as anabolic steroids.

Although they’re used by many athletes and committed gym rats, there are risks associated with taking steroids which need to be considered.

Here’s an overview of the factors that should always be taken into account and the dangers that steroids present.

Cardiac risks

Every anabolic steroid is different and loads the body in different ways so it’s impossible to make a statement that universally applies.

However, some steroids do put pressure on the cardiovascular system so if the user has a history of heart problems, use is not advised.

Drugs which have estrogenic effects can cause bloating and water retention, which in turn can raise blood pressure. Other drugs cause rises in total cholesterol, as well as the reduction in “good” HDL cholesterol and an increase in “bad” LDL cholesterol.

Androgenic and estrogenic effects

Although the result of raising testosterone levels in the body can produce a marked positive change in the muscles, there are problems which can be associated with it too.

Acne, an increase in body hair and for those who are already prone to it, male pattern baldness can all occur. Avoiding steroids which are based on DHT can to reduce these effects.

Androgenic effects can be a particular problem for female users as they could experience something known as virilization. This includes growth of body hair, deepening of the voice and enlargement of the sexual organs.

Some steroids are prone to react to the aromatase enzyme, which means they can be converted to oestrogen within the body. As well as causing fluid retention, excess oestrogen can result in an undesirable swelling of breast tissue in men, known as gynecomastia. If the signs are spotted early, the condition is reversible but if allowed to fully develop, surgery will be required to correct it.

Age of the individual

Anabolic steroids are tough on the body and can have a whole host of effects which need to be carefully monitored.

In older individuals, this may be managed but in younger individuals, there’s the prospect of longer term damage.

The androgen system takes some time to fully develop and become established and even though it might be legal for an individual to drink and vote, they still may have some biological maturing left to do.

Every steroid has an effect on the production of testosterone and while most adult’s men can bounce back with the proper PCT, it can cause significant problem for those whose testosterone production is not yet fully developed.

In addition, case studies have shown that when used in younger men, depression and psychological issues can be a problem. This is possibly linked to the low levels of testosterone, and the inability of the body to recover easily.

Method of administration

Some of the dangers of steroids come not just from the drug itself but from the route of administration.

Oral steroids are incredibly harsh on the liver, and can usually only be taken for a short time because of the dangers of creating a toxic effect.

The main alternative to oral administration is the injection of steroids, a more popular choice among regular users.

However, injecting drugs is not as easy as popping a pill and you need to understand the different levels of injection: intravenously, subcutaneously and intramuscularly.

Injections are intended to be delivered into the muscle; administering the steroid into the vein could cause a heart attack or other serious health problem such as a pulmonary embolism. It is possible to administer the injection subcutaneously but if you try to deliver the same amount as into the muscle you’ll be in a lot of pain!

The injection technique is not the only issue; the needles and equipment must be scrupulously clean and never shared. Dirt or unhygienic practices can cause infections and abscesses at the site of administration which can be very nasty indeed.

Reduction in testosterone production

When an individual takes an anabolic steroid, it pumps up the blood levels of testosterone which in turn has the desired impact on muscle growth.

The problem with this is that the body identifies too much is circulating around the body, and shuts down natural production of testosterone. This isn’t a problem during the cycle but once the steroid use stops, the body can take a long time to kick start production leaving the individual with some unpleasant side effects in the meantime. If steroids are abused, the production of testosterone may be permanently affected.

Following any steroid cycle with PCT to encourage the body to recommence production as quickly as possible is imperative to limit any permanent damage.

Be smart

Although it’s possible that steroids can cause a whole range of unpleasant side effects which can be dangerous, many of the worst cases are caused by not monitoring the use, or from abuse.

Steroid abuse comes in different forms and could mean taking a dose which is too high, using them too frequently, for cycles which are too long or simply not allowing the body to recover.

There are dangers which can be associated with use of anabolic steroids so if you decide to go down this route, it’s imperative you do your research, understand the warning signs and never exceed the recommended cycle dose and length.

To continue learning about anabolic drugs please visit our homepage simplyanabolics.com.

Human Growth Hormone, more commonly referred to as HGH, is a substance which is produced naturally within the body by the pituitary gland.

It plays an important function both during the formative years when it helps organs, muscles and bones to grow and also during adulthood when it’s responsible for keeping the same areas strong and healthy. HGH also plays a role in metabolic function, skin health and the immune system.

Because it’s such a vital element to the growth of the body – hence the name! – it’s perhaps not surprising to discover that levels of HGH peak during adolescence. By the time you reach your 30’s, levels of it start to rapidly decline. The drop in HGH is what leads to some of the signs of ageing such as loss of bone density, fatigue, decreased muscle, rise in body fat and deterioration in the skin.

Some individuals suffer from a deficiency of HGH and replacement therapy is given via injection in these cases. HGH can be given to both children and adults. Other medical causes for which HGH is prescribed include organ transplants and muscle wasting related to AIDS.

HGH originally was harvested from cadavers for treatment but in 1985 a synthetic version was created which is what is now used.

Because HGH plays such a fundamental role in so many processes within the body, it has been used as a supplement by the bodybuilding community. The drug has been used to assist with recovery times and to improve bone density but more recently it has been promoted as an aid to quick weight loss. The use of HGH in this capacity remains controversial with no definitive proof that it can achieve true weight loss, even when taken at a higher dose.

The weight loss theory

Over the years, lots of wonder drugs have been explored, all of which claim to promote weight loss. This is interesting to the general population but also bodybuilders who are looking to get really shredded.

As well as providing additional strength, muscular growth and a competitive edge, HGH can also help with fat loss.

When HGH is produced by the body it is transformed into a substance known as IGF1. This substance competes with insulin at the receptor sites, causing less glucose to be carried to the cells for energy and instead forcing the body to burn off fat.

This is very different from the usual biological process where the body first burns off all the available glucose before turning to fat stores for the surplus required.

Because the body needs energy all of the time, even while you’re sleeping, you don’t need to do copious amounts of energy to see the fat-burning effect. HGH will continue to burn off fat stores even if you’re immobile.

You won’t need to follow a particularly strict diet to lose while using HGH you will need to ensure you eat foods which have a low glycaemic index – which means low carb diets. This is because an excess of glucose circulating around your body can lead to a pre diabetic condition known as impaired glucose tolerance. Over time, this can change into full-blown diabetes. It’s therefore sensible not to overload the body with foods with a high glycemic index. A high protein diet will not only assist with muscle gain but will also reduce the likelihood of these kind of weight loss products causing more serious problems.

Does it work for weight loss?

Firstly, it’s worth mentioning that the FDA have never granted approval for HGH to be used for weight loss although it does have a license for a number of other conditions. Therefore, it’s not been deemed as unsafe for human consumption, but it’s not been formally recognised as being able to effectively aid weight loss.

In 1990 a study was published in an established medical journal which seemed to suggest that HGH could lead to weight loss, with individuals shedding 14% of body fat with no changes to their diet or exercise. At the same time individuals gained just under 9% in muscle mass.

This study is often cited as proof that HGH for weight loss really works, but subsequent research has failed to demonstrate the same effect. The journal that published the original study has since warned about the dangers in using the results, given subsequent research.

There are a number of diet programs which claim human growth hormone supplements hold the key to rapid weight loss. However, none of the HGH weight loss drugs have been clinically proven to help to lose weight. Despite these types of diet programs claiming to promote natural weight loss, no evidence is yet available to back them up.

However, there does seem to be some suggestion that even if human growth hormone for weight loss isn’t a success, it can change the overall composition of the body. Fat loss seems to increase while muscle mass simultaneously increases, but only to a small degree.

Positive effects of HGH

Although there remains a question about whether HGH can actually lead to any weight loss, there are some other positive effects.

There’s no question that HGH can help to grow muscle mass which makes it a popular supplement in the bodybuilding community. And in addition to increasing strength, it can also shorten recovery times too. Tissue which has become damaged can be healed more quickly with HGH while ligaments and joints receive extra support.

There is limited evidence to show that HGH can help with fat loss too and the composition of the body, even if the overall weight remains the same.

Administration

For those who choose to take HGH, it is necessary to administer it via injection. This is because HGH is a protein which if taken orally, will be broken down by the stomach and won’t reach the bloodstream.

Some companies will market HGH powder or HGH pills and claim the same rate of effectiveness. However, due to the metabolic process, the only way to take HGH is via injection. Some of the HGH tablets claim to be releasers instead, rather than the actual substance. These claim to trigger the body’s own system into producing more HGH rather than introducing it directly.

There is the choice of injecting HGH either subcutaneously or intramuscularly. The former has a greater bioavailability at about 75%, dropping to 63% when injected intramuscularly.

Dosage

To avoid side effects, it’s a good idea to ease gently when you start a HGH cycle for weight loss. Users should begin with 1-2 IU and gradually increase this to between 2-4 IU taken twice a day. The time of the dosage isn’t as important as with stimulant drugs so can fit in with the rest of your cycle.

Half life

The half life for HGH is short, which means frequent administration is necessary. The half life varies between 3-5 hours depending on whether the injection is made subcutaneously or intramuscularly. The latter has the longer half life, lasting on average 4.9 hours.

Use in women

HGH can be used safely in women without any of the virilization risks which are present with the use of anabolic steroids. However, the dose must be much lower to prevent overdosing, as squaring of the jaw can be a much more common side effect in women.

For this reason, it’s recommended that just 1-2 IU is taken at first, and any increase on this is introduced very slowly and with caution. A maximum dose of 3-4 IU can be taken for bodybuilders and those seeking out extreme results but the effects on the body must be carefully monitored at this level.

Cycle length

Although HGH has an extremely short half life, it takes an extended period before any effects on the body become evident.

When HGH is taken for weight loss, a cycle of between 12-16 weeks is required. No fat loss will be seen in cycles which are shorter.

For an anabolic effect and an increase in athletic performance, cycles of 6 months at the maximum dose are common.

Side effects

Unlike anabolic steroids, the side effects of HGH are relatively mild.

One of the most common problems seen with the use of HGH is water retention and pain in the joints. It doesn’t affect everyone and for those who are afflicted, it should be relatively mild.

Although water retention is an undesirable side effect, especially for those trying to lose weight, the good news is that once the cycle is over, the surplus fluids will be lost.

The joint pain is usually relatively mild and bearable for most people. Occasionally cold and flu-type symptoms such as headaches and fatigue can also occur.

HGH has been linked to the squaring off and thickening of fingers, toes and the jaw, a condition known medically as acromegaly. However, this side effect is usually only seen in those who abuse HGH at abnormally high levels for an extended period of time. If you follow the recommended dose, you shouldn’t ever experience this.

One area you do need to take care is if you have any history of abnormal cell growth within your body, such as prostate tumors. A benign prostatic growth wouldn’t normally be cause for concern but because HGH encourages the growth of cells it can become dangerous. Anyone with either a personal history of strong family history of cancer should therefore steer clear of HGH.

The other proven side effect is carpal tunnel syndrome; anyone who takes HGH is at an increased risk of this.

We have much more information which you can find by clicking this link.

If you’re serious about bodybuilding, you’ll need to make sure that your training and diet are absolutely on point whether you’re trying to bulk or cut.

However, there’s only so much that even the perfect regime can achieve without a little extra help. Anabolic steroids have been around for decades and have been proven to be incredibly effective in taking bodybuilding to the next level. No matter if you’re looking to get shredded or add bulk and muscle, steroids can help you achieve your goals more quickly and comprehensively.

Unfortunately, they don’t come without a price: anabolic steroids can be very harsh on the body and there’s a whole host of side effects which can be very serious.

If you’re considering using anabolic steroids, it’s absolutely imperative you get steroid information first as there’s different types of steroids and ways to mitigate some of the worst effects. Below is a guide to the anabolic steroids side effects you may experience both in the short and long term.

Androgenic effects

Some anabolic steroids are renowned for being very androgenic which means that not only are they out of the question for use in females, but that they can also produce very marked side effects in men.

However, any anabolic steroid could produce androgenic side effects; some individuals will be more sensitive than others so extremely androgenic drugs aren’t suitable for all.

One of the most pronounced androgenic effects can be baldness or thinning of hair, but unless you have the male pattern baldness gene you won’t be affected. However, if you do lose your hair simply stopping the steroid won’t reverse the changes so if you think you may be prone it could be a good idea to use anabolic steroids which have a lower level of androgenic effects.

Hair loss is often associated with DHT (dihydrotestosterone) which attaches to the hair follicles and causes them to be permanently shed. Blocking this action can prevent the hair loss and drugs such as Finasteride can help with this. The drugs work on the enzyme which converts the testosterone into DHT, 5-alpha reductase, and are known as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. Unfortunately, not all hair loss associated with steroid use is as a result of the actions of this enzyme. Some drugs which already contain a derivative of DHT don’t interact with the enzyme which means blocking drugs won’t have any effect. Trenbolone, Primobolan, Winstrol and Deca Durabolin are examples of androgenic steroids which won’t respond to treatment.

The androgenic effect of steroids can also include acne where the receptors which lie beneath the skin bind with the androgen and lead to a rise in the production of sebum. This means that no matter how scrupulously clean you keep your skin; you could still suffer from acne.

Estrogenic effects

Although testosterone is the main hormone associated with men, once it’s within the body it converts to estradiol which is a female hormone. This is a normal process and essential for a variety of bodily processes. The change from testosterone to estradiol is known as aromatization because it’s performed with the help from the aromatase enzyme.

However, problems arise when you introduce anabolic steroids into the balance because some of these also have the ability to aromatize. Because of the high doses of testosterone which are present in the body, there is far more of the female hormone estradiol than there should be and it’s this which can lead to estrogenic side effects.

The estrogenic side effects of steroid use include gynecomastia, water retention and excessive body fat. The overall look is typically soft and puffy, without the shredded muscular appearance that many bodybuilders want.

Aromatization isn’t the only process which can lead to estrogenic side effects; some steroids interact directly with the receptors creating the same undesirable outcome.

The good news is that you don’t have to simply stop taking steroids in order to get rid of the estrogenic effects. There’s two groups of drugs that you can try: either Aromatase Inhibitors or Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs).

An Aromatase Inhibitor (AI) such as Arimidex will block the enzyme Aromatase which is to blame for the estrogenic conversion. Care needs to be taken when using this because otherwise side effects of estrogen deficiency will manifest and these include erectile dysfunction, depression, loss of libido and lack of energy.

Alternatively, a SERM such as Nolvadex can be used; this has an advantage over AI drugs such as Arimidex because it doesn’t block the estrogen completely.

Cardiovascular effects

A bit of a crossover effect, steroids which are particularly estrogenic can lead to water retention (as described above). But as well as being aesthetically undesirable, it can actually be dangerous as it can lead to raised blood pressure.

Some types of anabolic steroid can also adversely affect levels of cholesterol in the body, specifically the LDL/HDL ratio, decreasing healthy cholesterol and sometimes increasing the amount of bad cholesterol too.

This combined with raised blood pressure can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. The good news is that using drugs to eliminate estrogenic side effects and eating a clean diet which is low in fat, as well as taking regular cardiovascular exercise can more or less offset the problems.

However, other cardiovascular side effects can also occur but in the vast majority of cases, this is due to abuse of anabolic steroids. This means unduly long cycles, not allowing your body time to recover and taking a dose which is too high.

Overuse or abuse of anabolic steroids can lead a to a whole host of cardiovascular side effects including an enlarged heart and polycythemia.

Liver toxicity

Hepatotoxicity is a major problem for some types of anabolic steroids, but less of an issue for others.

Generally, the drugs that are injected don’t have a particularly negative effect on the liver. But in direct contrast, many of the steroids administered orally can present a real problem, particularly those in the 17-alpha-alkyl group.

Oral steroid side effects range from elevated liver enzymes (which can be taken as an indicator that damage could occur if sustained) to the development of cysts and tumors. In many cases these tumors are benign, but cysts may cause a fatality if they burst. In addition, in some instances oral steroids can lead to malignancy.

Although liver enzymes can be monitored some damage to the liver will take some time to manifest, returning normal blood test results. Therefore, while monitoring is useful it won’t necessarily be sufficient to pick up all signs that hepatotoxicity has occurred.

Long term studies have shown a variable effect on the liver but some experts suggest that the pre-steroid condition of the liver may be the deciding factor. Having pre-existing abnormal liver function tests or being a heavy drinker could therefore significantly increase the risk of hepatotoxicity occurring with anabolic steroid use.

The side effects of oral steroids are considered to be such a problem for the liver that they’re not recommended for longer cycles and primarily used as a kickstarter to supplement other steroids.

Testosterone shutdown

Steroid side effects in men can be problematic on a cosmetic and also medical basis, and testosterone shutdown can be a real issue for both.

By increasing the amount of testosterone in the body by taking anabolic steroids, the body shuts down its own production. This occurs with every single anabolic steroid because the testosterone production system relies on a feedback loop; when excessive amounts of testosterone are detected within the blood, production ceases. And because the goal of anabolic steroids is to up the amount of testosterone, it’s impossible to escape the problem.

Shutting down the body’s own supply of testosterone can lead to shrinking of the testicles as a result of the lack of stimulation (testosterone is produced in the testicles).

Although this effect may be very undesirable, it is reversible after the cycle is complete. Providing proper PCT is carried out and there is no abuse of anabolic steroids, the body will revert to producing testosterone eventually and volumes in the testicles will increase once again.

Side effects in women

Although any of the above side effects could be equally a concern for women, female bodybuilders thinking of using anabolic steroids have additional factors to consider. Steroid side effects in women can be extremely difficult to manage, especially on certain drugs.

Some steroids are more likely to lead to a collection of symptoms which are known as virilization. These include a deepening of the voice, growth of body hair, cessation of menstruation and enlargement of the clitoris. Dry skin and a reduction in breast size may also occur.

If these symptoms start to become apparent while taking anabolic steroids, the drug must be stopped straight away. If caught in time, the side effects will fade but if steroids continue to be taken the effects will become permanent.

Steroids which are particularly androgenic can present the biggest challenge to female bodybuilders. All steroids can cause virilization in women but the ones which potentially have a lower likelihood of doing so include Anavar, Primobolan and Winstrol.

Because the risk of side effects in women is a very serious concern, it’s recommended that female steroid users avoid any drugs which have a long ester. Having steroids in the body which take a long time to clear could result in virilization effects becoming permanent.

Mortality risk

Much has been written in the media about the link between using anabolic steroids and the risk of death, yet many bodybuilders still opt to continue to take them. Surely a reckless decision?

The problem arises because all too often anabolic steroid use and steroid abuse are lumped in together. There’s no question that these types of drugs can be extremely harsh on the body and if care isn’t taken, the side effects of steroids can be severe.

Nevertheless, the real risk comes from individuals who abuse anabolic steroids.

When taking anabolic steroids, it’s critical to understand the right dose and the length of the cycle as well as considering the impact of other drugs or supplements you may be taking simultaneously.  When the recommended ranges are adhered to, the risk of mortality appears to be low.

The real problems start to arise in individuals who ignore the recommended dosage, extend their steroid cycles beyond the advised length or don’t allow their body time to recover properly between cycles.  This kind of abuse can lead to excessive strain on the body, and could contribute to an early death. And it’s these cases which hit the headlines and earn anabolic steroids the unfair reputation of being killer drugs.

Long term effects

Although a certain number of bodybuilders may dabble with the use of anabolic steroids for a number of years, long term steroid use is another matter. Much research has been carried out into the immediate and short term effects of steroids but the symptoms of steroid use in the long term have the potential to manifest in a very different way.

The effects of steroids on the body can take their toll but some individuals continue to take them for a number of decades, seemingly with no permanent ill effects.

The studies conducted on long term use of steroids has been extremely limited and much more data is needed to be conclusive on the subject. It’s been suggested that the long term effect will also depend in part on how well the side effects from steroids are managed in the shorter term.

There are individuals who have used anabolic steroids for many years and continue to do so, but this shouldn’t mean that it should be assumed that no-one will have problems with continued use. The effect on cholesterols and insulin, together with the number of other drugs being taken, seem to play an integral role in whether there will be any problem in the longer term.