The use of excessive steroid dosages: Bodybuilders like extremes more than any other athlete. Assumption that "The belief more is better still influences people. If two tablets work well, then four must double the effect. With such an attitude the door is open to potential side effects, and it is not even justified by a clearly improved effect. The effectiveness of almost all steroids is dosage dependent up to a certain degree and is achieved when the bonding potential of steroid molecules and steroid receptors is exhausted. When the receptors of the muscle cell are saturated the remaining steroid molecules begin looking for another target. Liver dysfunction, kidney dysfunction, hair loss, acne, high estrogen levels, reduced production of the bodies own hormones, and aggressiveness often have their origin in dosages which are too high. So called mega doses do not result in a distinctly higher strength and mass gain.

Intake duration:

Duration of intake is too long: The non-stop use of steroids is not recommended for most athletes for two reasons. First, when high dosages are taken over a long time, the risk of potential side effects increases considerable. The chances of organ damage are especially high when oral 17-alpha alkylated steroids are continuously taken. Second, such a behavior is very dubious since the effect of the administered steroids weakens after a certain time which, with a higher dosage or a different preparation, can only be stopped briefly. Everyone should know that the stronger the steroid the faster its effect decreases so that the use over a long period of time is even more foolish. With Anadrol the gain increase usually is reduced after only 3-4 weeks while with Deca Durabolin, for example, often continuous progress can be obtained over 10-12 weeks.

Differences in steroids:

Steroids can result in serious consequences if the preparations are flawed or incorrect. "Not all steroids are the same". There lies a clear distinction between highly androgenic, potentially-toxic steroids such as Anadrol, Methyltestosterone, Dianabol, Halotestin, etc. and the weaker androgenic, predominantly anabolic and less toxic preparations, such as, B. Primobolan, Deca Durabolin, Oxandrolone, Andriol, and Winstrol. Since the first mentioned drugs are the ones which cause the several side effects it makes sense to reduce their intake to a maximum of 6-8 weeks. Women, young adults, and older athletes should be very cautious and should consult a medical practitioner before selecting steroid preparations. It is necessary for the general public to understand this distinction between various types of steroids to avoid potential harm to themselves which could be irreversible...

Intake schedules:

The effectiveness of every steroid program can be considerably increased by a clever combination of steroids since they have a synergetic effect. This means that with a low total dosage one can obtain better results. Since various receptors are attacked it is possible to delay the receptor saturation so that the steroid combination will remain effective over al longer period of time. At the same time potential side effects can be minimized.

For example, taking 50 mg Dianabol per day, the athlete should take 20 mg Dianabol/day and 200 mg Deca Durabolin/week.

Generally one can say that best results can be obtained by combining an oral steroid with an injectable steroid. The combination of two oral preparations such as Dianabol with Anadrol or Oxandrolone with Methyl testosterone makes less sense. Since the protein-building and nitrogen-retaining effect of most steroids decreases after a few weeks one should begin with a low dosage which is increased slowly and evenly during the intake interval. Athletes whose steroid cycle is longer than 6-8 weeks should usually switch to a completely different combination. Another frequently-made mistake is the sudden interruption of the steroid regime. Many side effects, a possible rebound effect, and strength and weight loss can be minimized if the steroid dosages are decreased slowly and evenly. This also includes that at the end of the steroid intake interval not the highly effective steroids such as Anadrol and testosterone are taken but that the athlete switches to milder preparations and includes these during discontinuance.Counterfeits:

To correct the problem of using fake steroids is very difficult for most athletes since the black market with its overwhelming preponderance of fake steroids represents the only source of supply. Unsatisfying results, often no positive results at all, and an unusual number of side effects are unfortunately common and caused by the use of fakes. Many fake steroids are impure, do not contain the alleged substances, are often considerably under dosed or contain something completely different as specified on the label. Using FDA/NIH approved steroids manufactured by a trusted company from a pharmacy is the safest way.

Physical check ups:

A physical examination before starting steroids would be useful to evaluate whether you are in a good physical condition to take them or avoid them .Every athlete who takes steroids should have a physician periodically check his blood, urine, pH value, liver values, and the blood pressure. As important as the preliminary implementation of these tests is the right timing. This also helps obtain reference and comparison data so that in a later exam possible changes in results can be easily determined. The second exam is recommended 5-6 weeks after the steroid intake. Further administration of steroids should depend on the result of the exams. If the results are acceptable, four weeks after termination of the steroid program another test should be made to check whether or not possible smaller deviations were normalized.

External Factors:

Negligence of external factors: The use of steroids alone does not guarantee impressive results. Their effect strongly depends on four individual factors which together have a synergetic effect and are therefore called the magic rectangle: Training, nutrition, rest, and attitude. Especially when steroids are taken many athletes have a tendency to neglect these important requirements. But without following these the results would not be satisfactory. Good suggested nutrition along with the right amount of exercise will tone your muscles to your satisfaction. Sufficient rest is needed to balance the training schedule and last but not the least is your attitude. People taking steroids have been found out to have aggressive fits. So,it would be better to control your attitudinal change before it lands you in trouble.