Minimizing the side effect

Typically, bodybuilders, athletes and sportsmen who use anabolic steroids try to minimize the negative side effects. For example, users may increase their amount of cardiovascular exercise to help negate the effects of left ventricle hypertrophy.

Some androgens will aromatise and convert to estrogen, potentially causing some combination of the side effects listed above. During a steroid cycle users may take an aromatase inhibitor and/or a SERM; these drugs affect aromatisation and estrogen receptor binding respectively. The SERM tamoxifen, is of particular interest as it prevents binding to the estrogen receptor in the breast, reducing the risk of gynecomastia.

Furthermore, to combat the natural testosterone suppression and to restore proper HPTA function, what is known as 'post-cycle therapy' (PCT) is self prescribed. PCT takes place after the course of anabolic steroids. It typically consists of a combination of the following drugs, depending on which protocol is used:

* A SERM such as clomiphene citrate and/or tamoxifen citrate (this is the primary PCT drug).
* An aromatase inhibitor such as anastrozole.
* Human chorionic gonadotropin, hCG (this has become less common as it is now more often used throughout the cycle rather than after).

The aim of PCT is to return the body's endogenous hormonal balance to its original state within the shortest space of time.

Those prone to premature hair loss due to steroid use have been known to take the prescription drug finasteride for prolonged periods of time. Finasteride reduces the conversion of testosterone to DHT, the latter having much higher potency for alopecia. Finasteride is useless in the cases when steroid is not converted into a more androgenic derivative. Finasteride is also used as a masking agent by those who are subject to steroid testing.

 

Since anabolic steroids can be toxic to the liver or can cause increases in blood pressure or cholesterol, many users consider it ideal get frequent blood work tests and blood pressure tests to make sure their blood pressure or cholesterol are still within normal levels. Since anabolic steroids can increase cholesterol they increase the risk for heart attack in users. So it is generally considered mandatory for all users to get blood work while using anabolic steroids.