Testosterone vs Steroids: Uses, Benefits, & Side Effects
Testosterone is a natural male sex hormone produced by the body to develop and maintain male characteristics. In comparison, anabolic steroids are man-made testosterone that mimic the effects of natural hormones and are used for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), muscle and performance enhancement. For recovery of low testosterone, using anabolic steroids is a safe approach only when taken with a doctor’s prescription.
Most people think that testosterone and anabolic steroids are the same. This is a common myth due to insufficient information. The basic difference between TRT and steroids is that testosterone is a hormone which is produced naturally by the body, especially in men. These hormones are responsible for developing specific characteristics at different ages, including bone density, muscle growth, voice deepening, facial hair and body hair growth.
In cases when individuals experience health issues due to low testosterone production in the body, they need to go through Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). In this medical approach, doctors prescribe anabolic steroids containing synthetic or man-made testosterone to increase the testosterone level in the body.
Low testosterone may lead to several health problems, such as hypogonadism, infertility, delayed puberty, abnormal hair growth on the face and body, weak bone density, reduced sex drive, and many others.
Both anabolic steroids and testosterone therapy can elevate the testosterone level, but technically, they are not the same. The end goals and patient bases are different in both approaches. Here are the details about their uses, benefits, and side effects.
What Are The Uses Of Anabolic Steroids?
Different types of anabolic steroids are designed to combat testosterone-related health problems, especially in men. These synthetic hormones play a vital role in normalising the natural production of testosterone, resulting in improved physical strength, performance, and muscle improvement.
For Medical Uses
Originally, anabolic steroids were designed for the treatment of hypogonadism and to promote muscle development in cases of muscle-wasting illnesses such as Cancer and HIV.
- In the early years of development, these steroids were helping people with a testosterone deficiency called hypogonadism, which leads to slow growth, development, and sexual functioning in men.
- These synthetic testosterone were aimed to make the natural production normal with time.
- Another primary use of these artificially designed hormones was to improve muscle mass, strength, and athletic performance under the supervision of healthcare professionals.
- With time, professional athletes started misusing these steroids for muscle-building, performance enhancement, and energy uplifting without prescriptions from any healthcare professionals.
Benefits of Testosterone & Anabolic Steroids
Testosterone Benefits
- One of the major benefits of increased testosterone is elevated energy levels and reduced fatigue
- Maintaining testosterone production can lead to an elevated sex drive and improved sexual performance
- When the production is normalised, it may support muscle mass enhancement along with strength maintenance
- Normal testosterone helps to reduce anxiety and depression
- Increased testosterone may also improve red blood cell production, leading to improved mental alertness and focus
Anabolic Steroids Benefits
- When professionally prescribed, these hormones can help accelerate rapid muscle gain and strength
- Some of these anabolic steroids are designed for fast injury recovery from intense physical activity
- These steroids can be used to improve physical appearance and performance
- They are considered safe and effective in treating muscle-wasting diseases
- In sports, anabolic steroids are misused for increased endurance and training capacity
Effects of Balanced Testosterone & Anabolic Steroids
Through TRT from a professional doctor, taking anabolic steroids can help to produce balanced testosterone in the body. These may have the following effects on the body:
- Restoration of normal hormonal balance and functioning
- Improved libido and stamina
- Normal masculine characteristic growth
- Reduced symptoms of low testosterone
- These are also considered performance-enhancing drugs
- Rapid muscle growth
- Improved bone density
Potential Side Effects of Anabolic Steroids
While undergoing Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), doctors may prescribe some anabolic steroids according to the requirements of the treatment needed. But when misused, the users may encounter some serious side effects, such as:
- Increased red blood cell count
- Shrinking of testicles
- Oily skin & acne
- Breast enlargement (In men)
- Reduced sperm production
- Increased risk of prostate issues
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Sleep apnea
- Slowed natural testosterone production
- Fluid retention
- Low mood and depression
- Chronic fatigue
Users may also not get the desired results in case they choose an illegitimate steroid store with low-quality products. Research for the most authentic store that can guarantee its products, like the Online UK Steroid Shop.
A Comparative Overview of Testosterone and Steroids
| Aspect | Testosterone | Anabolic Steroids |
| Definition | A natural hormone produced in the body, mainly by the testes. | Synthetic substances designed to mimic testosterone. |
| Primary Use | Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for low testosterone levels. | Enhance muscle mass, strength, and athletic performance. |
| Medical Purpose | Treats conditions like Hypogonadism, delayed puberty. | Originally developed for muscle-wasting diseases, but often misused. |
| Administration | Prescribed by doctors, typically via injections, gels, or patches. | Often self-administered without medical supervision. |
| Effects on the Body | Restores normal hormonal balance and functions. | Rapid muscle growth can disrupt natural hormone production. |
| Health Risks | Low when used as prescribed. | High risk: liver damage, heart disease, hormonal imbalance. |
| Legal Status | Legal with a prescription. | Often illegal without a prescription and banned in sports. |
| Ethical Use in Sports | Permitted for medical reasons with clearance. | Considered cheating and banned by most athletic organisations. |
FAQs
What to choose? Anabolic steroids or TRT?
If you are going through the situation of low testosterone, then going with TRT is a more rational decision, where you get a proper prescription from a doctor. Doctors analyse your overall health, testosterone count, and any malfunctions in the body, and then suggest that you take a specific dose in routine of particular anabolic steroids. Taking steroids on your own for general purposes is a risky choice that can lead to serious consequences when you take them without any medical supervision.
Is it legal to use anabolic steroids?
If they are going to be used in TRT with the consent of a doctor, then they are legal to use, but when taken without any serious health condition or for muscle-building purposes, most steroids fall into the category of illegal use.
What signals low testosterone in the body?
Several number of men suffer from low testosterone and do not notice their effects. These may include cognitive disturbance, decreased libido, depression, mental issues, and chronic fatigue.
Conclusion
Testosterone vs steroids: What should you choose? This is a common question when someone goes through medical conditions like hypogonadism, delayed puberty, infertility, low libido, erectile dysfunction, or weak cognitive functioning.
Well! Testosterone Replacement Therapy and steroids are not the same; the former is used for treating low levels of testosterone under medical supervision, and the latter is used for muscle-building purposes without the consent of a healthcare professional. TRT is a safer approach to eliminate men-related health issues, while using anabolic steroids on your own may lead to serious side effects and health risks.
