Supplements & Performance Enhancers / Question
Published: February 25, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am a 17 year-old male. A friend of mine told me I should try a 12-day cycle of Russian Dianabol (steroid) to turn my slightly body fat into muscle. I do not know too much about steroid but I heard a 12-day cycle would be harmless. I want to know for sure before I do this. Also, I do not have high blood pressure but it is being monitored. I have also been told I could use something other than Russian D to gain muscle like Andro-poppers. Please let me know! Thanks.
Signed: Twelve Day Cycle Of Steroids Safe?
Dear Twelve Day Cycle Of Steroids Safe?,
Steroid supplement is not a healthy practice whether you are body building or just trying to turn some fat into muscle. Anabolic steroids are not only illegal but can be damaging to your body despite the quantity and the length of time it is taken.
Russian Dianabol, technically known as methandrostenolone, like all anabolic steroids has many side effects in young men. Some of which include: stunted growth, testicle shrinkage, bad acne, reduced sperm count, impotence, baldness, breast development, painful urination, and severe mood swings.
Some side effects in young women are stunted growth, increased hair growth, changes in menstrual cycle, bad acne, breast shrinkage, deeper voice, and severe mood swings.
Some health hazards are infertility, liver disease, tremors, fluid retention, high blood pressure, lower HDL (good cholesterol), and sore joints. Also, the risk of HIV and hepatitis exists if you are injecting and sharing needles.
TeenHealthFX strongly advises you not to use anabolic steroids unless your physician prescribes it to be used for medical reasons.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
A sexually active teenager who does not use contraceptives has a 90% chance of becoming pregnant within one year. 
