Check my age out...I'll be the big 50 in a few months. Been using steroids with proper cycling since 1983. Been using GH for last 4 yrs. I've retired from bodybuilding competitions but lately been getting the bug to compete in the NPC again.
PED's have been getting the bad rap since the beginning of time. As one poster said, there is USE and ABUSE. Ever watch the HBO sports documentary on steroids?? It may have been posted here. If not, I will find it and post. It basically said that IF you are an adult MALE with NO pre-existing health issues AND you cycle properly, you are almost guaranteed to have NO health problems period. The people who have either died or gotten sick have had pre-existing conditions long before they juiced.
Lyle Alzado didn't die from steroids. HE thought he did. But his Dr is on record as saying he didn't. Of the quarter century of juicing and knowing well over 100 people who did anabolics, I can honestly say that i've had ONE friend who died. He was 31 and had prior heart problems. He had a hole in his aorta. His name was Ric and he did everything wrong. I competed against him, he was huge. His Dr told him don't drink, dont smoke weed, don't do Coke. So what did Ric do? He drank, got high and snorted Coke. Little wonder he died. And yes steroids contributed (not sole cause)to his early death.
Now I'm not condoning their use. That's an individual choice. I would be at least 22 and have several yrs of natural training first. Have regular blood work. If you can't afford that, eat clean calories, drink sparingly and live an otherwise clean life. You will be fine.
Its funny to note that a few individuals that have had problems have taken the black market steroids that are not Pharmaceutical grade. Sometimes they are not steroids at all. When US made steroids a controlled substance back in the early 90's, they opened up a pandoras box. People immediately went to the black market and rolled the dice. Anther case of failed US Policy gone bad.
Like my workout partner has a shirt that says:"The only thing that grows naturally are plants"