Steroids

How To Identify If Someone Is On Steroids

Published

12 years ago

April 3, 2013

F Kyle

If you are a bodybuilder, then surely have been curious about how others managed to build huge muscles: naturally or through chemical enhancers? The curiosity is good for you as it challenges you to get educated about what steroids effects are and to try to detect them in other people.

From the beginning have to be mentioned that there is not a real way to tell if someone is on steroids. We can talk about a range of signs that may occur when steroids have been used. Once most of these signs are detected in a bodybuilder, you can tell that person is a juicer. But for being 100% sure about this, you will have to ask him or her directly, since such an answer cannot be based only on appearance. This is especially hard to say when we talk about professional athletes, who have been trained for many years along.

In order to tell if someone is on steroids, you have to observe physical but also social and psychological changes. In most of the cases, gear users suffer noticeable changes on these levels, while still can be persons that never have taken steroids but faces many of these issues.

The number of physical changes in a steroid user is quite many. The most important being a very rapid increase in muscle mass, that obviously cannot be achieved only through hard training and eating a lot. Unless he is very well gifted by nature.

Here Are Other Physical Signs That Tell You Someone Is On Steroids

- Severe acne on chest, back and face. This happens because of high level of hormone in the body, which can be caused by other factors too. But if the person you know is suddenly experiencing acne abnormalities while increasing muscle mass, than the more probably he is taken steroids.

Must Read: Which Anabolic Steroids Are Less Likely To Cause Acne

- Reddish glow skin. This is a an result of high blood pressure, which increase because of water retention steroid use side effects. That’s why if you notice such a skin color in someone then be sure that muscle gains were not done naturally.

- Bloated gut. Of course do not confuse it with just fat guys, whose chances to be on steroids are quite few. But if you see a muscular body with bloated stomach, than this person is more probably a steroid user.

- Irregular muscle development. In case of steroid users, muscles of the upper part of the body- shoulders, deltoids, trapezius - are obviously much more developed than lower part. If you see a strange difference in the muscles development of lower and upper body part, than you can consider this person a “juicer”.

- Gynecomastia, or beach tits is undoubtedly sign that person is taken steroids. This is the most feared side effects of steroids users, since it cause a very inechestetic appearance that can be removed only surgically.

Must Read: Steroids, Gynecomastia and Gyno Surgery

- Gain of muscle mass with no fat is another sign that a person is on steroids. Naturally bodybuilding doesn’t allow you to gain impressive amount of muscle mass with no fat, while through steroids such an effect can be easily achieved. So, greatly increasing muscle mass with no fat is in most cases a result of steroid use.

- Baldness. It is caused by high amounts of testosterone in the body, which usually steroids do. But even normal bodybuilders can cause early baldness because weightlifting elevates testosterone level. This situation is worse when bodybuilder is prone to baldness.

- Increase of trap size. Steroids cause a quick increase of neck muscle. If someone managed to increase the neck muscle size dramatically in a short period of time than this is a due to steroids. In a naturally way neck muscles are not easy to develop and require long life of special training.

From a social point of view, steroids users are more secretive, spend more time alone, in the bathroom or other places where steroids can be injected. Also, they can be less communicative, suffer from sudden mood changes, being depressive and poor decision makers peoples. If a person is actively increasing muscle mass and present some of these signs, he or she can be easily spotted as a steroid user.

Women On Steroids

Since in women testosterone is found in a much lower dose, telling a female bodybuilder is or not a steroid user is quite easier. First of all, if a woman has a masculine look and a deep voice than most probably she is taken steroids.

Among important physical changes in a woman caused by anabolics are the increase of clitoris, dramatical breast size decrease, hair developing on chest and others.

Catching a women steroid user is not difficult, especially if steroids are used in high doses. This is because they cause noticeable side effects. It is more difficult to detect a person who uses steroid in small doses, not for increasing muscle size, but for getting the lean body.

Both in men and women moderate steroid use make a user very hard to detect. Since there are less noticeable side effects and just benefits. Contrary, misusing steroids make a person look unnaturally big, and which is more important, may damage his or her health.

This is why, if you observe that someone you know is overusing steroids is better to let him know about this. This could be a sign to take a break and revise steroid cycle strategy.

In short, when you are looking to spot a steroid user you have to pay attention to physical changes firstly. Big muscle gains in very short periods of time, with inflated muscles in the upper body part, is a sign that person is on steroids. Also, severe acne, gyno, baldness, reddish glow skin or thick neck are other tells about taking steroids.

Must Read: Best Anabolic Steroids For Women

In most, those who overuse steroids are very used to catch, while those who use them moderately are less detectable. Being well educated about steroid side effects will not only let you quickly spot a steroid user, but will help you to stay safe if you decide to go with steroids for improving your shape.

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F Kyle

The "GYMRAT" of this blog, Pro-blogger and Fitness Instructor since 2008

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Steroids

Decoding IGF-1 LR3: A Comprehensive Guide to its Benefits

Published

17 hours ago

April 25, 2025

Sane

IGF-1 LR3 (Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Long Arg3) is a synthetic variant of IGF-1, a hormone produced by the liver in response to growth hormone (GH). Unlike GH, which works indirectly, IGF-1 directly facilitates the growth and repair of muscle cells.

This modified version of IGF-1 is engineered to avoid binding with IGF-binding proteins, extending its half-life to 20–30 hours. As a result, it remains active in the body significantly longer than natural IGF-1.

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Many performance athletes incorporate IGF-1 LR3 post-workout to enhance muscle growth, speed up recovery, and support fat loss. When injected into specific muscle groups, it often produces localized effects. Additionally, it helps with nutrient distribution and, in some cases, improves insulin sensitivity.

On the other hand, human growth hormone (HGH) operates more broadly and indirectly, stimulating the liver to produce IGF-1 and offering more systemic benefits such as improved skin health, joint support, and fat reduction, albeit at a slower pace.

Typical IGF-1 LR3 doses range from 20–50 mcg daily, administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly, often following a workout.

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Steroids

AOD-9604: The Fat-Burning Peptide Explained

Published

2 weeks ago

April 9, 2025

Sane

AOD-9604, along with the similar HGH Frag 176-191, is a peptide derived from Growth Hormone that includes only the amino acids in HGH responsible for stimulating fat breakdown, known as lipolysis.

This means that these peptides offer the fat-burning benefits of HGH without its other effects—whether beneficial or adverse—and come at a lower cost.

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Lipolysis refers to the process where fat cells are broken down to be utilized as energy. AOD-9604 promotes accelerated fat loss by increasing the body's use of fat as fuel.

For optimal results, the peptides should be used in a fasted state. AOD-9604 and Frag 176-191 are most effective when administered at a dose of 125-250mcg before bedtime (at least 3-4 hours after eating) and in the morning at the same dose, followed by a fasting period of 3-4 hours, ideally combined with fasted cardio.

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Similar Peptides with Fat-Burning Effect

Here’s a list of 10 peptides similar to AOD-9604, each with a brief description:

Ipamorelin: A growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP) that stimulates the natural release of growth hormone, promoting fat loss, muscle growth, and improved recovery without affecting other hormones like cortisol or prolactin.

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CJC-1295: A peptide that increases growth hormone and IGF-1 levels, aiding in fat loss, muscle gain, and improved sleep quality. It has a long half-life, making it convenient for users.

HGH Frag 176-191: A fragment of human growth hormone specifically designed for fat-burning. It targets adipose tissue without the broader effects of full-length HGH.

Tesamorelin: Known for reducing visceral fat, this peptide stimulates the release of growth hormone and is often used for weight management and metabolic health.

BPC-157: While primarily known for healing and recovery, BPC-157 can support fat loss indirectly by improving gut health and reducing inflammation.

Melanotan II: Originally developed for skin tanning, it also has appetite-suppressing properties, making it useful for weight management.

Thymosin Beta-4 (TB-500): Focused on healing and recovery, it can enhance physical performance and indirectly support fat loss through improved activity levels.

GHRP-6: A growth hormone-releasing peptide that boosts appetite and metabolism, aiding in muscle growth and fat loss.

Semaglutide: A GLP-1 receptor agonist that regulates appetite and blood sugar levels, making it effective for weight loss and metabolic health.

MK-677 (Ibutamoren): A growth hormone secretagogue that increases growth hormone and IGF-1 levels, promoting fat loss, muscle gain, and improved recovery.

List of Peptides With a Counteractive Effect Bodybuilders Must Avoid

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Some peptides can inadvertently lead to fat gain due to their effects on metabolism and appetite regulation. Here are a few that bodybuilders might want to avoid or use cautiously:

GHRP-6 – While it stimulates growth hormone release, it also significantly increases appetite, which can lead to excess calorie consumption and fat gain.
IGF-1 LR3 – This peptide enhances muscle growth but can also promote fat storage if not carefully managed with diet and training.
MK-677 (Ibutamoren) – Though technically a growth hormone secretagogue rather than a peptide, it boosts GH levels but often leads to increased hunger and potential fat accumulation.
CJC-1295 with DAC – While effective for muscle growth, its prolonged GH release can sometimes lead to unwanted fat retention if not paired with a strict diet

Overall

AOD-9604, derived from Growth Hormone, stimulates fat-burning by targeting lipolysis—the breakdown of fat for energy. It delivers these benefits without the additional effects of Growth Hormone, making it more cost-effective. For maximum effectiveness, it should be administered in a fasted state, ideally before bed and again in the morning at 125-250mcg doses. Pairing its use with fasting and fasted cardio can further enhance fat loss. Its sole focus is on improving the body’s ability to burn fat efficiently.

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Bodybuilding

Understanding Trenbolone-Induced Cough (“Tren Cough”)

Published

3 weeks ago

April 7, 2025

Sane

Trenbolone, a potent anabolic steroid, can sometimes cause “tren cough”—a sudden and intense coughing episode shortly after injection. Although not exclusive to Trenbolone, it is more commonly associated with this substance due to its highly irritant nature.

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Mechanisms Behind Tren Cough

Solvent and Carrier Irritation

Trenbolone formulations often include volatile solvents like benzyl alcohol or benzyl benzoate, which may irritate lung tissues when absorbed quickly into systemic circulation.

Prostaglandin Release

Trenbolone promotes increased production of prostaglandins, particularly PGF2α. This compound triggers contraction in the smooth muscles of the lungs, leading to bronchoconstriction and coughing.

Micro-Oil Embolism

Tiny oil droplets from an injection can reach capillaries and travel to the lungs, causing mild embolic reactions that lead to temporary oxygen deprivation and coughing.

Histamine and Mast Cell Activation

For some individuals, Trenbolone triggers histamine release and mast cell activation, mimicking an allergic response and causing bronchospasms and cough reflexes.

Related Article: Best Syringes for Steroid Injection on Amazon

Using Salbutamol (Albuterol) to Manage Tren Cough

Salbutamol, a widely-used β2-adrenergic receptor agonist, can alleviate tren cough symptoms by:
Relaxing bronchial muscles, easing spasms that cause coughing.
Inhibiting prostaglandin effects, reducing bronchoconstriction associated with PGF2α.
Opening airways, preventing severe respiratory restrictions in susceptible individuals.

Application Methods

Inhaler (Optimal)

Take 1–2 puffs of salbutamol (100–200 mcg) 5–10 minutes before a Trenbolone injection. If coughing occurs afterward, additional puffs can swiftly resolve the issue.

Oral Tablets (Moderate)

Consuming 2–4 mg tablets 30–60 minutes before injection offers slower, longer-lasting relief but may be less effective than inhalation methods.

Nebulizer (Severe Cases)

For individuals with frequent episodes, nebulized doses of 2.5 mg salbutamol can provide substantial relief.

Preventive Measures to Reduce Tren Cough Risk

Inject slowly to minimize systemic absorption and irritant effects.
Split doses to lower reaction severity with smaller quantities.
Opt for ventrogluteal injection sites, which have fewer blood vessels, reducing oil embolism risk.
Choose lower-concentration solutions to lessen irritation, as higher concentrations (e.g., Tren Ace 200 mg/ml) are more likely to provoke reactions.

What Other Steroids Can Induce Coughing?

Here's a curated list of peptides, SARMs, and PEDs that may potentially cause coughing or respiratory irritation in bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts:

Peptides

IGF-1 LR3 (Insulin-like Growth Factor): Known for its anabolic effects, IGF-1 LR3 can occasionally cause mild respiratory irritation due to systemic absorption.

TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4): While rare, improper injection techniques or high doses may lead to transient coughing episodes.

GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide): This peptide can stimulate histamine release, potentially leading to bronchospasms and coughing.

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SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators)

RAD-140: (Testolone) Some users report throat irritation or coughing, often attributed to solvents used in liquid formulations.

YK-11: Known for its myostatin-inhibiting properties, YK-11 may cause mild respiratory discomfort in sensitive individuals.

LGD-4033 (Ligandrol): Though uncommon, some users experience coughing due to carrier solvents or allergic-like reactions.

PEDs (Performance-Enhancing Drugs)

Boldenone Undecylenate (Equipoise): This injectable steroid can cause “Equipoise cough,” similar to tren cough, due to oil embolism or irritant solvents.

Testosterone Suspension: The water-based formulation may lead to coughing episodes if injected improperly or absorbed rapidly.

Nandrolone Decanoate (Deca-Durabolin): While less common, coughing can occur due to histamine release or systemic irritation.

More Tips to Minimize Coughing Risks

Use proper injection techniques to avoid embolic reactions.
Opt for lower-concentration solutions to reduce irritant effects.
Consider antihistamines or bronchodilators for individuals prone to respiratory sensitivity.

Are There Alternatives to Cough-inducing Steroids?

Here are some alternatives to cough-inducing steroids that can provide similar anabolic effects while minimizing respiratory irritation:

Peptides

IGF-1 LR3 (Insulin-like Growth Factor)

Promotes muscle growth and recovery without the irritant properties of certain steroids.

TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4)

Enhances tissue repair and reduces inflammation, making it a safer option for recovery.

BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound)

Known for its healing properties, it supports muscle repair and joint health.

SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators)

RAD-140 (Testolone)

Provides significant muscle-building effects with fewer systemic side effects compared to traditional steroids.

LGD-4033 (Ligandrol)

Boosts lean muscle mass and strength without the risk of respiratory irritation.

MK-677 (Ibutamoren)

Stimulates growth hormone release, aiding in muscle growth and recovery.

Natural Alternatives

Turkesterone

A plant-based ecdysteroid that supports muscle protein synthesis and recovery.

Ecdysterone

Another natural compound that mimics anabolic effects without the harsh side effects.

Creatine Monohydrate

Enhances strength and muscle mass through improved energy production during workouts.

Other Options

Human Growth Hormone (HGH)

Promotes muscle growth and fat loss, though it requires careful monitoring due to potential side effects.

Testosterone Boosters

Natural supplements like D-Aspartic Acid or Tribulus Terrestris can help optimize testosterone levels for muscle growth.

SARMs Alternatives

Legal and safer versions of SARMs are available, offering similar benefits without the risks associated with traditional SARMs.

Overall

We have explored the phenomenon of "tren cough," a sudden, intense coughing episode often caused by Trenbolone injections due to factors like solvent irritation, prostaglandin release, micro-oil embolism, or histamine activation. Preventive measures such as using salbutamol (via inhaler, oral tablets, or nebulizer), injecting slowly, splitting doses, and opting for lower-concentration solutions were highlighted.

Additionally, alternative compounds to tren cough-inducing steroids were discussed, including peptides like IGF-1 LR3 and TB-500, SARMs such as RAD-140 and LGD-4033, and natural options like Turkesterone, ecdysterone, and creatine. These alternatives provide anabolic effects while minimizing respiratory side effects. The conversation also underscored the importance of proper injection techniques and thoughtful compound selection to reduce risks.

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