Both oral and injectable steroids are used for muscle gain, performance enhancement, and medical reasons. However, to get the most out of steroid use, it is important to learn which is safer.
From Anavar and Winstrol to Testosterone and Deca, multiple anabolic steroids are available to bodybuilders to help reach their desired physique. Some are administered as intramuscular injections, while others are ingested with a cup of water.
Let’s evaluate the health implications and safety considerations of the best oral steroid for muscle gain vs injectable steroids.
What Are Anabolic Androgenic Steroids?
Anabolic Androgenic steroids are synthetic derivatives of testosterone, where the anabolic refers to how they promote tissue building, and androgenic refers to their similarity to natural testosterone. They are available as topical gels, dermal patches, oral pills, intramuscular injections, and even pellets. However, the most widely used forms are oral pills and intramuscular injections.
Once they are injected or ingested, AAS bind to the androgen receptors present in the body. This creates an anabolic environment in the body that promotes nitrogen retention and protein synthesis. In turn, it leads to rapid muscle growth and tissue repair.
Further, some anabolic steroids increase RBC count, which in turn increases the levels of available oxygen. Thus, there is a notable increase in endurance. Combined with tissue repair, this increases a bodybuilder’s ability to take up intense training sessions and manage the effects of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
Pros and Cons of Oral Steroids
Even the best oral steroids for muscle gain, i.e., Anavar, Winstrol, and Dianabol, will have the following pros and cons:
The advantages of taking oral steroids include:
- Convenient, non-invasive administration and no need to visit a medical practitioner
- Relatively shorter half-lives and a rapid onset of action.
- Effective for people who wish to undergo short yet impactful steroid cycles.
- Metabolised quickly and lasts for a shorter time in the system.
- Work faster than longer esters and work as “kickstarters”.
The risks associated with orals include:
- Moderate to severe hepatotoxicity with long-term use
- Disrupts lipid profile and increases cardiovascular risk by elevating LDL levels.
- Increases RBC count (hematocrit) and elevates blood pressure.
- Suppresses natural testosterone production and may have oestrogenic side effects.
- Require multiple doses throughout the day; otherwise leads to hormone fluctuations.
- Some like Anadrol are strong androgens and can have androgenic side effects.
Pros and Cons of Injectable Steroids
By opting for injectable steroids, such as when you buy testosterone injections in the UK, you get the following pros and cons:
Advantages of the top injectable AAS are:
- Less hepatotoxic since, unlike 17-alpha alkylated compounds (oral steroids), these are not metabolised first in the liver.
- Most are slow-release and offer sustained blood concentration levels for longer durations.
- Many of these come with a higher anabolic-to-androgenic ratio, causing less androgenic side effects.
- The wide range of ester forms allows more options for stacking.
- Less severe impact on LDL (cholesterol) and blood pressure.
With injectable steroids, the following risks can be observed:
- Severe suppression of hormones, i.e., hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis.
- Some medications, like testosterone and nandrolone, aromatise to oestrogen, leading to oestrogenic side effects such as bloating, gynaecomastia (development of breast tissue in men), and oestrogen-induced fat gain.
- Improper injection techniques can lead to scarring, pain, infection, and abscess formation.
- Certain AAS, like Trenbolone and Masteron, are strong androgens and will cause androgenic side effects.
- Can suppress HDL by 15 – 25%.
Comparing Long-Term Health Risks
With long-term use of AAS, the following impacts on health can be observed:
Liver Damage
Though more common in its oral form, both injectables and oral steroids can strain the liver. This makes it important to take supplements like Milk Thistle, TUDCA, and Liv 52.
Cardiovascular Strain
Both oral and injectable steroids can cause cardiovascular strain, increasing RBC count, which in turn increases blood pressure.
Hormonal Imbalances and HPG Suppression
Since both are synthetically derived from testosterone, they suppress the formation of natural testosterone. Some also aromatise to oestrogen. Thus, the natural hormone balance of the body is disrupted. Further, with PCT, the natural hormone production does not recover to normal levels.
Risk of Dependency and Misuse
Both forms of AAS can lead to steroid dependency. However, misuse is more common with orals than injectables due to their higher availability, easy access, and convenience.
How the Body Processes Each Type
With oral steroids for muscle gain, the first round of metabolism takes place in the liver. Thus, their 17-alpha alkylated structure puts undue strain on the liver, which is the prime reason for their hepatotoxicity.
On the other hand, when you buy testosterone injections in the UK, they are administered as an intramuscular injection. Thus, they are directly absorbed into the muscle cells and are relatively safer.
However, both can elevate LDL and suppress HDL, leading to a cholesterol imbalance. Further, natural hormone suppression and kidney stress are also similar for both forms of AAS.
Choosing the Safer Option Based on Your Goals
When selecting an AAS for bodybuilding, the factors to be taken into account are:
- The level of the steroid user (beginner vs advanced)
- Physiological health
- Bodybuilding goals
For beginners who do not wish to opt for an injectable, Anavar is the best oral steroid for muscle gain. Consequently, experienced bodybuilders can opt for strong injectables like Trenbolone and Boldenone for bulking and cutting.
Importance of Physician Guidance and Proper Post-Cycle Therapy(PCT)
Steroids can have a severe impact on one’s health. Further, they are not suitable for those who have pre-existing health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or liver damage. Thus, it is important to seek a doctor’s advice and obtain a prescription before taking steroids.
Further, when on your steroid cycle, it is important to follow the prescription to the letter. Additionally, do not take in excess of what is prescribed to you, and visit the doctor if you have severe side effects.
To ensure lasting gains from steroid use and restore the natural hormone balance, it is important to undergo PCT. This usually starts 2-3 weeks after your last dose and will be prescribed by your physician.
Wrapping Up
Oral steroids may seem easier to use, but they often come with greater liver-related risks. Injectables may be safer long-term when properly administered, but both require caution and medical supervision. Visit the doctor and choose carefully between the two based on your health and requirements.
Getting Started on a Steroid Cycle
Thinking about steroids to reach your fitness goals? Consult a doctor first, and get a prescription for the best option for you and PCT to follow.
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