Steroids have been used by all forms of athletes to improve strength, weight and recovery. They should not be used if you haven't completed your full growth cycle (15-17 years for girls; 17-19 for boys) as some side effects may be irreversible. You should not consider steroids if you haven't trained consistently for at least two years. There are health risks associated with their use - these vary according to individual reactions, the dosage and type of steroid used as well as the length of continuous usage. Remember, excessive dosages of steroids are dangerous and don't work any better. IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED THAT ANY ATHLETE USE STEROIDS. HOWEVER, IF YOU HAVE MADE THE DECISION TO DO SO WE RECOMMEND CAUTION AND PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IN RELATION TO INJECTABLE STEROIDS.

Side Effects: Long term side effects are not known. Short term side effects vary between individuals and can include: the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS if needles (and the resultant exchange of blood) are shared, liver damage, increased blood pressure, changes to your libido (horniness), deepening of the voice, acne, increased facial and back hair, menstrual abnormalities and growth of the clitoris in females, growth of "bitch tits" in males (gynaecomastia), increased cholesterol, abscess formation (usually due to dirty or short needles) and increased aggression.

Steroids have two effects - anabolic and androgenic. Anabolic Steroids: Anabolic function refers to the actual building and repair of tissue, mainly muscle. Androgenic effects are responsible for male sexual characteristics such as body hair, deepening of the voice, development of the male sex organs and sex drive. All anabolic steroids have some degree of androgens and it is wise to avoid those high in this property.

Pharmaceutical Steroids: These steroids are prepared for human use and are only available on prescription therefore they are by far the safest. Choose steroids with high anabolic effects. Avoid steroids with high androgenic effects.

Veterinary Steroids: Veterinary steroids often contain the same components as those prepared for humans but without the same quality control. Labels are always clearly marked as veterinary products. These may be water or oil based and injected in the same way as pharmaceutical Oiunasn steroids. Use those low in androgens.

CAUTION: Reduce risks to your health by only purchasing steroids that come with proper labels and instructions and always check the expiry date.

Medical Checks: It is of vital importance that you do not use steroids without a blood screen prior to usage as well as a follow-up test upon completion of the course. This allows the user to assess the Stress or damage (if any) to organs such as the liver, kidneys and heart. You will need to tell the doctor you intend to take steroids and ask for a Multiple Analysis Blood Screen and a Lipid Profile. Never share injecting equipment! Beware blood borne viruses can be spread by sharing any injecting equipment including spoons, water, needles, syringes, filters, tourniquet and swabs. Dipping your needle into a bottle of drugs that someone else has used IS AN INFECTION RISK.

Injecting Steroids: If you are using steroids for the first time, ring 0417529678 for information regarding correct technique and safe dosage. This service is confidential and free. When injecting steroids, whether water or oil based, they must be administered intramuscularly, ie: the injection must penetrate the skin and surface fat to enter the muscle. The most common area to inject into is the upper-outer quarter of the buttocks.

Injections can also be placed into the outer thigh. Intramuscular injections should be given deep within the muscle and away from major nerves and blood vessels. Water-based steroids are easier to inject than oil-based steroids as the needle on oil-based steroids will sometimes block. Shake all solutions vigorously before drawing up.

Drawing Up: To draw up steroids always use a 19g 1.5 inch needle and connect it to a 2.5 ml syringe. Swab the top of the steroid bottle or vial with an alcohol swab. Insert the needle into the solution. Turn the bottle upside down and draw out the required amount. NOW CHANGE THE NEEDLE TO A 21g OR 23g NEEDLE. Make sure the new needle is not shorter than 1 inch (25mm).

To clear the syringe of air bubbles, hold the syringe so that the needle is pointing up. Slowly push on the plunger until you can't see any air or bubbles and a spot of the solution is showing on the needle.

Injecting Cleanly: Swab injection site with an alcohol swab. Without touching the needle inject deep into the muscle. Pull back a little on the plunger to check for blood (indicates you have hit a blood vessel). Slowly inject the solution. Withdraw needle and press a new alcohol swab on the site. Rub vigorously. lt is not wise to use the same injection site more than twice a week, once a week is preferred.

Disposal: Always discard used needles properly - use a needle disposal bin or return to a Needle Exchange. Phone 03 9416 1818 to find out where your nearest needle exchange is located. They can also provide clean equipment.