What you need to know about natural steroids.

Natural steroids are compounds that mimic steroids produced naturally by the human body, such as the hormones testosterone, progesterone, and cortisol. They are found in certain plants, herbs and foods.

What are natural steroids?

The body naturally produces steroids, such as the hormone testosterone, to build muscle tissue, among other important bodily processes.

Natural steroids generally refer to compounds found in plants, herbs, and other natural sources that mimic human hormones or steroids.

Proponents of natural steroids claim that they act in the body like anabolic steroids. These are compounds that build and repair muscles by increasing testosterone production.

Natural steroids may also be called legal steroids, and companies often sell them as a mixture of ingredients.

Compounds with some preliminary supporting evidence include the following.

Creatine

Creatine is an amino acid found in foods that has steroid-like effects. Several studies have shown that using creatine for 5 to 7 days can significantly increase:

-strength
-power
-work involving several series of muscular contractions at maximum effort
-sprint and football performances

Ashwagandha.

Withania somnifera, or ashwagandha, is an herb used in Ayurvedic medicine for rejuvenation, revitalization and longevity.

A 2018 study gave healthy men a daily dose of 500 milligrams (mg) of ashwagandha for 12 weeks, while participants completed progressive overload training 4 days per week.

People who took ashwagandha saw greater improvements in lower and upper body strength, as well as favorable body mass distribution compared to those in the placebo group.

Tribulus terrestris

Compounds found in Tribulus terrestris, called steroidal saponins, may weakly mimic the effects of testosterone and related hormones. This can improve muscle function and testosterone levels.

However, a 2020 study concluded that scientists need to do more research to understand whether Tribulus terrestris is safe and has a therapeutic effect.

AAD

Limited research suggests that D-aspartic acid (DAA) may play a role in the production and release of testosterone.

However, most of these studies showing that DAA increases testosterone levels have been done in animals. Further human studies are needed to support their conclusions.

Vitamin D

Healthy levels of circulating vitamin D are essential for bone health.

Recent research suggests that it may play a role in muscle health and that there is a link between vitamin D deficiency and loss of strength and muscle mass. However, researchers need to explore this potential link further.

A 2017 study found that adult women with moderate body composition and lower body fat levels tended to have higher levels of circulating active vitamin D.

The researchers conclude that vitamin D could indirectly contribute to muscle health by acting on adipose tissue. Scientists need to do more studies to see if this link applies to larger populations.

Zinc

Zinc is an essential trace mineral known to help control muscle growth and repair.

Until now, researchers have mainly focused on how zinc affects muscle regulation. The substance may have links to age-related muscle loss, also called sarcopenia.

A 2018 review found that only one observational study suggested a correlation between zinc intake and physical performance in older adults.

With this in mind, experts need to conduct more studies before they can determine the role of zinc in physical performance.

Magnesium

Magnesium plays an important role in different enzymatic reactions that impact muscle performance during exercise.

Researchers believe this mineral may also help maintain muscle integrity during intense activities.

A 2019 study found that taking 400 mg of magnesium daily for 3 weeks helped reduce muscle damage in 18 male professional cyclists.

DHEA

Dehydroepiandrosterone is a revolutionary molecule that the body converts into the hormones testosterone and estradiol.

These increase protein production and consumption, thereby improving muscle growth and strength.

Ginseng

Some studies have shown that ginseng can help prevent certain diseases, like diabetes or aging, that trigger muscle loss.

A 2017 study found that treating muscle cells with black ginseng extract promoted muscle-specific gene expression and cell differentiation. This helped muscle cells become larger, wider and thicker, and improved cellular activity.

Fenugreek

Researchers need to know more about this plant.

One study in male mice showed that fenugreek extract increased endurance and fatty acid utilization during exercise. Research also suggests that fenugreek may have fat-reducing properties.

The compounds in fenugreek extract may increase testosterone levels by causing the body to convert it into other sex hormones.

Secure Musli

Safed musli is a medicinal herb used in traditional Indian medicine to treat male sexual disorders, probably by increasing testosterone levels.

Further studies on safe muesli are needed to understand whether it can also improve muscle mass, repair, endurance or strength.

5-alpha-hydroxy-laxogenin

Although scientists need to conduct more research on this compound, one study in rats found that it increased the production and repair of body tissues.

Security

According to the FDA, many products marketed as bodybuilding supplements are not safe.

Several companies market these products as dietary supplements, even though the FDA does not approve them in this classification.

The FDA says many bodybuilding products contain hidden, harmful compounds and other substances that they don’t consider food ingredients.

These hidden and unapproved ingredients can have negative side effects. They could also interact with other supplements or medications.

In 2013, the FDA issued a warning to avoid products containing the stimulant dimethylamylamine.

They warn that this compound could increase blood pressure and lead to cardiovascular problems, such as heart attacks.

The FDA regulates these supplements differently than other medications. There is no need for these products to undergo clinical trials or testing before reaching the market.

Benefits

Companies that sell natural steroids often claim that they help:

improve endurance
improve strength
increase exercise efficiency
increased tolerance for increased intensity training
achieve a sporting or performance goal more quickly
However, creatine is the only product commonly marketed as a natural steroid that is currently approved by the FDA.

Natural steroids may cause fewer side effects than traditional anabolic steroids. However, more studies are needed to understand their potential health problems and drug interactions.

Risks

There is a risk in consuming or injecting over-the-counter or at-home products containing steroids or related substances.

Health risks can be serious and include:

-addiction
-liver damage
-kidney damage
-increased risk of cardiovascular events, including stroke or heart attack
-irritability
-aggressive behaviour
-weight gain
-Water retention
-nausea
-diarrhea
-cramps
-baldness or hair loss
-severe acne
-blood clots
-increased blood pressure and cholesterol levels
-mood swings
-paranoia or manic behavior
-hallucinations and delusions

Men who take natural steroids designed to mimic anabolic steroids may also experience the following side effects:

-developing breasts
-have an increased risk of prostate cancer
-shrinkage of the testicles
-have a reduced quantity of sperm and male infertility
-suffering from erectile dysfunction

Women who take natural steroids designed to mimic anabolic steroids may also experience the following side effects:

-excessive growth of facial and body hair
-loss of breast tissue
-swelling of the clitoris
-increased libido
-deep voice
– menstruation problems

Many muscle or body building supplements also contain vitamins and minerals, some of which can be toxic at high levels.

Adolescents who abuse anabolic steroids or similar compounds before experiencing puberty-related growth spurts may experience premature bone aging and limited growth.

If a person is taking steroids that a doctor has not prescribed, they should talk to a healthcare professional about stopping these supplements safely.

People who suddenly stop taking steroids, instead of gradually weaning off them, may experience:

-insomnia
-anorexia
-anxiety
-depression and apathy
-difficulty concentrating
-reduction of libido
-unexplained exhaustion
-muscle and joint pain