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What Are Potential Risks of Natural Steroids?

Armory Williams
Armory Williams

Natural steroids are considered to be a healthier alternative to anabolic steroids, but they can have similar risks. Among the many potential risks of natural steroids are testicular shrinkage and/or cancer in men, increased rate of heart disease, infertility and stroke. Additional risks for women include menstrual cycle problems, breast tenderness and an increased risk of breast cancer. Younger people who use natural steroids might experience diminished growth.

Androstenedione, which is commonly known as andro, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) are examples of natural steroids. DHEA is produced by the body’s adrenal glands. The body converts both andro and DHEA into testosterone.

Creatine is a popular natural steroid, but it can cause muscle cramps and other side effects.
Creatine is a popular natural steroid, but it can cause muscle cramps and other side effects.

Some plants produce natural steroids that work similar to human steroids. Saponins are a group of steroids produced by plants. Yams are a natural source of saponins known as diosgenin. Diosgenin can be converted into progesterone and estrogen. The human body cannot convert diosgenin on its own, so the conversion process requires the ingestion of possibly harmful synthetic substances.

Many athletes add creatine to their diet to improve performance.
Many athletes add creatine to their diet to improve performance.

Another popular saponin is ginsenoside, which is derived from ginseng. These natural steroids stimulate both the adrenal and pituitary glands. Although this natural steroid offers many benefits, it also comes with side effects such as headaches, increased blood pressure and an irregular heart rate. In women, it can cause menstrual problems and raise the risk of breast cancer.

Guarana berries have a higher concentration of caffeine than coffee beans.
Guarana berries have a higher concentration of caffeine than coffee beans.

The use of steroids, whether anabolic or natural, is prominent among teenagers, bodybuilders and athletes. Creatine is one of the most prevalent. A natural steroid produced by the liver, kidneys and pancreas, it also is found in meat and fish. Its negative affects include muscular cramps, diarrhea, weight gain and kidney problems.

Thermogenics, or fat burners, originally were made with ephedrine or ma huang. These natural steroids increased metabolism. Products that use ephedrine, however, have been linked to heart complications, strokes and even deaths. As a result, ephedrine was taken off the market in many countries, but “ephedra-free” products have cropped up. Caffeine and sources of caffeine such as yerba and guarana are often included in these products, which have side effects that are similar to those of ephedrine products.

Despite their benefits, natural steroids pose serious health risks. In addition, many of these steroids might not fall under the oversight of government agencies that regulate quality and control of drugs. This makes them potentially as dangerous as synthetic steroids.

Discussion Comments

Ocelot60

@rundocuri- I don't know if natural steroids are safer than the synthetic kinds, but they are not good for your health. No one should take them, and anyone who is taking them should seek medical advice as soon as possible.

Rundocuri

I've heard that natural steroids are not as dangerous as synthetic steroids, and that they may have some health benefits. Is this information just sales pitches from the companies that sell them?

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    • Creatine is a popular natural steroid, but it can cause muscle cramps and other side effects.
      By: Clifford Farrugia
      Creatine is a popular natural steroid, but it can cause muscle cramps and other side effects.
    • Many athletes add creatine to their diet to improve performance.
      By: Shariff Che'Lah
      Many athletes add creatine to their diet to improve performance.
    • Guarana berries have a higher concentration of caffeine than coffee beans.
      Guarana berries have a higher concentration of caffeine than coffee beans.