Anabolic steroid use to gain muscle mass is, and has always been, a dangerous proposition for a number of reasons.
First, steroids can cause an increase in lean body mass, yes. But with that there are a number of side-effects that commonly accompany that, including: liver toxicity, testicular atrophy and male infertility, breast enlargement in males, adverse effects on blood lipid levels, a potential to increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, and psychiatric issues as well (depression, suicide, etc.). Some of these are less threatening than others, but any steroid has the potential of causing these.
Second, many steroids that are available these days, either illicitly or over the counter, are not approved by the FDA, and as such, it is now known whether they are safe or if they are effective! So in addition to causing potential damage to your body, they can do so with little effect on muscle mass.
The best way to effectively and safely gain muscle mass is through a comprehensive diet and exercise regimen, with the help of a physician and/or a dietitician and trainer. With a proper diet (multiple meals, adequate lean calories, etc.) and a proper workout regimen (weight-training, etc.) it is possible to gain a substantial amount of lean weight.
Talk to your physician, and find a local personal trainer or two (dietitician as well) and discuss your goals. But stay away from steroids, as they can cause serious, permanent damage and death.
I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any further questions; I'm more than happy to try and help.
Take care - Doctor Fay
Edited by jcfay on August 13 2006 at 12:36pm
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