Question
Are natural steroids sold at health food stores safe?
Answer
No. So-called "natural" steroids sold as over-the-counter supplements at many health food stores can have the same harmful effects as synthetic steroids.
Many people are unaware that these natural steroid supplements, such as DHEA, are anabolic steroids. The only difference between natural and synthetic steroids is that synthetic steroids are made in a lab and chemically altered in some way. Because natural steroids contain "natural" substances that aren't chemically altered, they can be marketed as dietary supplements that increase strength and build muscle. As supplements, they're subjected to limited regulation by the Food and Drug Administration.
Prior to January 2005, anabolic steroid supplements containing androstenedione (andro) also were available at health food stores. Because of safety issues, however, these supplements now cannot be sold without a prescription. Forms of andro may still be marketed on the Internet, but you should not purchase or use them.
Although anabolic steroids can enhance certain types of performance or physical appearance, they are dangerous drugs. When used inappropriately, they can cause a variety of severe, long-lasting and often irreversible health problems, including:
- Aggressive behaviors, rage or violence
- Severe acne
- Baldness
- Infertility
- Liver disease
- High cholesterol
Last Updated: 12/12/2007
