Advice for Steroid Users

Anabolic steroids and other performance- and image-enhancing drugs (often called PEDs) are used by people for many different reasons, including muscle growth, strength, appearance, or performance. Like all substances, they carry risks, especially when used without medical supervision.

Harm reduction is about reducing those risks, protecting your health, and making support accessible. You do not have to stop using steroids to access advice or support from Wirral Ways.

What are anabolic steroids?

Anabolic steroids are synthetic versions of testosterone. They affect muscle growth, strength, and recovery, but they also affect hormones, organs, and mental health.

Steroids may be:

  • Injected

  • Taken orally

  • Used in cycles or “blasts and cruises”

Unregulated or non-prescribed steroids vary widely in strength and quality, which increases risk.

Health risks linked to steroid use

Steroid use can affect many parts of the body.

Physical health risks

  • Heart problems, including high blood pressure and heart attack

  • Liver damage, especially with oral steroids

  • Hormonal disruption

  • Fertility issues

  • Acne, hair loss, and skin problems

Mental and emotional effects

  • Mood swings

  • Increased irritability or aggression

  • Anxiety or low mood

  • Changes in confidence or self-image

Risks increase with higher doses, longer use, stacking multiple substances, or poor recovery between cycles.

Safer injecting advice

Injecting steroids carries risks of infection and injury.

To reduce harm:

  • Always use new, sterile injecting equipment

  • Never share needles, syringes, or vials

  • Clean the injection site thoroughly

  • Rotate injection sites to reduce muscle damage

  • Dispose of used equipment safely

Using Needle and Syringe Programme (NSP) services reduces the risk of infections and complications.

Blood-borne viruses and infection risk

Sharing injecting equipment increases the risk of HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.

Harm reduction advice:

  • Never share injecting equipment

  • Get tested regularly

  • Keep injection sites clean

  • Seek medical advice if redness, swelling, pain, or fever develops

Early treatment prevents serious complications.

Dosing, cycles, and recovery

Higher doses and longer cycles increase health risks.

Harm reduction considerations:

  • Avoid escalating doses quickly

  • Allow adequate recovery time between cycles

  • Be cautious with stacking multiple substances

  • Be aware of post-cycle effects on mood and energy

Sudden hormonal changes can have significant physical and emotional impacts.

Mixing steroids with other substances

Mixing steroids with other substances can increase risk.

Be cautious when using:

  • Alcohol, which increases liver strain

  • Stimulants, which increase heart risk

  • Other performance-enhancing drugs

Mixing substances can mask warning signs and increase harm.

Mental wellbeing and body image

Steroid use is often linked to body image pressure and performance expectations.

If you notice:

  • Low mood when not using

  • Anxiety about appearance

  • Compulsive training or use

  • Distress linked to stopping or reducing

Support is available to talk through these issues without judgement.

Sexual health and fertility

Steroids can affect testosterone levels, sperm production, and sexual health.

Possible effects include:

  • Reduced fertility

  • Changes in libido

  • Erectile difficulties

Testing and medical advice can help manage risks and long-term health.

Support from Wirral Ways

Wirral Ways offers confidential, non-judgemental support for people using steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs.

You can access:

  • Harm reduction advice

  • Needle and syringe services

  • BBV testing and sexual health signposting

  • Health checks and monitoring

  • One-to-one support

You do not have to stop using steroids to speak to us.

Get support

If you want to talk about steroid use, health risks, or harm reduction support, contact Wirral Ways to find out what is available.

Your health matters, whatever your goals are.

Last Updated on 10 February 2026