In the pursuit of a bigger, leaner or stronger physique, many people feel tempted to use anabolic steroids or similar performance-enhancing drugs. These substances can look like a shortcut to fast results, but they also carry serious and often hidden risks for long-term health.

Marketing, gym culture and peer pressure may glorify “quick gains”, while downplaying the impact on your heart, liver, hormones and mental well-being. Before putting anything into your body, it’s important to understand what these substances really are and how they can affect you.

In sports and fitness, the desire to “push limits” often leads some people toward steroids (sometimes called roids, juice, hype, gym candy, stackers and many other names). While the body does produce certain steroids naturally, the synthetic anabolic steroids that are taken as pills, injections, gels or creams are very different in terms of dose and impact.

What Is an Anabolic Steroid?

Anabolic steroids are a class of synthetic drugs designed to mimic the effects of testosterone, a natural hormone in the human body. They are sometimes used under medical supervision for specific conditions, but many people take them without guidance to increase muscle size, strength or athletic performance.

Misuse or non-medical use of anabolic steroids is associated with a wide range of serious side effects and health risks, particularly when taken in high doses, stacked with other drugs, or used for long periods.

What Are the Side Effects of Steroids?

Anabolic steroid use can affect almost every system in the body. Side effects may appear quickly or develop gradually over time, and some changes may be difficult to reverse.

Commonly reported risks and side effects include:

– Increased blood pressure

– Unhealthy changes in cholesterol

– Liver strain or damage

– Kidney strain

– Mood swings and irritability

– Aggression or “roid rage”

– Anxiety, paranoia or depression

– Sleep disturbances / insomnia

More serious potential consequences reported in medical literature include:

– Heart attacks

– Strokes

– Blood clots

– Vision problems, including risk of blindness

Hormonal and reproductive side effects may include:

– Acne and oily skin

– Fluid retention and bloating

– Breast tissue development in males (gynecomastia)

– Shrinking of the testicles and reduced sperm production

– Reduced fertility

– Accelerated hair loss or pattern baldness in prone individuals

Dependence and withdrawal:

Some people develop a psychological or physical dependence on anabolic steroids. Stopping after heavy use may trigger withdrawal-like symptoms such as:

– Anxiety

– Low mood or depression

– Fatigue

– Changes in appetite

– Sleep disruption

Safer, Natural Approaches Instead of Steroids

For building strength, muscle and performance, there are safer, long-term strategies that do not rely on synthetic anabolic drugs. A well-designed training plan combined with supportive nutrition and adequate recovery can help you reach your goals in a sustainable way.

Key pillars of a natural performance lifestyle include:

• A structured strength and conditioning program
• Protein-rich foods to support muscle repair and growth
• Complex carbohydrates for energy and joint-supportive activity
• Healthy fats for hormone and cell health
• Plenty of fluids and electrolytes
• Quality sleep and rest days for recovery

In addition, many people explore traditional wellness ingredients like medicinal mushrooms to support stamina, resilience and recovery as part of a holistic routine.

Where Does Keedajadi (Cordyceps militaris) Fit In?

Keedajadi (cultivated Cordyceps militaris) is a functional mushroom used in traditional systems of wellness for supporting vitality, endurance and overall resilience. Modern research has begun to explore how its compounds—such as cordycepin, adenosine and polysaccharides—interact with energy metabolism, oxygen utilization and fatigue management.

Unlike anabolic steroids, Keedajadi is not a synthetic hormone. It is better understood as a wellness-support ingredient that may:

• Support natural energy pathways and stamina
• Help the body cope with physical and mental stress (adaptogenic-style support)
• Assist post-exercise recovery as part of a balanced routine

Some studies have explored Cordyceps species in relation to male reproductive health and hormonal balance, but these findings are still developing and should be interpreted cautiously. It should not be considered a replacement for medical treatment or a direct “alternative” to prescribed therapies.

Many individuals who wish to avoid synthetic steroids instead choose a lifestyle centred on:

• Evidence-informed training programs
• Whole-food nutrition
• Natural wellness support such as functional mushrooms
• Regular health check-ups and professional guidance

In this context, Keedajadi can be one element in a broader, safer approach to strength, energy and resilience.

Summary: Be Aware, Stay Safe

Anabolic steroids may promise fast visual changes, but they come with a serious cost to long-term health. For most people, the safer path is a combination of smart training, good food, recovery and, if desired, gentle wellness support from natural ingredients like Cordyceps militaris.

Being informed, asking questions and putting health first will always serve you better than chasing shortcuts. If you are considering any performance-enhancing substance, talk to a qualified healthcare professional and understand the full picture before making a decision.

References (Educational)

1. R.R.M. Paterson. Cordyceps: A Traditional Chinese Medicine and Another Fungal Therapeutic Biofactory?
2. Hirsch K.R. et al. Cordyceps militaris Improves Tolerance to High-Intensity Exercise After Acute and Chronic Supplementation. J Diet Suppl. 2017.
3. Nagata A. et al. Supplemental Anti-Fatigue Effects of Cordyceps sinensis Extract Powder During Stepwise Exercise.