How Steroids Affect The Immune System

For bodybuilders, the immune system is a tough cookie to crack. We train with weights so that we can be stronger and healthier. The workouts we endure place a great strain upon the central nervous system, which steals resources away from the body for recovery. Adequate sleep and nutrition can help to offset this weakened body state. Additionally, the use of multi-vitamins and a diet/supplementation program rich in anti-oxidants is very helpful as well in boosting the immune system performance.

The introduction of anabolic steroids into the body can be both a good thing and a bad thing for the immune system. First off, remember that anabolic steroids are often prescribed for AIDS patients in order to boost their immune system performance and keep them from contracting illnesses which would then cause wasting and eventually, death. However, one cannot automatically assume that "steroids equal a strong immune system" as a result. The toxicity of some compounds can siphon certain resources, while others can boost the body's recovery ability. Studies have shown that some compounds, such as testosterone, can be immunosuppressive, which inhibit or hurt the performance of the immune system. Alternatively, anabolic compounds like Nandrolone are actually immunostimulating, and help the immune system to perform better and fight infections more efficiently.

Also noteworthy is the fact that many steroid users are susceptible to infections brought about through the use of daily and weekly injections. Every time the needle breaks the skin and injects a foreign (and often source unknown) oil into the bloodstream, the risk of infection from impure fluid or bacteria on needle skyrockets. Regular injections put the users at a greater set of risks that the individual who at most has one shot per year, for influenza (flu) prevention.

The solution is to find a stable balance of risk and recovery that you can live with. If you are training with high-volume protocol, dieting for a show, using higher than usual levels of shots, using new compounds from new sources, or going through daily stressors (relationship, job, financial, health, etc), then you are obviously more likely to suffer from a weakened immune system. If this is the case, keep a close eye upon the anabolic steroids you are using during this period. A familiar testosterone can help your body recover, but adding ECA can definitely lead to a weakened system and open the door up for the flu or a nasty cold to set in. Plan bodybuilding shows, weddings, finals, and other stressful events accordingly, being careful not to schedule too many events on top of one another, for fear that illness can crash all of them at once in your weakened state.