Anabolic Steroid Withdrawal

Anabolic steroid withdrawal affects approximately 32 percent of people who misuse these substances. This condition arises when the body, having developed a physical dependence on anabolic steroids, starts to exhibit symptoms upon cessation of their use.

While steroid withdrawal is generally less intense compared to withdrawal from more addictive substances, it can still present significant challenges in quitting. In some cases, withdrawal may lead to severe mental health issues and side effects that could be potentially life-threatening.

Interested in Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT)? Contact us at info.bkk@pulse-clinic.com or any of the following platforms:

 +66 65 237 1936    @PULSEClinic   PulseClinic

Steroid Withdrawal Symptoms

A person experiencing steroid withdrawal may encounter a range of symptoms, which can vary in intensity. Here are the common symptoms of steroid withdrawal:

Fatigue

An overwhelming sense of tiredness and reduced energy levels. This fatigue can be both physical and mental, making it challenging for people to engage in daily activities, concentrate, or stay motivated. It often results from the body's struggle to readjust to normal hormone levels after prolonged exposure to steroids. This adjustment period can disrupt regular sleep patterns and overall energy balance, exacerbating feelings of exhaustion and lethargy.

Restlessness

Restlessness during anabolic steroid withdrawal is marked by an inability to stay calm or still, often leading to a constant sense of unease or agitation. They may find themselves pacing, fidgeting, or feeling an overwhelming need to move without a clear purpose. This happens as the body adjusts to not having steroids, which affects mood and energy. This imbalance can make it hard to relax, sleep, or concentrate, leading to a general sense of unease and discomfort.

Loss of appetite

Loss of appetite is a diminished desire to eat. They may find that their usual meals seem unappealing or that they have to force themselves to eat. This happens as the body adjusts to not having steroids, which are used to boost appetite and affect metabolism. If the loss of appetite continues, it can lead to weight loss, lower energy, and potential nutritional deficiencies.

Insomnia

Some may find difficulty falling asleep during anabolic steroid withdrawal. Staying asleep, or experiencing restful sleep. They may lie awake for long periods, wake up frequently during the night, or have trouble getting back to sleep after waking. This sleep disruption occurs as the body adjusts to the absence of steroids that previously influenced sleep patterns and overall restfulness.

Reduced sex drive

Individuals may notice a drop in sexual desire or motivation, which can affect their relationships and overall well-being. This reduction in libido happens as the body adjusts to the absence of steroids, which had influenced hormone levels and sexual function before. The change can lead to emotional distress and impact personal and intimate relationships.

Weight loss

Weight loss during anabolic steroid withdrawal happens because a reduced appetite leads to eating less. As people consume fewer calories and nutrients, they can lose significant weight, which can affect their energy levels and overall health.

Decreased strength

Decreased strength during anabolic steroid withdrawal means having less physical power and stamina. People may struggle to lift weights, do physical tasks, or handle intense activities as well as they did while using steroids. This happens because the steroids, which have boosted muscle growth and performance, are no longer affecting the body, leading to weaker muscles and reduced overall fitness.

Depression

They may experience ongoing sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in things once enjoyed. People might feel down, emotionally numb, and struggle to find joy in daily life. This happens because the body is adjusting to the lack of steroids that are used to affect mood. The withdrawal can upset brain chemistry, leading to feelings of despair and affecting mental health and daily activities.

Steroid cravings

Steroid cravings during withdrawal are strong urges to use steroids again. People might feel a powerful pull to go back to using them, driven by their body's dependence and the discomfort of withdrawal. These cravings can be persistent and hard to resist, making it challenging to stay off steroids.

Headache

Headaches during anabolic steroid withdrawal are ongoing or frequent pains in the head. They can range from mild to severe and might feel like tension or throbbing. These headaches happen as the body adjusts to the lack of steroids, which are used to affect hormone levels and brain function.

Muscle and joint pain

Muscle and joint pain during anabolic steroid withdrawal involves soreness and discomfort in these areas. People may feel achy or stiff, making movement painful. This happens because the body is adjusting to the lack of steroids, which have helped reduce pain and support muscle and joint health.

Depression is often regarded as the most severe symptom of steroid withdrawal, particularly since people who misuse steroids frequently already face mental health challenges like depression and low self-esteem. Some people who withdraw from anabolic steroids have even reported attempting suicide, highlighting the importance of seeking immediate psychiatric help if experiencing suicidal thoughts or severe depression.

If left untreated, these symptoms may be at increased risk of suicide, though data on how frequently withdrawal leads to such critical mental health issues is limited.

Withdrawal Timeline

Research on how long anabolic steroid withdrawal lasts is limited, but it generally takes a few weeks to months for the body to return to a normal state after stopping use. Withdrawal symptoms won’t be severe the entire time; they usually peak and then decrease as the body adjusts.

A key part of recovery is the body restoring its natural testosterone levels, which takes time. The best way to support this process is to avoid anabolic steroids and other substances that can affect testosterone production.

How Long Does Steroid Withdrawal Recovery Take?

Certain symptoms of anabolic steroid withdrawal may persist longer than others. Studies suggest that symptoms related to hypogonadism, such as sexual dysfunction, fatigue, anxiety, and depression, can last for several months. This prolonged discomfort may lead individuals to continue using steroids to relieve these symptoms, potentially creating a cycle of compulsive use.

Anabolic Steroid Withdrawal Treatment

At PULSE Clinic, we have a program called “Post-Cycle Therapy” or PCT, which is a regimen of pharmaceutical or nutritional supplements used after the hormone or steroid cycle. The sole purpose is to help the body restore natural testosterone production and mitigate the side effects.  This therapy is highly recommended among those who have undergone anabolic steroids or other hormone-modulator treatments.

Interested in Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT)? Contact us at info.bkk@pulse-clinic.com or any of the following platforms:

 +66 65 237 1936    @PULSEClinic   PulseClinic

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