“Performance enhancement drugs”: what it is and what your next step should be

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Performance enhancement drugs (PEDs) can carry significant health risks. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication or supplement.

Performance enhancement drugs (PEDs) are substances used to improve physical strength, muscle mass, endurance, focus, or sexual performance. They may include anabolic-androgenic steroids, testosterone therapy, stimulants, nootropics, growth hormone, erythropoietin (EPO), and medications for erectile dysfunction. Some are legally prescribed for medical conditions; others are obtained without supervision, which increases health risks.

If you are considering or already using performance-enhancing substances, your next step depends on your situation. Below is a practical, user-focused guide to help you decide what to do next.

3 typical scenarios

1. You want faster muscle gain or athletic performance improvement

What this might mean:
You may be feeling pressure to improve physique, strength, or competitive results. Exposure to bodybuilding forums, gym culture, or social media can normalize anabolic steroids, SARMs, or testosterone boosters. However, non-prescribed anabolic steroid use may affect hormones, liver function, cholesterol levels, fertility, and mental health.

What a doctor usually does:
A physician typically asks about your fitness goals, training routine, diet, supplement use, and any substances taken. They may order blood tests (testosterone levels, liver enzymes, lipid profile, hematocrit), check blood pressure, and assess cardiovascular risk. If low testosterone is suspected, formal diagnostic criteria must be met before considering testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). You can review safe access policies in our Membership section before booking a consultation.

2. You experience fatigue, low libido, or decreased performance

What this might mean:
Symptoms such as low energy, reduced sexual drive, or poor recovery are sometimes attributed to “low T” or hormonal imbalance. However, they may also be linked to stress, sleep deprivation, depression, thyroid disorders, anemia, overtraining, or chronic illness.

What a doctor usually does:
Your clinician may conduct a full medical history and order lab tests (total and free testosterone, thyroid function tests, complete blood count, metabolic panel). Diagnosis of testosterone deficiency requires consistent symptoms plus confirmed low levels on repeated morning blood tests. If medication is appropriate, it is prescribed and monitored carefully. For ongoing care details, see our Regular Update page.

3. You are already using performance-enhancing drugs and worry about side effects

What this might mean:
You may have noticed acne, mood swings, high blood pressure, gynecomastia (breast tissue growth in men), testicular shrinkage, fertility problems, chest pain, or abnormal lab results. Stopping abruptly can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms or hormonal crashes.

What a doctor usually does:
A healthcare provider focuses on harm reduction. They may evaluate cardiovascular health, hormone levels, liver and kidney function, and mental well-being. If needed, they can guide safe discontinuation, manage complications, or refer you to specialists. Transparent medical supervision reduces long-term risks compared to unsupervised use.

Decision tree

1. If you are considering PEDs for cosmetic or athletic reasons → then schedule a medical consultation before starting anything.
2. If you have symptoms like fatigue or low libido → then request diagnostic testing rather than self-medicating.
3. If you are buying substances online without prescription → then reconsider and verify legal and safety implications.
4. If you are already using anabolic steroids or hormones → then get baseline blood tests and cardiovascular screening.
5. If you notice side effects (mood changes, chest pain, severe acne, swelling) → then contact a healthcare professional promptly.
6. If you are competing in sports → then review anti-doping regulations before taking any substance.

When to seek help urgently (red flags)

• Chest pain or shortness of breath: Possible heart complications or blood clots.
• Severe headache, vision changes, or weakness: Could indicate stroke risk.
• Severe mood swings, aggression, or depression: Some steroids and stimulants affect mental health.
• Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice): Possible liver injury.
• Swelling, leg pain, or sudden breathlessness: Possible thromboembolism.

Seek immediate emergency care if symptoms are severe or life-threatening.

Approaches to treatment/management (overview)

Treatment depends on your goals and medical findings. Management may include:

• Lifestyle optimization: Structured strength training, sports nutrition, sleep hygiene, and stress management.
• Medical hormone therapy: Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for confirmed hypogonadism, prescribed and monitored by a doctor.
• Management of complications: Blood pressure treatment, lipid control, liver monitoring, fertility support.
• Psychological support: Addressing body image concerns or performance pressure.
• Discontinuation plans: Supervised cessation of anabolic steroids when appropriate.

All medications should be used only as prescribed by a licensed physician. Learn more about access pathways and patient benefits in our Offers section.

Prevention

Preventing harm from performance-enhancing drugs starts with informed decision-making and realistic expectations.

• Prioritize evidence-based training programs.
• Work with certified fitness and nutrition professionals.
• Get regular medical check-ups if engaging in intense athletic activity.
• Avoid unverified online products labeled as “legal steroids” or “natural anabolic boosters.”
• Review transparent service details, including Payment Method policies, before purchasing medical services.

Method	Who it suits	Limitations/Risks
Structured training & nutrition	Most healthy adults seeking gradual performance gains	Requires consistency; slower results
Medical TRT (if diagnosed)	Men with confirmed hypogonadism	Requires lifelong monitoring; fertility impact
Anabolic steroids (non-prescribed)	Not medically recommended	Cardiovascular, liver, hormonal, psychiatric risks
Stimulants for performance	Specific medical indications only	Addiction risk, heart strain, sleep disruption
Psychological coaching	Athletes with performance anxiety or body image concerns	Requires engagement; gradual progress

Questions to ask your doctor

1. Do my symptoms suggest a hormone imbalance?
2. What tests are needed before considering treatment?
3. What are the short- and long-term risks of this medication?
4. How will this affect my fertility?
5. How often will I need blood tests or monitoring?
6. Are there safer alternatives to achieve my goals?
7. What lifestyle changes could improve my performance naturally?
8. How might this interact with other medications or supplements?
9. What are the legal implications for competitive sports?
10. What happens if I decide to stop treatment?

Sources (only authoritative)

• World Health Organization (WHO) – Substances and health risks
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – Anabolic steroid safety information
• Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guidelines – Testosterone Therapy in Men with Hypogonadism
• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – Anabolic Steroids and Performance-Enhancing Drugs
• International Olympic Committee (IOC) – Anti-doping regulations

Next step: If you are considering performance enhancement drugs or experiencing related symptoms, schedule a consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. Safe, supervised care is always more effective than self-experimentation.