One of the things we hear people frustrated about is the lingo around steroids. There are a bunch of words you continually hear or read that sound complex and scary.
Anabolic vs. Androgenic Effects
Anabolic effects refer to the muscle-building properties of steroids, while androgenic effects relate to the development of male characteristics. Understanding the difference between the two is critical for understanding the effects of different steroids.
All anabolic steroids have both anabolic and androgenic properties in varying ratios.
Common Steroid Acronyms
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common acronyms:
AAS: Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids – This is the full term for what we commonly call “steroids.”
AI: Aromatase Inhibitor – Used to prevent the conversion of testosterone to estrogen.
SERM: Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator – Used in post-cycle therapy to restore natural hormone production.
PCT: Post Cycle Therapy – The process of restoring hormone levels after a steroid cycle.
Performance Enhancement Terms
Bulking: The process of gaining muscle mass. It often involves a higher calorie intake and specific steroid cycles.
Cutting: Reducing body fat while maintaining muscle mass. Often requires using different steroids than you would for bulking.
Stacking: Combining multiple steroids or supplements to enhance the overall effects.
Bodybuilding Slang
Here are some common terms you might hear:
Juice: A slang term for steroids. “He’s on the juice” means someone is using steroids.
Gear: Another term for steroids. “Gearing up” refers to starting a steroid cycle.
Roid rage: The stereotype of aggression associated with steroid use. The validity of roid rage is hotly debated.
Steroid Cycle Terminology
A steroid cycle refers to the time anabolic steroids are used. Key terms include:
On-cycle: The time when steroids are actively being taken.
Off-cycle: The period between steroid cycles when the body is recovering.
Frontloading: Starting a cycle at a higher dosage to quickly elevate the levels of the steroid in the bloodstream.
Key Terms for Beginners
Natural: Refers to bodybuilders who don’t use performance enhancing drugs.
Half-life: The time it takes for half of a steroid dose to be eliminated from the body.
Aromatization: The process by which testosterone is converted to estrogen in the body.
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