New Delhi: Walk into almost any gym in a big Indian city and the scene feels familiar — rows of young men working toward sculpted shoulders, sharp abs, and that promised “12-week transformation” seen all over social media. Fitness today isn’t just a habit; it has become an identity. Somewhere between ambition and obsession, a hidden shortcut has crept in — anabolic steroids quietly making their way into protein shakes and gym conversations.
In an interaction with News9Live, Dr. Prudwiraj Sanamandra, Consultant – Endocrinologist and Diabetologist, Arete Hospitals, spoke about how gym enthusiasts are secretly falling prey to steroid misuse.
What began as a medical tool to treat hormonal deficiencies has now turned into a performance enhancer for those desperate for quick muscle gain. These synthetic versions of testosterone promise faster results, but what they do to the body behind the scenes is far from healthy.
The Hormone Hijack
Hormones are like the body’s messaging system — delicate, interlinked, and timed with precision. When steroids are taken from outside sources, they send mixed signals to this system. When the body senses an excess of testosterone from external steroids, the brain gets a false signal that enough of the hormone is present and slows its own production. Gradually, this disruption throws the system off balance—leading to shrinking of the testes, a drop in sperm count, acne breakouts, sudden mood changes, and sometimes long-term suppression of the body’s ability to make testosterone naturally.
For men in their 20s or early 30s, this disruption can have long-lasting effects. Libido drops, fertility takes a hit, and mood disorders such as irritability or depression often follow. In women using steroids for “toning” or “cutting,” the effects can be even more distressing — facial hair growth, deepening of the voice, menstrual irregularities, and in some cases, irreversible masculinisation.
The Illusion of Control
What’s most concerning is how normalised steroid use has become in urban gym culture. Many users believe they can “cycle” safely — meaning they’ll take the drugs for a few months, then stop to “recover.” But the body doesn’t work like a light switch. Recovery is unpredictable, and hormonal systems rarely bounce back cleanly.
Some people attempt to restart their testosterone on their own, guided by tips from online forums or gym trainers instead of medical professionals. This unsupervised approach can worsen the hormonal imbalance and put additional strain on the liver, kidneys, and heart. Cases of sudden cardiac arrest in seemingly fit young individuals are no longer rare, and steroid abuse is increasingly one of the silent contributors.
The Social Pressure Trap
There’s another layer to this problem — the digital world. Social media has made physique comparison almost unavoidable. Between “before-and-after” reels and influencers selling transformation packages, it’s easy to feel inadequate without quick results. This pressure drives many young gym-goers to experiment with substances they barely understand.
Beneath the admiration for a muscular physique often hides anxiety, self-doubt, and widespread misinformation. The desire to look “fit” can ironically lead to serious health problems — insomnia, hair loss, liver damage, infertility, and emotional instability.
A Smarter Way to Train
True fitness is built, not injected. A good workout plan, proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and patience remain the most reliable formula for muscle gain. Strength grows when the body adapts naturally — through consistent effort, not chemical shortcuts.
Anyone using or thinking about steroids should speak with an endocrinologist before taking steps that could permanently disrupt hormone balance. The endocrine system is delicate, and recovering normal hormone function after steroid misuse often requires months of careful medical supervision.
What the Doctor Wants You to Know
Steroids are not inherently evil — when prescribed for genuine hormonal deficiencies or certain medical conditions, they can be life-saving. The problem begins when they’re used casually or without medical supervision. Hormones operate like an orchestra; tampering with one section can throw the entire symphony off tune.
So, before you trust a gym buddy’s advice or an online “stack” plan, remember that every dose has a cost. A fit body means nothing if it’s achieved at the expense of your health, mood, or future fertility. The real strength lies in discipline, not in shortcuts.
Bottom line
In the rush to look strong, don’t silence the body’s natural intelligence. Muscles can be rebuilt, but a disrupted hormonal system takes far longer to heal. Choose the long road — your future self will thank you for it.