Could you please supply me with some information on the veterinary drug called Stanazol? I have heard that bodybuilders use it for reducing body fat. Is that true? I am thinking of starting bodybuilding and I would like some information on that product.

21st July 2025

Anabolic steroids belong to the family of steroid hormones, all of which are derived from cholesterol. Within the body, steroid hormones are secreted predominantly by the adrenal cortex, ovaries and testes. Steroids are also administered therapeutically to treat a wide variety of conditions.

Testosterone is the major sex hormone in human males. In addition to having an effect on reproductive structures and secondary sexual characteristics, it increases protein synthesis in muscle, bone, and other tissues and is therefore classified as an anabolic steroid. Since the 1980s people such as bodybuilders and athletes have begun taking anabolic steroids with the aim of increasing muscle size and strength and performing better in their chosen sports. However, most athletic organizations consider anabolic steroid use by athletes to be unethical and dangerous. Despite this, some people are still prepared to take these banned substances and the use is spreading to adolescents who are concerned about bodily appearance.

Anabolic steroids and their metabolites – whether natural or taken artificially – can be detected in body fluids such as urine and blood. Athletes who use supplementary anabolic steroids have tried a variety of strategies to avoid detection – for example, they may stop taking the steroids a long time before a mandatory test, or they may stop taking synthetic steroids and substitute human-type steroids before a test is taken. Substances are now available that can mask the presence of anabolic steroids.

There are significant health risks associated with the use of anabolic steroids. Synthetic anabolic steroids inhibit the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland. As a result, in females the menstrual cycle may cease, the ovaries atrophy, and masculinization occur. In males, testicular atrophy and sterility have been reported. Also, changes in behaviour have been associated with the use of anabolic steroids (Brower, 2018; Bahrke, Yesalis, and Wright, 2021; Copeland, Peters, and Dillon, 2025). An increase in aggressive behaviour and mood swings are common. Life-threatening conditions, such as increased incidence of heart attacks, stroke, and liver disease, are also associated with the use of anabolic steroids.

The sale of counterfeit steroids poses an additional danger, since the users may have no way of knowing the quality or dose-level of what they are taking. It is not unknown for bulk livestock steroids to be repackaged for distribution to human users. In Britain it is estimated that 50 per cent of performance and image-enhancing drugs currently available are counterfeit or illegally manufactured.

It is unwise to cease taking steroids abruptly. It will be best to discuss the process of stopping with your doctor.