Why Anabolic Steroids Don't Work? Or What Am I Doing Wrong?

I’m about to lay it all out - 10 reasons why some of you aren’t getting jacked from your anabolic steroid cycles. If you’re not seeing results or worse, getting wrecked by side effects, the problem isn’t the gear (assuming you’re not injecting bathtub brew from some sketchy basement lab). The brands I’m talking about - Pharmacom Labs, Balkan Pharmaceuticals, SP Laboratory and Alpha Pharma - are legit and proven. If you’re still screwing up, let’s figure out why.

Low Aromatase Levels: No Estrogen, No Muscle

Aromatase is the enzyme that converts Testosterone into Estradiol (an estrogen). If your body isn’t producing enough aromatase, your Estradiol levels will tank. Guess what? You need Estradiol to grow muscle. Without it, you’re just spinning your wheels. Fix it by introducing estrogens or using Methyltestosterone as your course’s oral base. Don’t expect miracles without balancing your hormones.

High Estradiol Levels: Fat and Bloated

On the flip side, too much aromatase turns your Testosterone into Estradiol overload. Hello, acne, gynecomastia and endless water retention. Instead of muscles, you’ll gain fat. “Drying out” becomes a nightmare. To fix this, hit up aromatase inhibitors like Anastrozole, Exemestane or Letrozole. But remember, these drugs have side effects worse than the steroids themselves. Tread carefully.

Weak Liver: Your Progress Stops Here

If your liver is garbage - whether naturally or from years of abuse - you’re screwed. Estradiol spikes, even on mild compounds. Growth Hormone won’t work. You’ll need double or triple the AAS dose just to scrape by. If your liver can’t handle the workload, bodybuilding isn’t your sport. Use Heptral or similar liver support, but know your limits.

High Globulin Levels: Steroids Are Neutralized

Globulin, a protein produced by the liver, binds to steroids, making them inactive. If your Globulin levels shoot up, even the strongest AAS cycles won’t do much. Fix this by adding DHT derivatives (like Mesterolone, Methenolone or Stanozolol) to your stack. These compounds free up bound steroids and supercharge your results.

Few Androgen Receptors: Wrong Genetic Lottery

Androgen receptors are where the magic happens. Some guys just don’t have enough of them in their muscles. Instead, their receptors are packed in their skin or internal organs. The solution? Long-term Testosterone at decent doses to upregulate receptor density in muscle tissue. It’s a slow fix, but it works.

The Wrong Drug: Not Every AAS Works for Everyone

Steroids aren’t one-size-fits-all. Maybe Nandrolone Decanoate leaves you cold, but Nandrolone Phenylpropionate turns you into a beast. Some guys blow up on Dianabol, while others just get acne. Oxymetholone is another example—some athletes swear by it, while others see no gains at all. Don’t blame the drug; experiment until you find what works for your body.

Adaptation: Your Body Gets Used to It

Run 500mg of Testosterone Enanthate for 12 weeks, and you’ll pack on muscle. Do it again with the same dose? You’ll gain less. By the third round, you’re spinning your wheels. The fix? Increase the dose or introduce new compounds. The body adapts - outsmart it.

Estrogen Receptors Are in the Wrong Places

Some guys have estrogen receptors in all the wrong spots. Instead of muscle growth, they get gynecomastia and fat gain. To combat this, avoid aromatizing steroids (easier said than done) or tightly control Estradiol with Anastrozole. On cuts, switch to Tamoxifen or Toremifene.

Weak Digestion: Can’t Process Enough Protein

If your gut can’t handle the protein intake required for growth (3g/kg of body weight), you’re wasting your time. Worse, steroids can turn this into fatty degeneration of your liver, kidneys or heart. If your digestion sucks, don’t even bother with AAS.

Insulin Resistance: Fat Gains Instead of Muscle

If your muscle cells resist insulin, you’re in trouble. The body compensates by overproducing insulin, and you just pack on fat. Fix your diet: ditch simple carbs and saturated fats. If it’s a metabolic issue, see an endocrinologist and get on Metformin.

Final Word

If you’re not gaining muscle or your cycle is turning you into a bloated, acne-ridden mess, don’t blame the steroids. Look at your body’s unique quirks, fix the issues, and give yourself a fighting chance. Bodybuilding isn’t for everyone, but if you’re serious about it, stop making rookie mistakes and start optimizing your approach.