Steroid Education program closing

1 July 2024

Our Steroid Educations program will close as of 12 July 2024.

Unfortunately, funding for this program has finished and we cannot continue to offer supports to people using anabolic steroids, or other performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs) beyond 12 July 2024.

Know the risks

If you are currently using anabolic steroids or intending to, you should be aware of the risks associated with them. It may look healthy on the outside, but what about the inside?

Anabolic steroid use poses a significant risk of spreading bloodborne viruses, like HIV or Hepatitis C, through needle-sharing or using a needle that has been dipped into a previously used bottle of steroids.

Anabolic steroid use has many unwanted side effects for everyone. These include:

Heart-related problems, such as increased risk of stroke, high blood pressure, and cholesterol issues
Aggression
Acne
Stunted growth
Immune system damage
Premature baldness
Testosterone shut down
Increase in body hair and facial hair
Vocal deepening.

Male

Elevated oestrogen levels (Gynocomastia)
Erectile dysfunction.

Female

Menstrual irregularities
Enlarged clitoris
Complications if using while pregnant.

Safe use

The safe use of anabolic steroids relies on:

Selecting appropriate injection sites, such as glutes, quads and delts
Using the correct needle gauges to reduce the risk of infection.

Proper injection techniques enhance overall safety and minimises the risk of adverse reactions. Seeking professional guidance and adhering to recommended protocols are essential for safely using anabolic steroids. This includes regular blood tests to monitor internal bodily changes and the impacts of these.

Clean injecting equipment

If you need clean injecting equipment, you can collect it for free our health centres during opening hours. Or the service can come to you every night all year round, between 7.30pm and 11.30pm. To book, call 0418 545 789 or click here for more information.

If you live outside of north-east metropolitan Melbourne, contact Directline on 1800 888 236 or directline.org.au for information about your nearest Needle and Syringe Program.

Using insulin in body building

If you use insulin as a bodybuilder, you are putting your health and life at risk. Insulin is a hormone that helps clear glucose from the bloodstream, when misused it is dangerous and can cause a range of harmful side effects.

For further information, see our Body Building and Insulin pamphlet below.