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Are you among the millions of people worldwide who are otherwise healthy but who’ve lost interest in sex? Do you find it boring and routine? Are you so tired that you’d rather nap than make love? Do you think TV is more stimulating than your partner? Do you have physical symptoms, like vaginal dryness or difficulty with erection, that make sex unpleasant? As a relationship matures it is common, but definitely not necessary, for sex to become predictable and unexciting. One of the first places to start improving your sex life is to elevate your general mood and increase your energy level. This is good advice not only for improving sex but also for most other things in your life. According to a survey of 153 doctors conducted by Pharmatron Health Products during July and August of 1998: “ Herbal supplements are now entering mainstream medical practice, with one in three primary care doctors recommending them to patients at least weekly, most frequently for people with mood and emotional complaints… About as many doctors recommend herbal supplements for fatigue and lack of energy...Doctors also practice what they preach, with one in four doctors personally consuming herbal supplements.” So, let’s assume you have covered the basics. You pay attention to what you eat and take some nutritional supplements. You follow a regular routine for physical fitness. You are reasonably healthy. There are no organic health problems interfering with your sexual performance, or you have consulted a physician and they are being treated allopathically with drugs. (Note that many prescription drugs are known to interfere with sexual desire and performance. If you are taking any prescription medication, ask your doctor about such side effects. It may be possible to prescribe a different medication that won’t interfere with your sex life. ) If you are not doing these things, you may consider changing your habits before you experiment with aphrodisiacs. Regular exercise, good diet and basic nutritional supplements may be all you need to revitalize you sex life. Ideally we could also assume that you have set aside old beliefs and conditioning about your sexuality. You have moved beyond shame and guilt. You have had help in dealing with any sexual abuse or trauma. You understand and believe that sex is natural, good and wondrous. If you lack sexual skill and technique, and your imagination fails to motivate you to experiment by trying new things, perhaps a workshop or some private coaching is in order. Even if you have done all of these things, perhaps you are still looking for more and wonder if aphrodisiacs might be it. They are definitely worth experimenting with, but be warned, many of them may have side effects for some people. If you want to consume any item mentioned consult your physician first. If you do decide to use them, start out slowly and experiment carefully to see how each of them works for you. Try them one at a time to see what each one does on its own and how your body responds to its use before you consume several at the same time. What are Aphrodisiacs? An aphrodisiac is something that increases your libido. It turns you on and increases your desire to have sex, or it may reduce your usual inhibitions about sex. Aphrodisiacs may also improve your ability to have sex. This means that under the right circumstances, almost anything could have aphrodisiac qualities, but most people think of something to eat or drink when they think of aphrodisiacs. Aphrodisiacs are never an alternative to healthy sexual attitude, doing your inner work to remove psychological barriers to sexual intimacy, or sexual skill mastery, but they can be lots of fun. Aphrodisiacs may also be exactly what is needed when sexual dysfunction is caused by physiological/organic causes, e.g., peripheral vascular disease, hardening of the penile arteries, diabetes mellitus, prostate enlargement, high levels of pituitary gland hormone prolactin, low testosterone, menopause and andropause (the male’s version of menopause). What do you already know about aphrodisiac herbs? Here is a short aphrodisiac quiz. The answers to the questions are at the end of the article. Aphrodisiac Quiz 1. Which aphrodisiac could you say this about? “Occasionally, it causes erections even in the absence of any sexual stimulation.” And, “has a reputation for producing electrifying sexual encounters…” 2. What amino acid will help relax the smooth muscles in your genitals and enable a man to maintain an erection? 3. Which hormone precursor did homerun hitting Mark McGwire help make famous? 4. Which Greek Goddess does the name aphrodisiacs come from? 5. What berry provides protection for the prostate gland? 6. Which natural adrenal hormone, available as a nutritional supplement, helps balance all the other hormones in the body, for both men and women, and has dramatic effects on improving memory? 7. What topical cream can be used by menopausal women as part of a natural approach to hormone replacement, to help balance an estrogen dominance, assist in reducing bone loss and to build new bones? 8. Which nutritional supplement can help you to stop worrying and be happy now? Hint: It is commonly misspelled as Wart. 9. Which natural sedative available as a nutritional supplement can help you get a really good night’s sleep with no morning after effects so you’ve got the energy for lovemaking? 10. Which Mexican herb is “reputed to induce erotic dreams when drunk at bedtime?” 11. Which adrenal hormone, available as a nutritional supplement, can increase your energy level, enhance your sex drive, decrease body fat, reduce stress and reduce ill effects of stress, enhance memory function, extend lifespan, and improve your immune function all at the same time? 12. There is an antioxidant that improves circulation and “can help in cases where a man has circulation-related difficulties in getting an erection.” It is also well known for enhancing short-term memory. What is it? 13. Which South American aphrodisiac used in the Amazon and Orinoco basins for centuries, can increase libido, stimulate sensuality, increase sexual pleasure, and is used as a treatment for impotence and frigidity? Selected Aphrodisiacs Here is a brief summary of several aphrodisiacs that can enhance your sexual desire, help you experience more pleasure and perform better as a lover. We explain their general properties, how to use them, and where to get them. They may be worth experimenting with, but be warned, many of the substances mentioned may have side effects for some people. Nothing we say here is intended as medical advice. If you want to consume any item mentioned consult your physician first. Where possible use a product with standardized extract. This means that the product is guaranteed to contain a certain percentage of the active ingredient(s). Consult labels carefully to determine quantities of all ingredients. Follow dosage recommendations on the product label. Don’t let the strange sounding names and exotic places they come from throw you off from considering the use of aphrodisiacs. These items are not any more unusual than many things now part of our regular vocabulary and consumption, for instance, aspirin. Androstenedione Available in capsules and spray Androstenedione is naturally occurring in all meat as well as in the Scotch Pine tree. It is a metabolite of the hormones DHEA and progesterone, and is a direct hormonal precursor to testosterone. Androstenedione is short-acting, elevating blood testosterone levels without inhibiting the body's natural testosterone production. Sexually, Androstenedione will be most helpful for men over 50 and for women in the menopausal cycle, because this is when testosterone levels begin to drop. ”Testosterone is… ‘the hormone of desire,’ the substance that acts on the brain to stimulate sexual interest, sensitivity to sexual stimulation and orgasmic ability in both sexes….The most common complaint associated with declining [testosterone] levels is an otherwise unexplainable loss of sexual enjoyment….” [Source: Testosterone: Not Just For Men, Jane Brody, Pro Health, May/June 1998] The hard-hitting bat of Mark McGwire with 70 home runs in a single season has put the spotlight on Androstenedione. In an August 1998 interview with Sports Illustrated, McGwire said “the company that supplies me says most of its repeat business is coming from wives and girlfriends who are very satisfied.” Androstenedione is available in spray or capsules. Recommended dosage: For men, one to four sprays (25 mg per spray) per day. For women, up to one spray per day. Capsules typically come in 50mg dosages, which may be too high for women. Women may wish to take only one or two capsules a month. Men who find adrostenedione works for them may take it daily, on an empty stomach at bedtime and/or in the morning or 30 minutes prior to sexual activity. Long term studies of the effects of this substance have not been done. It is not available in Canada, but is available over the counter at health food stores in the US. Check with the suppliers listed at the end of this article for mail orders. Yohimbe This powerful aphrodisiac is extracted from West Africa's Corynanthe Yohimbe tree. For centuries, tribes in this region have used a tea made from the inner bark in their fertility rituals. It may help to stimulate erection and enhance libido and increase physical energy in men and women. “Most of the current medical literature on yohimbe discusses the treatment of male impotence but an impressive body of anecdotal evidence surrounds the use of yohimbe for making good sex even better.” [Source: Better Sex Through Chemistry, John Morgenthaler, Pro Health, May/June 1998] “Occasionally, it causes erections even in the absence of any sexual stimulation.” [Source: Viagra: Is The Stampede Misdirected?, Will Block, Life Enhancement, June 1998] The tincture form is recommended rather than capsules. Take one-half dropper under the tongue and hold for sixty seconds immediately before sexual activity. This is a powerful substance. We do not recommend daily or prolonged use because of possible side effects. Stay clear if you suffer from high blood pressure, heart, kidney or liver disease. Yohimbe is available over the counter at health food stores in the US. Check with the suppliers listed at the end of this article for mail orders. Arginine The amino acid arginine is an immune system enhancer and powerful growth hormone stimulant. It plays a role in many body tasks: wound healing, circulation and sexual function. In response to sexual stimulation, your body releases nitric oxide (NO) in your genitals. This causes the smooth muscles to relax and blood flows into the penis resulting in erection. Both arginine and ginkgo biloba have both been shown to enhance NO levels in your body. “If sufficient NO is not produced, erection or sexual stimulation does not occur. Arginine is absolutely necessary for the production of NO….Some scientists studying these phenomena have concluded that up to 90% of all impotency can be reversed by NO (and by implication, the use of arginine).” [Source: Dr. Whitaker Wellness Institute Guide To Nutrients, Julian Whitaker M.D., Summer 1998] The new drug Viagra from Pfizer increases blood flow into the penis, or into the vaginal area for women, but this drug has many known side effects and there were 69 confirmed deaths attributed to Viagra use by the fall of 1998! Arginine should be taken on an empty stomach. You may use it daily and/or 30 minutes to an hour before sexual activity. Not for use by diabetics, borderline diabetics, pregnant or lactating women, cancer patients or persons who have had ocular or brain herpes. Available in health food stores. Ginkgo Biloba The Ginkgo tree is one of the oldest living species on the planet. It has flourished unchanged for over 150 million years has been used in Chinese medicine for over 5,000 years. The leaves and fruit of the Ginkgo tree contain a variety of phytochemicals that have a wide range of clinically proven benefits. Ginkgo significantly increases blood flow to the brain thereby improving cognitive function, memory, alertness and concentration. It also improves peripheral arterial insufficiency (restriction of blood flow to the legs and other extremities, including the genitals). “Because it improves circulation, it can help in cases where a man has circulation-related difficulties in getting an erection.” [Source: Love Potions, Cynthia Mervis Watson, M.D., Jeremy P. Tarcher/Perigee, 1993] There are no serious side effects with Ginkgo Biloba. It is available at most health food stores. Large doses over a long period of time can result in irritability and headaches, so take no more than 3 grams daily in capsule or tincture form Saw Palmetto For years, berries of the saw palmetto plant have been used to treat bladder and prostate conditions. It helps regulate testosterone levels in both women and men, supports healthy prostate function and is a good source of fatty acids. ”Many herbalists regard saw palmetto berries as safe, mild aphrodisiacs; ten to twelve can be eaten daily for a cumulative effect. Their potency is increased when they are combined with damiana.” [Source: Love Potions, Cynthia Mervis Watson, M.D., Jeremy P. Tarcher/Perigee, 1993] Recommended dosage is 160-320 mg per day of Saw Palmetto. Avoid if pregnant, planning pregnancy or suffering from a disease of the gastrointestinal tract. Available at health food stores. Zinc Zinc is a mineral that may improve sensory and sexual functions as well as boost the immune system, quicken wound healing, and promote skin health. Virtually every man who lives long enough will have a problem with prostate enlargement. A man with prostate irritation will lose most interest in sexual intercourse. Several years ago I began to have prostate discomfort but have completely corrected the problem with a combination of pycnogenol, zinc, and saw palmetto. Recommended dosage: 50 mg. Daily. High doses may lower HDL cholesterol, cause anemia and weaken immune function. Available at health food stores. Damiana This herb from Mexico has been used by both men and women to enhance and regulate the production of sex hormones. It is considered a potent aphrodisiac. “Chemically this plant has been found to contain several alkaloids that directly stimulate the sex organs… Native Mexican women have long drunk an infusion of the herb a couple of hours before retiring to prime themselves for their men. It is reputed to induce erotic dreams when drunk at bedtime.” [Source: Love Potions, Cynthia Mervis Watson, M.D., Jeremy P. Tarcher/Perigee, 1993] Damiana leaves for tea or making tincture, or tincture already prepared, is available at most health food stores. Muira Puama Found in the Amazon and Orinoco basins of South America, Muira Puama has long been used “to stimulate sensuality, as a sexual enhancer, and as a treatment for impotence and frigidity…[it] appears to be milder and without the side effects of [yohimbe].” [Source: Love Potions, Cynthia Mervis Watson, M.D., Jeremy P. Tarcher/Perigee, 1993] It is considered effective in restoring libido and treating erectile dysfunction. For an aphrodisiac drink, mix 2 ounces each of damiana and muira puama tinctures in your favorite adult punch (20 serving size). Muira puama may or may not be available at your local health food store. In the U.S. it is available in tincture and capsule form. Check with the suppliers listed at the end of this article for mail order. Natural Progesterone Cream (For Women) Progesterone plays many roles in the body, one of them is maintaining sex drive. It is particularly important for women in the menopausal cycle. Natural progesterone is identical to what your body produces. It is derived from diosgenin in the wild Mexican yam. Natural progesterones are more biologically active and safer than their unnatural counterparts. Progesterone is a small fat-soluble molecule, which can be easily absorbed through the skin. It is initially absorbed into the fat layers under the skin, then is diffused into the capillaries where it enters the blood stream as needed. This makes transdermal progesterone 100% bioavailable to the body. In contrast, oral supplementation of progesterone has to be taken in very high dosages to compensate for the almost 90% which will be excreted by the liver. Use 1/4 to 3/4 teaspoon in the morning, applied to the softer parts of the body (for better absorption). Rotate the application spot on a daily basis. Because natural progesterone is identical to the body's own progesterone there are no known side effects at 20-40 mg/day. Very large dosages can result in feelings of sleepiness. Available by mail order from suppliers listed. Pregnenolone A supplement derived from diosgenin, the Mexican yam extract, pregnenolone is the building block for all other hormones. Produced by the body’s adrenal glands, Pregnenolone may be one of our most important hormones because it seems to have a balancing effect in bringing the levels of other hormones up or down as needed. Pregnenolone is a direct precursor of both DHEA and progesterone. Pregnenolone levels dramatically drop after age 30. Research indicates that restoration of Pregnenolone to levels of healthy young adults may have dramatic positive effects on memory, mood and energy, and sexual function. Pregnenolone can be taken once daily in the morning on an empty stomach to mimic the body’s normal rhythm. Recommended dosage: 10-100 mg per day. Adjust the dosage to your needs. Safety has been long established—it was used for arthritis treatment back in the 40s at very high doses with no apparent side effects. It is available at most health food stores and can be ordered via mail. DHEA DHEA (de-hydro-epi-andro-sterone) is a hormone naturally produced by your adrenal glands. It is usually the most abundant adrenal hormone in the body, but with age (or certain disease conditions) the levels drop. Lower levels of DHEA are associated with many of the diseases associated with aging and people with naturally higher levels are found to have lower incidence of some of these diseases (cancer, for example). In his Wellness Institute Guide to Nutrients Dr. Julian Whitaker notes “I give DHEA to about 80% of my patients over 40 because of its health-enhancing and anti-aging benefits.” Dosage: most people over 25 can take 25 - 50 mg per day in the morning with food. This amount will bring your DHEA levels back up to the normal range for the average 25-year-old. Check with mail order suppliers. St. John’s Wort This popular supplement has been shown to have antidepressive and antiviral properties. New research shows that St. John’s Wort may actually increase serotonin production. I have a tendency to be a little hyperactive. I have never been diagnosed with adult ADD, but I find that taking St. John’s Wort 3-4 times per week takes the edge off my being speedy very nicely. Look for St. John’s Wort containing 0.3% standardized hypericin extract. Avoid if pregnant or planning pregnancy. May cause photo-sensitivity so avoid strong sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet light (like "tanning booths") when taking St. John’s Wort. Available in most health food stores. Valerian Getting a good nights sleep does wonders for your sex life! Valeriana officinalis, a natural sedative that may be helpful for insomnia, leaves no morning after effects. Take just before going to bed. Available in tablets or loose tea form at health food stores. High doses may cause paralysis and a weakening of the heartbeat. Like any sedative, may become habit-forming if used for an extended period of time. Avoid if pregnant. Available in most health food stores. INTERNET and MAIL ORDER SOURCES of Products Life Extension Foundation: http://www.lef.org/cgi-local/welcome.cgi/id=151061148 Vitamin Research Products (VRP): http://www.vrp.com/default.asp?vMBR=467976 Quiz Answers 1. Yohimbe 2. Arginine 3. Androstenedione 4. Aphrodite (Venus in the Roman pantheon) 5. Saw Palmetto 6. Pregnenolone 7. Natural Progesterone Cream 8. St. John’s Wort 9. Valerian 10. Damiana 11. DHEA 12. Ginkgo Biloba 13. Muira Puama penis enlargment pills penis enlargment before and after photo prosolution penis enhancement pills top rated penile enlargement pills penis elargement excersizes vimax do penis enlargement pills really work penile enlargment surgery photo penis enargement surgeries

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There are a number of penis enlargement pills on the market from a variety of different manufacturers most of which work in much the same way. Generally penis enlargement pills work by increasing the blood flow to the penis and thus enlarging the penis size. The active component, in most penis enlargement pills, is Yohimbe which is claimed to be and aphrodisiac and generally boosts sex drive. In humans Yohimbe tends to increase the heart rate and blood flow and it is the increased blood flow to the penis that is claimed to increase the penis size. Many men who have combined taking penis enlargement pills with a natural penis enlargement program claim to have achieved the desired result in a shorter period of time. It has to be said that manufacturers of penis enlargement pills can never boast an instant result, as with most penis enlargement programs and techniques it will generally be a few months before you will start to see any benefit. Penis enlargement pills will effectively take away some of the effort applied when following a natural penis enlargement program by doing some of the work while you work, eat and sleep, thus the combined approach should deliver you a quicker result. In addition to using penis enlargement pills and techniques men can generally benefit from following a healthy lifestyle and diet. It is widely believed that smoking can physically reduce the size of a man’s penis as well as have a negative impact on sperm count and quality. In addition, those men who are clinically obese will generally see a significant reduction in the size of their penis with much of their penis hidden inside the body. It therefore goes without saying that instead of or in addition to taking penis enlargement pills or opting for any other penis enlargement techniques men should take stock of their lifestyles! There are serval well recognised penis enlargement pills which is widely used with excellent success rates including Vimax, Natural Gain Plus and Extagen. Users of the more popular penis enlargement pills claim an increase of 2-3 inches in penis size, with some achieving significantly more, and have also seen a reduction in problems with premature ejaculation and experienced a significant increase sex drive. manual penis enhancement pnis enlargement pills product free exercise tip for penile enlargement penis enlargment device vimax penis pill penis enargement traction device penis enargement excersizes pnis enlargement tip compare penis enargement pills

Measuring up the penis and trying to figure out if it’s bigger than those of various acquaintances is one of the chief hobbies of certain men. Almost every man is worried about his penis size to a higher or lesser degree and also worried about how he compares to other men. Gym lockers, restaurant and office toilets, all these places remind men about the problem dangling between their legs and the competition for the coveted “Big Penis Respect” award. A whole underground culture of rumors, assumptions and exaggeration has grown around the penis. So, let’s clear a bit of this rubbish with some facts. Among the many things that men think about the penis we also find the idea that there are huge differences between the penis sizes of the various races inhabiting this planet. This idea goes hand in hand with the racial stereotypes that are thrown around, even by people who should know better. For instance, many people think that all black men have huge penises. They “heard” this from some person who had “first hand” information and they have also seen a lot of porn on the Internet and all the black porn stars had huge penises, ergo all black men are huge. And while blacks are well hung, Asians are said to have been handed the short end of the stick. Since they are smaller than white or black people, it follows that Asians also have tiny penises. This is very convenient for a white man who feels bad that all those blacks are bigger than him. But is this really so? Are these differences so big that we can safely stereotype everybody? The answer is yes and no. This means: yes, there are differences and no, they aren’t that big. Fortunately, this is not a field of study devoid of accurate information and there are some studies which provide much needed data. Ever since the Europeans started to interact with African nations on a wide scale, the white culture has promoted the idea that all black men are hugely endowed and that this makes them somewhat closer to animals than humans. For two or three centuries, the big penis has been used to prove the inferiority of black people. All this came to an end in 1952, when Frantz Fanon used statistical data to prove that there is no positive correlation between African descent and big penises. However, the myth is still alive and well and it will probably take a long time to die. The World Health Organization has firm specifications for condom sizes, which are based on various studies. These studies seem to indicate that black men have on average a slightly wider and longer penis size, Caucasian males have what is known as the medium size, while Asian men are slightly narrow and shorter in size. The WHO specifications feature condom widths of 5.3 cm for Africa, 5.2 cm for Europe and 4.9 cm for Asia. As you can see, the differences between racial groups are statistically small. The most important thing to remember is that penis length and width should not be seen as absolutes. If your lover is content with the penis nature gave you and the skills you have acquired over the course of your life, then penis size doesn’t really matter. If, however, you are unhappy with your current size, there are methods that can help. There are all-natural enlargement exercises and there are highly effective traction devices waiting for you. But, really, you should only be looking to enlarge your penis for yourself, not because you heard that other people are bigger. penis enlargement pic before and after penis enlagement before and after photo cheap penis enlagement pills truth about penis enlargement penis enargement picture penis girth enhancement best penis elargement pills easy enlargment free penile surgery way compare penis enargement pills

In ancient China, sexual practices were investigated century after century. Finally the ancient Taoist Masters began to draw conclusions about all human actions; and their conformity to ideal (Tao - the basic, eternal principle of the universe that transcends reality and is the source of being, non-being, and change) as regards the process of creation. Perhaps inspired by Tantra sexual practice, the Taoists characterized all the sexual positions, their relative advantages and drawbacks, and also even set the tone for the whole practice of the sexual act. As a creative source, the man and his penis became a subject of study in its own right. As the woman’s vagina when penetrated by the man is often exerting uneven pressure and stimulation, the Taoists developed a trusting method to stimulate, massage, and keep the man’s penis at an excellent state of readiness. The thrusting method is called the Nine Steps. To achieve this to perfection, the man must possess some amount of patience and staying power. One complete Nine Steps is 90 thrusts, so most men need training to achieve it. However, as many as possible will help the man in his general vitality and the woman partner will be ecstatic with the sexual stimulation she will receive. The Taoists also advised internalizing the ejaculation, but that is the subject of its own article. The Nine Steps Firstly, the man must find a very comfortable sexual position to execute this. One recommended position is the Horse Position. The woman lies on her back on a raised bed or table. Her legs are opened wide with the knees are pulled to her breast. The man stands in front of her, with her genitals fully exposed and open. The man then begins the Nine Steps. 1st Step. The man inserts only the head of his penis into the woman’s vagina. He makes a very shallow stroking movement exactly nine times. On the tenth stroke, he will thrust his entire penis as deep as possible. 2nd Step. Here the same is followed, but with only eight shallow penis crown strokes, and two massive whole penis thrusts thereafter. 3rd Step. Follow as above, the man will trust seven shallow times, with three hard and massive deep thrusts. 4th Step. Continuing, six shallow thrusts followed by 4 deep and profound thrusts. 5th Step. Now there are only five shallow thrusts followed by five profound ones. 6th Step. In keeping with the above, four shallow followed by six deep thrusts. 7th Step. There are only three shallow thrusts followed by seven profound ones. 8th Step. This time, only two shallow ones followed by eight deep and profound ones. 9th Step. Here at the end of the exercise, there is only one shallow thrust followed by nine rhythmic and profound thrusts. If the man was able to withstand the Nine Steps, he should rest a short while and begin again. The woman from her part may have had several orgasm! penis elargement herb vimax penis enlargement technique herbal penis enhancement cheap penis enhancement cheapest penile enlargement pills top rated penis enargement pills penis enlargement tool vimax cheapest penis enlargement pills compare penis enargement pills

Excerpt from The Steroid Deceit Having abused steroids for three and a half years, I was always afraid of being found out. I took pains to keep my steroid use hidden from my parents. They thought my newfound muscles were the result of all the time I spent at the gym, as well as the various supplements and powders that I always seemed to be taking. Little did they realize that some of those pills I called “vitamins” were actually oral steroids. The façade to my life of deceit began to crack, when I received a panicked phone call from my mother. She had evidently found one of my syringes. I rushed home. Since using steroids, I had become a much better liar than I ever could have imagined, and naturally I was ready to give her an Academy Award winning performance. My mother was waiting for me at the front door, and started in on me as I made my way up the pathway. “Are you using heroin?" “Mom,” I told her, offering her a big smile. “You’ve got it all wrong.” She waved the syringe in her hand as if to say, “How could this be wrong?” I didn’t stop smiling, even though inwardly I was cursing myself for having been careless with my needles. I had slipped up. Until that mistake I had always cleaned up after my usage and secreted everything away. While my mother brandished the syringe, I was doing some waving of my own, showing her a prescription form. By this time we were in the house. “I am not a junkie, Mom,” I told her. “I was given a prescription from a doctor.” “What for?” she asked. “For steroids,” I said, “only steroids.” She still looked doubtful, so I said, “I’ll go show you.” I went up to my room and returned with a vial. “See,” I said, showing her the vial, and then repeated, “It’s only steroids.” It’s only steroids. As a parent I can tell you that if I heard those words from one of my two boys I would be as concerned as if my child had announced, “Don’t worry, it’s only heroin.” I made a big show of throwing out the syringe and vial in front of my mother, My mother appeared pacified. Luckily, she didn’t know anything about steroids, and what I was saying must have sounded reasonable. Besides, my tossing out the vial and syringe clearly demonstrated that I didn’t have a problem. What she didn’t know was that I had a secret stash in my closet with dozens more vials and needles. It was also a good thing she didn’t look closely at the prescription, or she might have wondered why a vet was prescribing a drug to a human. In my hunt for bigger and better steroids I had found a veterinarian willing to write me a scrip for equipoise, a steroid prescribed for horses. As if that wasn’t bad enough, I had made copies of the prescription. I didn’t even have horse sense. I was a drug abuser with an illegal prescription covering up his habit by lying. I wish my mother hadn’t trusted me. I wish she had challenged me. I wish she had taken note of all the warning signs my body and behavior were giving off, and had pulled me up short. According to the U.S. Center of Disease Control, up to 6% of high school students have tried, or are using, steroids. Even if that figure is wildly exaggerated – even if it’s only half of that number – we are still talking about an incredible number of young people using steroids. Teens typically use steroids to get buff, or try and get an athletic edge. What they don’t take into account is the potential hazards that come with the drugs. Some of the side effects include: Psychological addiction; Depression and mood swings; Insomnia; Severe acne; Hair loss; Infertility; Liver disease; Testicular atrophy; Arteriosclerosis; Heart disease; Permanent stunting of growth; Feminization of males including breast swelling (gynecomastia – also known by steroid users as “bitch tits”); Stretch marks; Water retention; High blood pressure; Tendon and ligament damage Specific side effects of females are: Virilization (becoming more masculine) of females, with such symptoms as excessive face and body hair, deepening of the voice which is irreversible; suppression of menses; decreased breast size; and enlargement of the clitoris; It is hard to believe that given all the health risks associated with steroids that they continue to grow in popularity. I am afraid that either the message of their dangers isn’t getting out, or maybe it’s just that the other “message” is so much more prevalent that it’s hard to refute. When people look at the hard, muscled bodies presented by smiling, oversized human beings, they see a tempting portrait. Users and potential users are seduced by this picture of health and vitality. The picture doesn’t show the strain on the arteries, the wear and tear on the heart, or the pinball effect on the psyche. Because society has not yet raised enough red flags over steroid use, the burden for this scrutiny has to fall on parents and loved ones. At the time I abused steroids they were an “under the radar” drug; my parents didn’t even know what they were. Public awareness about steroids has grown, but judging from their increased popularity, teens and adults have not yet come to the realization that using them means playing Russian roulette. To protect their children from the dangers of steroids, parents need to be vigilant. For their own good, no child should be able to get away with what I did. It was wrong of me to pretend indifference about my drug habit and proclaim, “It’s only steroids.” Steroid use is the hidden epidemic. Somehow the war on drugs has missed this target. Parents can’t afford to turn a blind eye, though. Among the warning signs parents should be looking for in a child who might be using steroids is: A rapid increase in the musculature of your child; Your child’s preoccupation or obsession with “getting big”; An outbreak of acne (predominately on chest and back) far and above the usual; Pronounced mood swings;The presence of muscle magazines (look for the usual smiling steroid figures on the cover). There’s an old axiom: if it’s too good to be true, beware. Those bodies are too good to be true; Vials and pills and syringes – it is up to you to read the labels. I told my parents that the oral steroids I was taking were vitamins. Watch out for the following pills: Anadrol; Dianabol; Winstrol; tamoxifen; clenbuterol; clomifen citrate; masterolone Anything in a vial is suspect (if it is in a vial, it is usually vile). The brand names are many and varied, but look for the following substances: stanazalol; nandrolone decanoate; nandrolone phenilpropionate; dromastolone dipropionate; and testosterone. Despite all those misleading advertisements which claim you can lose 10 pounds of fat and put on 10 pounds of muscle in just a few days, it doesn’t happen that way. The human body doesn’t change overnight. When not using steroids, professional athletes are hard-pressed to put on 10 pounds of muscle in a year, even with rigorous workouts. If your child suddenly sprouts muscles, it is your job to be suspicious. Don’t be surprised if your teen credits those muscles to his or her pumping iron, and taking protein shakes and supplements. Speaking from experience, I can tell you that those pills and shakes are all but worthless. Invariably, the spokesperson for those kinds of products is a steroid abuser. The fact is that those supplements will not pack on the pounds and muscles as the manufacturers claim. Steroids will do that. They might also cause you to die or go crazy getting those muscles, but that’s not something you are ever likely to hear coming out of the mouth of Mr. Big Biceps. What should a parent do if they discover that their child is using steroids? One of the first priorities is opening up a dialogue with your child and start discussing this risky behavior. One of my favorite sayings is, “There is nothing uglier than truth when it is not on your side.” Truth is a great antidote to combating steroid usage. From the onset I would impress upon the child that what they are doing is both illegal and harmful. If you take a steroid, in the eyes of the law it’s the same thing as popping an amphetamine or Quaalude. Possession of steroids is a federal offense, and can result in jail time of up to one year in prison along with a fine up to a thousand dollars. If you manufacture or distribute steroids, the penalties are much more severe. It is common for many steroid users to sell or distribute their drugs. Doing a “favor” for another user can now result in a jail sentence. Expect your child to be defensive. When you start explaining about health risks associated with steroids, you are sure to hear, “I don’t know anybody who has had those kinds of problems.” It is entirely possible they’ll be telling the truth. You will have to explain that sometimes the effects are not immediate, and sometimes they can’t be seen. Tell them that steroids are like cigarettes; often they debilitate over time. You also have to try and impress upon them what I think of as “the X Factor.” Every day more evidence comes forward showing the detrimental effects of steroids. It’s only recently that steroids have been linked with depression, just as there have only been preliminary studies on steroids being a possible “gateway” drug. Before the mid-nineties, though, no one was talking about ‘roid rage. And before that no one had any idea about the potential for kidney damage and arteriosclerosis due to steroid usage. Your child will tell you that steroids work, and he’ll be right. They do work, but it’s one of those cases of their working too well. Your child might not want to hear about heart disease or liver tumors or hardening of the arteries. You will hear about the strength gains, and the “incredible” workouts. Your response should be, “At what cost?” The human body is designed for certain maximum levels. Those who abuse steroids can, and do, spend more time at the gym or on the playing field, and are able to push themselves harder and longer. Sooner, usually than later, though, the human body rebels; joints tear and ligaments rip. It isn’t surprising that sports medicine has seen an epidemic of career ending injuries in the past decade. Steroids have given athletes a false platform upon which to perform; when that platform collapses, too often it is game, set, and match. This trend of serious injuries extends from high schools to the professional levels. Sports doctors say they are seeing a huge increase in tendon and muscle ruptures. That isn’t a coincidence. When bodies get pushed too hard, they snap even harder. Student athletes are under enormous pressure to perform and that makes steroids tempting. Non-athletes feel their own pressures; everyone wants to look “buff” and fit. Parents should also tell their children that steroids are cheating. In simple terms of right and wrong, they are wrong, and you don’t want your child to be a cheater. If your son or daughter is looking for an athletic advantage, tell them that you don’t believe in winning at all costs and neither should they. Stress to them that the muscles they think they are getting are artificial and temporary, and if they want the real thing then they are going to have to work for it. Talk to your child and make sure his or her self-esteem is not dependent on body image. This will probably be another case where your child thinks you are old-fashioned and out of it; when your child grows up he will see how wise you were (but don’t expect to get thanked any time soon). It is possible your child has body dysmorphia, with a resulting skewed view on what his/her body really looks like. Harrison Pope established a formula to calculate what he called the “fat-free mass index” (FFMI). Based on those calculations, the upper limits of musculature and build can be defined by their scoring system. The researchers found that a drug-free individual could be muscular, but in a proportional and natural way. Unfortunately, these days we see so many images of bodies accomplished through steroids that we don’t realize them for what they are – fakes. Teens need to have a realistic idea of what is normal body image, and what is abnormal. When confronting a child’s usage of steroids, the natural reaction for any concerned parent is to ban steroids from the household. That prohibition won’t work, though, unless your child realizes it is in his own best interest to quit. Going off steroids is something that can be fraught with problems; consult with a doctor. Going “cold turkey” can have tragic consequences. If you get steroids out of your house, be aware that your child might seek out steroids through friends and find a way to try and hide further usage from you. Don’t be afraid of looking like the “bad guy.” Your child might not understand the serious consequences involved with steroid usage. If you suspect continued use of steroids, take your son or daughter to a physician and have them tested. I would also strongly encourage you to get your child into counseling. Most males will resist this, and will no doubt insist that it’s unnecessary. These are the same males who might suffer severe depression in silence, not doing anything about it. Unfortunately their ultimate solution might be suicide. Without being overly dramatic, parents need to be on a “suicide watch” for a child that is using steroids, or has recently stopped. Coming “down” from steroids can be a perilous time, especially for young people. They need to understand what is happening to them. Because they have tinkered with their body chemistry, stopping steroid usage might result in considerable physical and mental shocks to the system. When young men act rambunctious, people often roll their eyes and say, “Too much testosterone.” Imagine, then, too much testosterone for months and years at a time. Your child needs to know that’s what they wreaked upon their system, and that sometimes body and mind take time to find their way back to normal. Take it from me; it will be one of the most important journeys they ever undertake.