Bloomers Florist

 Too Young to use Creatine (Part 2)

The administration of steroids and other hormones at an early age can cause havoc in a body that is still at a development stage. Primarily the major problem would be the premature sealing of the epiphyseal bone closure process, which consequently does not allow your body to grow to the extent that your genetics would allow it to. Tests are available which show whether your growth plates have sealed or not, but it is normally safe to say that at 21, natural growth has stopped.

During a teenagers development period the antigonadotropic effects of steroids are alot more visible. We also know that hpta (hormone axis) recovers in Adults and with Teenagers it is still unclear. One of the worst outcomes could be a permanent low level of testosterone due taking of exogenous sources at 15 when your hpta has still to become fully operational, and it goes without saying that at 21 natural testosterone levels are higher than at 15.

When I began to train at 15, I was aware that some friends were on steroids, but I opted for the natural route. Like most newcomers I was ignorant when it came to taking steroids and had only the normal horror stories like you do on TV. So I continued with type of natural supplement I came across, but as I reached 18, I began to talk to some of the serious bodybuilders at the gym.

We would discuss the basics and in no time at all I was on a mission to find out more. I knew that the taking of steroids a serious issue so with safety in mind I set out to find out more. I read a few related articles in bodybuilding mags as well as receiving advise from my father who is a Clinical Biochemist with the hope of getting an unbiased opinion.

I realised at that time that I would really be wise to wait until I was at least 21 so that I could maximise on my bone growth (if I had any left) as well myself as safe as possible. I was at the time 5'11". It was difficult, especially seeing lads my own age growing huge with what seemed like no effort. As I got older I saw younger lads juicing and growing.

There was me, working what I thought was 10 times harder than anyone else (and I probably was). I was determined to get big but thought more in the long term than right there and then. I knew I would have my time, when I was ready. I just kept my head down, trained and spent the next three years doing as much research as I could. I went out and read many books including Mick's Layman's Guides as well as The Anabolic Reference Guide and the couple of books out by the late Dan Duchaine. Coming soon Part 3