- Most users notice some mood change, and a minority experience severe irritability, aggression or hypomania, mostly at high doses.
- The crash after stopping is real: low testosterone after a cycle can cause depression, fatigue and loss of libido.
- Muscle dysmorphia is common among steroid users and drives continued use.
- Help is confidential and available, including 9-8-8 by call or text, any time.
If you’re thinking about suicide or harming someone, call or text 9-8-8 (Suicide Crisis Helpline) or call 911. You don’t need to explain steroid use to get help.
Steroids affect the brain as well as muscle. Most effects are mild, but some can damage relationships, careers and health. This guide covers what research shows, the warning signs for you and the people around you, and where to get help in Canada.
Mood changes on steroids
Androgen receptors are found throughout the brain. Controlled studies giving healthy men high doses of testosterone found that most had little mood change, while a minority developed marked irritability, aggression or manic symptoms. Effects tend to rise with dose and with compounds like trenbolone and Halotestin.
- Irritability and short temper
- Restlessness, anxiety or trouble sleeping
- Elevated mood, impulsivity, overconfidence (hypomania)
- Aggression, which partners and family often notice before the user does
The post-cycle crash
When you stop, your natural testosterone is suppressed and takes time to recover. Low testosterone can cause depression, fatigue, poor concentration, low libido and loss of motivation. Combined with losing size and strength, many people feel worse than before they started. This period has been linked to an increased risk of suicidal thoughts in some users.
Planning recovery helps: bloodwork after stopping, a doctor who knows what you used, and in some cases medical treatment. See our PCT guide.
Muscle dysmorphia
Muscle dysmorphia is a form of body dysmorphic disorder in which people see themselves as too small regardless of their size. It’s common among steroid users and is one of the main reasons people find it hard to stop. Signs include constant checking in mirrors or avoiding them, anxiety when missing workouts, and feeling unable to stop using despite harm. It’s treatable, often with cognitive behavioural therapy.
Dependence
Research estimates about a third of long-term steroid users develop dependence. Using to feel normal, increasing doses, and failed attempts to stop are signs. See our harm reduction guide.
Warning signs to act on
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
- Violent outbursts or urges to hurt someone
- Paranoia or losing touch with reality
- Depression lasting more than two weeks
- Partners or friends telling you you’ve changed
Where to get help in Canada
- 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 9-8-8, 24/7, free and confidential
- Kids Help Phone for young people: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
- Your family doctor or a walk-in clinic, who can check hormones and treat depression
- Provincial lines, such as ConnexOntario (1-866-531-2600), Alberta’s Addiction Helpline (1-866-332-2322), the BC Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service (1-800-663-1441) and Drogue: aide et référence in Quebec (1-800-265-2626)
- The Canadian Mental Health Association has local branches across the country
Personal possession of anabolic steroids isn’t an offence in Canada, and health professionals keep what you tell them confidential.
Frequently asked questions
Is roid rage real?
Research shows most users have little mood change, but a minority experience marked aggression or manic symptoms, especially at high doses.
Why do I feel depressed after a cycle?
Your natural testosterone is suppressed and takes time to recover, which commonly causes low mood, fatigue and low libido.
Which steroids affect mood the most?
Trenbolone and Halotestin are most often linked to aggression and anxiety; very high doses of any steroid raise the risk.
Can I talk to my doctor about steroids?
Yes. It’s confidential, possession for personal use isn’t an offence, and it helps them treat you properly.
This article is general information for adults in Canada, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using any prescription drug, anabolic steroid or research compound, and get bloodwork done. If you’re in crisis, call or text 9-8-8 (Suicide Crisis Helpline) any time.
