Understanding digestive issues on oral steroids

GiantMuscle · Dec 12, 2023

Hi guys, I've been wondering about something for a while now, but I've never been able to find a clear and precise answer.

When I was younger, I could take oral steroids for several weeks without any issues, no abdominal discomfort, or digestion problems.

However, today, it's completely different. After a few days, I spend most of my time in the bathroom, unable to digest any food, which affects my muscle gains.

I've noticed many of you on the forum experiencing the same thing, hence partially or completely stopping oral steroids.

Yet, I've never found a real answer to this phenomenon. Is it related to the liver? The gallbladder? Irritation of the intestinal walls?

Over the past few years, I've tried many things: antihistamines, PPIs, liver protection, but nothing works.

Now, I'm thinking about drug-induced steatosis. Maybe my liver has become more fragile over the years?

Do any of you have concrete information on why this is happening?

I haven't found specific answers on the forum despite my searches, especially regarding the cause of the problem.

Thank you all.

Doitagain · Dec 12, 2023

If you think cholestasis may be your issue...let me ask you: did you check your ALT/AST, Gamma-GT, Bilirubin and Albumin?

GiantMuscle · Dec 12, 2023

Yes, I had checked this point, and even with values that don't really increase, I quickly have a digestive issue. The problem usually arises around the second week.

In the past, I used to do cycles of m1t with much worse blood values than today and without any digestive problems.

This seems to have appeared overnight, and now I can no longer take oral supplements.

I see this is the case for many people. I wonder if there's a concrete explanation for this.

Doitagain · Dec 12, 2023

You also experience GERD on orals?
If you do, ever tried Bataine HCL with meals?

GiantMuscle · Dec 12, 2023

Doitagain said:
You also experience GERD on orals?
If you do, ever tried Bataine HCL with meals?

Sure, I've tried just about everything that was possible to try. Except for OX Bile.

I was wondering if it couldn't be coming from a gallbladder that couldn't properly secrete bile anymore, leading to a digestion issue afterward and deeper problems.

Doitagain · Dec 12, 2023

GiantMuscle said:
Sure, I've tried just about everything that was possible to try. Except for OX Bile.

I was wondering if it couldn't be coming from a gallbladder that couldn't properly secrete bile anymore, leading to a digestion issue afterward and deeper problems.

You use orals only sporadically and it happens right away?

GiantMuscle · Dec 12, 2023

Initially, I typically start with something standard, lasting 3 to 4 weeks depending on the molecule. However, by the end of the first week or the beginning of the second, I already experience issues with digestion.

I've stopped taking oral steroids since then; it was the easiest thing to do. But it bothers me not to understand where the problem originates, especially considering it seems to affect many practitioners.

Cv215 · Dec 12, 2023

Im the same way. Ten years ago i had no issues at all. Over the last 3 or 4 years i really havent been able to use any orals.
It literally feels like my digestion is coming to a stop.

Ill be follow my very normal meal plan but after even as soon as 2 or 3 days om orals i notice the meals becoming harder to get down. I feel fuller and fuller. Meals that normally go down make me feel like im going to vomit now because my stomach is still so full from the previous meal. The food is just processing throuhh me at a snails pace. A good friend recently described a similiar situation.

GiantMuscle · Dec 12, 2023

Same for me, if I push the situation, I end up with a belly full of gas and completely distended due to poor digestion that doesn't work properly. The food stays in the digestive system and ferments.

Quadlife · Dec 12, 2023

From what I’ve read some orals can change your gut biome so when your gut has inflammation those are definitely symptoms that can arise

heavyhitter · Dec 12, 2023

Quadlife said:
From what I’ve read some orals can change your gut biome so when your gut has inflammation those are definitely symptoms that can arise

This. Orals and tren mess with the gut microbiome. Try a good probiotic like Dr Ohira’s or visbiome. Betaine hcl pre meal can help as well

Stewie · Dec 12, 2023

There's some chatter in the metagenomics research crowd that taurine acts as an intestinal anti-inflammatory/microbiome
modulator.

cage99 · Dec 12, 2023

Orals have always caused digestion issues for myself personally. Only oral that didn’t cause digestion issues was Anavar. Course it hits my lipids pretty bad though.

Now with Tren, I never had bad side effects in my late 20’s and into my 30’s. Now that I’m in my mid-40’s it gives me heartburn BAD! It came out of nowhere too. I tried to lower to dose to 100mg/week and still get bad heartburn.

Cage

bbxtreme · Dec 12, 2023

You answered your own post. “When I was younger”. We just never clarify what that means, myself included in this context.

As we age our regenerative processes slow down (ability to create new cells), as well our microbiome changes from age, foods, lifestyle and antibiotic usage.

In short, our body can’t repair or adapt as fast as we age. That’s why we have to supplement harder, be more disciplined and do things to offset the excess strain orals put on our body and liver. If we’d done better when younger it likely wouldn’t be “as” bad now, but either way is a reality of aging.

Alzadosghost · Dec 12, 2023

Younger bodies are just stronger, more adaptive and less worn
Out. Getting old sucks in so many ways

IFBBProDomCardone · Dec 12, 2023

Ive noticed the same thing with athletes. Younger, can handle them no problem in the offseason. Older? Loss of appetite, fatigue, digestive issues- even if liver enzymes are in check. Yet in prep its no problem, which I believe is from much less food, being leaner, less inflamed etc.

danieltx · Dec 12, 2023

Whether you use orals or not your digestion / appetite / related things are going to decline with age. It's just been over the last 1.5 years (37 in February) that I've noticed my appetite isn't what it used to be. I can still put down just as much food no problem, but I don't have the drive to devour it like I used to.

gains4000 · Dec 12, 2023

Super Enzymes , TUDCA, Aloe Vera Gel, Glutamine and Bromelain all can help tremendously with digestive issues on AAS.

I used to take PPI drugs and couldn’t handle orals, now I can take 150mg DROL and be chilling.

mexbeast · Dec 12, 2023

GiantMuscle said:
Hi guys, I've been wondering about something for a while now, but I've never been able to find a clear and precise answer.

When I was younger, I could take oral steroids for several weeks without any issues, no abdominal discomfort, or digestion problems.

However, today, it's completely different. After a few days, I spend most of my time in the bathroom, unable to digest any food, which affects my muscle gains.

I've noticed many of you on the forum experiencing the same thing, hence partially or completely stopping oral steroids.

Yet, I've never found a real answer to this phenomenon. Is it related to the liver? The gallbladder? Irritation of the intestinal walls?

Over the past few years, I've tried many things: antihistamines, PPIs, liver protection, but nothing works.

Now, I'm thinking about drug-induced steatosis. Maybe my liver has become more fragile over the years?

Do any of you have concrete information on why this is happening?

I haven't found specific answers on the forum despite my searches, especially regarding the cause of the problem.

Thank you all.

Many good answers here, I will just add that they some how work on the stomach androgen receptor and also increase adrenaline which will both blunt your appetite and slow gastric emptying. stomach problems are the worst! I can only eat 3 meals at best in a good day, on a bad day only one