{"id":403439,"date":"2023-09-06T13:26:00","date_gmt":"2023-09-06T13:26:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/?p=403439"},"modified":"2025-10-29T08:16:56","modified_gmt":"2025-10-29T08:16:56","slug":"testosterone-vs-steroids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/sexual-wellness\/testosterone-vs-steroids\/","title":{"rendered":"A Closer Look at Testosterone vs Steroids: Effects on Muscle Growth"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The terms &#8220;testosterone&#8221; and &#8220;steroids&#8221; often pop up in fitness and bodybuilding.<br><br>However, people often confuse these terms, despite them being very different from each other.&nbsp;<br><br>First of all, testosterone is a hormone naturally produced in the body.<br><br>Artificial testosterone used by individuals with low levels is a steroid, but it is legal and safe if prescribed by a doctor and taken in the correct dosage.<br><br>In this article, we&#8217;ll compare testosterone vs steroids and break down their differences.<br><br>We&#8217;ll also explore these substances and how they impact muscle development.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"difference-between-steroids-and-testosterone\">Difference between steroids and testosterone<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Testosterone is the hormone your body makes on its own, while steroids contain synthetic forms of testosterone used for performance enhancement and muscle growth.<br><br>Natural testosterone production is a basis&nbsp; of male development and muscle growth.&nbsp;<br><br>Testosterone is an essential natural hormone produced in the body, primarily by the testes in males and smaller amounts by the ovaries in females.<br><br>It helps regulate protein synthesis, a key muscle repair and growth process.&nbsp;<br><br>According to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK526128\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">study<\/a>, it is related to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/sexual-wellness\/how-is-testosterone-related-to-mens-growth\/\" target=\"_blank\">men&#8217;s growth<\/a> because it is the primary male sex hormone.<br><br>But in certain cases, individuals turn to steroids or testosterone boosters to speed up the process.&nbsp;<br><br>However, using steroids to increase muscle mass can come at a cost.&nbsp;<br><br>These steroids can produce <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/mens-health\/high-testosterone-in-men\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">high amounts of testosterone<\/a> along with other harmful chemicals such as its many esters, nandrolone esters (typically nandrolone decanoate and nandrolone phenylpropionate), stanozolol, and methandienone, etc.<br><br>Long term use of these steroids can lead to many health hazards such as liver damage, acne, cholesterol problems, dangerous changes in your heart, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n<!-- ===== GRX 4-Product Strip (WP-proof spacing) \u2014 styled like first, with testosterone items ===== -->\r\n<div class=\"grx-ss\" aria-label=\"Related products\">\r\n  <style>\r\n    .grx-ss{\r\n      --gap:12px;\r\n      --radius:12px; --border:#e6e6ef; --muted:#ADADAD; --title:#1f2937; --stars:#ffc107;\r\n      --price:#16a34a; --btn:#4107a1; --btn-h:#32067c; --btn-txt:#fff; --shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(9,30,66,.06);\r\n      --v-xs:4px; --v-sm:6px;\r\n      --img-h:180px;\r\n      --wp--style--block-gap:0 !important; \/* kill Gutenberg block gap inside *\/\r\n      display:block; width:100%; margin:0; padding:0; text-align:left;\r\n\r\n      \/* match first snippet\u2019s bottom spacing *\/\r\n      margin-bottom:20px;\r\n    }\r\n    .grx-ss *, .grx-ss *::before, .grx-ss *::after{box-sizing:border-box}\r\n\r\n    \/* Nuke theme margin on headings with extra specificity + !important *\/\r\n    .grx-ss .card h1.title,\r\n    .grx-ss .card h2.title,\r\n    .grx-ss .card h3.title{\r\n      margin:0 !important; margin-block:0 !important; padding:0 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global ellipsis like first *\/\r\n    }\r\n    .grx-ss .rating{ display:flex; align-items:center; gap:6px; margin:0 0 var(--v-xs) }\r\n    .grx-ss .stars{ color:var(--stars); font-size:14px }\r\n    .grx-ss .rcount{ font:600 16px\/1 Inter,system-ui,-apple-system,Segoe UI,Roboto,Arial,sans-serif; color:#4f46e5 }\r\n    .grx-ss .start{ color:var(--muted); font:600 14px\/1 Inter,system-ui,-apple-system,Segoe UI,Roboto,Arial,sans-serif; margin:var(--v-sm) 0 0 }\r\n    .grx-ss .price{ color:var(--price); font:700 18px\/1.1 Inter,system-ui,-apple-system,Segoe UI,Roboto,Arial,sans-serif; margin:2px 0 10px }\r\n    .grx-ss .price small{ display:block; font:600 13px\/1 Inter,system-ui,-apple-system,Segoe UI,Roboto,Arial,sans-serif; color:var(--price); opacity:.9 }\r\n\r\n    .grx-ss .btn{\r\n      margin-top:auto; display:inline-block; width:100%; text-align:center; padding:12px 14px; border-radius:10px;\r\n      background:var(--btn); color:var(--btn-txt); font:700 16px\/1 Inter,system-ui,-apple-system,Segoe UI,Roboto,Arial,sans-serif; text-decoration:none;\r\n    }\r\n    .grx-ss .btn:hover{ background:var(--btn-h) }\r\n\r\n    \/* BREAKPOINTS *\/\r\n    @media (max-width:1024px){\r\n      .grx-ss .grid{ grid-template-columns:repeat(3,minmax(0,1fr)) }\r\n      .grx-ss{ --img-h:160px; }\r\n    }\r\n    @media (max-width:768px){\r\n      .grx-ss{ padding-left:8px; padding-right:8px; --img-h:140px; }\r\n      .grx-ss .grid{ grid-template-columns:repeat(2,minmax(0,1fr)); gap:8px }\r\n      .grx-ss .card{ padding:12px; border-radius:10px }\r\n      .grx-ss .title{ font-size:16px }\r\n      .grx-ss .title a{ white-space:nowrap; overflow:hidden; text-overflow:ellipsis }\r\n      .grx-ss .price{ font-size:15px }\r\n      .grx-ss .btn{ padding:10px 12px; font-size:14px; border-radius:8px }\r\n    }\r\n  <\/style>\r\n\r\n<h2 style=\"font-size:2em; font-weight:700; font-family:Inter,system-ui,-apple-system,Segoe UI,Roboto,Arial,sans-serif; line-height:1.25; 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-->\r\n  <article class=\"card\">\r\n    <a class=\"img blog_widgets\" href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/cernos-depot-1000-mg-injection.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\r\n      <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.goodrxmedicine.com\/media\/catalog\/product\/cache\/38bdd449a121db415bdaf9224821e53f\/c\/e\/cernos-depot-1000-mg-injection-1-front.png\" alt=\"Cernos Depot 1000 mg Injection\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\">\r\n    <\/a>\r\n    <div class=\"generic\">TESTOSTERONE UNDECANOATE (INJECTION)<\/div>\r\n    <h3 class=\"title\">\r\n      <a class=\"blog_widgets\" href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/cernos-depot-1000-mg-injection.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Cernos Depot 1000 mg Injection<\/a>\r\n    <\/h3>\r\n    <div class=\"rating\"><span class=\"stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2606<\/span><span class=\"rcount\">10<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"start\">Starting at just<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"price\">$96.00<small>per pack (2 injections)<\/small><\/div>\r\n    <a class=\"btn blog_widgets\" href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/cernos-depot-1000-mg-injection.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Buy Now<\/a>\r\n  <\/article>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<!-- ===== \/GRX 4-Product Strip ===== -->\r\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"testosterone-replacement-therapy-vs-steroids\">Testosterone Replacement Therapy vs steroids<\/h2>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Testosterone-vs-Steroid-1024x536.webp\" alt=\"Testosterone vs Steroid\" class=\"wp-image-403441\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Injection and vial of Testosterone<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Individuals with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/sexual-wellness\/low-testosterone-levels\/\" target=\"_blank\">low testosterone levels<\/a> often go for Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) under the guidance of a doctor. And testosterone is a commonly used medicine in TRT.<br><br>TRT aims to restore hormonal balance and alleviate related symptoms through various methods such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/mental-health\/testosterone-pills-for-men\/\" target=\"_blank\">testosterone pills<\/a>, injections, patches, etc.&nbsp;<br><br>It involves careful testosterone administration under medical supervision, ensuring a more controlled approach to muscle growth.<br><br>Testosterone is also available in synthetic forms in anabolic steroids along with other chemicals.<br><br>However, taking testosterone without a doctor&#8217;s permission and at a very high dosage is considered steroid abuse.<br><br>Steroids are synthetic substances often used to replicate testosterone&#8217;s effects. They are illegal, especially in sports.<br><br>Steroids can have a similar effect as TRT, but their synthetic nature can lead to unpredictable outcomes and health risks.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"su-box su-box-style-soft\" id=\"\" style=\"border-color:#075380;border-radius:7px;\"><div class=\"su-box-title\" style=\"background-color:#3A86B3;color:#FFFFFF;border-top-left-radius:5px;border-top-right-radius:5px\">Order Now<\/div><div class=\"su-box-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"border-bottom-left-radius:5px;border-bottom-right-radius:5px\">Ready to make an informed decision about your muscle growth journey? Here are the best and the safest partners for you in the journey from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GoodrxMedicine<\/a>!\u00a0Order products for low testosterone today and get excellent discounts:<\/p>\n<li><a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/cernos-gel-1-w-w.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Cernos gel 1%w\/w\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">Cernos gel 1%w\/w<\/a><\/li>\n<li> <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/cernos-40-mg-soft-gelatin-capsule.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Cernos 40 mg soft gelatin capsule\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">Cernos 40 mg soft gelatin capsule<\/a><\/li>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"testosterone-vs-anabolic-steroids\">Testosterone vs anabolic steroids<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>According to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK482418\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">2023 study<\/a>, Anabolic steroids, often referred to as &#8220;steroids,&#8221; are synthetic derivatives of testosterone.&nbsp;<br><br>While both TRT and anabolic steroids can promote muscle growth, anabolic steroids are known for having more potent effects.&nbsp;<br><br>However, unlike TRT, anabolic steroids are often taken in higher doses.<br><br>Anabolic steroids are mostly used by athletes and bodybuilders looking for quick gains, but they may also experience negative consequences.&nbsp;<br><br>In contrast, TRT focuses on medically addressing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/mens-health\/low-testosterone-in-men\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">low testosterone levels<\/a>.<br><br>It provides a safer and more controlled way to promote muscle growth without the extreme risks.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"su-box su-box-style-soft\" id=\"\" style=\"border-color:#073d11;border-radius:10px;\"><div class=\"su-box-title\" style=\"background-color:#3A7044;color:#FFFFFF;border-top-left-radius:8px;border-top-right-radius:8px\">Suggestion:<\/div><div class=\"su-box-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"border-bottom-left-radius:8px;border-bottom-right-radius:8px\">If you&#8217;re suffering from low testosterone, you should always consult a doctor and go for safe methods for increasing testosterone rather than relying on steroids.<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"side-effects-of-steroids-and-trt\">Side effects of steroids and TRT<\/h2>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" src=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Acne-1024x536.webp\" alt=\"Acne\" class=\"wp-image-397055\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Acne-1024x536.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Acne-300x157.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Acne-768x402.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Acne.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Acne(side-effect)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The appeal of rapid muscle development through steroids might seem tempting, but it&#8217;s crucial to acknowledge the potential side effects.\u00a0<br><br>According to Healthline, steroids can disrupt the body&#8217;s natural hormone balance.<br><br>It can lead to unwanted side effects <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/nutrition\/are-steroids-bad#side-effects\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">such as<\/a> hair loss, acne, and even more severe health issues like liver damage and cardiovascular problems.<br><br>There are also certain misconceptions related to steroids. For instance, some people think <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/sexual-wellness\/do-steroids-make-your-penis-smaller\/\" target=\"_blank\">steroids make the penis smaller<\/a>, but there is no scientific proof.<br><br>Meanwhile TRT, under medical supervision, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/mens-health\/low-testosterone-treatment\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">addresses low testosterone levels<\/a> effectively.<br><br>TRT offers benefits such as improved mood, energy levels, muscle mass, and reduced risk of osteoporosis.\u00a0<br><br>It aims to bring testosterone levels back to a healthy range. However, there can be certain <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/sexual-wellness\/testosterone-pills-side-effects\/\" target=\"_blank\">testosterone side effects<\/a>, if misused, such as sleep apnea, skin allergies, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"su-box su-box-style-soft\" id=\"\" style=\"border-color:#7a1312;border-radius:10px;\"><div class=\"su-box-title\" style=\"background-color:#AD4645;color:#FFFFFF;border-top-left-radius:8px;border-top-right-radius:8px\">Warning:<\/div><div class=\"su-box-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"border-bottom-left-radius:8px;border-bottom-right-radius:8px\">If you are a sportsperson, unauthorized use of steroids can lead to serious health and legal complications. Be very careful about your decisions.<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"safety-and-legality\">Safety and legality<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>When it comes to legality, Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is a medically sanctioned approach to address low testosterone levels.&nbsp;<br><br>It involves carefully monitored administration of testosterone under the guidance of a doctor.&nbsp;<br><br>Meanwhile, using steroids for performance enhancement is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/legal-steroids\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">illegal<\/a> and poses health risks as it contains extremely high doses of testosterone.<br><br>It can also lead to certain severe legal consequences.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"su-box su-box-style-soft\" id=\"\" style=\"border-color:#075380;border-radius:7px;\"><div class=\"su-box-title\" style=\"background-color:#3A86B3;color:#FFFFFF;border-top-left-radius:5px;border-top-right-radius:5px\">Recommended Article<\/div><div class=\"su-box-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"border-bottom-left-radius:5px;border-bottom-right-radius:5px\">Before you go for TRT, be sure to look out for  <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/editors-choice\/low-testosterone-causes-and-symptoms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"low testosterone causes and symptoms\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">low testosterone causes and symptoms<\/a> in your body.<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"summing-upnbsp\">Summing up <\/h2>\n\n\n<p>The choice between Testosterone Replacement Therapy and steroids for muscle growth requires a thorough understanding of the potential benefits, risks, and legality.&nbsp;<br><br>Both options contribute to muscle development. However, using steroids can result in severe health complications.&nbsp;<br><br>TRT offers a safer alternative for individuals with diagnosed low testosterone levels.&nbsp;<br><br>It also helps enhance muscle growth with medical help.<br><br>So clearly, in the testosterone vs steroids battle, the safe and legal testosterone method wins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/men-s-health\/generic-viagra.html\" aria-label=\"Your Banner CTA\" class=\"post-inside-cta\">\r\n    <picture>\r\n        <source media=\"(max-width: 768px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Sexual_Mobile.webp\">\r\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Sexual_Desktop-scaled.webp\" alt=\"Your Banner CTA\" width=\"100%\" height=\"184\">\r\n    <\/picture>\r\n<\/a>\r\n<div style=\"height: 30px;\"><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"frequently-asked-questions\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1693994394473\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Are steroids and testosterone the same thing?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>No, they are not the same.<br \/>Testosterone is a steroid, but its safe use under medical supervision is legal and safe.<br \/>However, abused steroids are synthetic substances that mimic the effects of testosterone and have side effects.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1693994397580\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What&#8217;s the difference between testosterone and steroids?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Testosterone is a naturally occurring hormone in the body. At the same time, steroids are synthetic compounds that include high doses of testosterone along with other harmful chemicals designed to replicate testosterone&#8217;s effects.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1693994406334\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What&#8217;s safer, testosterone or steroids?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) under medical supervision is generally safer than using anabolic steroids, which can lead to severe health risks.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1693994413839\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can you take testosterone instead of steroids?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, Testosterone Replacement Therapy is a medical option to address low testosterone levels. It should only be carried out under the guidance of a doctor.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1693994479531\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Is testosterone a form of steroids?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Technically, yes, testosterone is a steroid, but it is safe when used under a doctor&#8217;s prescription and guidance is used by individuals whose bodies don&#8217;t produce enough of this hormone to carry out various bodily functions smoothly.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1693994485326\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Are testosterone boosters better than steroids?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Testosterone boosters aim to enhance the body&#8217;s testosterone production naturally. In contrast, steroids are synthetic compounds that can have more potent effects but also greater risks However, consult a doctor before using testosterone boosters or other hormonal supplements, as they can have side effects too.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"su-note\"  style=\"border-color:#cbcac8;border-radius:10px;-moz-border-radius:10px;-webkit-border-radius:10px;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#E5E4E2;border-color:#ffffff;color:#36454F;border-radius:10px;-moz-border-radius:10px;-webkit-border-radius:10px;\"><strong>Citations:<\/strong><br \/>\nWhen referencing outside resources, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GoodrxMedicine<\/a> always provides full citations. To learn more about the measures we use to maintain the quality of our content, please review our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/content-information-policy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Content Information Policy<\/a>.<\/div><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5870326\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">ncbi.nlm.nih.gov<\/a>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/legal-steroids\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">medicalnewstoday.com<\/a>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/orthoinfo.aaos.org\/en\/staying-healthy\/the-risks-of-using-performance-enhancing-drugs-in-sports\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">orthoinfo.aaos.org<\/a>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The terms &#8220;testosterone&#8221; and &#8220;steroids&#8221; often pop up in fitness and bodybuilding. However, people often confuse these terms, despite them being very different from each other.&nbsp; First of all, testosterone is a hormone naturally produced in the body. Artificial testosterone used by individuals with low levels is a steroid, but it is legal and safe &#8230; <a title=\"A Closer Look at Testosterone vs Steroids: Effects on Muscle Growth\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/sexual-wellness\/testosterone-vs-steroids\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about A Closer Look at Testosterone vs Steroids: Effects on Muscle Growth\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20,"featured_media":417614,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"schema_drug_name":"","schema_drug_sameas":"","schema_strip_mentions_drug":"","custom_head_after_canonical":"","geo_latitude":"","geo_longitude":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[68,279],"class_list":["post-403439","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sexual-wellness","tag-testosterone","tag-testosterone-treatment"],"rankmath_meta":{"title":"","description":"Explore the effects of testosterone vs steroids on your body, all about Testosterone Replacement Therapy, side effects, and legality in this article."},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/403439","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/20"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=403439"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/403439\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":441790,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/403439\/revisions\/441790"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/417614"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=403439"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=403439"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodrxmedicine.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=403439"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}