PED and Harm Reduction

Performance Health's Harm Reduction Program for Performance-Enhancing Drugs: Balancing Freedom with Responsibility

At Performance Health, we recognize that individuals may choose to use performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) to achieve their personal goals. While we do not endorse the use of these substances, we acknowledge the importance of personal autonomy and the reality that some will pursue these avenues regardless of potential risks. Our Harm Reduction Program is designed to provide education and support to those individuals, promoting safer practices and informed decision-making.

Our Non-Judgmental Approach

Many PED users avoid medical consultations due to fear of judgment, lack of trust in medical professionals, or concerns about legal repercussions¹. This often leads to unmonitored use, increasing the risk of hormonal imbalances, cardiovascular complications, and other long-term health effects².

At Performance Health, we take a different approach:

We provide recommendations without obligation – Our role is to educate, not dictate. Patients are free to accept or decline any guidance.
We support individual choices – We do not judge or lecture. Instead, we work with patients on their terms, offering the support they need to optimize safety while exercising personal freedom.
We offer confidential health monitoring – Those who choose to use PEDs can benefit from regular check-ups, lab testing, and risk assessments to help mitigate harm.

User Distrust and Avoidance of Medical Consultation

Research indicates that many PED users distrust medical professionals and avoid seeking medical advice, often due to fear of judgment, stigma, or potential legal consequences³. As a result, they may self-medicate without proper oversight, increasing the likelihood of complications and long-term health risks.

Our program is designed to eliminate the barriers to medical consultation, providing a safe, confidential, and nonjudgmental space for those who wish to monitor their health while maintaining control over their personal choices.

Health Risks Associated with Unsupervised PED Use

Numerous studies have documented the risks of PED use when done without proper monitoring⁴. Some of the most common risks include:

Hormonal Imbalances – Improper cycling or abrupt discontinuation can cause testosterone suppression, gynecomastia, and adrenal dysfunction.
Cardiovascular Issues – PEDs can increase blood pressure, alter lipid profiles, and contribute to heart disease.
Psychological Effects – Some users experience mood swings, aggression, anxiety, or depressive symptoms, particularly post-cycle.
Liver and Kidney Strain – Certain PEDs, especially oral steroids, can be hepatotoxic, leading to liver damage over time.

Legal Considerations and Our Commitment

Performance Health operates within the bounds of all applicable laws and does not supply, prescribe, or distribute illegal substances. Our Harm Reduction Program is strictly educational and health-focused, aimed at reducing risks associated with PED use. Participation in this program does not imply endorsement of PEDs. Patients are encouraged to familiarize themselves with state and federal regulations regarding these substances.

Why Harm Reduction Matters

Research shows that individuals who engage with harm reduction programs experience better health outcomes and lower risk of severe complications⁵. Avoiding medical oversight can result in:

Contaminated or mislabeled products from unreliable sources⁶.
Improper dosing and administration, leading to increased side effects and long-term damage².
Lack of knowledge on post-cycle therapy (PCT), resulting in hormonal crashes and irreversible endocrine disruptions⁷.

By offering education and monitoring without stigma, we help reduce these risks while allowing patients to make their own informed decisions.

Final Thoughts: Your Body, Your Choice

At Performance Health, we do not push treatments, and we do not police personal choices. We believe that freedom and responsibility go hand in hand—and for those who choose to pursue performance enhancement, we ensure they have access to the safest and most informed path possible.

If you are currently using PEDs or considering them and want guidance on reducing harm, we are here to help—without judgment, without obligation, and with your autonomy in mind. We would love to be your Primary Care.

References

Pope HG Jr, Kanayama G, Hudson JI. Risk factors for illicit anabolic-androgenic steroid use in male weightlifters. Am J Psychiatry. 2012.
Kanayama G, Hudson JI, Pope HG Jr. Long-term health risks of anabolic-androgenic steroid use. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2008.
Anabolic Steroid Use and Medical Distrust. Journal of Sports Sciences. 2019.
Ergogenic Use of Anabolic Steroids: Risks and Consequences. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017.
Cohen J, Collins R, Darkes J, Gwartney D. A League of Their Own: Demographics, Motivations and Patterns of Anabolic Steroid Use in Bodybuilders and Nonathletes. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2007.
Parr MK, Bayer P, Luetjohann D, et al. Contaminants in dietary supplements and over-the-counter medication. J Mass Spectrom. 2010.
Sharma A, Brown N, Akhavani MA. Endocrine Consequences of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Abuse. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2021.