Stopping anabolic steroids doesn’t have to mean months of misery, panic, or guesswork.
Many people try to quit on their own, only to feel awful, lose sleep, and end up cycling back on.
A harm-reduction, medically supervised approach is different. My goal is not to judge, shame, or force decisions—it’s to:
I provide care both in-person in Beverly Hills and via telehealth across California and Alaska, including Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Burbank, Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and the Mat-Su Valley.
Harm reduction means meeting you where you are and reducing risk, not demanding abstinence.
Whether you’re based in Los Angeles or Beverly Hills, or accessing care via telehealth anywhere in Alaska, ongoing lab monitoring helps prevent complications and identify early warning signs.
Your lab results will show the truth—hormone levels, liver enzymes, lipid changes, and hematocrit elevations make it clear whether someone is actively using or recently discontinued anabolic steroids.
This isn’t about judgment; it’s about clinical safety. When information is withheld or falsified, it becomes impossible to interpret labs correctly or provide appropriate medical advice.
In my Los Angeles–based practice, I maintain a nonjudgmental, harm-reduction approach.n Patients are never penalized for disclosing steroid use. I don’t lecture, report, or shame people who use anabolic agents. My focus is on reducing harm, restoring balance, and helping you make informed decisions about your health.
However, purposeful dishonesty or misrepresentation of medication, supplement, or steroid use undermines the integrity of care and can place you—and other patients—at risk. For that reason, patients who knowingly provide false information or conceal use after being asked directly may be discharged from care.
This policy isn’t punitive. It’s a matter of safety, compliance, and trust.
As long as you’re open and honest, you’ll always receive respectful, supportive, and confidential care—whether in person in Beverly Hills or through telehealth visits across California and Alaska.
When you stop, there’s often a period where:
A harm-reduction, medically supervised approach is different. My goal is not to judge, shame, or force decisions—it’s to:
- Monitor your health while you’re using
- Help you taper or stop when you’re ready
- Support your hormone system as it recovers
-
Talk transparently about if/when long-term testosterone replacement (TRT) makes sense
I provide care both in-person in Beverly Hills and via telehealth across California and Alaska, including Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Burbank, Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and the Mat-Su Valley.
Harm Reduction: Neutral Medical Monitoring for People Who Use Steroids
If you’re currently using anabolic steroids and not ready to stop, you can still benefit from medical monitoring.Harm reduction means meeting you where you are and reducing risk, not demanding abstinence.
Whether you’re based in Los Angeles or Beverly Hills, or accessing care via telehealth anywhere in Alaska, ongoing lab monitoring helps prevent complications and identify early warning signs.
What We Monitor
Typical labs and vitals I check include:- Blood pressure – to screen for hypertension
- Kidney function – BUN, creatinine, eGFR
- Liver function – AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin
- Cholesterol and lipids – LDL, HDL, triglycerides
- Blood “thickness” – hemoglobin and hematocrit (polycythemia)
-
Hormones – total and free testosterone, LH, FSH, estradiol, SHBG when appropriate
- Tell you when changes are mild and reasonable to monitor
- Flag when results suggest higher risk (for example, very high hematocrit or worrisome liver, kidney, or lipid changes)
-
Give clear, non-dramatic guidance when it’s truly safer to stop or change what you’re doing
The Importance of Honesty in Care
If you’re using anabolic steroids or recently stopped, honesty is essential. Medical care only works when your provider knows exactly what’s in your system.Your lab results will show the truth—hormone levels, liver enzymes, lipid changes, and hematocrit elevations make it clear whether someone is actively using or recently discontinued anabolic steroids.
This isn’t about judgment; it’s about clinical safety. When information is withheld or falsified, it becomes impossible to interpret labs correctly or provide appropriate medical advice.
In my Los Angeles–based practice, I maintain a nonjudgmental, harm-reduction approach.n Patients are never penalized for disclosing steroid use. I don’t lecture, report, or shame people who use anabolic agents. My focus is on reducing harm, restoring balance, and helping you make informed decisions about your health.
However, purposeful dishonesty or misrepresentation of medication, supplement, or steroid use undermines the integrity of care and can place you—and other patients—at risk. For that reason, patients who knowingly provide false information or conceal use after being asked directly may be discharged from care.
This policy isn’t punitive. It’s a matter of safety, compliance, and trust.
As long as you’re open and honest, you’ll always receive respectful, supportive, and confidential care—whether in person in Beverly Hills or through telehealth visits across California and Alaska.
Why Stopping Steroids Is Hard on Your Body
Anabolic steroids suppress your body’s own hormone production. Over time, the hypothalamic–pituitary–testicular (HPT) axis—sometimes called the “HPTA” or “HPA” axis—turns down its natural testosterone output because it senses high levels from the outside.When you stop, there’s often a period where:
- Exogenous steroids have cleared
-
Your own testosterone production hasn’t kicked back in yet
- Fatigue and low energy
- Depressed mood or anxiety
- Low libido or erectile changes
- Sleep disruption
- Loss of strength, muscle fullness, or recovery ability
-
Brain fog and irritability
Step One: Stopping Steroids and Assessing for Hypogonadism
For insurance and medical-decision purposes, it’s important to separate “on-cycle” from “off-cycle” labs.
The Process
Plan a stop date (or taper, if appropriate). Allow enough time for long-acting steroids to clear your system. Draw labs off-cycle, usually including:- Total and free testosterone
- LH and FSH
- Estradiol
- Prolactin (in some cases)
- Basic metabolic panel, CBC, and lipids
If, after stopping, you have symptoms consistent with low testosterone and repeated low testosterone levels on morning labs, we can document hypogonadism.
This documentation also supports insurance coverage decisions for patients in both California and Alaska.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Recovery time varies by person, but general patterns include:- Men who used steroids for less than a year often recover normal HPT axis function within 12 months.
- With medications like clomiphene citrate (Clomid), some recover within 2–3 months.
-
Heavier or long-term users may take many months to years, and some experience persistent hypogonadism.
Clomid, hCG, and Other Medical Tools After Steroid Use
Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid)
Clomid is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that:- Blocks estrogen feedback at the hypothalamus
- Increases LH and FSH
-
Can raise natural testosterone levels in many men with functional hypogonadism
Why I Don’t Prescribe Enclomiphene
Enclomiphene is a purified isomer of clomiphene sometimes marketed online as a “cleaner” or more targeted alternative.While early studies have shown it can raise testosterone levels, it is not FDA-approved, and most available products are compounded or sold through telehealth startups without standardized oversight.
For patient safety, I do not prescribe enclomiphene.
The FDA has not evaluated it for purity, efficacy, or long-term safety, and many compounded versions are not held to consistent manufacturing standards.
In contrast, Clomid (clomiphene citrate) is an FDA-approved, pharmacy-dispensed medication with well-documented safety data and predictable dosing.
When appropriate, I use Clomid off-label in men under careful supervision and follow-up labs to ensure safe and effective results.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)
hCG mimics luteinizing hormone (LH) and directly stimulates the testes. It can be used:- Alone, to re-activate testicular function
-
Or with Clomid when suppression is severe or fertility is a goal
When Does It Make Sense to Consider TRT?
There’s no universal timeline for transitioning to TRT.Decisions depend on the severity of suppression, duration of use, and goals.
A cautious, stepwise approach often includes:
Stop anabolic steroids. Allow time for natural recovery, sometimes aided by Clomid or hCG. Recheck labs and symptoms over 3–6 months. If hypogonadal symptoms persist and testosterone remains low, discuss TRT as treatment for confirmed hypogonadism.
TRT isn’t a failure—it’s a medical option for patients whose natural recovery doesn’t occur despite proper support.
Ready to take the next step in your Health & Wellness - Schedule an appointment today.
Insurance and Real-World Barriers
Insurance coverage for this process can be complex:
- Most plans require two low morning testosterone results plus symptoms.
- They typically won’t cover treatment until you’re off steroids.
-
Some plans exclude coverage if anabolic steroid use is ongoing.
That means the first step is usually:
Stop steroid use and collect off-cycle labs. If labs confirm hypogonadism, explore:
Stop steroid use and collect off-cycle labs. If labs confirm hypogonadism, explore:
- Clomid or hCG (may be out-of-pocket)
- TRT authorization when medically appropriate
Transparency about your medication history makes this process smoother and safer.
Supportive Care: Sleep, Training, and Mental Health
While hormones stabilize, supportive measures can help recovery:
- Training: lower volume, maintain intensity, increase rest days
- Nutrition: adequate calories, protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients
- Sleep: 7–9 hours nightly, addressing insomnia or apnea
-
Mental health: mood shifts and body-image changes are normal; therapy and mindfulness can help
I can connect patients with trusted therapists or psychiatrists familiar with this process when needed—whether you’re in Los Angeles County, Beverly Hills, or rural Alaska.
My Approach to Working With People Who Use or Are Stopping Steroids
My goal is to provide neutral, clinically grounded care for anyone who:
- Uses steroids and wants safer monitoring
- Plans to stop and needs medical support
- Recently stopped and feels unwell
- Has ongoing low testosterone after steroid use
What to Expect
- A detailed, judgment-free history
- Comprehensive lab evaluation
- A harm-reduction plan focused on safety, recovery, and stability
-
Ongoing communication and adjustment over time
You don’t need to hide or downplay what you’ve used to get care.
The more transparent you are, the safer and more effective your recovery will be.
Appointments are available in Beverly Hills, as well as via telehealth throughout California and Alaska, including Anchorage, Homer, Juneau, Fairbanks, and the Mat-Su Valley.
The more transparent you are, the safer and more effective your recovery will be.
Appointments are available in Beverly Hills, as well as via telehealth throughout California and Alaska, including Anchorage, Homer, Juneau, Fairbanks, and the Mat-Su Valley.