Doctor Rates Popular PEDs From 1-10, Details Somw Brutal Side Effects
Board-certified family physician, Dr. Haris Ali Rana rated popular PEDs, scoring each compound from 1 to 10 while explaining what he believes are their biggest benefits and health risks.
Rana, a California-based family medicine physician who regularly creates educational content about hormone replacement therapy, longevity, and fitness for more than 100,000 Instagram followers, emphasized side effects throughout his rankings. His scores reflect his own medical opinion and experience rather than formal clinical guidelines, but they provide an interesting look at how one physician evaluates the risk-versus-reward profile of popular PEDs.
Testosterone Earns His Highest Rating
Rana gave testosterone a perfect 10 out of 10, calling it the foundation of nearly every anabolic steroid protocol.
According to Rana, testosterone cypionate and testosterone enanthate are functionally very similar, with only minor differences in ester length and where they’re most commonly prescribed. He also discussed testosterone propionate separately, noting that its shorter half-life requires more frequent injections. While some users complain about post-injection pain, Rana suggested that discomfort often comes from the carrier oil rather than the hormone itself.
Dr. Haris Ali Rana’s Highest-Rated Compounds
Outside of testosterone, two compounds stood out.
Primobolan (8/10) received praise for what Rana described as a relatively mild side-effect profile while also not aromatizing into estrogen. However, he cautioned that authentic Primobolan can be difficult to obtain, suggesting many underground products marketed as Primo may be counterfeit or underdosed.
Equipoise (7/10) also ranked highly, though Rana warned about one of its most recognized drawbacks: increased red blood cell production.
According to Rana, elevated hematocrit levels can become significant enough that some users seek medical guidance to manage excessively thick blood, underscoring one of the cardiovascular concerns associated with the compound.
Middle-of-the-Pack Ratings
Several popular compounds landed in the middle of Rana’s rankings.
Winstrol (6/10) earned points for helping produce a drier, harder appearance, particularly toward the end of contest preparation. However, Rana warned that both oral and injectable forms can negatively affect liver health.
Masteron (6/10) also received an above-average score because it does not aromatize into estrogen. At the same time, Rana cautioned that as a DHT derivative, it carries potential risks including hair loss, prostate issues, and unfavorable changes to cholesterol levels.
Although not technically an anabolic steroid, Clenbuterol (6/10) also made the list. Rana explained that Clenbuterol is actually a beta-2 agonist rather than a traditional fat burner. He referenced research suggesting it may help increase lean muscle mass without significantly reducing body fat, while adding that its stimulant effects commonly leave users feeling shaky or jittery.
Both Dianabol (5/10) and Anavar (5/10) received average scores.
Rana noted that Anavar is often viewed as one of the milder anabolic steroids, but he warned that it can significantly lower HDL (“good”) cholesterol while also carrying liver toxicity concerns. Dianabol received a middle-of-the-road rating without much additional commentary.
Deca-Durabolin (5/10) also landed in the middle of the pack. While many users claim it helps reduce joint discomfort, Rana pointed out that there is limited scientific evidence supporting that belief. He also advised monitoring prolactin levels when using nandrolone-based compounds.
Trenbolone Received His Lowest Rating
Rana reserved his harshest criticism for trenbolone, giving it just 1 out of 10.
He cited severe insomnia, night sweats, and the well-known “tren cough” as reasons for the low score. Despite its reputation for producing dramatic physique changes, Rana suggested that its extensive side-effect profile outweighs its potential benefits for most people.
Generation Iron’s own bodybuilding legend, Victor Martinez, who is open about his past experiences using PEDs, has called tren the “crack of steroids.” You can check out his comments on the Generation Iron Podcast here:
HGH Came With Its Own Warnings
Although Rana did not assign human growth hormone (HGH) a numerical score, he described it as an effective, albeit expensive, compound.
According to Rana, HGH can contribute to lean muscle gains while reducing visceral fat and may amplify the effects of other compounds being used. However, he emphasized insulin resistance as one of the primary health concerns, noting that some users eventually add insulin to their protocols, increasing both complexity and potential health risks.
PED Risks vs. Rewards Final Thoughts
Performance-enhancing drugs remain a frequent topic of discussion in bodybuilding, but Rana’s rankings emphasized that every compound comes with tradeoffs and potential health consequences. Even the substances he rated more favorably were accompanied by warnings involving cardiovascular health, hormone balance, cholesterol, liver function, or other adverse effects.
Ultimately, Rana’s list represents one physician’s perspective on commonly used PEDs rather than a recommendation to use any particular compound. Anyone considering anabolic steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs should understand the potential health risks involved and consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions regarding their use.
Image embed via Instagram @drharis.rana
