As discussed earlier in this book, the anabolic steroid market has seen a significant shift from predominantly regulated pharmaceutical and veterinary sources to a sprawling underground laboratory network. This evolution has introduced a spectrum of quality and safety concerns that users need to navigate. Here, we differentiate between pharmaceuticalgrade steroids and those produced in underground labs (UGLs) and explore the various tiers of UGLs.

Differences Between Pharmaceutical Grade and Underground Labs

Pharmaceutical Grade Steroids: These are manufactured by licensed pharmaceutical companies under stringent regulatory standards. These steroids are known for their high purity, potency, and safety. They undergo rigorous testing of raw materials and finished products,and are produced in facilitiesthat are subject to regular inspections and strict quality controls.

Underground Lab Steroids: UGLs produce a wide range of products, from high-quality equivalents to pharmaceutical grades to potentially dangerous formulations. The reliability and safety of these products can vary greatly, primarily due to the lack of regulatory oversight and inconsistent access to quality raw materials.

Tiers of Underground Labs

Top-Tier Underground Labs: These labs closely emulate legitimate pharmaceutical manufacturers in terms of their processes and quality controls. Operating from countries with lenient steroid regulations, they manage to produce near-pharmaceutical-grade products. These labs usually invest in advanced equipment and adhere to some quality control measures, including testing their raw materials and finished products for purity and potency.