Markku, 27, who doesn't want his real name revealed, has been pumping iron with the help of anabolic steroids for six years. He says he turned to steroids because he was looking for a quick way to enhance his physique. While he says his body quickly changed shape on steroids, the use also carried some undesired side effects, including gynecomastia, which is the development of breast tissue in males, as well as testicular atrophy.
Markku says he trawled the web for information on steroids and also consulted his supplier for advice. He says any health warnings fell on deaf ears. He was too pleased with his body, which was becoming no less chiseled than a classic Greek sculpture.
“I started thinking about body-building competitions, and those thoughts are still somewhat on my mind,” says Markku.
On Wednesday the government launched Dopinglinkki, which is a first attempt by the authorities to reach out to steroid users on the web.
“The site doesn't only aim to provide steroid information to users, but also to concerned family members, healthcare workers and gym personnel,“ says Mia-Veera Koivisto of the A-Clinic Foundation.
Visitors to the site are able to submit questions about steroids which are answered by experts.
While the possession of steroids is not illegal in Finland, the production, importation and distribution of steroids are punishable offences. Officials are now looking to change legislation to further curb steroid misuse.
Markku says he's been clean for a month—mainly because he’s interested in starting a family.
“I’ve always had a worry in the back of my mind that what if I can’t have children because of this.”