The cat’s out of the bag. For bodybuilders like Dorian Yates, the landscape of physique sports has shifted dramatically. Yates had his competitive heyday in the 1990s and helped to usher in the “mass monster” era of bodybuilding — thanks, in no small part, to Yates’ indulgences with anabolic steroids.
In a Jul. 10, 2024 episode of Yates’ podcast, Shadow Talk With Dorian Yates, the six-time Mr. Olympia winner recounted some of his experiences in the ‘90s, including an anecdote about being turned away from an endocrinologist in the United Kingdom.
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“‘You know more than I do,’” Yates recalled hearing from his doctor while spinning the tale to podcast guest Derek of the More Plates, More Dates YouTube channel. The duo went a little deeper on Yates’ experiences with anabolic steroids and how they impacted bodybuilding culture “before the Internet was everywhere.”
It’s an illuminating conversation and worth listening from start to finish. In the meantime, let’s take a look at what Yates had to say about anabolic steroid culture early in his career.
Bodybuilding & Steroids in the ‘90s: Dorian Yates
As Yates tells it, anabolic steroids in the early and mid ‘90s were something of a frontier. “I don’t have experience with endocrinology, of course,” he told Derek. “But I know a lot about bodybuilders who used large amounts of steroids. In my day, we didn’t have hormone specialists all over.”
Yates offers a story of attempting to visit with a general practitioner for oversight and advice about his health once he began his bodybuilding career. The doctor was reportedly dismissive of Yates’ concerns and questions until seeing him during the opening ceremony of the 1985 World Games in London.
The World Games are a multi-sport athletic event held every four years for sports that aren’t showcased at the Olympic Games.
Bodybuilding was held at the World Games from 1981 to 2009. Yates did not make it to the podium when he competed in ’85.
I was the only bodybuilder I knew that was actually getting blood tests [in the ’90s].
Dorian Yates
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Continuing, Yates described his experiences with seeking medical supervision over his hormone levels. Per Yates, the aforementioned endocrinologist confessed having no experience in managing the health of a bodybuilder who was using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).
“We did basic diagnostics; blood pressure, cholesterol, liver and kidney function,” Yates said. “Sometimes the numbers weren’t perfect, and my doctors didn’t suggest medication.”
When Is It Safe To Start Taking Steroids?
Yates and Derek’s conversation naturally veered into how public perception — as well as recreational usage — of anabolic steroids has shifted since Yates’ heyday. When prompted, Yates revealed that he always had a practical perspective on PED use.
“[Steroids were] something I did for my career,” said Yates, “not because I had a negative self-image.” Yates mentioned to Derek that he fully stopped taking steroids at age 35 after 12 years of use, citing concerns relating to health and general longevity.
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“Nowadays, I try to warn people about what they’re getting into,” Yates continued, offering a bit of sobering advice to beginner bodybuilders. “I don’t think it’s worth taking steroids unless you want to compete.”
Referring to hobbyist lifters, Yates’ words were plain and candid: “When your self-worth is caught up in being that guy…” he said of athletes who cannot divorce themselves from the perception of their physiques.
“…it almost becomes an addiction. If [steroid-induced muscle gain] was making you feel good, when you come off, it’s going to be a rough ride.”
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Featured Image: @thedorianyates / Instagram
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