The bodybuilding world has recently faced controversies regarding the use of PEDs induced physiques. Speaking during a conversation at Gold’s Gym in Venice, bodybuilding legend and former IFBB Pro Lee Priest reflected on how dramatically bodybuilding culture has changed since his competitive prime.
Priest, who competed at the Mr. Olympia alongside icons like Ronnie Coleman and Dorian Yates, expressed concern over the sheer amount of PEDs younger athletes are reportedly using today.
“I’d probably be something like Sus 250 and I wouldn’t go over 2 milligrams,” Priest explained when discussing his contest prep cycles. “People as soon as I say that are like ‘two bottles?’ I’m like, look, if anyone knows me in bodybuilding, I get in trouble all the time because I’m so open about anything.”
He emphasized that even modest increases in dosage made him feel unwell.
Recalling a time he doubled his testosterone to 800 milligrams at a friend’s suggestion, Priest said: “I swear to God, I felt terrible. I did. And I went back down… You feel good, but there’s just something like you feel like as if you maybe had one too many drinks. You feel a bit toxic inside.”
According to Priest, many younger competitors mistakenly believe that “more is better.”
“I was doing seminars…I asked him, ‘What are you taking?’ Two grams a week of test. His mate was taking five grams. I’m like, ‘Where do you put that amount in your body?’”
Priest believes genetics and training still matter more than excessive pharma intervention. “Bodybuilding, the basis of it… is so basic. And they’re trying to make it so technical now with all this bro science.”
The PED conversation becomes even more sensitive when discussing female competitors, where androgenic side effects can become visibly pronounced.
IFBB Pro Women’s Physique competitor Mariana Guayara went viral in early August after appearing with a full beard and mustache during the 2025 season.
Guayara, a seasoned competitor who placed 15th at the 2022 Europa Pro Championships and fifth at the Romania Muscle Fest Pro, has long been respected for her symmetry and conditioning. However, her new look left parts of the bodybuilding community divided.
Some praised her confidence and individuality. Others questioned what it meant for Women’s Physique presentation standards.
According to sources, Priest did not hold back. “I think I read she a woman who wants to live as a man. Well men don’t compete with women and wear bikinis. Pick a side nut job,” Priest said.
In a follow-up RxMuscle interview, he doubled down: “If you’re a woman, why you trying to do the beard and stuff? It’s just for attention. Okay, you’re a woman competing in the women’s, then why do you got the beard and mustache for? I don’t understand.”
He continued: “I don’t know what the goal is, probably just to get attention.”
Now 226 pounds and regularly monitoring his cardiovascular health through CT scans and blood work, Priest remains conscious of the long-term risks associated with PED use.
“I still get the CT on the heart… They said there’s like a little mild plaque I have at the moment, nothing serious. Every year it’s pretty much the same.”
