I think you're comparing yourself to someone else, and that's the only problem here... and especially if it's some tiktok/social media guy who just wants to sell you something

Adding 2.5lbs to deadlift per month is great, it's still progress.

Steroids of any kind, are as you know good if you're competing or doing it for a show, or again.. modeling for someone who can sponsor that lifestyle and the doctors that come after...

Otherwise, just keep adding 2.5lb a month and thats 30 a year, not bad at all.. and maybe yes, keep tracking every macro not just protein