12 July 2009
Steroids
The Hazards of Steroids
Since the 1960s, athletes have been using steroids to enhance physical performance and gain muscle like never before. Bodybuilders, in particular,
have closely been identified with drug abuse. The risks run high among many especially in the pro ranks. There have been a number of deaths and
grave conditions because of the various side effects of anabolic drugs. Is an amazing body worth all the health hazards?
Steroid Facts
Anabolic steroids are synthetic copies of the male sex hormone, testosterone. Primarily, these were created for medical and clinical purposes such
as treating muscle-wasting in AIDS patients and severe anemia. Corticosteroids are prescribed by physicians to treat inflammation and swelling.
The treatment is called HRT or hormone replacement therapy, which helps individuals produce more of the hormone their bodies are unable to do naturally.
Doctors, however, never prescribe anabolic drugs to healthy individuals to build muscle. Without a doctor’s prescription, acquiring and using steroids
are illegal.
Bodybuilders have been branded as steroid abusers for almost 50 years. Administration can be through pills or intramuscular injections. As a result,
Bodybuilders are able to gain lean muscle and size faster than what is deemed normal. The influx of testosterone allows the body to grow and recover
within a shorter period of time, leading to long-lasting energy for workouts and reduced healing time in between gym sessions.
The diuretic effect also flushes out excess water, which will create a more ripped, defined and vascular look among trainers. In Bodybuilding,
competitions have been categorized as natural and open classes since natural athletes cannot compete with drug-enhanced athletes.
The Consequences
Some of the major side effects of anabolic steroids include cancer, high blood pressure, increase in LDL or bad cholesterol, liver tumor, jaundice,
heart attack, stroke, enlarged heart, acne, oily scalp and skin, baldness, gynecomastia or enlargement of the breast among males, shrunken testicles,
infertility, low sperm count, impotence, stunted growth among teenagers, HIV or hepatitis from infected needles, reduced natural production of testosterone,
headache, nose bleed, and altered thyroid function.
It can cause insulin insensitivity, enlargement of the prostate, increased body hair, water retention or dehydration, nausea, abdominal pain, black tarry
stools, anaphylactic shock, edema, chills, bone pain, fetal damage, gallbladder stones, hives, hypercalcemia, depressed immune system, sore tongue, weight
gain or loss, septic shock, lethargy, irregular menstruation, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation and thinning of hair.
Steroids can also cause psychological side effects. The most popular would be fits of rage or roid rage wherein abusers suddenly develop feelings of anger
and hatred. Other effects include mood swings, depression from low testosterone levels and rise in estrogen levels, hyperactivity and brain damage.
Steroid Must-Knows
Steroid dangers can affect both men and women, of any age and at various rates. Some may experience symptoms early on during their course of intake while
others may take years to develop. Pregnant women put their babies at risk by taking anabolic drugs. The muscle-building benefits among teenagers are basically
short-lived and size and definition will disappear once they stop taking the substance.
Steroids can kill. Anabolic drugs pose a variety of side effects and conditions that can ultimately lead to death. Since it is a regulated substance, illegal
acquisition cannot guarantee you authenticity, safety and purity of the product. You are placing yourself at risk by investing in possible contaminated products.
The process of manufacturing and distribution through illegal means the product is likely compromised because of law restrictions. Individuals possessing
the drugs illegally can be imprisoned for up to 5 years and fined thousands of dollars.
Majority of Bodybuilders in the pro ranks take steroids. Natural Bodybuilders can’t expect their physiques to look like a drug-enhanced Bodybuilder. Genetics
have a lot to do with muscular development and the capacity to gain size. Always listen to the needs of your body and give it adequate rest periods and proper
nutrition. You will find that going natural will build quality muscle that lasts for several years.
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