What are steroids?
Technically, the term steroid biochemically denotes a molecule having three, 6 carbon-containing rings, and one, 5-carbon-containing ring. Many of the body's hormones have a steroid nucleus.
Steroids are actually lipids derived from cholesterol and secreted by the gonads, adrenal cortex, and placenta. This page refers to the most common perception of steroids, synthetic derivatives of testosterone that promote muscle and bone growth.
What is Testosterone?
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone produced in the testicles. It is responsible for both androgenic and anabolic effects. The anabolic effects of testosterone have primarily become the target of bodybuilders and athletes.
Androgenic Effects
Acne
Voice Deepening
Increased Body Hair
Increased Facial Hair |
Anabolic Effects
Virility, Vitality
Increased Strength
Increasing Muscle Size
Enhanced Muscle Recovery
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How do steroids work?
Steroid use increases testosterone levels in the body by bypassing the normal pathway for testosterone synthesis (see the diagram on the right) and directly adding testosterone to the bloodstream. The specific anabolic and androgenic benefits and side effects felt depend on the type of steroid used (see the lists of possible side effects and benefits below). An increase in the hormone testosterone in the body does not cause chemical reactions, but simply magnifies the reactions that already exist.
Anabolic steroids are chemically altered versions of testosterone that have been engineered to maximize anabolic effects with as minimal androgenic effects as possible. However, there is no perfect anabolic steroid. Even the "cleanest" steroids have associated side effects. The possible benefits and side effects of steroid use follow.
What are the possible benefits?
Bodybuilders take steroids for four simple reasons.
- To increase muscle size and strength.
- To speed recovery time.
- To increase energy levels during workouts.
- To increase the oxidation rise of fat.
What are the possible side effects?
The list is fairly long but here are the most common side effects:
sodium retention, acne, gynecomastia, aggression, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, palpitations, enlarged heart, virilization, cancer, decreased blood clotting ability, headaches, anxiety, depression, impotence, stomach aches, jaundice, muscle tears, enlarged prostate, premature hair loss, stunted growth, immune system suppression, insomnia, sterility, and anaphylactic shock.
Steroid Factoids.
- Steroids are illegal in the United States and in many countries throughout the world. Don't forget about the "long arm of the law".
- According to recent stats, over 3 million bodybuilders and athletes in the USA alone have used anabolic steroids.
- Anabolic steroids have been around since the 50's and were illegalized in the United States in 1988 with the passing of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act.
- Due to the nature of black market steroids, uncertainty exists regarding potency, consistency and quality; which contributes to associated problems with steroid use.
- There are two methods of steroid delivery: oral ingestion and intramuscular injection.
- The two basic types of injectible steroids are oil-based and water-based.
- Steroids produce a "positive nitrogen balance" in the body.
- Steroid use does not cause an increase in penis size (contrary to popular belief), but may cause testicular shrinkage during a cycle.
- There is scientific evidence to show that steroids are addictive.
- Deca-Durabolin, Testosterone Cypionate, Equipose and Sostenon 250 are the most popular injectable forms of anabolic steroids used in America today.
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