What is Anabolic steroids?

Anabolic steroids, or anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), are a class of steroid hormones related to the hormone testosterone. They increase protein synthesis within cells, which results in the build up of cellular tissue (anabolism), especially in muscles.

Anabolic steroids were identified in the 1930s, and are now used in medicine to stimulate bone growth and appetite, and treat chronic wasting conditions, such as cancer and AIDS. In the 1950s they were developed to treat medical conditions such as thrombosis and endometriosis; however steroids have been misused to enhance physical performance and to help bodybuilders and others to train harder for better results.

Anabolic steroids produce increases in muscle mass, physical strength and because they are able to do this, they are being used in sport and bodybuilding to enhance strength or physique. This drug helps athletes to train and greatly increase their performance. Athletes will take steroids to give them an added advantage, and often because they want to win at all costs. This has occurred at a number of Olympic Games.

Initially, the users were largely professional weight lifters and bodybuilders - competitors who relied heavily on strength and muscle bulk. This is no longer confined to the professional sports arenas, steroids can now be found in most sports activities.

Steroids are used for a quick fix to give the athlete a massive advantage. I would consider it a bit like taking a standard little Mini motor car and fitting it out with a Ferrari engine. The Mini will be awesome to start with but it was not designed to handle so much power. The rest of the car would fall apart and probably when it was going at 150 miles per hour. When it does fall apart, you will not get out of the wreck !

There are many very bad side effects of steroids. Because of their adverse effects the use of anabolic steroids is banned by all major sporting bodies. These include the International Olympic Committee, Major League Baseball, the National Football League, the National Basketball Association, the National Hockey League, WWE, ICC, ITF, FIFA, FINA, UEFA, the European Athletic Association, and the Brazilian Football Confederation.

Serious health risks can be produced by long-term use or excessive doses of anabolic steroids. These effects include harmful changes in cholesterol levels (increased low-density lipoprotein and decreased high-density lipoprotein), acne, high blood pressure, liver damage, and dangerous changes in the structure of the left ventricle of the heart. Some of these effects can be caused by exercise, or by taking supplemental drugs.

Anabolic steroids are controlled substances in many countries, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (U.S.), while in other countries, such as Mexico and Thailand, they are readily available over the counter. In countries where the drugs are controlled, there is often a black market in which smuggled or counterfeit drugs are sold to users. The quality of such illegal drugs may be low, and contaminants may cause additional health risks.  A lot of the steroids are coming in from Pakistan - one called Sustanon 250 is a testosterone replacement used to treat cancer patients.

All I can say about steroids is “DON’T DO IT”. The risk is not worth it and for me it is a bit like passing an exam knowing I did not do it on my own - I CHEATED. I would have to live with that for the REST OF MY LIFE. It is not only that, but also the irreparable damage that will be done to the body.

source: buildingmuscles.org.uk

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