Anabolic Steroids

Anabolic steroids are used to boost muscle mass, performance, and endurance and to shorten recovery time between workouts.

What are anabolic steroids?

AASs are synthetic versions of the primary male hormone, testosterone. They affect many parts of the body, including the muscles, bones, hair follicles, liver, kidneys, blood, immune system, reproductive system and the central nervous system.

During puberty, increases in testosterone levels enable the development of characteristics such as facial and body hair growth, increased height and muscle mass, a deepening voice, and the sex drive.

Testosterone can also contribute to competitiveness, self-esteem, and aggressiveness.

How do people use them?

Continuous use of AASs can lead to problems such as tolerance. They may even cause the body to stop producing its own testosterone.

Some people use AASs continuously, but others try to minimize their possible adverse effects through different patterns of use.

Cycling: The person takes AASs in cycles of 6 to 12 weeks (known as the “on” period), followed by 4 weeks to several months off.

Stacking: Users combine several different types of steroids or incorporate other supplements in an attempt to maximize the effectiveness of the steroids. This is called “stacking.”

Pyramiding: Some users gradually increase the dose to a peak, then reduce the amount.

Types

There are up to 32 types of anabolic steroid listed on commercial websites.

Some have only medicinal uses, such as Nebido. Anadrol is an example of a steroid with both medicinal and performance uses.

Others, such as anadur, have no therapeutic use, but athletes use them.

People choose different types for different purposes:

bulking steroids for building muscle
performance steroids for strength and endurance
cutting steroids for burning fat

Other reasons for use include healing and recovery and enhancement of metabolism.

For both medical and illegal purposes, AASs can be taken:

by mouth
as pellets implanted under the skin
by injection
through the skin as a cream or gel

Oral forms are taken by mouth. They include:

Fluoxymesterone (Halotestin), or “Halo”
Mesterolone (Proviron)
Methandienone (Dianabol), or “Dbol”
Methyltestosterone (Virilon)
Mibolerone (Cheque)
Oxandrolone (Anavar, Oxandrin), or “Var”
Oxymetholone (Anadrol), or “Drol”
Stanozolol (Winstrol), or “Winny”

Injectable forms include:

Boldenone undecylenate (Equipoise), or “EQ”
Methenolone enanthate (Primobolan), or “Primo”
Nandrolone decanoate (Deca Durabolin), or “Deca”
Nandrolone phenpropionate (Durabolin), or “NPP”
Testosterone cypionate (Depotest)
Testosterone enanthate (Andro-Estro)
Testosterone propionate (Testex)
Trenbolone acetate (Finajet), or “Tren”

AASs travel through the bloodstream to the muscle tissue, where they bind to an androgen receptor. The drug can subsequently interact with the cell’s DNA and stimulate the protein synthesis process that promotes cell growth.

Steroids in sport

Non-medical use of steroids is not permitted in the U.S. Under the Controlled Substance Act, unlawful possession and distribution are subject to federal and state laws.

As it is not legal for athletic purposes, there is no legal control over the quality or use of drugs sold for this purpose.

Illegal steroids are obtained through the internet and through informal dealers, like other illegal drugs. However, they may also be available through unscrupulous pharmacists, doctors, and veterinarians.

“Designer” steroids are sometimes produced to enable athletes to pass doping tests. Their composition and use are entirely unregulated, adding to the hazards they pose.

Athletes often consume steroids on a trial-and-error basis, using information gained from other athletes, coaches, websites or gym “gurus.” As a result, they do not have access to medical information and support that can keep them safe while using these drugs.

The adverse effects of AAS use depend on the product, the age and sex of the user, how much they use, and for how long.

Legally prescribed normal-dose anabolic steroids may have the following side effects:

acne
fluid retention
difficulty or pain when urinating
enlarged male breasts, known as gynecomastia
increased red cell count
lower levels of “good” HDL cholesterol and higher levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol
hair growth or loss
low sperm count and infertility
changes in libido

Users will attend follow-up appointments and take periodic blood tests to monitor for unwanted effects.

Non-medical use of steroids can involve quantities from 10 to 100 times the amount used for medical purposes.

Incorrect use of steroids can lead to an increased risk of:

cardiovascular problems
sudden cardiac death and myocardial infarction
liver problems, including tumors and other types of damage
tendon rupture, due to the degeneration of collagen
osteoporosis and bone loss, as steroid use affects the metabolism of calcium and vitamin D

In adolescents, it can result in:

permanently stunted growth

In men, there may be:

shrinking testicles
sterility
enlarged breasts

Women may experience:

changes to the menstrual cycle
deepening of the voice
lengthening of the clitoris
increased facial and body hair
shrinking breasts
increased sex drive

Some of these changes may be permanent, even after stopping use.

There is also a risk of:

liver damage
aggression and feelings of hostility
mood and anxiety disorders
reckless behavior
psychological dependence and addiction

People who suddenly discontinue AAS after using them for a long time may experience withdrawal symptoms, including severe depression.

Withdrawal

Misuse of steroids can lead to withdrawal symptoms when the person stops taking them.

Withdrawal symptoms include:

fatigue
restlessness
mood swings
depression
fatigue
insomnia
reduced sex drive
cravings

The first step in treating anabolic steroid abuse is to discontinue use and to seek medical help in order to address any psychiatric or physical symptoms that might occur.

An addiction treatment facility or counselor may help.

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