Anabolic Steroids
What Are Steroids?
Technically, the term steroid biochemically denotes a molecule having
three, 6 carbon-containing rings, and one, 5-carbon-containing ring. Steroids
are actually lipids derived from cholesterol and secreted by the gonads, adrenal cortex, and placenta. 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.
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 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, decreased blood
clotting ability, headaches, anxiety, depression, stomach aches, jaundice, muscle tears, enlarged prostate, premature hair
loss, stunted growth, immune system suppression, insomnia, and anaphylactic shock.