Anabolic Steroids: Benefits and Risks

Anabolic steroids are one of the most talked-about issues in fitness/performance enhancement. These artificial thus differ from the testosterone of developing their muscles growth, enhancing the performance as well as when used to solve problem in a medicine setting. Nevertheless, deployment of them means some dangers in health and profound ethical issues. As in this article, we are going to cover a topic, which touches on anabolic steroids at large, some points behind them, their usage in areas, as well as the mentioned pros and cons.

1: Definition

The anabolic steroids, another term (AAS), are artificially created by testosterone hormone present in the male body. These products lead to muscle development, they help to boost physical performance and aid the recovery period from hard workouts. The word “anabolic” is attributed to the property of the components regarding muscle growth, and the word “androgenic” is related to the development of masculine characteristics.

2: History of Anabolic Steroids

The history of performance-enhancing drugs (anabolic steroids) dates back to 1930’s when scientists first produced natural male sex hormone, testosterone to treat medical conditions like delayed puberty and diseases that cause muscle wasting. In the 1950’s and 1960’s of the previous century, some athletes and bodybuilders have strayed towards taking steroids to upgrade themselves in performance and appearance. Unfortunately,this story begins the road ban on smoking in public spaces as well as increased taxes on tobacco products.

3: Use in Sports, Athletes & Olympics

The use of some drug called the anabolic steroids has been the subject to numerous controversies in sports as this is a method used by many players to enhance their competitive advantage. IOC as other reputable sports organizations around the world do not permit the use of steroids in sports because they have the potential to strengthen one’s beyond the natural ability.

4: Use in Sexual Aid

Apart from the satisfying athletic performance, many athletes misuse anabolic steroids not for their sexual enhancement but for their side effects. Some people think that taking birth control injections can increase sexual desire, extend sexual prowess, and raise sexual overall performance in the bedroom. Consequently, steroid use in context provides no bright side or lean challenge to its risks and side effects.

5: Weight Gain or Loss

Anabolic steroids present many side effects some of which are their ability to gain weight most often in terms of lean muscle mass. These qualities are something that many individuals who want more muscles and growing their strength search for. From another perspective, some steroids have additional role of increasing muscle mass by reducing body fat, which contribute to calories metabolism.

6: Advantages of Anabolic Steroids

a). Increased Muscle Mass

The action of anabolic steroids stimulates the protein synthesis mechanism, thereby enabling quick muscle growth and enhancing strength.

b). Improved Physical Performance

Sportsmen and women may acquire extra endurance, speed, and power, that will let them take their performance to the highest level possible.

c). Faster Recovery

Steroids help muscle stuff to race their rejuvenation after intensive training, therefore, decreasing fatigue and preventing muscle loss.

d). Treatment of Medical Conditions

In the medical world, the hormone, known as steroids, is used to combat muscle wasting, problems related to hormones deficiency, and some types of anemia.

7: Disadvantages of Anabolic Steroids

a). Health Risks

Extended drug use in athletes is a dangerous thing that can cause the problems such as liver damage, cardiovascular disorders and hormone disruption.

b). Psychological Effects

By abusing steroids, these are the known side effects which include mood swings, aggressive behavior and psychological disorders such as mood depression and anxiety.

c). Addiction and Dependence

Some individuals veer into the dependency of these stimulants which ultimately leads to steroid abuse that will overwhelm the users with the withdrawal symptoms whenever the chain is broken.

d). Legal Consequences

The illicit use of steroids in many countries is punishable by the law and also banning from sports competitions and other penalties may result in it.

e). Negative Impact on Hormonal Balance

Steroids have a potential to block the production of natural hormones by the body. In the long term, this results in infertility, inability to have sex(impotence), and irregular menstrual cycle.

(Note: If not taken with proper expert advice.)

Conclusion

From the perspective of bodybuilding and sports, anabolic steroids possess certain benefits when speeding up muscle growth and physical improvement. However, any abuse may result in damaging health, being detrimental to well-being, and mole down to legal standings. Understand the hazards that it involves and although using the drug seems very easy, in can be deadly as well. That is why, you have to be very careful in using steroid, to follow medical regulations and ultimately to keep your long term healthy above short term gains.