Introduction
For benefits that are believed to be derived from anabolic steroids, some people have focused on consumption of AAS i.e. anabolic androgenic steroids. Anabolic implies growth promotion whereas androgenic implies the development of characteristics of the male gender. Steroids improve the capabilities of muscle-building prominently but it also has side effects.
What is a steroid?
The synthetic form of testosterone the male hormone is called an anabolic androgenic steroid. They are responsible for various functions such as the nervous system, reproductive system, kidneys, liver, bones, hair follicles, and muscles. The steroid is found naturally in human beings. It is majorly a male hormone but also found in females in smaller quantities.
The normal testosterone levels in the human body are between 300 to 1000 ng/dl in males and 15 to 70 ng/dl in females. When steroids are consumed artificially it raises these levels and in turn, results in increased strength and muscle mass.
Pros of using steroids
Steroids are majorly used by bodybuilders for promoting muscle gain. Sportspersons typically buy steroids UK to have efficacy and improved strength and stamina. However, there are many other benefits derived from the consumption of steroids such as:
- The enhanced synthesis of protein improves the muscle tissue
- The percentage of body fat is decreased
- The power and muscle strength is improved
- The recovery from injury and workouts is faster
- The bone mineral density is improved
- Improved muscle endurance
- Red blood cell production is increased.
Every individual derives better results from the consumption of steroids. Some of the benefits people receive are summarized below:
1.Athletes
The power output and speed are prominently improved for the athletes with the use of the steroid. It states that the strength of the body gains up to 20% while the weight gains up to 11 pounds when steroids are consumed. This is a very helpful situation for athletes.
2.Strength Athletes
Strength sports such as Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, bodybuilding, and such other sports require increased strength and muscle mass. The overall performance depends upon power, size, muscle strength for this kind of sport.
3.Muscle wasting diseases
Some critical diseases such as liver disease, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, AIDS lead to tremendous loss. The use of anabolic steroids can lead to an extended lifespan and provide therapeutic outcomes for the same.
Con
The steroids may be a boon for many individuals and situations but their side effects cannot be given blindfolds. There are some very serious and crucial physical and psychological side effects. These possibilities of adverse effects increase with the inappropriate and misuse of anabolic steroids.
Some of the graveside effects are mentioned below:
- The size of the left ventricle and blood pressure increases with the use of anabolic steroids along with resistance exercise. This further increases the risk of heart diseases and may also lead to early death.
- Impulsivity and aggression is typically seen among adults and teenagers consuming steroids
- The use of steroids especially oral consumption may cause liver dysfunction
- Gynecomastia which implies swollen breast tissue amongst males is often observed when the person suddenly stops consuming anabolic steroid
- The function of testes is decreased and it shrinks with the use of anabolic steroids along with hypogonadism
- The decrease in sperm production may also lead to infertility
- Excessive hair loss and early baldness is often seen among the male consuming steroid
Side effects on women
Women body shows some particular side effects with the consumption of anabolic steroid such as:
- Infertility
- Breast size decrease
- Effect on menstrual cycles
- Enlargement of clitoris
- Changes in face and hair growth on body and face
- Deepening and hoarse voice
Side effects on Men
Similar to women, men also have some specific side effects as mentioned below:
- Infertility or reduced count in sperm
- Impotence or inability in erection
- Development of breast
- Urinary problems such as pain or infection
- Shrinking of testicular
Final words
The use of steroids is believed to be disastrous due to several reasons such as mental addiction, illegal or banned in many places, high risk of infection. To curb the health effects often blood test is done regularly. However medical professionals do recommend controlled and lower doses for testosterone replacement therapy. Corticosteroids and glucocorticoids are the alternatives to anabolic steroids which is commonly used in the market.