So you’ve heard about steroids , but do you know what exactly they are ? If you and your teammates have discussed steroids, you may have heard them referred to as anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) . The most commonly-used steroids come in two forms: anabolic and androgenic.
Anabolic steroids are the ones which build muscle mass . They stimulate the muscles to grow and become stronger. Some steroid users believe this is the only way they can gain muscle without getting injured or overtraining.
Androgenic steroids are the ones which increase testosterone levels in the body. Basically, they boost the strength and size of the male reproductive organs . The major side effects of androgenic steroids include acne , increased facial hair, and oily skin.
It’s important to note that steroids in themselves aren’t bad – there’s no evidence that shows they’re harmful to the body. But when you’re worried about performance-enhancing drugs like anabolic steroids , it’s important to know exactly what they are . If you’re struggling with performance-enhancing substances, you may need help. You can discuss your concerns with your school’s guidance counselor or seek out a professional who can provide more support.
What Are Steroids ?
Steroids have been a hot topic in the news lately, with many athletes and celebrities facing criticism for their alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs. But what exactly are steroids and how do they work? According to JBHNews, steroids are synthetic hormones that mimic the effects of naturally occurring hormones in the body, such as testosterone and estrogen. These hormones can be used to improve physical performance and enhance muscle growth, but they can also have serious side effects and are often banned in sports
What Are the Different Types of Steroids ?
The different types of anabolic steroids are:
- Andro (Anabolic): Increases muscle mass and strength
- Androsterone (Andro): Increases muscle mass and strength
- Androsterone/DHEA (Dianabol): Increases muscle mass and strength
- Androsterone/Testosterone (Equipoise): Increases muscle mass and strength
- Androsterone/testosterone/Dianabol (Superdrol): Increases muscle mass and strength
- Androstenedione (Andro): Increases muscle mass and strength
- Androstenediol (Dianabol): Increases muscle mass and strength
- Androstenediol/testosterone (Capoten): Increases muscle mass and strength
- Androstenediol/testosterone/Dianabol (Winstrol): Increases muscle mass and strength
Like any drug , there are some risks involved with steroids .
Some people worry about the risk of steroid use since it can lead to a hardening of the arteries of the heart . However , this doesn’t actually occur when using anabolic steroids. Instead, it’s the result of long-term drug use and not a one-time steroid injection. It’s also important to note that anabolic steroids are not exclusively used by athletes – they’re used to help treat a number of medical disorders as well.
There are also other health risks associated with steroid use , including the following:
- Heart disease: It’s not uncommon for steroid users to suffer from an enlarged heart (cardiomegaly) .
- Prostate cancer: When men start taking anabolic steroids in their teens or early 20s , there’s an increased chance of developing prostate cancer later in life .
- Fertility problems: In some rare cases , steroid users report experiencing infertility issues that could be a side effect of the steroid use .
Steroid use can have serious long-term effects on the body – especially the brain. In fact , scientists believe that long-term steroid use is associated with the early onset of cognitive decline and dementia in many people .
There are a few different types of steroid abuse including anabolic steroid abuse, androgenic steroid abuse, and combined anabolic-androgenic steroid abuse. Each of these types has its own risks , and the severity of the consequences can vary based on the type of steroid taken and the frequency and duration of use .
How Do Steroids Work ?
Androgens and anabolic steroids are hormones that the body naturally produces. Steroids mimic these hormones and help the body maintain normal hormone levels. They are typically used when the body’s production of natural hormones is inadequate . Androgens and anabolic steroids are used to treat a number of medical conditions , including:
- Male hypogonadism: This is a condition in which the body produces less than normal levels of testosterone .
- Andropause: This is a condition in which men experience a decline in their testosterone levels after the age of 40 or after a long period of steroid use .
- Rheumatoid arthritis: This is a condition that causes the joints to become inflamed .
Where to Buy Steroids
Steroids are sold legally at pharmacies, but many athletes use them illegally without a prescription. It’s also common for athletes to use steroids obtained from another athlete or trainer. If someone is offering to illegally sell you steroids , it’s important to remember that they could be breaking the law. Never purchase steroids from anyone you don’t know or trust .
There are a number of online pharmacies that sell steroids to the general public , but there are no laws in the United States that restrict the sale of anabolic steroids online .
How to Take Steroids
Most people take steroids once or twice per week in the doctor’s office or at home .
Gels or vials are used to inject steroids. Powdered forms of steroids can also be taken orally in a tablet or capsule form .
How to Get Tested for Steroids
Steroids are illegal to use without a prescription in the United States , so it’s impossible to test for steroids just by testing your blood or urine sample. However, it’s possible to get tested for steroids if you’re suspected of using them .
The most common way that people are tested for steroids is through DNA testing . DNA analysis can spot the presence of steroid metabolites in a person’s urine or saliva. Sometimes , when an athlete is tested through a standard drug test, they are also tested for the presence of steroids as well. In this case, the test is all about finding traces of steroids in the athlete’s urine or blood.
Steroids: The Good and the Bad
The question of whether or not steroids are good or bad really depends on who you ask. Some athletes say they swear by them and use them regularly to get an edge over their competition .
Other athletes say they’re bad and won’t touch them at all . Here are some points to consider when deciding whether or not to use steroids:
- It’s important to note that steroids can actually help you achieve your fitness goals – however , there are risks involved with using them regularly too .
- It’s important to remember that taking steroids isn’t cheating – it’s providing your body with the hormones it needs to maintain normal hormone levels .
- It’s important to note that taking steroids won’t make you stronger – nor will it make you faster than other people – unless you train harder and use more strenuous exercises than other people .
