Testosterone is an anabolic steroid that your body naturally produces, regardless of your biological sex. Although the ovaries produce much less of this substance than the testes. Testosterone assists in building muscle and fighting a number of diseases.
However, modern medical supplements can affect this hormone and stimulate its increased production. But, first things first.
What are Steroids?
Steroids are biological compounds that are usually derived from the sex hormones testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, which have a very strong effect on the human body. There are currently over 100 varieties of steroids available in both tablet and injectable form.
Steroids are bioactive substances of animal, plant, or synthetic origin. Some steroids are involved in physiological functions and the regulation of metabolism, so their analogs are used for medical purposes.
Spheres of Application
Anabolic steroids are very effective in increasing physical activity and muscle growth. Thus, they have found a wide application in medical and sports purposes.
For medical reasons, treatment with steroids is prescribed for cancer, AIDS, asthma, certain heart diseases, and hormonal dysfunction. Steroids have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, which contributes to the rapid healing of wounds, the removal of inflammatory processes, edema, and the normalization of the human immune system. They also help regulate metabolism and control blood electrolyte levels. The use of steroids is carried out under the supervision of a doctor and the risk of side effects is reduced to almost 0%.
For sports reasons, steroids are used by bodybuilders and athletes who need huge muscle mass. Getting into cells, steroids activate certain genes responsible for the creation and use of protein. As a result, all the protein goes to the development and increase in human muscle mass. This is why bodybuilders frequently search for steroids for sale. However, since the consumption of steroids by athletes is uncontrolled, and consumed doses exceed the permissible one ten times, the risk of side effects reaches 70%.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Steroids
The use of steroids has its positive and negative sides. The advantages of using sports pharmacology products include:
- an increase in physical performance such as strength and endurance;
- an increase in muscle mass;
- some steroid drugs have an analgesic effect;
- some of the products have anti-catabolic properties;
- many steroid drugs contribute to the accumulation of muscle glycogen and increase the number of mitochondria in muscles during exercise;
- accelerate the process of muscle recovery after exhausting workouts.
- favorable impact on psychological state, mood, and motivation, as well as an increase in the “fighting spirit”.
Steroid drugs contribute to increased protein synthesis and an increase in actin and myosin, which are responsible for muscle contractions. Also, strength indicators depend on the volume of the sarcoplasm and the retention of fluid in the body. Anabolics help stimulate muscle cells, as well as prevent the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can occur during intense training. But the volume of muscle mass itself increases due to the increase in myofibrils and the growth of sarcoplasm.
Steroids can increase blood pressure, which dilates blood vessels and improves blood flow to the muscles. It also increases the accumulation of muscle glycogen, which is the “fuel” for more intense workouts.
In medicine, anabolics were originally used as painkillers. They greatly increased stamina. An increase in the number of mitochondria during the use of steroids leads to an increase in the consumption of oxygen in the body. Steroids also increase hemoglobin, which contributes to the accelerated transport of oxygen in the blood. These drugs help the body and muscle tissues recover faster from various injuries and also reduce the likelihood of muscle strain and tear.
Negative Impact on the Body
Being a synthetic hormone drug, violation of doses in consumption can lead to serious harm to human health. Here are some possible outcomes:
- Steroid drugs have a toxic effect on the liver (hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver).
- They have a bad effect on sexual activity.
- Drugs can reduce gonadotropins, which subsequently reduces sperm production and can cause atrophy of the testicles.
- Gynecomastia may develop.
- Virilization is quite likely to appear.
- There may be mental problems.
- The use of steroids can lead to problems with the cardiovascular system.
- An increase in blood pressure.
- Immune problems.
- Negative reactions of the skin, such as acne and stretch marks on the skin.
- A high likelihood of oncological diseases.
Steroids in Sport
In sports, doping implies the use of growth hormone, erythropoietin, glucocorticoids, insulin-like growth factor, or insulin.
Anabolic androgenic steroids are some of the most commonly used doping substances. They are derivatives of male sex hormones and contribute to the production of proteins in the genitals, skin, skeleton, and skeletal muscles. When consuming ten or even a hundred times higher doses, they increase muscle mass and strength but reduce body fat. Anabolic androgenic steroids affect multiple organ systems and cause serious side effects.
People who use steroids intentionally often use other illegal substances to reduce the side effects of steroids, such as to prevent gynecomastia, breast enlargement, or diuretics to hide the presence of these substances in tests.
To draw the line, let us recall the words of a famous scientist and alchemist. As Paracelsus said: “Everything is poison, and everything is medicine”. The main thing is not to get too addicted and violate the permissible doses. If you use steroids for medical purposes, strictly follow the doctor’s prescriptions. If you want to accelerate the growth of muscle mass and achieve muscle hypertrophy, do not use them for a long time and monitor tests and general health. However, scientists and doctors do not recommend using steroids for sports purposes.
Nowadays, it is possible to buy steroid drugs online. If you need some, you can order it via a personal account and get the needed medicine in a few hours or days.
