A
class of steroid
hormones related to the hormone testosterone called
anabolic
steroids
are used by athletes and even non athletes to build up their muscles
and prevent muscle breakdown. It also contains
another steroid called
the androgenic steroid that increases male sexual characteristics.
Since
anabolic steroids
promote cell growth most athletes to enhance
their performance and increase muscle strength take these drugs which
are intended for the treatment of hormonal deficiencies and diseases
that result the decrease of muscle mass.
The discovery of these
steroids
1930 was primarily for the treatment of
hypogonadism and other diseases that affect growth and muscle mass.
It
had become the basis of the other
steroids
being used in the field of
medicine.
Anabolic
steroids have many beneficial effects when
administered for medical purposes. It is used in the treatment of the
side effects of leukemia and kidney failure. Since anabolic steroids
are related to testosterone it aids in the growth improvement
especially among males who are anxious with their delay in
puberty.
Medical
practitioners prescribe the use of anabolic
steroids together with an adequate diet among
their AIDS, HIV
and cancer patients since this stimulate the appetite that would
prevent loss of mass in the muscles. However, prolonged, excessive and
improper use of anabolic steroids may damage the internal organs,
increase cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Of the three common forms to administer the
anabolic
steroid, oral
pills is the most convenient. They are commonly used for treatment of
serious diseases.The other two forms are injectables and skin patches.
However, injectable steroids are commonly used by athletes and body
builders because the absorption into the bloodstream is gradual unlike
when taken orally would immediately be absorbed in the blood. Skin
patches allow the body to absorb the steroid a lot slower than the
other two.
Experiments on
anabolic
steroids resulted to a 2-5kg increase
in body weight for short term use. Strength also improved
depending on the dosage as well as the period of administration. The
tendency to use anabolic steroids in increasing quantities among
bodybuilders has become a controversy because they have been used to
gain an edge in sports competitions, an act called doping.
Anabolic
steroids increase protein production and promotes a series of changes
in the muscles called catabolism which is a destructive form of
metabolism. The lack muscle breakdown is attributed to the
inhibition
of other steroid hormones to act. Fat reduction is faster because of
the increase in metabolic rate promoted by these drugs. This is the
reason why bodybuilders maintain a bulky, brawny look. However, these
anabolic steroids have potentially dangerous
side
effects when used
excessively.
Aside from bodybuilding,
male
and female athletes in professional
sports like baseball, martial arts, cycling and
wrestling,
also
use anabolic
steroids to gain an edge in competitions and allow
injuries to heal faster. However, the use of these anabolic steroids
have been prohibited by sports officials since this is considered an
unfair practice. In the US anabolic steroids should be bought with a
prescription or illegally in the black market while other countries
like Mexico, Moldova and Romania they may be bought over the counter.
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