Steroid University Course

What are anabolic steroids? The word anabolic comes from the Greek word "anabole," meaning to build up. The word androgenic is derived from the Greek word "andros" (man) and "genein" (to produce). Anabolic steroids increase protein synthesis, which is the process in which the cells create protein from individual amino acids. Increased protein synthesis results in amplified cell growth, especially in the muscles.

Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) are a class of drugs derived from synthetic, man-made version of Testosterone, the primary male sex hormone. Testosterone is the most potent, naturally occurring androgen that is formed in the human body. It is responsible for characteristics specific to males and their sexual traits. Testosterone is responsible for promoting health and well being through enhanced libido, energy, immunity, increased fat loss, increased growth and maintenance of lean muscle mass, preventing Osteoporosis (loss of bone density) and possible protection against heart disease.

Testosterone is also responsible for normal growth and development of male sex organs and maintenance of secondary sex characteristics. Secondary sex characteristics are specific traits that separate the two sexes, but are not directly part of the reproductive system, for example: chest and facial hair, a distinguished jaw line, broad shoulders and increased muscle mass. Testosterone binds to the Androgen Receptors (A.R.), which thus causes accelerated muscle gain, fat loss, and muscle repair and growth. These mechanisms are stimulated by activation of the Androgen Receptors (either directly or as DHT).

Anabolic steroids were first isolated, identified and synthesized in the 1930s, and are now used therapeutically in medicine to stimulate bone growth and appetite, induce male puberty, and treat chronic wasting conditions, such as cancer and AIDS. Anabolic steroids also produce increases in muscle mass and physical strength, and are consequently used in sport and bodybuilding to enhance strength or physique.

Serious health risks can be produced by long-term use or excessive doses of anabolic steroids. These effects include harmful changes in cholesterol levels (increased bad cholesterol and decreased good cholesterol), acne, high blood pressure, liver damage, and dangerous changes in the structure of the left ventricle of the heart. Some of these effects can be mitigated by exercise, or by taking supplemental drugs.

The use of anabolic steroids non-clinically has become extremely controversial because they are considered unethical by many as they are used to increase athletic performance on the field. They also can have many potential negative side effects on the users health. All major sporting bodies, including the International Olympic Committee, ban the use of anabolic steroids. They are controlled substances in countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Argentina and Brazil. In countries where the drugs are controlled, there is often a black market, in which smuggled or counterfeit drugs are sold to users. The quality of such illegal drugs may be low, and contaminants may cause additional health risks. Many users have called for the decriminalization of anabolic steroids. They are readily available in some countries such as Mexico and Moldova/Romania.

All of the preceding effects are why, bodybuilders, strength and physique competitors use synthetic testosterone in the form of various Anabolic Androgenic Steroids to increase their performance and physique.

Course 2 - How do anabolic Steroids Work
COMING TOMORROW...