What You Should know About Anabolic Steroids

Anabolic steroids are classified as anabolic-androgenic steroids form part of a family consisting of synthetic drugs which are designed to mimic testosterone effects which is a sex hormone found in the male body. These drugs do this in the way of boosting the protein inside the cells. They also cause the lean muscle to increase and support hair growth along with other types of sexual characteristics in men.

Anabolic steroids were first introduced in the 1930’s and were found to be useful in medical communities for treating delayed puberty or wasting conditions like cancer. These steroid compounds would assist in increasing the appetite, which assisted patients in regaining weight after severe illnesses, an injury or for ongoing infections.

However, today the anabolic steroids form part of a collection of drugs that are used to fight AIDS. These drugs have also been used to treat certain conditions like anemia as well as certain forms of breast cancer. In addition, doctors have begun to discover other types of beneficial uses associated with these compounds that include assisting with types of hereditary angioedema that causes swelling to areas such as the face, bowels, throat, windpipe, arms and legs and sex organs.

Over the years there have been various scandals that involve that certain professional athletes have been caught using certain types of performance-enhancing drugs. However, steroid usage is common among bodybuilders, sports stars as well as college and high school athletes. Debates on whether steroid type drugs should become legal have been in discussion for many years and the proponents of each side all have very strong arguments. Below is some important information on the pros and cons of anabolic steroids that can assist individuals in making more informed decisions before using them.

Anabolic Steroids Pros

They Improve Endurance

Steroids assist the body in producing more of the red-blood cells. These cells carry oxygen to areas such as the muscles and other parts in the body. With an increase in the red-blood cells the muscles in the body are able to work harder due to the consistent and more readily available supply of oxygen. This means that endurance can increase significantly. In addition, the muscles are also able to recover a lot faster.

They Increase Speed, Power, Agility And Strength

Bodybuilders, sportsman and athletes can improve on their performance overall with the assistance of steroids. This often gives them the upper hand over competitors and is generally the main reason as to why such a performance enhancing drug is banned from competitions, the Olympics and sports leagues.

They Can Offer A More Muscular And Bigger Body

Studies have proven that certain types of anabolic steroids can assist in increasing the size of the human body, and why this drug of choice is highly popular with the bodybuilders who are in search of a way to bulk-up. In addition, steroids do not cause water retention that results in a more ripped-build.

They Can Assist With Types Of Hormonal Imbalances

There are a few doctors that prescribe steroids to their patients who have a lowered testosterone level. Anabolic steroids can assist in sustaining levels of testosterone that are regarded as more normal. However, this is only advised under the close supervision of a qualified physician.

Anabolic Steroids Cons

They Are Addictive

Due to the ability of these drugs to make the body faster, bigger and stronger, a large amount of weightlifters, bodybuilders and athletes often find themselves addicted to these drugs. Even though these drugs are often banned and illegal many individual’s often find other ways in which to obtain the drug.

They Increase The Health Risks For Other Types Of Health Conditions

To date, there have been numerous reports on athletes that have abused anabolic steroids and ended up suffering from a stroke and heart attacks. In addition, the users of these types of steroids can also potentially develop tumors, liver and kidney issues, cholesterol and even high-blood pressure.

They Produce Harmful Side Effects

Performance enhancing-drugs such as steroids have an abundance of side effects. Due to the fact that steroids will not retain water, one can become prone to dehydration, cramps, exhaustion and dizziness. Some men also may suffer from breast enlargements, shrunken testicles and infertility. Women who use steroids can also suffer from baldness or facial hair growth. These drugs are also linked to causing acne and can cause complications in growth spurts particularly in boys. Other types of the more known side effects include mood swings, aggression and depression.

They Are Illegal

In a few of the states a person or company could face arrest for selling or being in possession of steroids. Many professional athletes have even lost awards or medals and have been banned from the sport in which they used to participate in. The cons of anabolic steroids definitely outweigh the pros.