"Anabolic steroids" is the familiar name for synthetic substances related to the male sex hormones (androgens). Anabolic steroids promote the growth of skeletal muscle and the development of male sexual characteristics, but also have some other effects.

Anabolic steroids were developed in the late 1930s primarily to treat hypogonadism, a condition in which the testes do not produce sufficient testosterone for normal growth, development, and sexual functioning. The primary medical uses of these compounds are to treat delayed puberty, some types of impotence, and wasting of the body caused by HIV infection or other diseases.

In more recent years anabolic steroids are being used to build that "prefect body" – big muscles on lean bodies (you may have heard of the term "disco tits and six-pack"). Many people may think why struggle to build muscle naturally, when they can just take steroids and do it in half the time. Steroids have an anabolic effect on the body promoting muscular development. However, there can be a price to pay for that muscular growth. See the list at the end of this article highlighting some of the pro and cons of the use of anabolic steroids. You'll see with all the possible side effects why it might pay to workout naturally. The only argument you can make for using steroids for bodybuilding is the increased speed of muscular development.


There are two very distinct points of view when you chat to people about it, they all have one thing in common though – a passion for what they believe!

Pro-steroid point of view - The pro-steroid camp would say that steroids, taken under a doctor's supervision, will enhance one's health and well-being and keep them ahead of the pack in terms of bodybuilding success. This camp sees no ethical dilemma associated with steroid use as these drugs, in their view, are a reflection of progress and the belief that one should keep up with all the bodybuilding trends to excel to the fullest possible degree.

Anti-steroid point of view - However, firmly positioned on the opposite side of the fence are the anti-steroid camp who strongly regard steroids as dangerous drugs to be used only for the purposes for which they were originally intended (to improve weight loss due to severe illness, control breast cancer, treat anemia and treat osteoporosis).

They say steroids have dangerous side effects, which could even, in extreme cases, result in death. The anti-steroid camp also feel that the use of steroids in bodybuilding unfairly disadvantages those who choose to go the natural route (steroids used in this context is commonly referred to as cheating).

With all said, anabolic steroid use is here to stay whether we like it or not so it's up to you to choose the right program that you're comfortable with knowing the risks, knowing the benefits.

Commonly associated positive and negative side effects of anabolic steroid use:

Reported positive effects:

Increased leanness / muscle definition
Increased muscle mass / weight
Increased strength
Increased effectiveness of training
Improved recovery rate
Euphoria
Increased aggressiveness
Increased sex drive

Reported negative effects:

Both Sexes:
Increased risk of mood disturbances including mania and depression
Increased risk of psychosis
Increased risk of aggressive acts which may injure self or others
Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
Increased risk of liver disease and cancer
Increased risk of kidney disease and cancer
Risk of HIV and Hepatitis B & C from contaminated needles
Acne
Bad breath
Decreased sex drive
Baldness
Water retention
Muscle cramps
Aching joints
Increased risk of muscle tears
Increased risk of tendon injuries
Increased risk of nose bleeds
Insomnia
Decrease in immune system effectiveness

Infertility

Men:
Increased risk of prostate enlargement and cancer
Decreased testicular size
Gynecomastia (growth of breasts)


Women:
Increased risk of cervical and endometrial cancer
Increased risk of osteoporosis
Irreversible enlargement of the clitoris
Irreversible hoarsening and deepening of the voice
Irreversible increase in facial and body hair
Decreased breast size
Amenorrhea
Uterine atrophy

If you're considering or using anabolic steroids

Smart Muscle is a drop in service for people of any age, who are using or considering using anabolic androgenic steroids and other performance and image enhancing drugs.

The service is completely free and confidential and can help with diet, training, cycles, stacks, liver function tests and vaccinations, post cycle therapy, side effects and help to identify counterfeit drugs.

They also provide free needles and syringes to complete a course and will ensure that your injection technique is correct (if you choose to inject).

Email: smart.muscle@turning-point.co.uk
Phone: 020 7851 2955



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