We’ve all heard the stories of athletes and bodybuilders using steroids, also known as performance-enhancing drugs, to build muscle and strength. Legal or not, steroids are in demand. Before you consider looking for a steroid dealer, it’s important to know how steroids build muscle. It is also important to know the risk involved in using steroids.
There are two types of steroids, anabolic and catabolic. Anabolic steroids build muscle tissue while catabolic steroids have the opposite effect. Athletes using steroids are opting for the anabolic type. Anabolic steroids effectively build muscle mass by stimulating the body to produce more protein, the building blocks of muscle tissue.
Before you can really know how steroids build muscle, you need to know what steroids are. Steroids are essentially hormones created in the laboratory from cholesterol. More specifically, steroids are the chemical testosterone. Testosterone is the male sex hormone that determines reproductive and sexual characteristics. Testosterone also plays a role in a man’s muscle formation, as well as his strength. Women also naturally produce a small amount of testosterone, and some bodybuilders also use steroids to create muscles that are not typical of a woman’s natural physique.
In addition to the legalities of steroid use, there are other disadvantages as well. Knowing why and how steroids build muscle is only part of the big picture. You should also be aware of the side effects that can result from taking steroids.
Men taking steroids may experience increased testicular growth, thicker, faster-growing hair, and may develop a deeper, sexier voice. Great right? Well, read on for more side effects. Men who take steroids for too long or in large amounts can develop physical conditions such as baldness and breast growth or liver damage and jaundice. They may also develop psychological problems such as depression and extreme aggressiveness and mood swings. Sexual problems like erectile dysfunction and infertility have also been linked to steroid use. Therefore, how steroids build muscle and how steroids affect the rest of your life must be carefully weighed.
Women already know how steroids build muscle mass and can sculpt them to look great in any competition. What they may not know is that too much male hormone can cause developmental problems in a fetus if you are pregnant or soon to become pregnant. They almost certainly have an effect on the menstrual cycle and possibly cause infertility. Women will be prone to growing hair on their faces and chests and steroids can deepen the voice, just like in a man. Although not as sexy on a woman.
Talk to your doctor about how steroids build muscle, and talk to your trainer if your doctor won’t convince you to leave them alone. Also discuss steroid use with your attorney, just in case. It’s true how steroids build muscle, but is it worth it?