Anabolic steroids are a type of drug that is synthetically created to mimic the effects of testosterone. They have been used for decades by professional athletes and bodybuilders as they help increase muscle mass and bone density. Still, there are many risks and dangers associated with using them. This article will discuss three key points about anabolic steroids: how they work, the side effects, and why you should avoid them altogether.
How they Work
Anabolic steroids work by increasing the amount of testosterone in the body. Testosterone is a hormone responsible for muscle growth, and with an increase, the muscles can grow more quickly. Anabolic steroids also help increase the number of red blood cells in the body, which allows for more oxygen to be carried to the muscles. This results in more muscle energy, allowing them to work harder and longer.
However, suppose you wish to reduce the risk of side effects. In that case, it is best to use alternative legal steroids that work similarly to anabolic steroids but without all the associated risks.
These products are available in various forms, including pills, powders, and injectable liquids, and can be purchased without a prescription in most countries. They work by emulating the effects of testosterone in the body, allowing you to build muscle and lose fat by increasing metabolism rates; they do this in two ways:
- Increasing the amount of energy needed for daily activities hence burning calories quicker
- Enhancing muscle growth through protein synthesis, allowing muscles to grow larger more quickly.
This results in faster metabolism and a more efficient body when burning calories.
Side Effects of Anabolic Steroids
The side effects of anabolic steroids can be hazardous and can be deadly in some cases. Some of the most common side effects include:
Infertility
One of the most common side effects is infertility which occurs because anabolic steroids shut down the reproductive system, making it impossible to conceive a child or impregnate someone.
It can also lead to shrinkage of testicles, decreased sperm production, and breast development in men, which are irreversible changes that will remain even if you stop taking anabolic steroids. Even
Heart Diseases
Anabolic steroids put an immense amount of stress on the heart, leading to all sorts of cardiovascular problems. These include Cardiomyopathy damage of heart muscles, arrhythmia (abnormal and irregular heartbeat), artery damage, blood clots, and high blood pressure leading to stroke or even death in some cases.
Liver Problems
The liver is responsible for removing toxins from the body. Unfortunately, anabolic steroids increase toxicity levels in the body to dangerous levels. As a result, it can lead to all sorts of problems with the liver, including cirrhosis, liver failure, inflammation of the liver, and excessive bleeding from capillaries in the liver.
Skin Problems
Anabolic steroids can also cause a variety of skin problems. These include Severe acne that leaves permanent scarring on the skin, severe itching, permanent hair loss, baldness in men, yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, jaundice, abscess on the injection site rashes, and other skin lesions.
Mood Disorders
Anabolic steroids can also cause mood disorders such as aggression, irritability, anxiety, and depression. This is because they affect serotonin levels in the brain, which is responsible for regulating mood. These disorders can be severe and, in some cases, may lead to suicide attempts.
Stunted Growth
Anabolic steroids can also stunt growth in adolescents because they affect the hormones responsible for development. As a result, using anabolic steroids can cause young people to stop growing prematurely and may even lead to a shorter stature than they would have otherwise achieved.
Tendon Injury
Anabolic steroids increase the risk of tendon injuries. They weaken the tendons, making them less elastic and more susceptible to tears and ruptures.
Infection
Anabolic steroids can also increase the risk of infection, as they suppress the immune system. It makes you more susceptible to all sorts of conditions, including some that can be life-threatening. Also, contracting HIV or hepatitis is very high for those who use injectables.
Cancer
Anabolic steroids can also cause cancer because they increase testosterone levels in the body, leading to the development of tumors in various parts of the body. Tumors associated with anabolic steroid use include: Lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and leukemia (blood cancer)
Death
In extreme cases, using anabolic steroids can lead to death, usually due to heart problems or liver failure. Still, it can also be related to other side effects such as suicide or homicide.
Why You Should Avoid Them
- The health risks are too high and can be deadly in some cases
- They are illegal in many countries, so there is always the risk of getting caught and being punished
- The side effects are irreversible and can be very damaging to your health
- There are much safer, legal alternatives with similar benefits without all the risks associated with anabolic steroids.
- They can cause a variety of mood disorders that may lead to suicide attempts
- You don’t have a prescription for them, so you are forced to buy them on the black market, which increases your risk of being exposed to other illegal substances and supplements, and their quality is questionable at best. You never know what you’re getting when you buy steroids on the black market.
- They can cause permanent damage to your body, including stunted growth, acne, hair loss, and liver problems.
- The cost is often prohibitive for most people. They can be costly and require purchasing from illegal sources, increasing the cost even further.
So, if you are considering using anabolic steroids, it is crucial to weigh the risks and dangers against the benefits. The stakes are not worth it in most cases, and many safer, legal alternatives are available. Consult with your doctor or a professional sports trainer to see the best option for you.
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