For many years one of the major points of discussion and concern among many in the field of sports and beyond is the topic of anabolic steroids. Steroids were made popular in the public consciousness because bodybuilder used it to help to grow the muscles and develop their physique. In recent time a lot has been said about the use of these drugs and many athletes have been found to have taken them in an effort to help boost their performance. Anabolic steroids have been banned for use by anyone participating in any organised sporting activity by all major sporting bodies worldwide. Most of these bodies have instituted serious and severe bad on anyone found using any of these substances. But what are steroids and what are their side effects?
Anabolic steroids can be defined as chemically created substances that are made to mimic the effects of the hormone testosterone. The chemical or synthetic version is made to increase the amount of the hormone in the body.
Steroids come with their own good and bad side effects.
One of the good side effects of these substances is the faster grow of muscles. Many bodybuilders have attested to this and studies have shown this to be true. This growth in muscle size tens to occur within a short time frame. This kind of grow is not possible with normal methods. Another benefit is the fast recovery time of the muscles, which is what aids their growth. Because muscles tend to recover faster, then much more strenuous physical activity can be done. Steroids are also deemed to increase strength so oftentimes performance will go through the roof. Users feel stronger and that they can do much more workouts.
There are a number of bad side effects of steroids. One of the major problems for persons who take these substances for a long time is that they would have put themselves at great risk for heart disease. This is due to the harmful effects of these substances on the heart over time. In some cases the heart can be so badly damaged that a new one is needed. There is also the effect of an increased heart rate when steroids are being used which may affect the regular beating of the heart.
Other major problems associated with the use of these substance include changes in the users voice (voice tends to get deeper),increased aggression, hair loss, low sperm count, inability to have or keep an erecting, loss of sexual desire, and insomnia. With prolonged use these side effects get more serious.
Taking anabolic steroids may have its positive effects but the long term risks are extremely great.