If you consider yourself a bodybuilder , then you’ve probably heard the term anabolic steroid . But what is an anabolic steroid ?
Anabolic steroids are synthetically made versions of hormones which naturally occur in our bodies. These hormones are responsible for many bodily functions, including the development of muscle mass. Anabolic steroids work by increasing the amounts of hormones in our bodies and , therefore, making cells grow .
Although anabolic steroids can be extremely beneficial for bodybuilders and athletes, they come with a number of side effects and dangers . Many studies have been done on the risks associated with anabolic steroids , but research is still ongoing.
Here are a few of the main risks of using anabolic steroids are explained at jbhnews.
What Are Body Building Steroids ?
The term ” steroids” is used to refer to many different substances — some natural and some synthetic. Anabolic steroids are synthetically made versions of the hormone testosterone. Testosterone is a naturally occurring steroid which plays a key role in the body’s growth and development .
The term ” anabolic steroid” refers to any substance which the body makes naturally and then uses to create more of itself . The word ” androgenic” refers to any substance which creates more androgens — androgens are hormones that play a major role in the development of masculine characteristics such as muscle and hair .
When the body is unable to make enough testosterone or androgens on its own , it turns to steroids for production . Anabolic steroids work by mimicking the natural hormone testosterone.
How Body Building Steroids Work
There are two main types of anabolic steroids .
The first is the androgenic steroid , which contains mainly testosterone and is used to create masculinity in men. Testosterone affects male reproductive organs such as the testicles and the prostate gland .
The second is the anabolic steroid , which contains mainly the hormone estrogen and is used to create femininity in women and masculine characteristics in men. Estrogen affects female reproductive organs such as the ovaries and the breast .
All anabolic steroids work by changing the levels of androgens or estrogen in our bodies. This increase in hormone levels promotes cell growth and mineralization of muscles , which is why they are so beneficial to athletes and bodybuilders .
For more information about the different types of anabolic steroids , check out our article on the different types of steroids .
The Risks of Body Building Steroids
Anabolic steroids have a variety of benefits . Unfortunately , they also have various risks and dangers. Here are some of the most common problems associated with anabolic steroids.
Increased Strength
Anabolic steroids increase muscle mass and strength in the body, which can be beneficial when used for athletic performance or bodybuilding purposes . Athletes and bodybuilders use anabolic steroids to increase muscle mass , strength and power so they can perform better on the field or in the gym.
However, many people may see an increase in athletic performance or muscle mass as the benefit they get from anabolic steroids . Unfortunately , this increased strength can mask other more serious diseases in the body, making it more difficult to detect illnesses early.
Increased Aggression
Anabolic steroids are also associated with increased aggression and hostility. A person who uses anabolic steroids may become more aggressive towards other people or animals , especially in stressful situations where he or she would feel vulnerable .
This increased aggression may carry over into other areas of life as well , making it more difficult for the person to stay in control .
Decreased Immune Function
Many people use anabolic steroids in an attempt to increase their physical strength and endurance so that they can do one activity for a longer amount of time or they can lift more weights. While some people who use steroids can increase their muscle strength and endurance , their bodies do not make enough white blood cells or other healthful cells that fight off infections . This can lead to a decrease in a person’s immune system.
Some of the people who suffer from decreased immune function are body builders who use steroids on a regular basis to increase their muscle mass and strength . The muscles that build up with anabolic steroids become harder and more resistant to viruses and bacteria because they contain more protein than muscles from someone who does not regularly use steroids.
Heart Problems
Bodybuilding and athletes often use anabolic steroids in hopes of increasing their strength and performance within a short period of time . Unfortunately , the use of anabolic steroids leads to increased blood pressure and rapid heart rates which can cause damage to the heart itself.
Although this increase in blood pressure and rapid heart rate is usually temporary , some people may experience heart palpitations and heart arrhythmia as a result of taking anabolic steroids .
Prolonged Effects
Although anabolic steroids are usually used for a short period of time by body builders who want to increase their muscle strength and performance , they can cause serious effects for long periods of time. Some people who use anabolic steroids over an extended period of time can experience infertility problems or a decrease sex drive due to the lack of estrogen in the body .
Although these risks are temporary , some people might experience them for years or even their entire lives. Many people who suffer infertility problems after using steroids decide to have artificial insemination performed for months or years .
Do Body Building Steroids Work ?
Although anabolic steroids are very beneficial when used by athletes and bodybuilders , they also have various risks . It’s important to get your body checked regularly to make sure that you’re not suffering from any side effects from the use of steroids.
Anabolic steroids can also cause long-term problems when used over a long period of time which is why many athletes and bodybuilders use steroids for a limited amount of time .
The Risks of Taking Body Building Steroids
Many people who use anabolic steroids use them because they want to increase muscle strength and performance. Unfortunately , they also cause various side effects and health risks when taken over a long period of time. Here are some of the most concerning health risks that athletes and body builders face when they use anabolic steroids .
Elevated Risk of Cancer
One of the major risks of using anabolic steroids is increased cancer risk. One of the serious side effects of steroids is increased cancer risk , especially prostate cancer .
As we’ve already learned, anabolic steroids increase testosterone levels in the body , leading to increased muscle mass and strength. Increased testosterone in the body may make it harder for the body to detect cancer cells or slow the growth of the cancer cells. This means that people who take anabolic steroids over a long period of time are at an increased risk of developing prostate cancer .
Furthermore , some studies have shown that steroids increase male breast cancer risk and increase the risk of testicular cancer in boys . The use of anabolic steroids has also been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer in women as well.
Increased Risk of Heart Disease
If you’ve been using anabolic steroids for a long period of time , you may be at an increased risk of heart disease as well . According to some studies, the use of anabolic steroids increases your risk of heart disease and may even cause sudden death in some people.
The most common side effect of taking anabolic steroids is increased blood pressure and rapid heart rates. When a person’s blood pressure increases , the heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout the body . This increased blood pressure and rapid heart rate can cause damage to the heart itself. Some people who experience a heart arrhythmia or sudden cardiac arrest after using steroids die as a result.
Increased Risk of Liver Problems
A typical side effect of using anabolic steroids is liver problems . One of the possible side effects of taking anabolic steroids is increased liver enzymes in the blood. This increase in liver enzymes can lead to liver damage over time.
The liver breaks down hormones and other medications before they can be absorbed into the body. When the liver becomes damaged from the use of steroids, it often becomes unable to break down certain medications or hormones properly . This can lead to a decline in liver function over time. Long-term use of steroids can also lead to cirrhosis of the liver , which is a chronic condition in which the liver and other organs become scarred and damaged.
Risks of Improper Use
Before using anabolic steroids , it’s important to talk to your doctor to make sure you will not suffer from any side effects or health problems as a result of their use. Never self-medicate or use these substances without the advice of a medical professional .
The Risks of Not Taking Body Building Steroids
If you do not regularly use anabolic steroids for bodybuilding purposes or athletic performance purposes , then there is no reason for you to be concerned that you will be negatively affected by them .
The risks that you take by using anabolic steroids are completely up to you and the decisions you make for yourself and the activities that you are involved in .
The Risks of Mixing Body Building Steroids With Other Drugs
Although anabolic steroids have many risks when used alone , they may pose additional health risks when they are combined with other types of drugs. Here are some of the most common risks associated with mixing anabolic steroids with other types of medications .
Increased Risk of Addiction
Carrying both a muscle-building drug and a drug for suppressing withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous because your body may become dependent on both substances at the same time. Your body can become addicted to both types of drugs if you combine their use over a long period of time .
The use of muscle-building drugs can also cause increased fatigue when you stop taking the substance entirely — this is because your muscles need time to recover after you stop taking the drug .
Altered Blood Sugar Levels
Because anabolic steroids sometimes cause blood sugar to drop too low , people who suffer from diabetes may be at an increased risk of low blood sugar after using steroids. This drop in blood sugar can increase a person’s risk of seizures or other health problems .
