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Anabolic Steroids

What are steroids?
The answer to this question is a simple one: they are synthetic derivatives of the hormone testosterone, which is responsible for the development of male characteristics. The pituitary gland in the brain controls the production of testosterone in the male testes. Testosterone has both androgenic (masculinising) effects and anabolic (tissue-building) properties.

Types of Steroids
Apart from anabolic and andogenic steroids there are also cortico steroids. We’ll take a look at them below.

Topics on Steroids

Anabolic Steroids

Anabolic steroids are chemically derived from testosterone. Anabolic effects are seen as the growth or thickening of the body’s non-reproductive tract tissues including the skeletal muscles, bones, the larynx and vocal chords and a decrease in body fat. The primary medical uses of anabolic steroids are to treat delayed puberty, some types of impotence, and wasting of the body caused by HIV-infection or other diseases.
Around the same time, scientists discovered that these compounds could facilitate the growth of skeletal muscles in laboratory animals, which led to their use first by bodybuilders and weightlifters, then by athletes in other sports. Anabolic steroids have a property of protein building and when taken this leads to an increase in muscle bulk and strength. The term ‘anabolic’ is derived from a Greek word that means to ‘build up’. Though the proper term is ‘anabolic-androgenic’ steroids, anabolic steroids is the most familiar term..

However, when abused, anabolic steroids can have serious side effects. Athletes and body builders aiming to improve their strength, stamina, speed or body size have always abused them. Steroids appear to work by decreasing the amount of time necessary for recovering between bouts of exercise. Because of this, trainees can exercise more often, or more intensely, without overwhelming the body’s ability to adapt, or over-training.
Over a period of time, the gland that is responsible for the natural production and release of the hormone atrophies, or hardens, in steroid users. This is because their abundant presence in the bloodstream sends signals to various organs and tissues, just like the hormones. Glands also become weak if not used, just like our muscles.
Street names include: roids, juice, Arnolds, hype, weight trainers, gym candy, or pumpers

Androgenic Steroids

Androgenic steroid effects are seen in the growth of the male reproductive tract and the development of male secondary sexual characteristics. Many attempts were made to separate the anabolic effects of the hormones from their androgenic effects, but with little success. Thus anabolic compounds may cause androgenic side effects, especially when used for extended periods

Cortico Steroids

‘Cortico steroid’ is a generic name for the group of hormones that have a cortisone-like action. They are man-made steroids that mimic the activity of cortisone. Cortisone is produced naturally in the body and is involved in regulating inflammation, thus dealing with injury. Thus, cortico steroids are not the same as anabolic steroids. Corticosteroids are used in the treatment of many diseases like asthma, eczema, allergies, arthritis, colitis and kidney disease.
Please be aware that no steroids are safe steroids