What are Steroids?
Steroids are artificial compounds, which have a similar
composition to the natural male sex hormone testosterone. They
are commonly referred to as anabolic steroids or androgenic
steroids.
Naturally occurring male testosterone is responsible for
developing various masculine features in males during
adolescence. Some of these features are deepening of the
voice, growth of facial hair, formation and development of
muscles, etc.
Initially, artificial steroids were developed to help where there
was insufficient testosterone in some men. They lacked proper
overall development and functioning of sexual organs (this
condition is medically termed hypogonadism.) The steroids
were helpful in treating certain other disorders like impotence,
delay in puberty, and diseases due to HIV infections as well.
Scientists soon found favorable effects of such anabolic steroids
on animals. They helped in building bones and muscles. Slowly
at first, their use by athletes, weightlifters, and bodybuilders
increased. The steroids develop immense strength in their
muscles thus enhancing physical capabilities or shape their
body well and project a muscular body. The steroids are
ergogenic or performance enhancers. However, usage of
steroids by sportspersons is illegal and you need a doctor’s
prescription to legally use them.
Most athletes who consume such steroids acclaim their effects.
It helps them develop immense strength in their muscles,
endurance capacity to face greater challenges, increases their
power and abilities to withstand adverse track conditions, and
develop better aggressiveness to combat competition. Hence,
many footballers, weightlifters and athletes find enhancement in
their performances due to steroids.
Different kinds of common steroids are deca-durabolin, winstrol,
oxandrin, anadrol, equipoise and dianabol. In a normal and
healthy male, your body produces around two to ten milligrams
of testosterone each day. This hormone activates the nitrogen
content in your body, which develops your muscles. You develop
a deeper voice, grow hair on your body and develop your
reproductive system. This is a natural process.
Steroids do have medicinal value for anemic people and those
males whose body does not produce enough testosterone by
itself. Corticosteroids, a different category of steroids, do not
have any harmful effects and help to reduce swelling of body
parts. However, steroids are not needed for healthy, young
people for developing their muscles.
Artificially manufactured anabolic steroids can either be injected
or swallowed. Injected steroids persist longer in the body and
are more easily detected for this reason.
|
Who Uses Steroids and Why?
The presence of testosterone, the male sex
hormone, helps in the development of muscles,
gaining strength in them and enhancing physical
capabilities.
Normally, steroids are banned substances
unless prescribed for medical conditions.
However, many athletes, weightlifters,
bodybuilders and other sportspersons take
steroids to develop immense strength in their
muscles to improve their performances.
Normally, adolescents should avoid steroids.
Intake of steroids could harm their normal growth
pattern. That’s why some young athletes take
steroids only after they are fully-grown - fifteen to
seventeen years in girls and seventeen to
nineteen years in boys. Most side-effects of
steroids persist for long periods and you remove
their effects quickly.
You need continuous training for over two years
to begin using steroids.
Why do sportspersons use steroids?
The steroids are ergogenic or performance
enhancers - enhancing physical capabilities
leading to enhancement in their performances.
Different sports offer different challenges.
Accordingly, sportspersons use them for
individual benefits, which include the following:
• Field athletes that participate in hammer
throwing, discus throw, javelin, shot putting, and
other games requiring good physical
consistency and strength. They use steroids to
develop immense strength in their muscles.
• Footballers want leaner body mass with better
strength. This helps them to tackle the ball better
and with greater velocity.
• Weightlifters lift enormous weights and require
maximum strength to lift them. They seek to
develop immense strength in their muscles.
• Bodybuilders need less muscular mass and fat
content in their bodies. They take steroids to
shape their body well so that they have a
fantastic, muscular body to flaunt.
• Runners and swimmers want to cover long
distances easily. They want to increase their
endurance capacities and perform intensively.
• Some people take steroids just to develop
their looks and build muscles. They want to
project a muscular body and a impressive
image.
|
