Anabolic Steroid Information

The use of steroids for non medical purposes has been banned by many sports organizations. Even though they have been banned by the major sports organizations some athletes are still adamant about quitting steroids since they give them a competitive edge. Steroids continue to gain popularity despite the fact that they come with very major health hazards.

What are anabolic steroids?

Anabolic steroids are synthetic proteins resembling the male sex hormone and there sole purpose is to help a person increase muscle size. They are also used by athletes who want to enhance there performance. Another group of steroids are called corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are usually used in the treatment of body inflammations and asthma. They are legal in many countries but there counterpart anabolic steroids are usually illegal in many states and countries.

How are anabolic steroids taken?

Anabolic steroids can either be taken orally or they can be injected. Recent developments through various researches have shown that those take orally are very harmful to the liver than those taken through injections.

Physical and psychological health side effects

Physical side effects

Men : they will experience feminization as a result of hormonal imbalance caused by the steroids. They side effects include reduced sperm count, Impotence, Development of breasts shrinking of the testicles, Difficulty or pain while urinating.

Women  : They will experience masculanization as a result of hormonal imbalance caused by the steroids. They side effects include Facial hair growth, Deepened voice, Breast reduction menstrual cycle changes.

Other side effects which come as a result of continuous usage include Acne Bloated appearance Rapid weight gain Clotting disorders Liver damage premature heart attacks and strokes Elevated cholesterol levels weakened tendons.

Are there other options apart from steroids?

You need to seek other methods before taking steroids because steroids come with several side effects. If you start experiencing any of these symptoms then it is advisable that you stop using bodybuilding steroids. The best option will be to start using calcium based supplements since they do not have any side effects. Calcium based supplements are very useful especially if you are coming of steroids because they will help you regulate your blood pressure levels. The other option a bodybuilder has apart from steroids includes herbal supplements.

Herbal supplements are made of natural products and therefore you will not experience any side effects compared to using steroids. The other option you have is to take food rich in vitamin C. This vitamin is very crucial for the success of a bodybuilder in transforming there body. The first benefit of this vitamin is that it has antioxidant properties which counter the effect of the damages caused by free radicals. The formation process of collagen is also enhanced by vitamin C. Collagen are useful component in the making of connective tissues. Connective tissues serve the purpose of binding the muscles and bones together. That is why vitamin C is very important for a bodybuilder.

Are steroids addictive?

Yes they are but with proper therapy you can be able to stop using them.