Anabolic Steroids FAQ
A. What are Anabolic Steroids?
Anabolic steroids are man made derivatives of the male hormone "testosterone". Testosterone is produced by the testes in males and relatively smaller quantities in the adrenal glands and ovaries of females.
Exogenous testosterone itself is not as effective in building muscle as chemically altered derivatives of testosterone. These derivatives of testosterone are what most people understand anabolic steroids to be. "Juice" is a synomonous term for steroids in the non-medical community.
B. How do steroids work?
Testosterone has many different functions in the body. One of the main functions is to synthesize protein resulting in additional muscle size and strength which is obviously compelling to athletes, competitive and otherwise.
Some of the side effects that are associated with steroid use are increased body hair, male-pattern baldness, aggressive behavior and stimulation of the sebaceous glands contributing to acne. It also should be noted that the degree and severity of these side effects are often transient and reverse with the cessation of steroid use. Additionally, individuals will respond differently depending on each person's unique body physiology.
C. How are steroids commonly used?
In order for steroids to be effective they must be taken in dosages that exceed the bodies' natural production. Again, the level needed will depend on age, gender and each person's unique physiology.
There is a dose-response relationship that exists with the use of steroids. This means if more of the drug is consumed there will be a greater response, both negative and positive. Recent research has also indicated that there has been an upward trend in the total amount of steroids ingested by users compared to users ten years prior.
"Stacking" of steroids is a practice used that incorporates the administration of two or more steroids or illicit muscle building agents simultaneously. Stacking will often gradually increase the amount used over the course of weeks and then taper the use toward the end of the cycle (duration of time used).
D. What are the side effects of steroids?
Steroid use is known to increase the risk for certain medical conditions. Although many of the physiological and psychological changes associated with anabolic steroid use may be transient (e.g. lipid profile changes, elevated blood pressure, acne), individuals with underlying disease may be at risk for serious adverse events. In women, some of the masculinizing effects from steroid may be permanent, and steroid use by adolescent males may prematurely arrest longitudinal bone growth, resulting in prematurely reaching their maximum height.
Both the risks and the benefits of steroid have been exaggerated by the lay press and general public. Athletes and coaches alike are confused about what fact and what is myth concerning steroids. The NSCA encourages honest and full disclosure of known risks and benefits of steroids in drug education programs in an attempt to stem the abuse of steroids.