Steroid Misuse in Body Building

Steroid drugs are a synthetic form of chemicals or hormones that our body produces naturally. There are two types of steroids – corticosteroids & anabolic steroids. Corticosteroids are often prescribed by doctors for conditions such as asthma, arthritis etc, whereas anabolic-steroids are used by bodybuilders to get an enhanced look and build muscles.

The steroids used by bodybuilders (also known colloquially as juice, roids etc) are a synthetic form of the male hormone – androgen testosterone. These drugs that are often injected or consumed orally have major side effects, sometimes even leading to death. Young bodybuilders use them without proper guidance for improved performance in the gym, quicker results, muscle gain and low body fat.

When you work out, your muscles suffer microscopic tears. The natural mechanism of the body is to build stronger, denser muscles – a process known as muscular hypertrophy which results in muscle growth. This is also known as the anabolic process and testosterone is one of the main hormones that facilitate this. When the synthetic form of testosterone hormone (anabolic steroid) is delivered to the muscles in large quantities, they stimulate protein synthesis that promotes muscle growth.

However, the health risks to anabolic steroids are plenty and grave, such as – heart failure, liver failure, extreme mood swings, kidney failure, gynecomastia (man boobs). Women who use these drugs get a deepened voice, smaller breasts, baldness alongside losing their feminine physical attributes.

Yet another drug used by bodybuilders for faster results is HGH (Human growth hormone). The synthetic form of this hormone is taken to enhance muscle growth. However, such drugs also cause heart failure and many other complications including disturbing electrolyte balance, liver & kidney functions etc

Remember, steroids are no replacement for hard work and consistency. Fitness is not meant to only ‘look good’, but also to be healthy and live longer. All the good things in life take time! so does building a good physique.