Steroids - Articles

Anabolic steroids come in many varieties, but they are all closely related to the hormone testosterone. At their core, they up the protein synthesis of cells throughout the body, resulting in increased muscular tissue especially. When taken medically, the purposes accomplished are a stimulation of anabolism in the protein of many with acute medical conditions, a promotion of growth in children suffering from growth disorders, a retention of calcium to benefit those with osteoporosis, or an increase in function of bone marrow in anemic patients. More typically, the bulking up of muscle and increase in body size is what is sought after by bodybuilders and athletes. These almost always abuse the drug, due to the great reduction in recovery time of body tissue. This lets them over-train the body.

So, what kinds of steroids are there? This class of natural or synthetic compounds are fat-soluble and on a chemical level are all designed with similar atomic structure. Adrenal hormones, sex hormones (testosterone and estrogen, namely), vitamins in the D group, bile acids, cholesterol and other sterols, drugs like prednisone, and some cancer-causing hydrocarbons are all considered part of this class. Even toad poison, wherever amphibian-based poisons are sold. Medically, natural and synthetic versions are vital in the treatment of many disorders and in the normal function of the human body. The types of these compounds are androgenic, cortico, and anabolic.

Androgenic effects are typically a major growth in the reproductive tract of males and an increase in secondary sexual characteristics such as body hair growth and deepening of the voice. Historically, these were used in the treatment of osteoporosis in women, but this medical use is no longer qualified as a proper recommendation. They've also been used to treat vascular disorders due to disease, aplastic anemia, and to reduce symptoms like itching for other diseases.

Cortico is a generic term for hormones that act similar to cortisone. They are synthetic forms of the naturally produced cortison to regulate inflammation resulting from injury. They can be used to treat colitis, arthritis, asthma, eczema, and even allergies.

The larger muscular structure of males is due to androgen, which helps the male body retain nitrogen on a cellular level. The potential for protein building is also an occurrence of androgen, which is where the term 'anabolic' comes from. The Greek derivative means "to build up", but on the street they are referred to as roids, juice, gym candy, or pumpers. Most people are familiar with the term anabolic, however. Where the androgenic effect is on the reproductive tract, the anabolic effect is on the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, skin, and other non-reproductive systems.  Developed in the late 1930s, anabolic steroids were first used to treat a lack of testerosterone production in males. Medically, they are used for this delayed start of puberty, impotence, and atrophing of the body due to HIV and other infectious diseases. Scientists also discovered growth of skeletal muscles in lab rats, so soon bodybuilders, weightlifters, and athletes were able to obtain similar results. Anabolic steroids are illegal unless prescribed. However, the increase in market of steroidal supplements, which are unregulated by the FDA, have given some the same results as anabolics and also the same side effects.

For athletes, there is a need to gain advantage over competition. This drive is what have led many to cut the corners of traditional, healthy training and abuse the anabolic steroids. Not only athletes abuse them, however, since they are also known to reduce body fat. Mostly, those who abuse do not have psychological issues before starting, but many do wind up with some such conditions as a result of the abuse. Commonly abused kinds include various oral and injectable steroids, almost all available on the black markets. Without more research, the safety of this drug may never be attained.