• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Sitemap
TF Clark Fitness Magazine Logo

TF Clark Fitness Magazine

The Best Information On Fitness

  • Home Page
  • Bodybuilding
    • Abs – How to Create a Killer Six Pack Stomach
    • Arms – How to Develop the Most Massive Guns
    • Back – How to Tone and Build Your Muscles
    • Celebrity Trainers
    • Celebrity Bodybuilders – Learn How Famous People Get In Shape
    • Chest – How to Chisel Armor Like Pecs
    • Legs – How to Develop Quadriceps, Butt, and Hamstrings
    • Professional Bodybuilders – What You Can Learn From the Best
    • Shoulder Workouts – How to Create the Most Powerful Results
  • Fat Loss
    • Exercise – How to Use Workouts to Create the Body You Want
    • Fat Loss Journey
    • Fat Loss Diets – How to Use Food to Create Your Dream Body
    • Natural Activities – How to Use Daily Activities to Stay Fit and Healthy
    • Weight Loss – How to Follow Scientifically Proven Methods
  • Fitness
    • Exercise Tips – How to Create Change Safe and Effectively
    • Fitness & Muscle – The Best Ways to Get in Shape
    • Muscle Diet – How to Gain the Most Muscle
    • Kid Fitness – Teaching Physical Education Early Increases Lifespan
    • Muscle Growth Journey
    • Sports – How to Quickly Get in Shape the Fun Way
    • Supplements & Drugs – How They Affect Your Health and Fitness
    • Therapy & Treatments – How to Protect Against Injuries and Diseases
    • Women’s Fitness – Learn and Create Results from the Experts
  • Gym
    • Compound Lifts – How to Use Multiple Joint Movements to Build Muscle
    • The Gym – How to Use Exercising Equipment to Get the Best Results
    • Isolation Lifts – How to Use Single Joint Movements to Build Muscle
    • Olympic Style Weightlifting – How to Perform World Class Lifts
    • Resistance Training – How to Get in Shape Faster
    • Weightlifting Tips – How to Focus on Form and Results
  • Healthy Living
    • Coronavirus Journey
    • Emotional Health – How to Focus on Your Feelings
    • Healthy Living – How to Get Results Away From the Gym
    • Men’s Health
    • Mental Health – How to Nurture a Healthy and Fit Mind
    • Physical Health – How to Protect Your Greatest Asset
    • Sexual Health – How to Improve Your Performance in the Bedroom
    • Work Place – How to Create a Healthy and Fun Career
  • Diet Plan
    • Meal Plan – Best Strategy to Reach Your Fitness Goals
  • Workout Plans
    • Fat Loss Workout Program
    • Home Workout Program
    • Pre-Exhaustion Workout Program
    • Post-Exhaustion Workout Program
    • Strength Training Workout to Build Athleticism
  • Calorie Calculator
    • BMR Calculator – Do You Know Your Numbers?
    • Body Mass Index (BMI) Calculator
    • Body Fat Percentage Calculator
    • Fitness Plan Calculator
    • Food Calorie Calculator
    • Ideal Body Weight Calculator
    • One-Rep Max Calculator
    • Protein Calorie Calculator
  • Product Reviews
  • Premium Workout Programs

Anabolic Steroids – The Health and Fitness Implications

December 29, 2020 by Terry Clark

Steroids are synthetic substances analogous to testosterone (male sex hormone). Scientists made it to replicate what testosterone does in the human body, naturally. Doctors crafted and engineered steroids to decrease inflammation and quickly heal human tissue. Steroids, though often abused, have some legitimate medicinal uses. Many medical practitioners prescribe them to healthy young people to help them build muscle mass while bodybuilding.

Types

There are two main types, i.e., corticosteroids and anabolic steroids.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are drugs that promptly fight inflammation of the body. These laboratory-made steroids work like hormonal cortisol that adrenal glands make in the body. Cortisol helps keep your immune system from making inflammation-causing tissue. They stop or slow down the system procedures that activate inflammation.

They help treat medical conditions that lead to irritation and swelling. For example, such steroids reduce asthma symptoms, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, autoimmune disorders, COPD, rashes, multiple sclerosis, and other skin conditions.

Anabolic

These human-made versions of male sex hormones build bigger muscles. Doctors often prescribe steroids to boys with delayed puberty. Bodybuilders and people with AIDS, cancer, and other medical conditions also use them to enhance muscle mass.

Commercial websites list up to 32 distinct types of anabolic steroids for medical and other use. Some of them have medicinal uses only, while others have both medicinal and performance uses. People choose various kinds of anabolic for different intents, such as:

-Bulking steroids to build body mass

-Performance steroids for more endurance and strength

-Cutting steroids to burn extra body fat

The Uses of an Anabolic

Steroids are helpful when used in moderate amounts. Many people use them for a wide range of athletic and health purposes like:

  • Lowering overall body fat percentage,
  • Gaining more body mass via protein production (4.5-11 pounds)
  • Increasing the density of the bones
  • Gaining fortitude and muscle strength
  • More red blood cell production
  • Improved performance in strength-related sports like weightlifting
  • Increasing muscle mass and maintaining it because of health conditions that cause muscles to waste away

Health effects and side effects

In moderate doses for short periods, monitored by a professional, steroids pose a fewer risk of harmful side effects or long-term health problems. However, your genes may also affect how steroids work in your body. Using extreme amounts of steroids, even for a short duration, can lead to multiple side effects such as:

  • Increase The Risk Of Heart Disorders: Steroids used in combination with resistance workouts enhance the size of your left ventricle and increase blood pressure. As a result, it can increase your risk of getting any heart disorder or other related health condition.
  • More Aggressive Behavior: male athletes who continuously use steroids become more aggressive. It can lead to impulsivity in teenagers and adults as well.
  • Low Body Image: According to the diagnostic manual of psychological disorders, long-term use of steroids and steroid dependence can lead to a classified body image disorder.
  • Permanent Liver Damage:  Steroids, especially those you take orally, can increase your risk of developing liver dysfunction.
  • Low Production Of Testosterone: Anabolic steroids cause hypogonadism. Doctors characterize this disorder by low and decreased function of testes.
  • May Lead To Gynecomastia: Medical experts define this condition as swollen male breast tissues. It occurs because of hormonal imbalance and usually appears when you stop consuming steroids.
  • Infertility Issues: Steroids also decrease sperm production and overall sperm count, which may lead to infertility.
  • Patterned Baldness: The androgenic side effects of long-term use of Steroids can lead to male baldness. Though, this side effect may vary from person to person depending upon the type of drug used.

Long-Term effects and misuse

Regular use of steroids can cause severe and permanent health problems like:

  • Kidney problems or kidney failure
  • Liver damage and liver tumors
  • High blood pressure, enlarged heart,  changes in blood cholesterol,  and increased risk of heart attack and stroke
  • More risk of developing blood clots
Some other gender and age-specific side effects are:
In men,  steroid misuse can lead to:
  • Decrease sperm count
  • Shrinking testicles
  • Development of breast
  • Increased risk of prostate cancer
In  women,  the side effects are:
  • Excess growth of facial hair or body hair
  • Male pattern baldness
  • Decreased breast size
  • Deepened voice
  • Enlarged clitoris
  • Changes in the menstrual cycle and early menopause
In teenagers, the harmful effects include:
  • Stunted growth because of the high level of hormones that may signal the body to stop bone growth very early
  • Diminutive height if misuse occurs before the growth spurt
The psychological side effects are:
  • Sleep disruption
  • Mood swings
  • Extreme irritability
  • Aggressive behavior
  • Paranoid jealousy
  • Impaired judgment because of feelings that nothing in the world can harm you
  • Euphoria
  • Depression because of withdrawal symptoms
  • Delusions
  • Lack of sexual drive

Industry and Distribution

At present, steroid manufacturing is occupying an important place in the pharmaceutical industry. As a result, the annual global market sales have reached 10 billion dollars in the past few years. Because of this, steroids have become the second-largest class of drugs sold for medicinal purposes.

In nations where the laws are stringent, many pharmaceutical laboratories produce steroids in homemade, underground labs, usually from raw substances imported from various parts of the world. Subsequently, in many countries, most steroids are being obtained illegally via black-market trading.

As far as steroid distribution is concerned, the market is segmented based on the mode of administration, method of application, and basis of distribution channels.

  • Medical experts distribute steroids as injections,  oral capsules,  topical creams and gels,  inhalers, and skin patches based on the mode of administration.
  • Based on the application, doctors and practitioners distribute androgenic or anabolic.
  • Based on distribution channels, manufacturers segmented steroids for retail pharmacies, online pharmacies, and hospital pharmacies.

How to purchase?

Many health practitioners and doctors may prescribe steroids to their patients for legal medicinal purposes. For example, medical experts prescribe steroids for breast cancer, delayed puberty, low red blood count, and other autoimmune disorders.

As a typical customer, any individual can easily purchase synthetic steroids, injectable testosterone, and alternative therapies from black market dealers and internet websites with no prescription. There is a high likelihood that at least one member of your local gym uses steroids. Also, any healthy person can go to a hormone therapy clinic, complain of low hormone symptoms, and the clinician will prescribe steroids to treat their complaints. Some signs that will quickly get you approved for steroid use under a licensed medical provider are mental fatigue, low sex drive, physical fatigue, feeling depressed, reduced erections, obesity, and slower hair growth.

According to different degree searches, 87% of the online websites openly sell used forms of steroids. Subsequently, internal pharmacies supply these sites outside the FDA jurisdictions. Many black-market traders and sites also give potentially inaccurate information to the customers. Different data have shown that synthetic steroids are on the rise. Unlike traditional steroids made for medical uses, they have more harmful effects that are still unknown and may cause many strange impacts on an individual’s body.

Administering an Anabolic

Doctors administer anabolic steroids designed for legitimate medicinal intentions in several ways, including:

  • Subcutaneous injection
  • Intramuscular injection
  • Pellet implantation under the skin
  • Application to the skin (gels and patches)
  • By mouth

These similar routes are used by abusers for steroid administration, with oral administration and injections being the most common ones. People misusing steroids can consume anywhere from 1 to 100 times the average doses of steroids. It includes consuming two or more steroids simultaneously; a method called stacking. Abusers can also alternate the periods of high doses with low doses or no use, called cycling. Another mode of use is called pyramiding. The user slowly increases the steroid use, reaching the peak amount between cycles and then gradually tapering the dose towards the end.

The doses of steroids depend upon the goal of the user. For example, professional and high school athletes usually consume steroids for a limited period. Subsequently, other people, like bodybuilders, fitness fanatics, and bodyguards, typically take these drugs for extended periods.

Difference Between Doctor and Self-Administration

Doctor Administration

Apart from relying on the manufacturer’s directions, the doctor considers the type of the drug, its interaction with your system, your age/weight/health, and the part of your body that needs to be treated. A doctor also considers any other medication that you might take, as well as your allergies. Doctors are professionals and consequently are more thorough, so they are considered a better option than self-administration.

Before administering steroids, a doctor decides how the medication is to be issued in the light of clinical research, the effectiveness, and the side effects of an application. A team of doctors first assesses you. Then, they go through the entire process with you, after which the nursing staff supervises you until the procedure is over.

Self-Administration

Steroidal injections are usually in the form of liquid. They are available in multiple concentrations, so it is vital to know the serum’s intended dosage and concentration before self-administration. For self-administration, sterile and new syringes/needles/tools are also required. In addition, you must keep the medication at the recommended temperature, and you must maintain hygienic conditions at all costs.

Self-administration is becoming an increasingly popular area among steroid users. It has many advantages for people as it promotes better clinical skills and access to medication. However, it is also associated with certain risks, such as drug overdose, misdiagnosis, prolonged use, and drug abuse (cycling).

Addiction

Even though steroids do not cause the same effects like other drugs, they can still lead to a substance use disorder. This condition usually occurs when an individual keeps using steroids, even though many profound consequences are involved. The most severe form of steroid abuse is addiction. Some people might continue using steroids despite experiencing physical problems and adverse effects on their behavior. Some steroid users may also turn towards other drugs, like opioids, to improve irritability and sleep problems caused by the constant use of steroids.

Steroid addiction often causes the following withdrawal symptoms:
  • Restlessness
  • Fatigue
  • Sleep disturbance
  • Loss of appetite
  • Low sex drive
  • Steroid cravings
  • Depression

Most times of addiction, people take medicines to help improve the symptoms. Also, a health care provider may prescribe medications to deal with depression and pain.

Safe Alternatives

There are many alternatives, safe and natural ways to get the bulk, strength, and performance you are looking for.

  • You can opt for a healthy and balanced diet. Include a diet regime in your routine that is high in fiber, proteins, and healthy fats.
  • Always workout closely over different muscle groups. You can even alternate between muscle groups to get long-term effects.
  • A consistent exercise plan can keep you on track and accountable whether you want to stay fit or bulk up for bodybuilding.

Safe Dosage

Well-calculated and lower doses of steroids are a lot safer than uncontrolled amounts linked to misuse/abuse. Today, doctors use synthetic testosterone for low levels of TRT, i.e., testosterone replacement therapy. It is safer for men when administered by a professional doctor or health practitioner. Practitioners provide higher doses to competitive athletes, but strength sports increase the risk of side effects and health concerns.

Regardless of the dosage, steroids always have a certain level of risk linked to them. In addition, people react differently to them because of alterations in genetic makeup and other parameters, such as height, age, and weight.

Final Thoughts

Steroids are a synthetic form of testosterone that many people use to improve muscle mass and strength. While the health risk associated with regular use of steroids may differ by type and dosage, they can still be extremely dangerous and can lead to severe side effects at any dosage. Subsequently, they are illegal to use in most parts of the world. Thus, using steroids is a tough decision because the risks usually offset the benefits.

Filed Under: Supplements & Drugs - How They Affect Your Health and Fitness Tagged With: Bodybuilding, Fitness, Hormones, Muscle

Primary Sidebar

E-mail Newsletter




  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Products

  • Muscle Tone Workout Muscle Tone Workout Program $1.99
  • The Fat Blast Workout Plan Fat Blast Workout Plan $1.99
  • 12 week workout program 12 Week Beginner Workout Program $1.99
  • Power Mass Blue Print Workout Power Mass Blueprint Workout Program $1.99
  • 10 Best Ways To Burn Belly Fat The 10 Best Ways To Burn Belly Fat $1.99

More to See

Keto Coffee

Keto Coffee – How to Get an Energy Boost and Stay in Ketosis

September 9, 2021 By Terry Clark

Mental health and disorders step by step guide

Mental Disorder – A Step-By-Step Guide to Identify the Most Common

August 17, 2020 By Terry Clark

Drinking Water health and fitness

Water – How Drinking More Can Improve Health and Fitness

July 17, 2020 By Terry Clark

Calories Reduce Replace

Reduce or Replace – How to Manage Calories for Weight Loss

June 17, 2020 By Terry Clark

Healthy lifestyle living

Healthy Lifestyle – 7 Rules to Eat the Right Diet

June 16, 2020 By Terry Clark

Tenets of Keto Diet

Keto Diet – Tenets of One of the Most Popular Diets

May 24, 2020 By Terry Clark

Weightlifting Workouts For Beginner Or Advanced Lifters

Workout Programs – The 5 Best Training Routines for Lifters

May 20, 2020 By Terry Clark

How to build big arms

Tricep Workout – Use a 2 Step Program to Build Muscles

May 10, 2020 By Terry Clark

shoulders lateral raises

Massive Shoulders – Build Muscles with 3 Exercises

May 10, 2020 By Terry Clark

5 greatest lifts How to create a power physique

Powerful Physique – 20 Tips to Train the Leg Muscles

April 30, 2020 By Terry Clark

how to develop a massive chest

Chest Development – How to Train the Chest In Two Steps

April 30, 2020 By Terry Clark

The Truth About Achieving A Ripped, Rock-Solid Chest

The Truth About Achieving A Ripped, Rock-Solid Chest

May 26, 2022 By Terry Clark

muscular man with six pack abs

The Six Biggest Myths about Abs that Most People Believe

May 25, 2022 By Terry Clark

Footer

About Us

We Started TF Clark Fitness Magazine to motivate people to step beyond their limitations and equip the community with tools that will teach them to create comfort and maintain health in their lives. Also, we believe every person has the capacity and capability to exceed their goals. Our mission is to provide ample resources through our fitness content to those individuals to uplift their lives. We take pride in dedicating all our efforts to the betterment of the community.

Recent

  • The Truth About Achieving A Ripped, Rock-Solid Chest
  • 4 Useful Ways to Start Living a Healthier Lifestyle
  • The Six Biggest Myths about Abs that Most People Believe
  • Mechanical Drop Sets Are Best For Bodyweight Training
  • Three Simple Ideas for Mixing Up Your Routine

Search

Copyright © TFClark Fitness Magazine. All Rights Reserved