Anabolic Steroids
Anabolic steroids are chemical derivatives of the male hormone testosterone, also known as the "male hormone." The correct term for these substances is "androgens." "Androgens" is an old term that describes various sex hormones that stimulate sexual differentiation in males. Testosterone is an androgen (the male hormone) and one of its many anabolic derivatives is anabolic steroids. "Anabolic," refers to increasing muscle mass, and "rogenic," refers to increasing male sex attributes.
Anabolic Steroid abusers (anabolic steroid abusers or anabolic steroid users) seek to improve body composition through a process called muscle remodeling. Athletes and bodybuilders use steroid injections to increase muscle mass and decrease fat. Steroid abusers also may use steroids to increase strength and muscle size and to treat medical conditions such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, childbirth and aging. Steroid abusers may also use these drugs to ease the discomfort of arthritis, rheumatism, and certain types of depression.
Male sex hormones, like testosterone, cause changes in the body when anabolic steroids are taken. When male sex hormones are in excess, they change various aspects of the body. Increased bone density; lower body fat; increased heart rate; increased blood pressure and increased muscle strength and mass are among the many physical changes experienced by steroid abusers. Anabolic steroids often result in reduced menstrual cycles, increased breast size and firmness, thick hair growth on the scalp and changes in voice box. Anabolic Steroid abusers are at greater risk of heart disease and cancer.
Steroid abuse, such as long-term use, has many negative side effects. Bodybuilders build large amounts of muscle mass in a relatively short period of time, causing their bones to become weak and their muscles to become susceptible to injury. Bodybuilders suffer from a host of health problems, including heart disease, hypertension and kidney failure. They are also at risk of developing an addiction to these drugs. Anabolic steroid addiction is more common among young men.
Anabolic Steroid abusers are not only at risk for serious physical illnesses, but they can develop psychological addictions as well. Many steroid users fail to achieve their goal of increased muscle growth and become frustrated at their lack of results. Psychological problems such as anxiety, depression and irritability may also occur as a result of steroid abuse. People suffering from psychological addictions often engage in risky behavior to release their chemical needs.
Anabolic steroid users may take higher doses of prescribed drugs to achieve peak levels of success. An increase in dosage may be necessary to achieve peak results. Anabolic steroids can also lead to more aggressive behavior among users, as some may take steroids to try and attain muscle mass. Some steroids may have serious side effects such as organ toxicity, high blood pressure, chest pain, sexual dysfunction, depression and even Alzheimer's. People with severe psychological disorders may need to be treated by qualified mental health professionals.
Anabolic steroid use can result in fluid retention, bone loss, thinning skin and hair and increased risk of infection. Fluid retention is often caused by a rise in body temperature and liver enzymes. Increased bone growth is usually caused by the use of anabolic steroids, which stimulate the formation of collagen in order to give your body a thicker, more firm appearance.
The risks of steroid abuse are too great for most people to take. Anabolic Steroid abusers must face severe consequences if they are caught. In certain cases,ossession of these illegal drugs can result in jail time, hefty fines and permanent loss of status within professional sports. Professional sport athletes are strongly encouraged to seek the assistance of a reputable drug crime defense attorney who can protect their legal rights and help them to avoid jail time or the stigma of having their name placed on the national "Banned" list. If you or a loved one are faced with the possibility of using anabolic steroids without supervision, contact a drug crime defense attorney immediately.