Anabolic steroids are powerful synthetic versions of the male hormone testosterone. Steroids have over the years been a potent tool in the hands of medical profession.
Steroids are version of the male hormone testosterone.
What is testosterone?
Naturally this is a hormone produced by the testis. Testosterone is responsible for development of the male sex organs and masculine characteristics such as facial hair and deepening of the voice. In fact Puberty begins with an increase in hormone levels, notably of estrogens in girls and testosterone in boys.
In the 1950’s Russian doctors reasoned that by giving athletes a very large dose of the male hormone testosterone, this will build up muscles and body mass very quickly, thus enhancing their athletic performance. Their intention was to make them excel in all power events- to run faster, jump higher, throw the discus and javelin farther, lift heavier weights and so on. True to their assumption, Russian athletes went into the world arena of sports competition with record superiority, dominating most of the sports events at the time.
Over the years steroids have been used clinically, and under careful supervision, as an aid in bringing on puberty that is delayed, in building up muscles withered by disease or surgery, and for the protection of blood cells during radiation or chemotherapy. It is also use for the treatment of many ailment as well as provide temporary relieve for many pain causing disease. It is the therapy of certain types of breast cancer, and the treatment of frigidity in women.
Testosterone can be manufactured by chemical and microbiological modification of inexpensive steroids.
‘‘Anabolic steroids,” explains a report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “is the familiar name for synthetic substances related to the male sex hormones (androgens). They promote the growth of skeletal muscle (anabolic effects) and the development of male sexual characteristics.”
Tempted to Take Steroids ?
If you are unhappy with your appearance, if you would you like to have the muscular body of a star athlete or the lean figure of a top model, If you take sports seriously and want to improve your strength and speed.
Then you may just be tempted to take some of the pills to achieve your goals more quickly.
But Consider the Risks
The use of steroids has serious side effects; a person who takes them for even a short while increases the risk of heart attack, liver failure, kidney failure, and serious psychiatric problems. Females who take steroids risk menstrual abnormalities, increased growth of body hair, male-pattern baldness, and a permanently deepened voice. On the other hand, males who take steroids may develop breasts and will likely discover that their testicles start to decrease in size. Both males and females may experience sudden bouts of aggressiveness. And, ironically, steroids can stunt growth if taken during adolescence.
No doubt drugs have saved millions of lives. They have shortened periods of illness and helped to remove much fear of diseases. On the other hand, many have unsuspectingly fallen victim to unnecessary medication, dependence on drugs and to drug-induced diseases, but If drugs are treated with the respect and understanding that they deserve, a person is far less likely to become a victim of drug exploitation.
Take prescription drug.
