Anabolic steroids, unlike sports supplements and pharmaceutical drugs, require a more serious and careful approach to use, since their safe use is possible only with proper training, adjusted nutrition, a well-designed course and appropriate post-cycle therapy. This is certainly not a topic that is usually discussed out loud, but our task is to figure out what it is, what it is for, and what the advantages and disadvantages of anabolic steroids are.
Introduction
Finally, we come to the most difficult, and for some, perhaps the most interesting topic. It is interesting mainly for one single reason - many, if not everyone, talk about it, but almost no one can correctly explain what it is. The topic of using anabolic steroids has become especially popular among beginners who mistakenly believe that such drugs are the only and irreplaceable remedy that can turn “scraggy” into a mountain of muscles in the shortest possible time.
This category of means cannot be considered either absolute good or absolute evil. This categorization is generally incorrect in its formulation. Their use can be called expedient or inappropriate only in a specific individual case. In general, whether to accept or not is neither good nor bad, it’s just a choice. And this choice must be deliberate. It is precisely in order to have something to think about that this material was created.
IMPORTANT. This article is based on materials from the book by the author Davidenko F. Yu. “ ANABOLISM PROFILES ” .
Death by steroids
Many young athletes have died from illegal drugs. Mostly these were sudden deaths. For example, a twenty-year-old athlete, while doing powerlifting, did an exercise (bench press) and died of cardiac arrest.
The bodybuilder injected himself with an anabolic steroid (Nandrolone Decanoate) for 4 months. Another instructive case with a young guy who wanted to get into the Navy Seals unit. The boy studied at a military school and wanted to increase his body weight as quickly as possible. He started using steroids, and as a result of taking them for two months, the guy died and never made it into the Navy SEAL squad.
Before you start using anabolic steroids, you need to think about the consequences, is it worth illness or death? The best option would be to eat right, eat healthy, natural foods and be active in sports. Each human body is different, so the effect of steroids will be different.
What are anabolic steroids
Anabolic steroids are a group of pharmacological agents that imitate the male sex hormone testosterone. This logically leads to the next question: why take drugs that imitate the action of this hormone?
Testosterone is the main male sex hormone. It is capable of having such a pronounced anabolic effect as accelerating protein synthesis, that is, it allows you to actively build muscle mass. This hormone is produced by the body itself, and in both sexes. To a greater extent in men and to a lesser extent in women. Since testosterone directly affects the process of muscle building, it becomes clear that the more of it in the body, the more active this process is. It also logically follows that an increase in the amount of testosterone can be achieved through its additional intake into the body from pharmacological agents.
Facts about Anabolic Steroids for Muscle Gain
Known facts about anabolic steroids:
- first synthesized in the 1930s as a drug to treat certain diseases;
- the first recorded use was in 1954 at the World Weightlifting Championships;
- steroids are listed as doping drugs and banned for use by the International Olympic Committee in 1975;
- athletes, including amateurs, take steroids to gain muscle mass and dry out the body;
- steroids are widely used by overweight men and women for weight loss;
- the dose of steroids in sports is 10-100 times higher than that used in medicine;
- it is almost impossible to synthesize steroids that would cause only an anabolic effect (growth of muscle mass) without an unwanted androgenic effect (development of male sexual characteristics);
- Almost all cells in the body have steroid receptors; this means that when they are used, the effect is on every organ;
- The most dangerous side effect of steroid use is the risk of heart attack.
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The nature of the effects of anabolic steroids
It would be absurd to believe that the use of these drugs has an exclusively one-sided effect. It is certainly very multifaceted, and, quite naturally, it has both a light and a dark side of power. The effects of steroids on the body are usually divided into two directions: anabolic and androgenic activity.
Anabolic activity (the bright side of strength) is expressed in the acceleration of protein synthesis processes and, as a result, in active muscle building. Androgenic activity (the dark side of power) is characterized by the occurrence and development of many side effects, which will be discussed below. It is quite logical that anabolic steroids are valuable precisely from the point of view of their anabolic activity, while androgenic activity is avoided by all possible means. It is thanks to this two-way effect on the body that this category of pharmacological drugs is given the name “Androgenic-anabolic steroids” (AAS), or simply AS.
Side effects
Some anabolic steroids, mainly ethylated and methylated at position 17, active when administered orally, can in some patients (usually those suffering from chronic liver diseases) have a transient hepatotoxic effect, which manifests itself in the form of liver enlargement, the appearance of dyspeptic symptoms, and sometimes jaundice. In this case, there is a delay in the elimination of bromsulfalein, an increase in transaminases, and during puncture biopsy of the liver, cholestasis and the formation of bile thrombi in the hepatic ducts are observed. These phenomena disappear on their own within 40-50 days after discontinuation of the drugs, and in the case of treatment with choleretic drugs - at an earlier date.
With long-term use of large doses of anabolic steroids in women, side effects may occur: greasiness of the skin, acne vulgaris, deepening of the voice, hirsutism, enlargement of the clitoris, and, extremely rarely, menstrual irregularities. These phenomena are not persistent and usually gradually disappear when the drug is discontinued.
In isolated cases, anabolic steroids can cause drug allergies.
How anabolic steroids work
AS are fat-soluble, that is, they are able to penetrate the lipid layer of cells. When they enter a cell, they interact with receptors in the nucleus and its internal environment, after which these receptors, in turn, send a signal to the cell nucleus, which ultimately changes gene expression. That is, when they enter the cell, AS influence the process of converting the DNA nucleotide sequence into RNA. The production of nucleic acids is activated and the processes of formation of new protein structures are launched.
As we have already said, the effect of anabolic steroids on the body is characterized by anabolic and androgenic activity, which means the direct effect of their use can also be divided into anabolic and androgenic.
The anabolic effect is expressed in a qualitative increase in muscle mass, a significant increase in strength indicators, endurance, performance, an increase in the number of red blood cells, strengthening bone tissue, reducing body fat and more. Androgenic effects are characterized by manifestations of masculinization, virilization, prostate hypertrophy, testicular atrophy, hair loss on the head and activation of their growth on the face, body, and so on. Currently, unfortunately, most anabolic steroids exhibit pronounced androgenic activity.
As for the additional effect of steroids on the body, it is often an increase in appetite, a decrease in feelings of fear, an increase in self-confidence and self-esteem, improved communication skills and an increase in libido.
Contraindications
Contraindications: prostate cancer, acute liver diseases; relative contraindications - pregnancy and lactation, acidosis in diabetes mellitus.
Bibliography:
Anabolic steroids in medicine, ed. E. V. Vasyukova and G. P. Shultseva, M., 1969; Akhrem A. A. and Titov Yu. A. Anabolic steroids, Zhurn. All-Union chem. islands named after Mendeleev, vol. 10, no. 6, p. 684, 1965; Zarubina N. A. Anabolic steroids, Probl. endocrinol. and hormonother., vol. 11, no. 2, p. 106, 1965, bibliogr.; Boris A., Stevenson R. N. a. Trmal T. A comparison of the androgenic and myotrophic activities of some anabolic steroids in the castrated rat, J. Steroid Biochem;, v. 1, p. 349, 1970; Kochakian CD Die anabole und androgen Aktivitat von Androgenen, Klin. Wschr., S. 881, 1961; Krüskemper HL Anabole Steroide, Stuttgart, 1965, Bibliogr.
N. A. Zarubina, K. K. Pivnitsky.
Side effects of anabolic steroids
Anabolic steroids are rightfully considered one of the most effective means of gaining muscle mass and increasing strength. However, it is unlikely that anyone could name at least some of the likely side effects and, no less important, how to deal with them. By and large, all the negative impact they have comes down to their illiterate and thoughtless use. Listed below are the most well-known and currently common problems caused directly or indirectly by the use of anabolic steroids.
lack of sexual desire may be caused by taking anabolic steroids
A decrease in the level of your own testosterone is a natural consequence of taking AS. This is explained by the presence of a feedback mechanism, which, when a hormonal substance enters the body, sends a signal to the endocrine system about its increased content in the plasma, which subsequently leads to a decrease in its production by the body itself.
liver problems can be caused by taking anabolic steroids
Liver dysfunction is the most common side effect, the significance of which is usually greatly exaggerated. Firstly, only tablet forms of steroids have a negative effect on the liver, and secondly, disturbances in its functioning can only be caused by a significant excess (10 times) of the dosages recommended by the manufacturer.
gynecomastia (right) caused by taking anabolic steroids
Gynecomastia is a fairly common phenomenon, the occurrence of which in most cases occurs solely due to stupidity. This is a rather unpleasant side effect, both in appearance and in sensation, which is expressed in the growth of the mammary glands. However, it develops exclusively with the use of drugs that are converted into female sex hormones.
acne on the body caused by taking anabolic steroids
Acne is also quite common when using steroids, as they increase the activity of the sebaceous glands. This in turn leads to irritation of the hair follicles and the growth of acne. Again, most often this happens due to an illiterate course and excessive dosage of drugs.
1- blood flow; 2- atherosclerotic plaque
An increase in cholesterol can also be caused by the use of AS. They provoke a decrease in beneficial high-density lipoproteins and a simultaneous increase in low-density lipoproteins. This phenomenon occurs quite rarely, since the process described above is short-lived and the probability of deposit formation is quite small.
1- normal heart; 2- myocardial hypertrophy
Cardiac dysfunction is another common side effect, the explanation for which lies in the hypertrophy of its ventricles. This is also partly explained by the effect of bad cholesterol on blood vessels under the influence of AC intake. In any case, narrowing of the lumen of the arteries and myocardial hypertrophy negatively affect the functioning of the entire human cardiovascular system.
Increased blood pressure may be caused by taking anabolic steroids
High blood pressure. The explanation for this side effect is that anabolic steroids are able to retain sodium in the body, constrict blood vessels and increase circulating blood volume. Blood pressure should not fall below 140/90 mm Hg. Art. Otherwise, it is fraught with dizziness, decreased tone and fainting.
Kidney problems can be caused by taking anabolic steroids
Kidney disorders. They are known to act as a blood filter and remove waste products from the body. The use of AS increases the load on the kidneys, but at the same time, they themselves do not have a toxic effect on them. The increased load is most likely explained by an increase in blood pressure, as discussed above.
manifestations of aggression can be caused by taking anabolic steroids
Increased aggression. This side effect occurs extremely rarely, literally in 5% of cases and only when using too high dosages. Research has proven that the level of aggression is primarily influenced by temperament, while in the absence of a tendency towards it, the use of anabolic steroids has no effect on the level of aggression.
baldness can be caused by taking anabolic steroids
Hair loss. Another fairly common side effect that can be caused by the use of AS. Often, hair loss occurs due to baldness, while the hair on the body can, on the contrary, thicken. Be that as it may, this process is only possible if there is a genetic predisposition to baldness.
blood clots caused by taking anabolic steroids
Blood clot formation. The use of anabolic steroids increases the likelihood of blood clots, which is made possible by increasing blood clotting. Sometimes, in older age, this can entail the risk of heart attack and stroke, which in turn can occur against the background of the formation of microthrombi in the vessels.
acquisition of masculine characteristics caused by taking anabolic steroids
Virilization. This term refers to a number of irreversible changes in the female body, which, under the influence of anabolic steroids, contribute to the acquisition of male characteristics. These changes are characterized by changes in facial features, deepening of the voice, atrophy of the mammary glands and more. Such changes in the body are almost always irreversible.
growth arrest may be caused by taking anabolic steroids
Stopping growth. This phenomenon is especially likely to occur under the influence of AS in adolescence. Since the hormonal system is not fully formed, and the bone growth zones have not yet been closed, the use of this type of drug can lead to serious and irreversible consequences, which include growth arrest.
1- bladder; 2- urethra pinched (on the right) by the enlarged prostate
Prostate hypertrophy. The use of anabolic steroids in some cases contributes to the development of a disease such as the proliferation of prostate tissue, which is sometimes also called benign prostatic hypertrophy. This is one of those side effects that occurs after the age of 40 and only if there is a genetic predisposition.
infertility can be caused by taking anabolic steroids
Infertility. In fact, it would be correct to say - temporary sterility, that is, the inability to fertilize. This side effect is associated with changes in hormonal levels under the influence of AS. This condition, fortunately, is completely reversible, for which a course of treatment is carried out with specialized drugs.
impotence can be caused by taking anabolic steroids
Impotence. The use of anabolic steroids helps to reduce the production of your own gonadotropin due to the feedback mechanism that we mentioned earlier. When the concentration of this hormone decreases, it stops stimulating the testicles and its tissue begins to atrophy. In some cases, impotence may be irreversible.
How do steroids work to gain muscle mass?
The mechanism of action of anabolic steroids for gaining muscle mass is not yet fully understood.
It is reliably known that taking testosterone leads to an increase in muscle mass 2 by stimulating the hypertrophy of muscle fibers type 1 and 2; at the same time, their absolute number does not increase, nor does the relative ratio of cells of both types change 3.
(Type 1 muscle fibers are slow, thin, weak, responsible for endurance; type 2 muscle fibers are fast, thick, strong, responsible for strength.)
Mechanism of action of steroids:
1 The number of auxiliary satellite cells increases , which contribute to the hypertrophy of muscle fibers4.
Satellite cells are directly involved in the process of muscle growth: they begin to divide in response to physical activity and micro damage. Accordingly, the more there are, the stronger the muscle growth.
2 Steroids stimulate the circulation of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1)5.
Growth hormone is another powerful hormone responsible for muscle growth. Along with steroids and insulin, it is included in the first aid kit of almost every pro.
According to one study, testosterone increases maximal strength and power in the legs, but does not affect muscle fatigue during exercise 6.
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3 Improves oxygen supply to muscles
Testosterone promotes mitochondrial synthesis and leads to improved oxygen supply to muscles by increasing the number of red blood cells and stimulating the growth of the capillary network 7.
Testosterone (steroids) improves oxygen supply to muscle tissue
4 Testosterone/steroids improve the transmission of nerve impulses in muscle tissue 8.
This research has led to speculation that testosterone reduces reaction time and may therefore be useful in sports that require quick reactions (sprinting, for example) or where a high degree of eye-hand coordination is required (baseball, for example). .
Obviously, this was done in order to “get the needle” on representatives of these non-strength sports.
5 Steroid use affects mood and motivation , which are indirectly related to athletic performance.
The mechanism of action of steroids is to increase the concentration of auxiliary satellite cells, which are involved in the hypertrophy of muscle fibers, improving the circulation of growth hormone, oxygen supply and transmission of nerve impulses in muscle tissue
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What is the rollback phenomenon
The rebound phenomenon is the process of loss of muscle volume after stopping the use of anabolic steroids. The duration of this process is usually about 1 month. The rollback manifests itself especially clearly after prolonged use of inflated dosages, and also, which is also not uncommon, after illiterately designed courses. Now let us explain how this process occurs and what is the immediate reason for the decrease in volume and strength indicators.
The body always strives for balance and constancy of the internal environment, and taking AS takes it out of this balance. As soon as the intake of steroids into the body stops, all their positive effects on it also immediately end. Training no longer stimulates the active formation of new myofibrils in such large quantities as before, and the formation of new ones no longer occurs in such favorable conditions. In other words, when you stop taking AS, the growth of muscle volume stops to a large extent. But what happens to the muscles that you have already built up?
It is not difficult to guess that the number of myofibrils begins to decrease. This occurs due to the completely natural process of aging. Aged and no longer needed structures are subsequently replaced by new ones. At the moment when the level of anabolic hormones sharply decreases, the formation of new myofibrils slows down significantly, and the process of replacing old myofibrils with new ones no longer proceeds so actively. This happens due to the fact that new myofibrils no longer come to replace old myofibrils. At this moment the so-called rollback begins. The volume of muscle cells is reduced to such an amount that the current level of testosterone can be maintained, and since it is strongly suppressed by the use of anabolic steroids, you can not only “deflate”, but even lose what you had before the start of the course.
Exiting the course is usually accompanied by a number of procedures that are aimed at maximizing the preservation of health and full functioning of all body systems. This series of procedures is called post-cycle therapy. During this period, all physical activity is usually reduced, the caloric intake of the diet is reduced, and in general it is recommended to allow the body to recover so that it can return to its original vital signs. This rehabilitation period, depending on the complexity of the course and its duration, can sometimes reach several months.
Post cycle therapy
This term refers to a set of procedures and drugs, the purpose of which is to minimize the impact of side effects and the development of complications after stopping the course of taking anabolic steroids. It is of particular importance in cases where significant doses of drugs were used or the duration of the course was quite long.
The goal of post-cycle therapy is to restore normal hormonal levels, maximize the preservation of muscle mass, reduce rebound activity, prevent the development of side effects, and also prevent other side effects.
Post-cycle therapy is almost always carried out only after the complete removal of anabolic hormones from the body. According to many experts, this condition is key to the successful completion of a full course of therapy. Depending on the degree of influence on the body and suppression of the production of its own hormones, the duration of post-course therapy can be from 2 to 5 weeks. Of course, one of the main factors on the path to recovery is recording the indicators of the hormonal system, that is, taking tests before and after the course.
Why get tested?
Achieving any result always begins with determining the starting point. Excessive amounts of hormones, as well as their deficiency, can provoke the occurrence of various diseases. Anabolic steroids, whatever one may say, interfere with the endocrine system and contribute to the athlete’s hormonal background. To restore impaired indicators, it is necessary to diagnose endocrine disorders, which is done by taking hormone tests.
I think you already understand why they need to be taken. Tests must be taken before the course, after it and after PCT. The test results obtained before the start of the course help to record the “initial” indicators. Thus, after the course and PCT, comparing fresh tests with the original ones, you will, roughly speaking, have a step-by-step guide to restoring the normal functioning of the body.
Most often, it is necessary to take tests for: luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), total testosterone, prolactin, progesterone, estradiol, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Also, important indicators are triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) , total bilirubin, urea, creatinine and hemoglobin. In each particular case, the list of analyzes may differ, but for the most part these indicators are influenced by AS.
