Steroids are hormones of natural or synthetic origin. There are several types of steroids, but athletes most often use androgenic steroids to build muscle mass.
Processes continuously occur in the body to destroy old cells and form new ones. In this case, the volume of destroyed tissues and newly formed ones is approximately equal. Therefore, body weight does not change either up or down. This process is called anabolism .
When using anabolic steroids, the balance is disrupted in the direction of muscle mass gain.
History of steroids
The first stimulants that began to be used in sports to improve their results have been known since ancient Greece.
Athletes ate sesame seeds to increase endurance, drank a mixture of wine and strychnine, and also ate hallucinogenic mushrooms. Of course, these were still far from steroids, but there was already interest in substances that could increase strength and endurance. Later, references to stimulants appeared in the mid-19th century, when cyclists took a heroin-cocaine mixture to improve their endurance at a distance. The result of such experiments was disastrous; in 1886, one of the cyclists died directly during the competition. After which the search began for other possible doping agents, which turned out to be testosterone. The first experiments with this hormone began in 1889, by a French scientist, but its final formula was derived in 1935, on May 25, by Ernest Lacker, a professor of pharmacology from Amsterdam. In parallel, other scientists were also working on finding a way to obtain testosterone, namely Leopold Ruzicka and Adolf Butenant, who patented their research, for which they received the Nobel Prize in this field. From that moment on, the first testosterone-based drugs began to be produced. The only problem that arose was the oiliness of the substance, which is why it did not dissolve in water, and therefore did not give the desired effect when taken orally. But here, too, pharmacists found a way out; an improved formula of the substance was developed, which began to be used in the form of injections for better absorption of the medication.
History of steroids in sports
In 1954, at the World Weightlifting Championships, dominated by bodybuilders of the Soviet Union, the doctor of the American team, Ziegler, was present and became interested in the results of the athletes. According to unconfirmed reports, he met with the chief doctor of the USSR team and found out the reason for the superiority of the Union weightlifters; it turned out to be testosterone intake. Using the information received, the doctor began to develop a drug capable of surpassing the results of administering testosterone in its pure form to USSR athletes. And in 1956, the first official steroid drug Dianabol was released. Ziegler began giving this drug to his wards and their results began to differ significantly from other athletes in a positive direction. This is how the production of steroids known to everyone today began. But it should be noted that in professional sports, at various championships and the Olympic Games, since 1967, the use of stimulants in the form of steroids has been prohibited. If an elevated level of testosterone was detected in the blood of an athlete, he was disqualified for the period of competition. But this fact does not prevent the use of steroids in bodybuilding or powerlifting, the demand for their use is growing every year, therefore, we can say that the history of anabolic steroids is far from over, in any case, they will definitely not leave the sport in the coming years.
Methods of using anabolic steroids.
The most common ways to use anabolic steroids are by taking them orally, injecting them directly into muscle tissue, or applying them to the skin as a cream or gel.
The dosage from such use of steroids can be 10, or even 100 times higher than the doses prescribed by doctors for the treatment of various diseases.
Anabolic steroids are often used in certain methods or patterns:
- "A ride on the bicycle". Taking several doses over a period of time, then stopping for a while, then starting again
- "Stacking". Combining and mixing two or more types of steroids taken orally with injectable ones.
- "Pyramiding". Gradually increase the dose of the steroid taken or the frequency of use, slowly reaching the maximum value. Then, the same gradual decrease until reaching zero values.
- "Plateau-alternation." Overlaying or replacing the intake with another steroid to prevent the body from developing tolerance to one type.
There are many methods of administration, however, not one of them has shown a reduction in the harmful effects on the body from the abuse of anabolic steroids when used.
Anabolic and androgenic properties of steroids
The group of steroids is much broader and consists not only of anabolic steroids, but also of estrogens (female sex hormones) and corticosteroids (adrenal hormones). The second two types of these substances are actively used in medicine to treat various diseases, but are of no interest to weightlifters. Only anabolic steroids are significant for sports, and they are discussed in our article.
Testosterone has two main effects on the body:
- anabolic, the main effect that interests bodybuilders, its main task is to enhance the growth of muscle mass;
- androgenic or masculization effect, it is responsible for male characteristics, such as active hair growth, body structure typical for a man, narrow pelvis and broad shoulders, as well as characteristic facial features.
For athletes, it is the anabolic property of testosterone that is important, but there is not a single drug that would have only this steroid effect; androgenic characteristics are still present in them.
But the main question is not the presence of the androgenic effect, but its relationship with the anabolic effect. For example, there are drugs in which the anabolic effect is maximized and the androgenic effect is minimized, to such a state that it looks like a natural physiological background, without causing additional hair growth and other visual changes. There are also medications where, on the contrary, the androgenic effect is overestimated or it is equal to the anabolic one. In fact, some and others have one common derivative - testosterone, but the final result of its intake depends on which side of the androgenic or anabolic side was artificially synthesized in the drug. Modern pharmacology is trying to get away as much as possible from the androgenic properties of synthesized testosterone, since it is this side of it that causes a greater number of side effects, which we will write about later. It is simply impossible to completely reduce androgenic activity to zero, but a larger number of steroids have a maximally increased anabolic effect, and against its background the scanty androgenic side is virtually invisible.
Why do teenagers who use steroids look much older?
At their core, androgenic steroids are the male sex hormone testosterone.
During puberty, testosterone is not yet produced in large quantities in adolescents. Its concentration in the body increases and accumulates over the years. The more androgen in the body, the older a man looks. By taking anabolic steroids during adolescence, a teenager approaches puberty . The concentration of testosterone in the body increases several times relative to the natural one, and secondary sexual characteristics appear. Muscle mass grows, the voice becomes rougher, and a beard and mustache begin to grow. All this visually makes the teenager older than his years.
Taking anabolic steroids during adolescence speeds up the peak of maturity, when the concentration of testosterone in the body is maximum.
Negative and positive sides of steroids
Probably the most interesting thing for any novice athlete who wants to start taking steroids is what results await him?
What to expect from their use? What side effects may occur and what positive effect awaits him? We will try to answer these questions in this chapter. Initially, it is important to note that there is not a single drug that has absolutely no side effects, contraindications and everything else; it does not exist in nature. This is how steroids are no exception, but if taken correctly, these negative consequences can be completely avoided.
The effect of anabolic steroids on the human brain.
The effects of anabolic steroids differ from the effects of narcotic drugs. They have no short-term effects on the brain. They do not increase the amount of dopamine in the brain over a short period of time, which enhances most drug-taking behaviors.
Misuse of anabolic steroids can lead to negative psychological effects such as:
- paranoid (extreme, unreasonable) jealousy,
- extreme irritability and unreasonable aggression
- delusions - false beliefs or ideas,
- impaired judgment
- mania.
Side effects and solutions
- Testicular atrophy.
Due to the entry of artificial testosterone into the body, its hormone begins to be produced in smaller quantities. Where is testosterone produced? In the male endocrine glands, namely the testicles. Such a pathological process can be avoided if the course of taking steroids does not exceed a month; such changes will not occur at all. If the course is significantly longer, it is recommended to take gonadotropin in parallel or, after finishing using anabolic steroids, take Tamoxifen for two weeks. - Liver damage.
After the endocrine system, the maximum impact of steroids is possible on the liver. But even in this case, hepotoxicity, that is, disturbances in the functioning of the liver, can be avoided. In order to avoid liver problems, it is recommended:- give preference to injectable drugs rather than in the form of tablets; in this case, the medication enters directly into the blood, avoiding sedimentation in the internal organs;
- do not exceed the recommended dosage, per day it should be about 20–30 mg, toxicity occurs when this figure is above 80 mg;
- do not use the methyl group of steroids.
- Gynecomastia.
This side effect is the growth of mammary glands in men, according to female characteristics. To prevent such a mutation, which is irreversible if it occurs, it is necessary to initially resort to preventive measures. Similar actions involve taking Tamoxifen, starting from the second week of the steroid course, this is perhaps the main way to protect against gynecomastia. More often than other drugs, methandrostenolone and sutanol can cause this phenomenon; it is better not to resort to their use. - Skin rashes or simply acne.
This is a common side effect of any steroids; it occurs as a result of an increase in the amount of sebum and, as a result, blockage of the sweat glands. This manifestation can be reduced through personal hygiene and taking the drug Accutane. - Increased blood cholesterol levels.
Against the background of high cholesterol, concomitant diseases may occur. To maintain its normal concentration, it is recommended to take a course of omega-3 fatty acids. - Problems with the cardiovascular system.
Heart function is directly affected by both steroids and strength loads during training. In order to protect your heart, it is recommended:- do not exceed the recommended dose of anabolic steroids;
combine strength training with aerobic training (cardio);
- monitor cholesterol levels.
- Impaired kidney function.
Since all substances entering the blood pass through the kidneys, they act as a filter in the body, filtering out and removing toxic elements from it. The effect on the kidneys will be minimal if the dose and duration of the course of taking anabolic steroids is not exceeded. Steroids are prohibited for people with chronic renal failure. - Risk of blood clots.
Blood clotting when taking this group of drugs increases, the risk of bleeding decreases, but the risk of developing thrombophlebitis (formation of a blood clot in the vessels) increases. This danger increases in people after forty years of age, so the use of cardiomagnyl is recommended. - Stopping growth.
Steroids accelerate the process of growth plate closure, so they are not recommended for athletes under 21 years of age.
“The most difficult thing is to choose a combination”
Amateur athletes admitted to us that before starting the course, they did not consult a doctor or take tests. At the same time, it is very difficult to calculate the exact dosage without special education. As a result, this leads to athletes exceeding the maximum permissible dose (sometimes tens of times). Some do this consciously in order to return the effect that evaporates during long-term use.
At the same time, professional athletes assure that before starting the course, they take tests. Some say they take the course under the supervision of a doctor.
Yuri, coach:
— Almost all athletes who are determined to reach a competitive level always take a blood test before starting the course. As a rule, indicators such as free testosterone, bound testosterone, dehydrotestosterone, prolactin, estradiol and others are assessed, and then these indicators are monitored during and after the course. If the content of certain hormones in the blood is disturbed, a course correction or its cancellation may be necessary. The main difficulty is to create a course of steroids taking into account the physiological characteristics of the body. That is, selecting the right combination that brings maximum impact depending on the goals pursued and a minimum of side effects.
Among the most popular steroid drugs are “Retabolil”, “Phenobolin”, “Silabolin”, “Methandrostenolone” (the athletes we spoke with also named drugs such as “Sustanon”, “Stanozolol”, “Turinabol”, “Propionate” , "Clenbuterol"). They all belong to the same group - anabolic steroids - and differ slightly from each other. As a rule, athletes masterfully combine drugs, gradually increasing the dose and switching to stronger drugs.
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Positive sides
- Muscle volume increases.
Steroids stimulate protein synthesis in muscle mass by acting on certain receptors, thereby causing their more active growth. - Improvement of strength indicators.
The same protein synthesis in the muscles causes a rush of blood to them and increases the number of elements responsible for muscle contraction, thereby adding strength to the athlete. - Preventing the breakdown of muscle tissue.
During strength training, not only fats are burned, but also muscle tissue is partially destroyed, as the body feeds energy for and from exercise. And steroids cause an anti-catabolic effect, preventing muscle fibers from breaking down. - Increased endurance.
Taking anabolic steroids increases the level of glycogen in the muscles, which is a kind of fuel for physical exercise. An increase in pressure promotes blood flow to the muscles, also increasing their performance. - Emotional euphoria.
This specific state while taking a course of steroids helps to more easily endure stressful situations and various psycho-emotional stress during competitions.
Medical help for anabolic steroid abuse.
Treatment following steroid use usually involves a combination of behavioral therapy and medications.
In some cases, patients were offered medications to reduce symptoms caused by withdrawal. For example: patients were prescribed antidepressants to reduce levels of depression and painkillers to relieve headaches, muscle and joint pain. Some medications are also used to restore the patient's hormonal system.
