Anabolics – types, effects, effects on the body, side effects, alternatives

Anabolics, also known as anabolic steroids, are synthetic substances similar to the male sex hormone testosterone. Testosterone is needed for the development and maintenance of male sexual characteristics such as facial hair, deep voice, and muscle growth. There is medical justification for the use of anabolics as they are sometimes prescribed to treat hormonal problems such as delayed puberty in men or muscle loss due to diseases such as cancer or HIV. Anabolics are also abused by people who want to increase muscle mass, reduce body fat and accelerate regeneration after an injury.

Anabolic steroids or anabolics are man-made variants of the male sex hormone testosterone. However, the correct term for anabolics is anabolic androgenic steroids, where “anabolic” refers to building muscle and “androgenic” refers to increased male sexual characteristics.

Testosterone is a hormone typically associated with the male body. The average man has about 300 to 1000 nanograms per deciliter (ng / dl) of this hormone in his body. Testosterone is best known to cause changes in the male body during puberty, making the voice deeper and the body hairy. It also increases the production of sperm in the testes. Interestingly, a woman’s body also produces this hormone, but it is usually found in smaller amounts where it is used to maintain strong bones and healthy sexual function.

It is believed that having higher-than-normal levels of testosterone, for example through the use of anabolics, can help create proteins that are used to support muscle growth, hair growth, sexual function, and bone density.

As a result, anabolics are associated with athletes, such as bodybuilders, trying to improve their body’s performance or improve their physical appearance. Anabolic steroids can come in the form of tablets, capsules, or injectable liquids, depending on the brand. Anabolics are also prescribed to treat hormonal problems such as delayed puberty or diseases that cause muscle loss such as cancer and AIDS.

According to researchers, non-medical anabolics are more commonly used by men in their 30s. Among the people who use them, apart from professional athletes and bodybuilders, there are people who work in industries where muscle strength is important (e.g. security guards, police, construction workers, armed forces workers). Anabolics are also used by young people who are dissatisfied with their appearance and want to look muscular (often people working in the fashion and entertainment industry).

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Anabolics work by mimicking the properties of naturally occurring hormones. Their chemical composition is similar to that of testosterone and can activate the body’s testosterone receptors. When these receptors are stimulated, a domino effect of metabolic reactions occurs as the anabolic instructs the body to increase the production of muscle tissue.

Testosterone has two effects on the body:

  1. anabolic – maintains bone density, promotes muscle growth and accelerates recovery after an injury;
  2. androgenic (also known as masculinizing) – develops and maintains male characteristics (such as penis, testicles, muscle mass, deep voice and facial hair).

Although testosterone is called the male sex hormone, it is also found naturally in women, but in much smaller amounts.

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Usually, people taking anabolics experience an increase in muscle strength relatively quickly, so they can train more often and do it longer, and regenerate faster. All of this leads to the rapid growth of lean muscle tissue.

It should be added, however, that the abuse of anabolics can lead to negative mental effects, such as:

  1. paranoid (extreme, unjustified) jealousy;
  2. extreme irritability and aggression;
  3. delusions;
  4. impaired judgment;
  5. mania.

What’s more, people who abuse anabolics may experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using them, including:

  1. tiredness;
  2. anxiety;
  3. loss of appetite;
  4. problems with sleeping;
  5. decreased sex drive;
  6. the so-called steroid starvation.

One of the more serious withdrawal symptoms is depression, which can sometimes lead to suicide attempts.

See also: Suicides – causes, types and stopping of suicide attempts

Types of anabolics

There are many types of anabolics on the market. Some of them are only for medicinal purposes (e.g. nebido), but others are for both therapeutic and performance purposes (e.g. anadrol). Others (e.g. anadur) are not therapeutic, but are used by athletes.

Anabolic steroids are taken depending on what I want to achieve with them, including:

  1. increase muscle mass;
  2. increase endurance and strength;
  3. burn fat;
  4. support regeneration and improve metabolism.

Anabolics can be taken in the form of oral tablets, pellets implanted under the skin, injections, creams or gel for application to the skin.

Among the anabolics used in the form of oral tablets, the following are distinguished:

  1. Fluoksymesteron;
  2. Mesterolon;
  3. Methanedienes;
  4. Metylotestosteron;
  5. Miboleron;
  6. Oxandrolon;
  7. Oxymetholone;
  8. Stanozolol (Winstrol).

Among the anabolics used in the form of injections, the following are distinguished:

  1. Undecylenian boldenonu;
  2. Methenolone enanthate;
  3. Dekanian nandrolonu;
  4. Fenopropionian nandrolone;
  5. Testosterone cypionate;
  6. Enanthate testosteronu;
  7. Testosterone Propionate;
  8. Trenbolone Acetate.

The injected anabolics travel through the bloodstream to the muscle tissue where they bind to the androgen receptor. The anabolic can then interact with the cell’s DNA and stimulate the protein synthesis process that promotes cell growth.

Also read: Eight drugs that are better not to be combined with alcohol

People who use anabolics recreationally, often take much higher doses than those used in the treatment of diseases. This is all the more important when the agent is, for example, in the form of an injection at a high concentration. It should be emphasized at this point that anabolics can be dangerous if used improperly.

Anabolics are used in the so-called cycles where large amounts of anabolics are used and then stopped for a while before using them again. Some people use multiple types of steroids at the same time or use different forms of delivery (such as injections and supplements together) in an attempt to maximize their effectiveness. Anabolics can also be taken, starting with low doses, then taking larger and larger doses, and then reducing the amount again. Sometimes, while taking steroids, you switch to another drug suddenly so that the steroid does not become ineffective, and then go back to the original measure.

important

Occasionally, steroid users may become accustomed to and become addicted to the sense of strength or endurance they are taking.

See also: What is happening in gyms? Steroids destroy Polish men

Side effects of taking anabolics

The negative effects of using anabolics depend on the drug, age and sex of the user, amount and time of use.

Legally prescribed anabolics at normal dosage can cause the following side effects:

  1. acne;
  2. water retention in the body;
  3. difficulty or pain when urinating;
  4. enlarged male breasts known as gynecomastia;
  5. increased number of red blood cells;
  6. lower levels of “good” HDL cholesterol and higher levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol;
  7. hair growth or loss;
  8. low sperm count and infertility;
  9. changes in libido.

Medical users of anabolics will have follow-up visits and have periodic blood tests to monitor for adverse effects.

Non-medicated steroid use can involve amounts 10 to 100 times greater than the amounts used for medical purposes. Incorrect use of steroids can lead to an increased risk of:

  1. cardiovascular problems;
  2. sudden cardiac arrest (myocardial infarction);
  3. liver problems, including tumors and other types of damage;
  4. tendon ruptures due to collagen degeneration;
  5. osteoporosis and bone loss, as the use of steroids affects the metabolism of calcium and vitamin D.

In adolescents, taking anabolics can permanently stun growth.

In men, it can develop:

  1. testicular reduction;
  2. infertility (resulting from lower sperm production);
  3. breast enlargement (due to loss of hormonal balance, especially after stopping steroids).

Women may experience:

  1. changes in the menstrual cycle;
  2. deepening the timbre of the voice;
  3. elongation of the clitoris;
  4. increasing facial and body hair;
  5. breast reduction;
  6. increase sex drive.

Moreover, some of these changes may be permanent, even after being discontinued.

There is also a risk of:

  1. liver damage;
  2. high blood pressure (hypertension);
  3. muscle tremors;
  4. aggression and feelings of hostility, the so-called roid rage (a sudden psychotic reaction seen in anabolic abusers);
  5. mood and anxiety disorders;
  6. the delusional feeling of being superhuman or invincible;
  7. reckless behavior;
  8. addiction.

People who discontinue anabolics suddenly after long-term use may experience withdrawal symptoms, including severe depression.

Taking anabolic by injection can also damage the nerves from using the needle, and this can lead to conditions such as sciatica. Unsafe use of a needle can increase the risk of infections such as hepatitis B and C, HIV, and tetanus.

Anabolics – medical use

Certain types of steroids are commonly used in treatment. One such example is corticosteroids, which are used to treat people with asthma to help them breathe during an attack. Moreover, testosterone itself is prescribed for many hormone-related conditions such as hypogonadism.

Anabolics, in turn, are used to treat:

  1. delayed puberty;
  2. conditions that lead to muscle loss, such as cancer and HIV stage 3 or AIDS

Anabolics and other drugs

A person using anabolics may also use other supplements. They can do this to speed up physical transformation or to counteract the side effects of steroids.

However, the dangers of mixing such agents are not fully known. Some of these other substances may include:

  1. beta-blockers – to counteract tremors;
  2. diuretics – preventing fluid retention;
  3. human growth hormone – such as human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) to stimulate the body’s natural production of testosterone and counteract testicular shrinkage.

There are many safe, natural ways to achieve the desired performance, strength and mass without the use of anabolics – including proper diet and muscle work.

  1. Take care of a healthy, balanced diet rich in proteins, fiber and healthy fats. Include items such as eggs, fish, Greek yogurt, and grains such as quinoa in your diet.
  2. Work closely on different muscle groups. Concentrate on muscle groups such as the biceps, triceps, or quadriceps in one workout. Muscle groups should be alternated for the best long-term results.
  3. Join a consistent exercise plan. Whether you’re trying to stay fit, compete with others, or gain muscle, it’s worth using a fitness app or working with a personal trainer.

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