Steroids is a popular name, used synonymously with illegal drugs. However the usage may not always be right. Natural steroids are organic compounds that act as hormones, commercially available steroids are synthetic chemicals that mimic the property of these hormones. The most commonly used steroids belong to two important categories, anabolic steroids and corticosteroids. The corticosteroid group of steroids is used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as asthma and arthritis. The fast action of the corticosteroids makes it a preferred medicine by both the physician and the patient. However, the more popular steroids are anabolic steroids.
Anabolic steroids are the class of steroids, which are believed to have stimulatory effects. The term anabolic is used to refer to this group of steroids since their main attribute is the building up of muscles or bones from smaller molecules, as the name signifies. Anabolic steroids resemble the androgenic hormone testosterone in structures, and hence anabolic steroids are believed to manifest all the natural effects of androgens and especially testosterone. The main function of anabolic steroids is to induce cell division in all types of tissues and impart muscle growth and bone growth. It will trigger the physiological processes to induce the appetite, protein synthesis, strength, and body weight gain. Sometimes anabolic steroids are referred to as medicines to improve the lean mass of the person to overcome the critical wasting condition of life threatening diseases such as AIDS or cancer. In general, anabolic steroids are expected to bring forth positive results such as muscle building, bone remodeling, induction of puberty, stimulation of bone marrow cells and at least increased appetite to induce the normal growth process. However, the results are not proven scientifically.
Steroids are the preferred assistant to those wanting to build up their body quickly and easily. However the most disgusting fact about anabolic steroids is that it is being used by many athletes to increase their performance. Even though steroid use is prohibited for the games, many of the new generation sport players are addicted to steroids. Most of the tournaments and international players are struggling around the controversies about the use of anabolic steroids. The history of steroids shows that even some of the outstanding players were the addicts of steroids. Young people, who are playing at the high school level are now addicted to steroids. Many athletes, in all fields of competition, having severe physical exertion or requiring body toning such as football, basketball, baseball, swimming, weight lifting and most olympic type games, consider steroids as the shortcut to reach their achievements. They believe that the consumption of steroids will give them a cutting edge over their competitors.
Generally steroids are administered usually in two routes, orally or injections. Many so called steroid supplements are available in the marketplace today. Capsule steroids are used, as it is the most convenient route to intake the steroids. The intramuscular injections in the buttocks, thighs and shoulders are potentially more powerful than the oral administration. However, the injection has to be done carefully since it may result in ill effects such as embolism, if the steroids are injected into nerves or blood vessels.
However, the extensive use of illegitimate steroids is alarming as most of the steroids have severe side effects such as the suppression of the secondary sexual factors, and the possibility for other severe diseases like coronary heart disease. Even though the trade of the most dreadful anabolic steroids is legally banned because of their possible side effects, most of them are available on the market through illegal trade.
Steroids are readily available, but intelligent people usually do not use anabolic steroids because for the fear of the possible side effects.
