Anabolic Steroids Part 2

Steroids (Anabolic-Androgenic)

Anabolic-androgenic steroids are man-made substances related to male sex hormones. "Anabolic" refers to muscle-building, and "androgenic" refers to increased masculine characteristics. "Steroids" refers to the class of drugs. These drugs are available legally only by prescription, to treat conditions that occur when the body produces abnormally low amounts of testosterone, such as delayed puberty and some types of impotence. They are also used to treat body wasting in patients with AIDS and other diseases that result in loss of lean muscle mass. Abuse of anabolic steroids, however, can lead to serious health problems, some irreversible.

Today, athletes and others abuse anabolic steroids to enhance performance and also to improve physical appearance. Anabolic steroids are taken orally or injected, typically in cycles of weeks or months (referred to as "cycling"), rather than continuously. Cycling involves taking multiple doses of steroids over a specific period of time, stopping for a period, and starting again. In addition, users often combine several different types of steroids to maximize their effectiveness while minimizing negative effects (referred to as "stacking").

Health Hazards

The major side effects from abusing anabolic steroids can include liver tumors and cancer, jaundice (yellowish pigmentation of skin, tissues, and body fluids), fluid retention, high blood pressure, increases in LDL (bad cholesterol), and decreases in HDL (good cholesterol). Other side effects include kidney tumors, severe acne, and trembling. In addition, there are some gender-specific side effects:

For men--shrinking of the testicles, reduced sperm count, infertility, baldness, development of breasts, increased risk for prostate cancer.

For women--growth of facial hair, male-pattern baldness, changes in or cessation of the menstrual cycle, enlargement of the clitoris, deepened voice.

For adolescents--growth halted prematurely through premature skeletal maturation and accelerated puberty changes. This means that adolescents risk remaining short the remainder of their lives if they take anabolic steroids before the typical adolescent growth spurt.

In addition, people who inject anabolic steroids run the added risk of contracting or transmitting HIV/AIDS or hepatitis, which causes serious damage to the liver.

Scientific research also shows that aggression and other psychiatric side effects may result from abuse of anabolic steroids. Many users report feeling good about themselves while on anabolic steroids, but researchers report that extreme mood swings also can occur, including manic-like symptoms leading to violence. Depression often is seen when the drugs are stopped and may contribute to dependence on anabolic steroids. Researchers report also that users may suffer from paranoid jealousy, extreme irritability, delusions, and impaired judgment stemming from feelings of invincibility.1

Research also indicates that some users might turn to other drugs to alleviate some of the negative effects of anabolic steroids. For example, a study of 227 men admitted in 1999 to a private treatment center for dependence on heroin or other opioids found that 9.3 percent had abused anabolic steroids before trying any other illicit drug. Of these 9.3 percent, 86 percent first used opioids to counteract insomnia and irritability resulting from the anabolic steroids

Anabolic steroids
Anabolic steroids are a group of hormones, which occur naturally in the body and are responsible for the development and functioning of the reproductive organs.

In the male, the hormone produced in the largest quantity is testosterone, which has two main effects - androgenic and anabolic. Androgenic effects include sexual characteristics such as an increase in facial hair and deepening of the voice. Anabolic effects include the build-up of muscle.

Medically steroids have limited use but can be used in the treatment of anaemia, thrombosis and can assist in the recovery of weakened muscles after prolonged bed rest.

Anabolic steroids ... what do they look like?
Anabolic steroids are found either in tablet form or as liquid often in ampoules. Common trade names include Durabolin (Nadrolene), Stanozolol and Dianabol.

Anabolic steroids ... how are they taken?
They can be taken orally or injected. When misused by athletes or body builders, these drugs are taken in multiple combinations over cycles of 6-8 weeks, in doses, which far exceed therapeutic recommendations.

Anabolic steroids ... what does the law say?
Anabolic steroids are prescription only drugs under the Medicines Act 1968. They are also a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. It is illegal to supply them but it is not an offence to possess them if they are in a medicinal preparation and for your own use.

Anabolic steroids ... how much do they cost?
If prescribed legitimately, anabolic steroids don’t cost more than the prescription. However on the black market, they cost on average around £20 for 100 tablets, although some like Deca-Durabolin and Sustanon cost in excess of £30 for 10 vials or ampoules.

Anabolic steroids ... what are the downs?
Regular use can lead to psychological dependence. There have been some cases of temporary psychiatric problems such as confusion; sleep disorders, depression and paranoia. Other health problems can result, such as damage to the liver and high blood pressure. Heavy use in men can lead to an initial increase in sex drive, which can then become depressed, until use is stopped. Some users become very aggressive. In women regular use can promote the development of male characteristics such as excessive hair growth and deepening of the voice, which appear to be irreversible. If anabolic steroids are injected and needles shared, then there is risk of infection with HIV/Aids and Hepatitis.

Anabolic steroids ... what are the ups?
Some athletes to build up muscle mass and enhance strength and stamina use Anabolic Steroids. High doses are believed to improve an individuals’ performance. People who want increase body mass quickly c