|
What Steroids Really Do to Your Body
The use of
steroids among athletes is a common secret. Steroid consumption scandals
have become the typical headline accompanying an outstanding athletic
performance. Steroids are used by athletes as a "wonder tool" for a
better performance. Most of athletes are attracted to steroids with a
belief that steroids will pave a shortcut to their victory. Steroids are
organic compounds present in the body of a person, which acts as a
hormone. The commercially available steroids are the synthetic compounds
that mimic the structure of original steroids. Originally the steroids
were not a particular type of compound, but the steroids used by
athletes belong to the group of anabolic steroids. Now anabolic steroids
are present in different brand names on the market.
Even though
steroids scandals were present in the 1936 Olympics, the use of steroids
wasn't substantiated until 1954. Athletes were trying to reason the use
of steroids with historical evidences that sports people were using
natural steroid extractions from ancient times, to boost their
performance. Much of the literature available, depicts the use of
performance enhancers by ancient athletes. However the sports
authorities have prohibited steroid consumption and the use of steroids
by athletes is illegal. Strict medical tests are introduced to check
athletes for the use of steroids and if any tests are substantiated,
then the athlete will receive strict punishment. The sad thing is that
the use of steroids is still dominate in the world and many of the
extraordinary performances are under the suspicion of steroid use.
Athletes
are fascinated by steroids mainly because of its structural similarity
with the androgenic hormone tests. The testosterone, a male hormone,
enhances the male characteristics such as strong muscles and strength.
Athletes use steroids with the belief that it will have the
functionality of testosterone. They prefer the anabolic steroids for
body building and increased performance. Steroids will increase the cell
division in all of the tissues and build up the body. It increases the
metabolism and attributes more energy for quicker performance.
Women
athletes use steroids with a focus to perform up to men's standards.
They believe it may give them more vigor and may help to achieve better
results. They try to develop their muscles using steroids without any
intensive practice. It thickens the internal tissue such as skeletal
muscle, respiratory system and bones. Moreover the fat in the body is
decreased and a lean muscle acquired. The quick development of the
muscles and surprising performances can be achieved easily without any
strains of intensive practices or exercise.
Most
athletes use steroids in the form of oral pills or intramuscular
injections. However several steroid supplements are also now available.
Athletes usually develop their own patterns for the use of steroids.
"Cycling" seems to be a popular pattern for steroid use, in which the
steroids are used in cycles of particular intervals. The effect of
steroids can persist in the body and enhance their performance for weeks
or months, in between intervals. It also helps to trespass the medical
tests. However to reach the heights athletes are even ready to use
multiple steroids in combination. This pattern of steroid consumption is
called stacking and it helps to maximize the effectiveness.
But the
fact about steroids is that there is no scientific evidence for its
effectiveness. Moreover many side effects are also reported for
steroids. The use of steroids is discouraged not only on the basis of
ethics but also based on the concern regarding future life. The
gender specific side effects and chronic diseases of the vital organs
will only be the ultimate results, if athletes use steroids as their
essential accompaniment for their performance.
|
