Sometimes referred to by the names “roids” and “juice,” steroids are similar to or identical to certain hormones within the body. To support functions such as stress relief and growth and development, the body naturally makes steroids. Some people take natural steroid alternative, creams, or gels to improve their sports performance or appearance. Anabolic steroids, artificially manufactured hormones, are similar or identical to androgens.
There are over 100 types of anabolic steroids. Testosterone is the most potent androgen. While testosterone is predominantly a mature male hormone (and the most powerful), girls can also produce it in smaller quantities. Testosterone is a hormone that helps to build muscle. It also promotes masculine traits such as the deepening voice and the growth of hair. The level of testosterone can affect a person’s aggression.
Anabolic Steroids: How Do They Work?
Anabolic steroids mimic the effects of naturally produced testosterone to stimulate the growth and bulking up of muscle tissue in response to training. Anabolic steroids may remain in the body for as long as a few days or even a year. Steroids have been prevalent because they can increase endurance, strength, muscle mass, and strength. Research has not shown that steroids can improve athletic performance, skill, agility, or skill.
Other Problems
Side effects of steroids can also be psychologically damaging. Users may be aggressive, combative, believe in falsehoods (delusions), and have paranoia or mistrust. People who take steroids are also more likely to use other drugs such as cocaine or alcohol to offset some side effects. If they inject drugs with a needle, steroid users are at greater risk of contracting HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). This virus causes AIDS. Persons who use dirty hands may also be at risk of contracting Hepatitis (a liver disease) or bacterial endocarditis (an infection of the inner lining and heart muscle).
Steroids: Addiction and Stacking
Some people “cycle” their steroid doses. They take multiple doses of steroids, break for a time and then resume retaking them. Stacking refers to taking various anabolic steroids. Others may “pyramid” their steroids by starting with a low dose then gradually increasing the frequency or number of anabolic steroids. Then, they taper off to complete a cycle. Users believe stacking increases the effects of drug.
Pyramiding allows the body to get used to high doses, while steroid-free periods will enable the body to recover from the steroids. These claims are not supported by scientific evidence. Many people believe that they will only use steroids for one season or one school year. Steroids can become addictive and it can be challenging to quit using them. Users who stop using steroids can experience withdrawal symptoms like loss of appetite, fatigue, restlessness, and insomnia.