Anabolic Steroids: Understanding Their Mechanisms, Effects, and Legalities

Anabolic steroids are synthetic variations of the male hormone testosterone. The proper term for these compounds is anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS).

“Anabolic” refers to muscle building, and “androgenic” refers to increased male characteristics. Often, the media will refer to them as “performance-enhancing drugs” or “doping.”

Some of the most abused steroids include Deca-Durabolin® , Durabolin ® , Equipoise ® , and Winstrol ® . While often associated with bodybuilders and other athletes, these compounds are also used outside of sports to treat medical conditions.

How do anabolic steroids work?

All anabolic steroids are chemical derivatives of testosterone, the male hormone. After testosterone is synthesized in the labs, it is modified to change its chemical structure slightly. This change is made by adding a methyl group (CH3) to the 17th carbon atom of the steroid structure, which is why it is sometimes referred to as C17-alpha alkylated (C17-aa).

This modification makes the steroid more resistant to hepatic breakdown and allows it to become active in the body, but it also has negative consequences, including liver toxicity.

Once ingested, an AAS travels through the blood to various tissues in the body, including muscles, where it binds to an androgen receptor. This process activates a number of processes that ultimately result in increased muscle mass and recovery speed.

What are the effects of anabolic steroids on the body?

Anabolic steroids can have many effects on the body, some of which are beneficial and some harmful.

Beneficial effects include increased bone density, muscle mass, and strength, as well as improved recovery from workouts. Harmful effects can include liver disease, cancer, infertility, heart disease, and mood or mental health disorders.

Some of the side effects of anabolic steroid use are reversible and can improve through treatment. Others may be permanent and require long-term monitoring by a medical professional.

Are anabolic steroids legal?

The use of anabolic steroids is either banned or heavily restricted in most developed countries. In the United States, anabolic steroids are classified as Schedule III drugs under the Controlled Substances Act, which makes the possession and use of these compounds a federal crime punishable by up to seven years in prison.

However, the possession of anabolic steroids is not illegal when prescribed by a medical professional for a legitimate medical purpose such as treating a disease. Still, the distribution and sale of anabolic steroids are prohibited.

What are the side effects of anabolic steroids?

The side effects of anabolic steroids can range from mild to extremely severe and include:

• Acne
• Rapid weight gain
• Mood swings
• Breast enlargement in males
• Shrinking of the testicles
• Clitoral enlargement
• Baldness
• Prostate enlargement
• Increased risk of heart disease
• Liver disease, including cancer
• Increased aggression and feelings of hostility
• Sleep problems
• Nausea and vomiting
• High blood pressure
• Increased cholesterol levels
• Decreased libido

How do I safely use anabolic steroids?

If you are considering using anabolic steroids, it is important to speak to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits. If you are using steroids for performance enhancement, it is important to remember that the potential for harmful side effects is always present, even if you are taking the drugs exactly as prescribed.

It is also important to note that many of the side effects of anabolic steroids are unpredictable, and some may occur many years after use.

If you are using anabolic steroids without a prescription, stop immediately. There are many safe and effective ways to gain muscle mass and strength without putting your health at risk.

Can anabolic steroids be used for medical purposes?

Yes, anabolic steroids can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including:

• Delayed puberty in males
• Low red blood cell count due to kidney or liver disease
• Breast cancer in women
• Osteoporosis
• Muscle wasting due to disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis

How do anabolic steroids affect the heart?

Anabolic steroids can have a profound impact on the heart, both structurally and functionally. Some of the ways that steroids can affect the heart include:

• Increased heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Changes in cholesterol levels, including lowered high-density lipoprotein (HDL, the “good” cholesterol) and increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL, the “bad” cholesterol)
• Left ventricular hypertrophy, or enlargement of the heart
• Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
• Disruption of heart rhythm

Do anabolic steroids affect fertility?

Yes, anabolic steroids can have a negative impact on fertility, and this effect is often reversible. Steroids affect male fertility by interfering with hormone production in the brain, which can result in reduced sperm count and motility. They can also cause the testicles to shrink and lower libido.

In women, anabolic steroids can cause the development of male characteristics, including facial hair, a deepened voice, and clitoral enlargement. They can also cause menstrual irregularities, fertility issues, and breast atrophy.

How can I recognize anabolic steroid abuse?

Recognizing anabolic steroid abuse in users can be difficult, as many of the harmful effects are not immediate. However, some signs of steroid abuse include:

• Rapid and unexplained weight gain
• Increased acne on the face and body
• Increased aggression and mood swings
• Increased muscle size and strength
• Needle marks on the skin (if injected)
• Sudden hair loss
• Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and eyes

If you or someone you know is exhibiting signs of steroid abuse, it is important to seek medical help and support. Quitting steroid abuse may require entering a drug treatment program or speaking to a mental health professional.