It has been talked about and discussed in various media ad nausea. Just recently HBO did a story on its effect on MMA fighters. I am talking about the use of steroids.
In spite of the negative press many bodybuilders and athletes continue to use steroids — specifically anabolic steroids –to do amazing things with their body that mere mortals only wish they could do. I have seen guys in the gym who were so amped up on the effects of this drug that you had to give them space to do their thing. It wasn’t pretty. They looked in phenomenal shape and could lift an amazing amount of weights. I have also seen some of them after they withdrew from the drug and they were completely different people.
We have also heard or read about the effects of long-term use of this synthetic drug and how it can affect the body negatively – ‘roid’ rage, skin issues, shrunken testicles, depression and even death, among other things.
What is anabolic steroid?
Anabolic steroids are a class of drugs made to stimulate muscle growth and increase your appetite. It’s effective in treating certain muscle wasting conditions such as cancer and AIDS.
Bodybuilders and many young athletes such as MMA fighters and football players use it to increase body weight and strength which occurs after repeated applications and doing high intensity exercises. It can become addictive because of the visible outward changes which occurs after short-term use versus exercising naturally which takes a longer period before noticing results.
Doctors may prescribe steroids for patients suffering from certain health conditions such as immature growth, late developing puberty or to stimulate growth in those suffering from muscle wasting diseases.
Unfortunately when taken in larger doses than what a doctor may prescribe — users can develop major health problems. The ease of access on the black market makes this possible and many youngsters become heavy users especially those participating in sporting activities or who simply want to look good in their speedos. The dark side of overuse, however far outweighs the benefits one might get.
The ‘dark side’ of anabolic steroids
As stated earlier if you are diabetic or pre-diabetic — using steroids could lead to increase in blood glucose levels.
Many diabetics have stated that after taking steroids for various illness their blood sugars shot up to dangerous levels in spite of being in control before starting a dose of steroids. In fact there are studies showing that if you are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes or a pre-diabetic – using steroids could lead to what is called steroid induced diabetes or ‘steroid diabetes’. This happens because this drug has the opposite effect of insulin and will cause you to become insulin resistant in the short-term . . . . between three to five months, with continued use.
If you are diabetic use steroids only as prescribed by your doctor who can monitor your health.
Shrinkage of testicles and reduced sperm production are other effects of continued use or abuse of steroids in men. If you plan on having children in the future you may want to avoid using any steroids purely for the sake of building muscles or being more aggressive on the field.
In women steroid abuse could lead to enlargement of the clitoris, permanent deepening of the voice and early baldness — similar to men (male pattern baldness). I am sure you have seen female bodybuilding competition where the women look unusually muscular and masculine-like and have a deep voice or gapping front teeth. Who wants to look this way even if you enter these types of competition. Exercising naturally without the use of drugs is far better for your long-term health and vitality.
In both men and women long-term use of steroids will lead to skin problems such as acne, cysts and oily skin, dry scalp, rage, depression and delusions of grandeur.
Withdrawal from steroid use can lead to depression and suicidal tendencies.
There are many other negative side effects of steroid abuse such as liver damage and cancer but hopefully the negative effects listed above will convince you not to start using it.
I am advising anyone tempted to starting using steroids to please consider the consequences and I would even go so far as to advise strongly against any form of this drug especially if you are diabetic or pre-diabetic. A recent article in Healthy Living stated that “increases in blood glucose are common among people taking . . . . steroids.”
The best way to experience health and fitness is by eating proper nutrition and starting a drug-free workout program to include the three basics – stretching, resistance and cardio.
If you need to lose weight safely and quickly then I recommend the three-week diet. This is the best program I have found on the market to effectively lose weight in a short time. I use many of the steps presented in this program with great results. Visit them here.