Steroid Use (and Abuse): Reasons and Side-effects Wellness Health Fitness

Steroid Use (and Abuse): Reasons and Side-effects

Posted by Hayden Solomon 14 Nov, 2010

Introduction

Almost every huge sporting event is marked by the suspension of an athlete due to failing a drug test that is normally conducted to ensure ‘fairness’ in any competition.

This time, it was at the Commonwealth Games, where one of the host nation’s athletes failed a drug test, and as shameful as it was for the country… it could spell doom for the undisclosed athlete’s future prospects in any competition.

It’s no different with the world of professional wrestling where a large number of wrestlers that were household names in the 80s are no more, thanks to the adverse effects of steroids. The latest of casualty being Chris Benoit, a few years ago, who will always be remembered for his aggression that he displayed in the ring, and that enthralled fans all over the world. You will be missed, Chris!

But what do steroids do? And why are used?

Anabolic Steroids and their function

Among the several types of steroids that are available freely in nature, the one that is in question is the particular type that is known as “anabolic steroids” which have been used by bodybuilders and professional wrestlers in order to “beef up”, considering the fiercely competitive environment that one has to perform in, in order to be considered “top-dog”.

And thanks to its ability to give athletes that edge…er… cheating… other sports, such as the Commonwealth Games and so on and so forth, have banned the use of any substance that has these performance-enhancing nutrients.

Speaking of that “edge”, the primary function of anabolic steroids is to build muscle, and are all chemical derivatives of the best known natural anabolic steroid that the body produces “testosterone”.

And it’s no secret that those who have used anabolic steroids tend to build muscle and secret as if by magic, in comparison to those who do not… and that’s why the “Governator” (Arnie) won the Mr. Olympia competition seven times, not omitting his total dedication to the sport.

And even though he has made it through years of bodybuilding, acting in blockbusters and now, in political office unscathed… it begs the question as to whether steroids are harmful or not. (Amongst the 100 plus varieties of steroids, most of them are banned!)

The Dangers (and side-effects) of Steroids

The truth is that the moderate use of steroids are not harmful (as it is used medicinally sometimes) but it is in the overuse of these substances that one can cross a line that can lead to a slew of permanently damaging side effects that can produce anything but the desired effect.

So, here are some side-effects that have been known to occur with athletes:

1) The stopping of natural hormone production (such as testosterone), due to “homeostasis”

2) Raising LDL Cholesterol

3) Gynocomastia [ the development of man-boobs in men]

4) Acne

5) Increased aggressiveness [Roid Rage]

6) Balding

7) Cardiovascular Issues

Virilization [development of male characteristic in women]

9) Prostate enlargement

10) Stunted growth

11) High Blood pressure [which is the easiest to deal with]

12) Kidney problem

13) Immune system alteration

14) Sterility [in both men and women]

In Closing

Perhaps, the reasons for one to indulge in steroid abuse might be to beat the competition or just to get ahead in a hurry and in their bid for sporting excellence. But the truth is that, when it comes to fitness, the only way by which one can get a great body (the healthy way) is by eating right and working out according to a plan, while also realizing that getting that body that most people are envious of takes a lot of time and hard work.

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