Interesting facts about steroid use in the bodybuilding world

Bodybuilding steroids, commonly referred to as anabolic steroids, are basically an attempt at creating a synthetic form of testosterone, the male hormone responsible for development of male physical characteristics. The steroids are taken with a view to increasing the muscular size, stamina and strength of the athlete.
While discussing the topic of steroids, the terms "anabolic" and "androgenic" often flash about. "Anabolic" refers to the metabolic process of promoting bodymuscle tissue growth, while "androgenic" refers to the enhancement of male sexual characteristics.
Steroids are a favorite drug for athletes since they give the body increased muscle strength and size, vitality and ongoing rejuvenation. They also increase the level of energy during exercise and enhance the gradual oxidation of body fat. In men, they also aid in the development of sexual characteristics.
They are, naturally therefore, an item of preference for sportsmen and or women, particularly in weightlifting, bodybuilding, wrestling and other physicallyintense sport disciplines. This is for the simple reason that they enhance performance, body building and perseverance.
However, steroids are a banned item in the sports fraternity. This is because they give any athlete unfair advantage over the competition. In actual fact, taking of performanceenhancing drugs, steroids or otherwise, is a most serious offence in sporting circles anywhere in the world and often results in severe consequences.
Like with any other drug, steroids bring about either positive or negative effects, depending on the application. When abused, bodybuilding steroids impact negatively on the individual's body and health. Possible side effects of steroid abuse include, but are not limited to, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, depression and male impotence. Other effects include: higher risk of cancer, premature loss of hair, enlarged prostrate, suppression of the immune system; sterility, impotence, anxiety and headache attacks, as well as acne, jaundice, insomnia, liver and kidney tumors, among others.
For men, abnormal effects such as sudden growth and development of breasts gynecomastia and atrophy shrinkage of the testicles are observed. In the former case, the course is irreversible and plastic surgery has to be performed. In women, side effects include facial hair growth, deepening voice, masculine looksfeatures and menstrual pattern changes, among others.
On the flip side, steroids are a valued item in the medical world. They are used for treating such health conditions as impotence, delayed puberty, anemia and osteoporosis brittleness of the bones especially for menopausal women. Other uses are in the treatment of bodytissue wasting condition, caused by factors such as HIV and or other ailments. They also treat itching caused by liver complications. Steroids may be taken by injection, orally or in gelcream form rubbing.
True and proper bodybuilding aims at natural, systematic and gradual building up of the body mass index to a desired size and look. Bodybuilding should be viewed as any other sport engagement, taken for pleasure and leisure and not as punishment.
Bodybuilding is about passion, commitment and discipline, and should not resort to taking steroids or any other quickresult solution Little by little, and the body should build up to the require size.
After all, the possible consequences of steroid abuse in bodybuilding are severe, lifethreatening, and mostly irreversible. This should make them the last tool of resort for any bodybuilder.