General Use of Anabolic Steroids

General Use of Anabolic Steroids

Introduction

Anabolic androgenic steroids remain the most controversial and widely substances used to enhance athletic performance and / or physical appearance. The recent commercial availability of testosterone gel increases the likelihood that more individuals and / or athletes use these substances in the future. The ethical and legal implications of using hormones to enhance sports performance are clear, it is unethical and illegal (Yesalis, 2000). However, less clear are the medical implications surrounding the use of anabolic steroids to enhance athletic performance or appearance. More research is needed on these substances to get a better understanding of positive and negative attributes of the same. 

Anabolic steroids are synthetic origins molecules whose structure is similar to that a male hormone: testosterone. Testosterone plays two roles in the body: it causes the appearance and maintenance of male secondary sexual characteristics (androgenic effect) (hair, Adam's apple, etc. ...) and it accelerates the growth of muscle mass (anabolic effect). Berthold in 1849 discovered the hormonal basis for the development of sexual characteristics masculine. The full name of these synthetic substances should be: anabolic androgenic steroids. Like testosterone, they have both anabolic and androgenic properties. These products are usually caused by pharmaceutical products and the list is quite extensive. They should be used under strict medical indications, but are misused by athletes for doping purposes. Some anabolic steroids are produced in clandestine laboratories located in various countries, they are imported illegally into the place of use, and some products sold as anabolic steroids are actually counterfeit whose use can be dangerous (Yesalis, 2000). They are available in the form of ingestible tablets or inject able solutions. Their general properties and secondary are well known and their use is easily detected.

Rationale for the Use of Anabolic Steroids

Anabolic androgenic steroids, i.e., steroid hormones or synthetic analogues of steroid hormones that promote tissue growth and masculinization, have been used in sports to increase muscle mass and improve performance for nearly 50 years (West & Brogan, 2008). Anabolic and androgenic properties of each steroid compound are determined by their chemical structure and / or metabolites, and this activity can vary considerably. Many of the products that are sold as black market steroids contain an irresponsible amount of anabolic steroids or other than one mentioned on the label. In other words, athletes often do not know what they are using.

Effects of Anabolic Steroids on Body Composition and Performance

Body Composition

Steroids can increase fat free mass and decrease body fat, these effects are increased by the exercise of force and are evident in clinically relevant doses. Therefore, it may be beneficial to use steroids to those who participate in sports that require a high degree of strength and skeletal muscle mass and / or a low percentage of body fat. The bodybuilders, men and women often use these substances because of its clear effect on body mass (West, 2008).

Performance in Exercise and Sports

Research on the effects on the performance increase of anabolic steroids began in the late 1960s and continued until the early 1980s (Monroe, ...