What are anabolic steroids?

Anabolic steroids are drugs that are synthetic forms of testosterone. The technical term for these compounds is "anabolic-androgenic steroids" (AAS). "Anabolic" refers to tissue growth (primarily muscle), and "androgenic" refers to a group of sex hormones called androgens.

Testosterone is the primary androgen. It stimulates the development of male characteristics. Testosterone levels are naturally much higher in men than in women. Healthcare professionals primarily prescribe anabolic steroids to treat low testosterone (male hypogonadism). But they are also used for other conditions, such as stimulating muscle growth in people with certain types of cancer or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Some athletes, bodybuilders, and others abuse these drugs to enhance their performance or physical appearance. Anabolic steroids for sale advantages and risks​ are the most common appearance- and performance-enhancing drugs (APEDs). Anabolic steroid abuse is common. In the United States, approximately 3 to 4 million people use anabolic steroids for non-medical purposes.

Anabolic steroids come in various forms, including:

  • Pills.
  • Injections.
  • Topical creams or gels.
  • Skin patches.
  • Implantable capsules.

How do anabolic steroids work?

Anabolic steroids (artificial androgens) work by activating androgen receptors in the body and mimicking the effects of natural androgens.

Prescription anabolic steroids work in different ways to treat certain conditions. For example:

  • For people with naturally low testosterone levels, prescription anabolic steroids restore their testosterone levels to normal.
  • Anabolic steroids help treat estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer by reducing estrogen levels. The cells in this type of breast cancer have receptors that allow them to use estrogen to grow. Anabolic steroids can block the growth of cancer cells by reducing estrogen levels.
  • In people with muscle wasting due to cancer or AIDS, anabolic steroids increase the number of androgen receptors in skeletal muscle, which can lead to increased muscle size and strength.

Side Effects of Anabolic Steroids

Anabolic steroids are Class C drugs, sold only in pharmacies with a prescription. However, their possession for personal use is legal. If you are known to be supplying or selling them, it is illegal and punishable by an unlimited fine or even a prison sentence of up to 14 years.

People who abuse steroids without a prescription often take between 10 and 100 times the dose prescribed by a doctor for a patient with a legitimate need.

When used, anabolic steroids redefine the body's ability to build muscle mass. For example, during weightlifting or other intense exercises, small muscle tears occur. Although this may seem alarming, it is a natural process that helps the body build strength.

When muscle tissue fully recovers, it becomes stronger. Under anabolic steroids, these tears repair at an abnormally rapid rate, allowing users to gain strength more quickly.

Bodybuilders and athletes often use steroids to enhance their performance. Those who regularly abuse them run the risk of developing a serious addiction. For example, football and rugby players are known to take steroids to feel more powerful and aggressive before a match. Bodybuilders, on the other hand, take them to gain mass.

Signs of Anabolic Steroid Addiction

Symptoms of anabolic steroid addiction are not always obvious. Signs include:

  • Jeopardizing finances to maintain the addiction.
  • Continuing to use the drug despite adverse physical effects.
  • Experiencing depression due to withdrawal symptoms.
  • Continuing to use the drug despite significant family problems.
  • Ignoring personal responsibility in favor of steroid use.

Although anabolic steroids offer many desirable physical characteristics, prolonged use can disrupt hormonal balance. As a result, the user may experience various withdrawal symptoms upon stopping the drug (such as depression and suicidal thoughts).

Stopping steroids is difficult, but entirely possible. There are medications that not only reduce depression but also restore hormone levels to normal.

Who uses anabolic steroids?

Once steroid treatment is completed, various medications must be taken to stimulate the body to reach its natural capacity and compensate for the high testosterone levels that cause it to shut down.

This may involve taking other prescription medications. For example:

  • Amphetamines: To prevent major depression and promote weight loss.
  • Beta-blockers: to stop tremors.
  • Diuretics: to stop water retention.
  • Growth hormone: to stimulate natural testosterone production and prevent testicular shrinkage.

This is called polypharmacy, which involves the combined use of several medications. Polypharmacy without a prescription can be dangerous, given the side effects of each medication and the way it is obtained without medical advice.

Additionally, adolescents also use steroids to boost their self-esteem. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates that 375,000 young men and 175,000 young women (of secondary school age) use anabolic steroids each year.

In Wales, there is also a growing problem with counterfeit and illicit steroids, which pose increased health risks. Public Health Wales has developed support resources to provide honest, evidence-based information and advice to reduce the risks associated with the use of image- and performance-enhancing substances.

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