The Deal with Anabolic Steroids

Anabolic Steroids were first put to use in the 1940's to help bring malnutrition concentration camp survivors back to a healthy state. With the help of the drug, the victims were able to gain back the great amounts of muscle mass that was lost due to improper nutrition for such a long period of time. Eventually in the 1950's and 1960's, athletes caught wind of this "miracle drug" and began taking anabolic steroids to enhance athletic performance.

As anabolic steroids grew in popularity, scientist figured it was time to do some research on the drug. Therefore they conducted studies on non-athletes that concluded that steroids have not muscle building abilities. Athletes argued this point saying, "look at us, we take them and we have seen impressive gains in strength and muscle mass." This lead the scientist to conclude that anabolic steroids only produce a performance enhancing effect if they are used by athletes in training.

Although anabolic steroids do work in respect to producing muscle mass, the problem with them is there counter reactions with other hormones in the human body. When an individual takes anabolic steroids, it triggers the body's hormonal regulator (the pituitary glands) to stop making testosterone because the body has enough. If this process goes on for too long, the testicles (where testosterone is produced) will shrink. Although this is typically a temporary effect lasting for only a short time longer than the anabolic steroids are taken, this effect can last indefinitely.

This testicle shrinking dilemma amongst men is only one of many possible side effects of steroid use such as acne, balding, and a rise in estrogen production. Moreover, some of the side effects seen in women such as deepening of the voice are non-reversible.

Overall, while anabolic steroid use when combined with the proper exercise regimen can increase athletic ability, the side effects are so great that it is not worth the time or high cost of obtaining this black market product.

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