SAFE to use Steroids? (III)

 

Steroid is a type of organic compound that can be derived naturally from plants, animals and fungi. In our human body it can be found in the dietary fat cholesterol and the sex hormones estradiol and testosterone. The adrenal glands secrete a number of steroid hormones, known as corticosteroids, that are important for the maintenance of blood pressure, blood glucose levels, salt and water balance, and other critical bodily processes.

History

Tracing back its origin, synthesized in the 1930s, steroids have been used therapeutically in medicine for two different, but overlapping, types of effects:

- Anabolic, meaning that they promote cell growth, recommended for anemia, osteoporosis, reverse protein loss following trauma, surgery or prolonged immobilization and treat chronic wasting conditions, such as cancer and AIDS.

- Androgenic, meaning affect the development and maintenance of masculine characteristics such as the growth of the vocal cords, testicles and body hair involving the pubertal growth, sebaceous gland oil production, and sexuality (especially during foetal development).

Commercial uses

In recent times, the application has widened to other areas like:

+ Steroids from simple precursors is frequently used to produce antibiotics, treatment of various bone-degenerative diseases, cholesterol-lowering drugs such as statins and the anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone. They are easily available from pharmacists, veterinarians and physicians.

+ Steroids used for non-medical purposes which work by interacting with androgen receptors to increase muscle and bone synthesis. There are natural and synthetic anabolic steroids available at fitness centres, competitions and through the mail. Certain physicians may choose to prescribe steroids to those involved in sporting activities.

Mechanical action

Technically known as anabolic-androgen steroids (AAS) these are drugs which mimic the effects of the male sex hormones testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

As fat-soluble hormones, such steroids are able to penetrate the membrane of the target cell and bind to an androgen receptor located in the cytoplasm of that cell. From there, the compound hormone-receptor diffuses into the nucleus, where it either alters the expression of genes or activates processes that send signals to other parts of the cell. Their effects on muscle mass are:

+ Firstly, they increase the production of proteins from amino acids, increased appetite, increased bone remodeling and growth, and stimulation of bone marrow, which increases the production of red blood cells. With the formation of muscle cells, the size of skeletal muscles is increased, leading to increased strength. Some users experienced weight gain by 2-5 kg within 10 weeks mostly on lean mass. The upper body benefits most where the androgen receptors are located.

+ Secondly, they reduce recovery time by blocking the effects of stress hormone cortisol on muscle tissue, so that breakdown of muscle is greatly reduced. Also possible is the number of cells that develop into muscle cells instead of fat-storage cells with a corresponding rise of metabolic rate.

Side effects

Health risks can be produced by long-term use or excessive doses of anabolic steroids. These effects include:

+ Harmful changes in cholesterol levels (increased low-density lipoprotein and decreased high-density lipoprotein)

+ Acne (mostly due to stimulation of the sebaceous glands by increased testosterone levels)

+ High blood pressure (especially those with pre-existing hypertension)

+ Liver damage (mainly with oral steroids) on high doses as the steroids are metabolized in the digestive system to increase their bioavailability and stability

+ Dangerous changes in the structure of the left ventricle of the heart which impairs its contraction and relaxation that can lead to cardiac complications such as congestive heart failure, heart attacks and sudden death.

+ The rapid growth in muscles can cause stress on the tendons that attach the muscle to bone and at risk for tendon rupture.

+ Conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) can accelerate the rate of premature baldness for males who are genetically predisposed

+ Conditions pertaining to hormonal imbalances such as gynecomastia (development of breast tissue in males) and testicular atrophy (caused by the suppression of natural testosterone levels, which inhibits production of sperm).

+ Reduced sexual function and temporary infertility can also occur in males. This side effect is temporary – the size of the testicles usually returns to normal within a few weeks of discontinuing anabolic steroid use as normal production of sperm resumes.

+ In adolescents use anabolic steroids can result in premature stop in the lengthening of bones stunting growth due to accelerated bone maturation. Other side effects are increased frequency and duration of erections, and premature sexual development. There seems a correlation with poorer attitudes related to health as well. In some, it can develop into psychiatric and psychologic complications that include manic behavior and psychosis (eg. hallucinations and delusions.)

Application methods

There are three common forms in which anabolic steroids are administered: oral pills, injectable steroids, and skin patches.

* Oral administration is the most convenient but ineffective due to high absorption rendering most testosterone inactive with only about 1/6 available in active form.

* Testosterone administered by injection releases free testosterone at the site of injection and has to repeat semi-weekly to once every 12 weeks. A more frequent schedule may be desirable in order to maintain a more constant level of hormone in the system. The steroids are pumped into the muscle, not into the vein, to avoid sudden changes in the amount of the drug in the bloodstream. As testosterone is dissolved in oil, intravenous injection has the potential to cause a dangerous clot in the bloodstream.

* Testosterone-containing creams and gels which are applied daily to the skin are also available, but absorption is inefficient (roughly 10%, varying between individuals) and these treatments tend to be more expensive.

Considerations

* Some physicans believe that decreased testosterone that occurs normally with aging is an indication for replacement therapy with anabolic steroids, but their use in otherwise healthy older patients is still controversial because of the potential serious side effects.

* Performance-enhancing drugs are no longer just for bodybuilders or pro-athletes who are willing to try illegal and potentially dangerous means to improve body’s performance and appearance. The peer pressure to use anabolic steroids in some sports and races because of a fear that normal training is not enough to succeed as well as the perception that everybody else is using them to gain an unfair advantage is conventionally considered “cheating” and often banned by all major sporting bodies.

* There are many anabolic steroids that have been manufactured over the past decades. The goal of the manufacturing chemists is to promote the anabolic effect of the drug while decreasing the androgenic effects that are most often associated with potential side effects that can be life-threatening.

* However, the prevalent abuse of anabolic steroids used as performance-enhancing drugs to increase the ability to do work and exercise by abnormally stimulating muscle growth, power and aerobic capacity, can also pose life-threatening side effects. This is because the excess testosterone can affect almost all the organ systems in the body of which some of the effects are reversible and decrease when the drug use stops, while others are permanent and irreversible. Note that steroids can linger in the body for many years.

VIVA corner

Why risk your life taking those harmful drugs when there are safe and effective supplements around?

+ VIVA Ageguard boasts the full range of amino acids in unchained form (high bioavailability) that bodybuilders are too pleased to take. It helps to increase muscle mass, burn fat, increase skin thickness and regenerate body tissues. Take after an exercise can help the body to recover faster. This product is used by bodybuilders during their workouts and before competition
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+ VIVA Plus, protein extracts from rice, soy and milk is a good energy provider, helps to repair worn-out tissues, builds strong muscle and regulates psychological functions of the body. This can

be taken about half hour before the start of an exercise. Children with finicky appetite, elderly, post-surgery patients, athletes and those who wan to gain weight would find this product beneficial too.

+ VIVA Cellpex helps to detoxify the liver and cleanse our body cells from drug damage with its potent antioxidants eg. milk thistle and grape seed extract.