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Archive for the Category ◊ Anabolic Steroids ◊

Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

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anabolic steroids

Why are anabolic steroids the most dreaded drugs, when they have a lot of benefits? It’s really difficult to understand, why some people are a lot of hue and cry on anabolic steroids. Are anabolic steroids really pernicious and deleterious drugs? Do these drugs deserve the treatment that they often get?

Certainly, not! Anabolic steroids are not the deadly and pernicious drugs. There’s nothing to dread about anabolic steroids. In fact, anabolic steroids are the drugs having numerous benefits. Anabolic steroids are the synthetic steroid hormones created from testosterone, the primary male sex hormone. Most anabolic androgenic steroids have the varying combinations of anabolic and androgenic qualities.

Anabolic steroids can help you increase your muscular mass and body appearance. Doctors often prescribe anabolic steroids for the stimulation of bone growth, appetite, puberty and muscle growth. These drugs have wondeful ability to deal with the chronic wasting conditions, such as AIDS and cancer. These hormonal drugs can have a number of positive effects on your body; these may include increased protein synthesis, muscle mass, strength, appetite and bone growth.

Anabolic steroids have been very effective therapy for hypoplastic anemias, which are due to leukemia or kidney failure, especially apalstic anemia. Synthetic protein hormones that stimulate growth of blood cell precursors have replaced the steroids. Pediatric endocrinologists use the anabolic steroids to treat children with the growth failure. However, the availability of synthetic growth hormone makes it a secondary treatment.

Androgenic steroids play important role in induction of male puberty. Testosterone is the only androgen used for this purpose and has been shown to increase height, weight, and fat-free mass in boys with delayed puberty. Testosterone enanthate could be used as a safe, reliable and reversible male contraceptive.

Anabolic steroids can better increase the lean body mass and prevent bone loss in elderly men. These steroids are often used in hormone replacement therapy for men with low levels of testosterone. These are highly effective in improving libido for elderly males. These steroids are also used to treat gender dysmorphia by producing secondary male characteristics, such as deeper voice, increased bone and muscle mass, facial hair, increased levels of red blood cells, and clitoral enlargement in female to male patients.

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Monday, November 23rd, 2009

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effects of steroids

There are over hundreds of different steroids, which have been identified in plants, animals, and fungi, but this article is about the effects of steroids that limited few are approved for human use. Some limited few steroids are also approved for the veterinary use.

Steroids are available as anabolic-androgenic steroid drugs, anti-estrogen drugs, and growth hormone and peptide drugs. These drugs are powerful performance-enhancing drugs. There is a wide range of available steroids, such as Anadrol ® (oxymetholone), Dianabol (methandrostenolone), Testosterone, Stenox, Clomid (clomiphene citrate), Viagra (sildenafil citrate), Cialis (tadalifil citrate), Evista (raloxifene), etc.

There are many effects of steroids. The positive effects of steroids are visible when they are used for several medical purposes including stimulation of bone growth, appetite, puberty, and muscle growth. The effects of steroids (anabolic) impressive when they are used for the treatment of several chronic wasting conditions, such as cancer and AIDS. There are anabolic effects of steroids in protein synthesis, muscle mass, strength, appetite and bone growth.

The anabolic effects of steroids are superb when they are used in treating conditions, such as delayed puberty and some types of impotence, which are resulted due to abnormally low amounts of testosterone production in the body.

However, side effects of steroids have made them controversial drugs, but the side effects of steroids are linked with steroid abuse. There are a number of side effects of steroids, if they are over-used wrongly for wrong purposes. Some of the side effects of steroids include elevated cholesterol (increase in LDL, decreased HDL levels), acne, elevated blood pressure, hepatotoxicity, and alterations in left ventricle morphology.

These side effects of steroids have made these drugs stand among the abused drugs. Listed as Schedule III in the Controlled Substances Act, steroids are controlled drugs in United States. Canada and Britain also have laws controlling the use and distribution of steroids.

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Saturday, November 21st, 2009

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steroids in baseball

The pharmaceutical anabolic steroids are believed to have been inadvertently discovered by German scientists in the early 1930s. Anabolic steroids or androgenic steroids are the synthetic derivatives of testosterone that promote muscle and bone growth. These steroids are medically used to treat uncontrolled weight loss in wasting diseases.

However, these steroids are often used by bodybuilders, athletes, and sports persons to increase their muscle mass, strength, and stamina. The first known use of anabolic steroid— testosterone propionate was mentioned in US weightlifting/bodybuilding magazine, Strength and Health magazine in 1938.

The International Amateur Athletic Federation, now the International Association of Athletics Federations, became the first international governing body of sport to ban anabolic steroids in sports. These drugs were banned by FIFA, Union Cycliste Internationale (cycling), and International Olympic Committee in 1966-67.

However, Major League Baseball remained lenient about the use of steroids in baseball. The use of steroids in baseball became hotly debatable in the mid 1990s. Steroids in baseball became hot subject of sports news, magazines, and rumors. Though, a 1988 US federal law declared the use and distribution of anabolic steroid drugs for nontherapeutic illegal, Major League Baseball did not test for steroids in baseball until 2003.

The was a drastic rise in home runs since 1995 that greatly contributed to strengthening the influence of steroids in baseball; Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, and Barry Bonds had all stunningly surpassed the home run record set by Roger Maris – whose 61 homers in 1961 had not been challenged in over 30 years.

Often, post 1994 period is referred to as “Steroids Era.” There were a number of stories on steroids in baseball. The first evidence of steroids in baseball came out when a bottle of a nutritional supplement was found in Mark McGwireґs locker; the bottle was found containing Androstendione, a prohormone. Ken Caminiti revealed to Sports Illustrated that he won the 1996 NL MVP award while on steroids. He also revealed that 50% of the players in the league were using steroids. In a book published during steroids in baseball imbroglio, Jose Canseco admitted using steroids and also revealed that 85% of all players in MLB were using steroids.

The fact was “eye-opener” for MLB. The Journalists Lance Williams and Mark Fainaru-Wada exposed the BALCO scandal associated with steroids in baseball & other sports in 2003. The nutrition center BALCO, was accused of distributing steroids to many star players, like Barry Bonds, Jason Giambi, Gary Sheffield, Benito Santiago, Jeremy Giambi, Bobby Estalella, and Armando Rios.

The most famous instances of steroids in baseball are that of Jason Giambi and Barry Bonds, who were suspected of using anabolic steroids in baseball. Giambi admitted before a U.S. grand jury that he used a duo of undetectable steroids known respectively as "the cream" and “the clear.” He also admitted that he received the drugs from his personal trainer Greg Anderson during the 2003 season. On the other hand, Bonds revealed that his trainer told him the substances were the nutritional supplement flaxseed oil and a pain-relieving balm for his arthritis.

The Major League Baseball conducted random testing steroids in baseball in 2003. The League toughened its policies a bit on the use of steroids in baseball. The players, such as Ryan Franklin and others were suspended for ten days, but a Congressional panel argued that the penalties were not tough enough, and took action. Thus, several top players, such as Rafael Palmeiro, McGwire, Sosa, Canseco and Curt Schilling were testified in front of Congress on March 17, 2005. Congress has been continuously pressuring MLB for instituting a comprehensive testing policy for its players.

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Monday, November 16th, 2009

Keywords:

anabolic steroid

Anabolic steroid is natural or synthetic endocrine, which regulates the body functions. Anabolic Steroid is also called ‘Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid.’ Anabolic steroid helps to build muscles and body mass.

Anabolic steroid was discovered in 1930. Since then, anabolic steroid drugs have been used for several medical purposes comprising bone growth stimulation, appetency, puberty, and muscle development. The most far-flung use of anabolic steroid is for chronic wasting conditions including AIDS and cancer.

Presently, anabolic steroid drugs are one of the most controversial drugs. These drugs are often used as performance & stamina enhancing drugs. There are a number of side effects and serious consequences linked with the abuse and overuse of anabolic steroid drugs. Some of the anabolic steroid side effects include giddiness, early hair loss, mood swings (anger, depression and aggression), delusion, feelings of fear and suspicion, sleeping problems, vomiting and nausea, trembling, joints pain, yellow fever, high blood pressure, problems in urinary system, heart problems, stroke, liver damage and many others.

The anabolic steroid drugs affect males and females in different ways. The major “anabolic steroid side effects” in males include increased breast or nipple size, enlarged prostate gland, powerlessness and reduced sperm count. The major “anabolic steroid side effects” in females include excessive hair growth on body and face, decreased breast size, deepened voice and menstrual problems.

These anabolic steroid side effects have made the drugs category, which is usable only by prescription, in order to deal the conditions, which occurs when human body produces lesser testosterone quantities such as delayed puberty and impotence. According to a 1988 US federal law, the use and distribution of anabolic steroid drugs is illegal. These drugs were put under the category of controlled substances in 1991.

The anabolic steroid drugs have an anticoagulant effect. Used with extreme care in combination with other drugs, these drugs have the same effect, including warfarin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and aspirin. Simultaneous use of anabolic steroid drugs and corticosteroids may increase the risk of foot and ankle swelling. The combination is very likely to cause acne. The anabolic steroid drugs may also help lowering blood glucose levels. These drugs should be used with extreme care in patients taking insulin or other antidiabetic drugs.

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Monday, November 16th, 2009

Anabolic Steroids, also known as androgenic or AAS are a distinctive class of steroid hormones. This is because they function in both growth enhancement and maintenance of sexual characteristics. The anabolic growth functions are carried out through manipulation of protein synthesis in muscle cells. This increases anabolism and thereby boosts body size and strength. Androgenic functions are related to sexual properties, with testosterone being the most common natural androgen. All anabolic steroids are derivatives of testosterone. Hence, they are known to stimulate the sex organs, increasing growth of the penis and the clitoris in men and women respectively.

Medical Usage

Anabolic steroids, when discovered were highly regarded for their medical advantages. Doctors found them very useful in the treatment of various diseases. The most common uses are:

•     Treatment of low-levels of testosterone. Anabolic steroids increase these levels and work to boost libido. Sometimes, these steroids are also administered to induce puberty in boys who face unnatural delays.

•     Stimulation of bone growth. Although anabolic steroids have been used to treat bone growth for a very long time, their side effects have made medical professionals prefer other forms of treatment.

•     Stimulation of appetite.

•     Enhancement muscle growth. Anabolic steroids are effective growth-stimulation agents and are found useful when administered to patients subject to chronic wasting conditions (including cancer and AIDS)

Abuse and side-effects

Due to the obvious strength and muscle enhancement qualities of anabolic steroids, many sportspeople began taking excessive doses of these substances to boost their athletic abilities. However, they failed to realize the damaging side effects of these drugs. These side effects include elevated cholesterol and blood pressure, severe damage to the liver and various cardiovascular complications.

This resulted in the imminent ban of the usage of these substances is competitive sports by major bodies such as the Olympics, FIFA etc. Even the major world countries like the USA and the UK have many restrictions posed on the possession and distribution of these drugs.

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Sunday, November 15th, 2009

Keywords:

Anabolic steroids

Anabolic Steroids, as the name suggests are a type of steroid hormones. Their major use is artificial muscle growth, commonly used to enhance various physical capabilities. Anabolic steroids work by increasing protein synthesis in the muscular cells thereby increasing anabolism of muscles. These steroids are derived from the male hormone, testosterone. Therefore, they are also effective in maintaining and developing male sexual qualities.

Discovery and usage

Anabolic steroids were discovered during the early 20th century. Firstly, they were used for purely medical purposes which included stimulation of growth within the body. Mainly targeted were bones, sexual properties and muscular functions. Later, these substances were found to be highly effective in the treatment of cancer and even AIDS.

Side effects

Although very useful from a medical point of view, these steroids produce severe side effects when used without proper medical guidance or in improper doses. The most common side effects are unnatural increase in blood pressure, acne, increase in cholesterol levels, early heart attacks and severe damage to the liver.

Controversy

With the buzz rapidly increasing around anabolic steroids and their effectiveness, they began making their way into the sports industry. Various competitive athletes began using these steroids excessively to enhance their athletic abilities. This excessive usage was mainly due to the fact that the athletes, as well as the general public, were mostly ignorant about their side effects. This led to a lot of controversy and finally, major sports bodies including the Olympics, NBA, FIFA etc. decided to ban their usage.

Presently, anabolic steroids are viewed as controlled substances in many countries including the US, UK and Canada and each nation has strict laws to regulate their distribution and usage. Because of this, demand for these substances has risen remarkably in illegal and black markets, and these steroids are now subject to extensive cross-border smuggling through organized crime.

Many activist organizations, with the help of various international governments are working to increase awareness about the risks of excessive steroid usage.

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