Steroids Facts And Eye-Opening Myths [True Stories]

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Written By Jonathan Deventer

Steroids Facts And Myths

Anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of testosterone, a male hormone, and they are often taken to improve appearance, build muscle, and enhance overall performance.

Unfortunately, steroids facts show that there are many steroid side effects, some of which may be irreversible.

On the other hand, the anabolic effects of these drugs help a user’s body retain protein, which is an essential building block for bone, skin, and muscle growth.

Here’s a look at some of the interesting drug facts and basic information about steroidsBuy legal steroids online here.

Steroids Facts

Who Uses Steroids? – In most cases, steroid users are male, young athletes.

However, football players and bodybuilders aren’t the only ones that are using steroids.

Athletes in many endurance sports, such as cycling, running, and swimming may use steroids.

Some models use steroids to improve their body image, individuals in physically demanding occupations may use them to improve strength, and some adolescents use them to quicken maturation and puberty.

How widespread is the use of steroids?

Here are some up-to-date statistics to give you a sense of the degree of use:

  • The fastest-growing user group for steroids is female high school students
  • 44% of high school athletes stated that getting steroids without a prescription was not difficult
  • There has been a surge in the population of NFL players weighing over 300 pounds, a 2900% increase between 1985 and 2004 that has caused many to think steroid use among NLF players is at the root
  • 11% of teen male athletes admitted to taking steroids at least once to try to get an edge in their sport
  • A confidential survey administered to retired National Football League players revealed 1 out of 10 had used steroids during their career for the NFL
  • 16.3% of offensive linemen admitted that they used steroids

How can you use steroids?

Steroids can be injected intramuscularly or they can be taken orally.

One big mistake that users often make is relying on hearsay to determine the dosages they take. This often results in users taking huge megadoses of steroids that may not be safe.

Some users also stack steroids, taking multiple steroids in combinations.

Many individuals also take steroids in cycles, which means they use steroids for a certain period and then take a break from steroids for a predetermined period to avoid building a tolerance to the steroids.

How do steroids affect the body?

Different steroids will create different effects, not just because each steroid has a different method of action, or that some have a higher toxicity than others, but because everyone’s body is unique.

However, some general statements can be made about steroids and what they do to the body.

On the positive, steroids affect the body by helping it be more efficient at converting nutrients into energy and muscle growth. Steroids can trigger the release of IGF-1, which is a key hormone for muscle repair. These drugs can also promote stronger bones and heightened red blood cell production.

On the negative, steroids can create adverse effects that fall on a spectrum of aggravating to dangerous.

It is perhaps not surprising that when used improperly these drugs can have harmful consequences on your vital organs.

Are There Medical Uses for Steroids – Anabolic steroids do have medical uses and they may be used to treat endometriosis, osteoporosis, certain types of breast cancer, anemia, and other problems.

However, steroids are not approved medically for athletic performance or cosmetic purposes.

Many different types of anabolic steroids facts are available, and just a few of the common trade names of these steroids include:

  • Decadurabolin
  • Anavar
  • Maxibolin
  • Therabolin
  • Dihydrolone
  • Anadrol
  • Equipoise
  • Bolasterone
  • Primobolan
  • Winstrol
  • Durabolin
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone
  • Anatrofin
  • Quinolone
  • Methyltestosterone
  • Gamma Hydroxybutilate
  • Eymethazine
  • Parabolin
bulking ans cutting steroids

Steroids Facts and Statistics

If you’re interested in some of the steroids facts and statistics surrounding their use, here’s a look at a few interesting steroids facts to consider.

Steroids come with many potential side effects, and it’s important to consider these side effects before taking them. Some of the common side effects may include:

  • Male pattern baldness
  • Development of breasts in men (gynecomastia)
  • Shrinking testicles
  • Facial hair growth in women
  • Deeper voice in women
  • Steroid Gut
  • Insomnia
  • Increased risk of prostate cancer
  • Irritability
  • Steroid addiction

How do steroids affect the brain?

Don’t underestimate the psychological effects of steroid use — they can be just as serious as the physical effects.

Some users experience a condition called “roid rage,” which is characterized by a loss of control leading to violent, aggressive behaviour.

Others experience psychosis and a feeling of dislocation from reality.

Depression stemming from steroid use can range from mild to severe, tragically sometimes leading to suicide.

Some of the most severe psychological and behavioral side effects of steroids can include:

  • Paranoia
  • Mood swings
  • Hyperactivity

One method of taking steroids is through injection.

Since injection equipment may not always be sterile, users could be vulnerable to certain life-threatening diseases, such as hepatitis or HIV/AIDS.

Steroids facts have been shown to help increase endurance, muscle mass, and strength.

However, athletes need to remember that diet, cardiovascular health, mental alertness, genetic inheritance, skill, and rest all have an impact on athletic ability.

Since 1991, steroids have been classified as controlled substances, meaning you need a prescription to legally have them today.

Manufacturing, distributing, or possessing steroids can come with some legal penalties.

Steroid Use Facts

How many people are using steroids? What are the ages of steroid users? Here’s a closer look at a few of the facts surrounding steroid use.

  • In 2013, studies showed that 2.1% of high school 12th graders admitted to using steroids
  • More than 3 million Americans have used steroids at some point in their life
  • The fastest-growing user group of steroids is high school girls
  • The median age of people using anabolic steroids is 25 years old
  • 41% of steroid users say they are very easy to get today
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Steroid Myths

It’s important to understand the difference between real steroids facts and myths. There are many myths surrounding steroids, and they need to be dispelled. Here’s a look at some of the common myths about steroids and the truth behind them.

Myth #1 – Taking More Steroids Provides Better Results – Many steroid users believe that taking more steroids will offer them better results.

Unfortunately, this is not true, and doing so could increase the risk that they deal with steroids side effects.

Myth #2 – Steroids Result in “Roid Rage” – While using anabolic steroids may result in an increase in aggression for some people, most users do not show any signs of increased violence or hostility, even when taking large doses of steroids. It depends on which steroids you take and what you use them for.

Myth #3 – Steroids Will Shrink the Penis – While steroids can temporarily shrink the testicles, they are not known to affect the penis.

Natural testosterone is diminished when taking steroids, which is why testicular shrinkage occurs while taking steroids. However, in most cases, the testicles go back to their normal size after the steroids have been discontinued.

Myth #4 – Steroids Always Provide Massive Growth – While steroids can help you build muscle, taking them doesn’t guarantee that you’ll see massive growth.

These steroids have to be fed, so you’ll need to eat right while taking steroids if you want to see those big gains. There are many steroids intended for losing weight as well.

Myth #5 – Performance Enhancing Drugs are Only Anabolic – Some performance enhancing drugs are not a part of the anabolic steroid category, such as Human Growth Hormone, which is a peptide hormone, not an anabolic steroid.

Steroids Facts in Sports

Here are a few facts to consider about steroids and sports:

  • Steroids are increasingly used among high school athletes, especially as high school sports become more competitive.
  • From Barry Bonds to Jason Giambi, multiple baseball players have been exposed for using steroids.
  • Steroid use is rampant in high school, collegiate, and professional football.
  • Many athletes who have competed in the Olympics have been exposed for using steroids.

Although multiple sports governing bodies, including the National Hockey League, Major League of Baseball, International Olympic Committee, National Football League, and National Basketball Association, have banned steroid use, they continue to be used in the sports world.

If you look at steroids facts in baseball, you’ll find that steroids are used among baseball players more than many other athletes.

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 FAQs on Steroid Facts:

What are steroids?

Steroids are a group of hormones naturally produced in the body that play various roles, including regulating metabolism, growth, and development. They can also be synthetically produced for medical and non-medical purposes.

What are the different types of steroids?

There are two main categories: anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) and corticosteroids. AAS are often misused for muscle growth, while corticosteroids are used for their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects.

Are all steroids illegal?

In most countries, including the US, AAS is illegal to possess or use without a prescription. Corticosteroids, however, are legal with a prescription from a doctor.

What are the medical uses of steroids?

Corticosteroids are prescribed for various conditions like asthma, arthritis, and autoimmune diseases to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system.

What are the risks of using steroids for non-medical purposes?

Abusing steroids can lead to a range of health problems, including:

  • Liver damage
  • Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
  • Mood swings and aggressionStunted growth in adolescents
  • Increased risk of infection

Are there any legal ways to improve muscle growth?

Yes, there are many safe and legal ways to build muscle, including:

  • Strength training exercises
  • Proper nutrition
  • Adequate rest and recovery

Do professional athletes use steroids?

Unfortunately, some athletes misuse steroids to enhance their performance, despite the risks and ethical concerns. It’s important to remember that using steroids doesn’t guarantee success and can have serious consequences.

What are the signs and symptoms of steroid abuse?

Some signs of steroid abuse can include:

  • Rapid weight gain or muscle growth
  • Mood swings and irritabilityAcne and oily skinStunted growth in adolescents
  • Changes in sleep patterns

Where can I get help if I am struggling with steroid abuse?

If you or someone you know is struggling with steroid abuse, there are resources available to help. You can talk to a doctor, or therapist, or call a national helpline like the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

What are the long-term effects of steroid abuse?

The long-term effects of steroid abuse can be severe and lasting, impacting physical and mental health. It’s crucial to understand these risks before considering using steroids.

Can the negative effects of steroid abuse be reversed?

Some of the effects of steroid abuse may be reversible, while others may be permanent. Early intervention and seeking professional help are crucial to minimize long-term damage.

Is there a difference between steroids and performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs)?

Steroids are one type of PED, but not all PEDs are steroids. Other examples of PEDs include human growth hormone and erythropoietin (EPO).

REFERENCES

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  2. Sagoe D et al The global epidemiology of anabolic-androgenic steroid use: a meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis. Ann Epidemiol. 2014 May;24(5):383-98. doi: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2014.01.009. Epub 2014 Jan 30. Review.
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