The use of anabolic steroids in high-performance sports is still current. However, it is increasingly shifting to other pharmacologically active groups of substances. On the other hand, the situation in mass sport is characterized by a growing intake of these substances and is reaching a considerable level. With continued demand, anabolic steroids are among the most abused drugs after cannabinoids and amphetamines.
Doping or drug abuse?
While the concept of doping only applies to licensed top-class sport and the athlete is punished by suspension, there are no regulations in mass sport that restrict abuse. The main problem here is the risk of damage to health due to improper use of medication. The users inform themselves about side effects from fellow athletes and only to a small extent from doctors.
The Internet also offers a platform where advice and tips are accessible to a large number of people. The procurement of pharmaceuticals does not appear to be an obstacle. So, a major problem with a high number of unreported cases can be assumed in recreational sports. To date, there have been no reliable surveys of its use in fitness centers. Thus, before you buy anabolic steroids (anabolika kaufen), it is advisable to consult your doctor.
Pharmacological Effects
The anabolic steroids derived from testosterone have numerous effects that can be differentiated into androgenic and anabolic effects:
Androgenic Effects
- Development of the primary male sexual characteristics
- Influencing secondary sexual characteristics such as genital size, sperm production, prostate growth, hair distribution, and deep voice
- Male physique
- Psychic Changes
Anabolic Effects
- Increase in protein synthesis, muscle growth, and positive nitrogen balance
- Increased calcium ion uptake and stimulation of bone growth
- Increase in erythropoiesis
- Different distribution of body fat, V-shaped “muscle man”
- Increased reabsorption of electrolytes
Characteristic indications for the use of androgenic anabolic steroids are catabolic disorders such as muscle wasting, growth retardation, improvement in tissue healing, and breast carcinoma.
Effects of anabolic steroids misuse
The misuse of anabolic steroids mainly affects strength and high-speed sports as well as cosmetic purposes. For the majority of people, it is certainly not necessary to take it, since athletic performance is achieved in the same way through adequate nutrition and a suitable training program.
In addition, one should not overstate the properties of these substances in terms of improving performance and physique. In the leisure sector, this is only of secondary importance anyway. Many of the side effects described are reversible, but particular attention should be paid to the effects on the cardiovascular system and liver toxicity, since more serious consequences are to be expected here.