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The drive to win is intense for athletes. There is a satisfaction when you accomplish a feat like securing a spot on a professional team or winning a medal for your country. In this competitive environment, the use of performance-enhancing drugs has become rampant despite evidence that these drugs can have significant side effects.
With this, it is highly recommended to do your research before you consider anabolic steroids. By equipping yourself with the right information, you will get the most out of it. Here’s what you need to know about anabolic steroids:
What are anabolic steroids?
Anabolic steroids (also called pump or juice) are artificially derived from testosterone, the main male hormone. Testosterone affects many parts of the body from the muscles to bones, liver, hair follicles, kidneys, blood, reproductive system, immune system, and the central nervous system.
How people use anabolic steroids?
You must know that the continuous use of anabolic steroids can lead to problems like tolerance. If you are an athlete, you need to minimize possible effects through different patterns of use.
Some people consider the following patterns of use:
- Cycling: cycling means taking anabolic steroids in sets of 6-12 weeks; this is also known as “on” period. It is then followed by 4 weeks to several months of not using.
- Stacking: in this pattern of use, users combine several types of steroids in an attempt to minimize steroid’s effectiveness.
- Pyramiding: in this pattern of use, users slowly increase the dose to a peak. In the same way, users reduce the amount gradually.
What are the types of anabolic steroids?
There are many types of anabolic steroids – for medical and performance use. The types depend on how it is taken.
- Oral form: oral forms are taken by mouth. This includes Fluoxymesterone (Halo), Methandienone (Dianabol), Mibolerone (Cheque), Stanozolol (Winny) and many more.
- Injectable form: there are many legal injections for athletes you can consider. At the end of the day, it is more effective than other types. Examples include Trenbolone acetate (Tren), Testosterone propionate (Testex), Testosterone enanthate (Andro-Estro), Testosterone cypionate (Depotest), Nandrolone decanoate (Deca) and many more.
- Through the skin: latest technology allows pellets implanted under the skin. If you do not want implants, you can use cream or gel.
How about the side effects of anabolic steroids?
You must be aware that the side effects will depend on the product, sex/age, how long and how much you use. Legal and normal-dose anabolic steroids may have side effects like acne, difficulty when urinating, fluid retention, increased red cell count, hair growth or loss, libido changes, lower levels of good HDL cholesterol and many more.
What are the withdrawal symptoms?
When the person stops taking anabolic steroids, it can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms include fatigue, restlessness, depression, fatigue, insomnia, cravings, and mood swings.
Remember that the initial step in treating anabolic steroid abuse is to discontinue its use and seek medical attention. This will address physical or psychiatric symptoms that might happen. Before taking any steroids, you should seek the help of doctors.
