You have probably already heard of steroids but do not know what they are or what they are used for exactly. We clarify all the doubts about this compound that many take with few precautions, and it has important side effects. As we can also see, steroids have a use in medicine, although they should always be taken with the prior prescription of a doctor.
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What are steroids?
Steroids are organic compounds, which means that they are a substance mainly made up of carbon. It is mainly composed of vitamins and hormones , the latter being the cause of the most relevant side effects. The point is that a steroid is not just that substance that they can offer you in a gym, but it is something that is also in our body naturally.
In humans and mammals in general, steroids fulfill important functions such as:
- Regulate salt levels and bile secretion.
- Cholesterol is a steroid and is part of the cell membrane.
- Control hormone levels.
So what are steroids as we know them?
Those used by some bodybuilders are synthetic derivatives of testosterone called anabolic androgenic steroids or AAS . The term “anabolic” refers to the muscle growth that can be produced, while “androgenic” refers to the increase in male characteristics.
Types of steroids
In this case, we refer only to synthetic steroids, used in bodybuilding or for medical purposes. Studies show that steroid users prefer four types: nandrolone, stanozolol, testosterone and oxymetholone. The same studies show that more than 90% of these consumers are unaware of the side effects detailed below.
1. Deca-Durabolin (Nandrolone)
Nandrolone is usually found naturally in the body, although in small amounts. It is responsible for natural growth, appetite stimulation, increased red blood cells and bone density.
1.1 Side effects
It is used for illegal purposes to increase the virilizing effect, however it can also cause uncontrolled prostate enlargement , sperm production, elevated calcium levels, acne, increased libido, nausea, vomiting and fluid retention. . It is also suspected of having a neurotoxic effect.
1.2 Medical uses
Several clinical studies have shown that nandrolone is effective for the treatment of anemia , osteoporosis or neoplasia (appearance of an abnormal mass of tissue). In the case of anemia, the desired effect is an increase in the production of red blood cells, while in osteoporosis it is prescribed to increase bone density.
2. Winstrol (Stanozolol)
Unlike nandrolone, it is a synthetic substance used in medicine, although it is consumed illegally and has drastic side effects.
2.1 Side effects
The adverse reactions of the drug Winstrol are as important as the appearance of tumors in the liveror yellow discoloration of the skin. It can also cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, excitement, insomnia, clitoral enlargement, acne, reduced sperm quality, and fluid retention.
2.2
Medical uses Stanozolol is used in some cases of anemia, anorexia, convalescence, chronic diseases and osteoporosis. This is because it greatly increases the appetite and flavor of food. On the other hand, better utilization of protein.
3. Sustanon (Testosterone)
As in the case of Winstrol, it is a synthetic steroid formed from four types of testosterone : testosterone propionate, testosterone phenylpropinate, testosterone isocaproate and testosterone decanoate.
3.1 Side Effects
It is used in bodybuilding to build muscle, although excessive testosterone intake can cause acne, breast enlargement, deep voice, mood swings, tiredness, insomnia, pain, and uncontrolled weight gain. Nausea, vomiting, slurred speech, difficulty urinating and spontaneous erections have also been reported.
3.2 Medical uses
A controlled increase in muscle is usually beneficial in some medical conditions and is effective from day one . However, it is usually prescribed in very few cases.
4. Anadrol (Oxymetholone)
Finally we find anadrol, a synthetic steroid that is also effective for building muscle mass and strength. It should be used in weight loss preparations, according to doctors.
4.1 Side effects
As in the case of Sustanon, Anadrol is illegally consumed to build muscle quickly, although it causes nausea, edema, acne, deep voice, excess hair or clitoral enlargement. In the most severe cases it can lead to hepatitis, liver cancer or cirrhosis .
4.2 Medical uses
Anadol has a clinical application for anemia and osteoporosis due to the production of red blood cells and bone density. It is prescribed in few cases since the effects are very strong.
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