If you are new to the world of anabolic steroids, you must know they’re the ones that make your body muscles grow. Steroids create tiny tears in your muscles when a person exercises, and muscles become more robust than before. Steroids ultimately boost exercise performance and give more outstanding results. However, some individuals use anabolic steroids for an extended period and may develop more tolerance. Therefore, they mostly take two or more steroids at a single time. There are three common ways people misuse anabolic steroids. They are:
Stacking — It means using multiple types of steroids at once or mixing oral and injectable formulations. Many steroid abusers believe stacking increases results, but this is not scientifically proven.
Cycling — It is taking steroids for a pre-determined period, usually 6-12 weeks, and then restraining for some time. Steroid abusers use ‘’off’’ cycles to allow the body to produce its testosterone and to reduce damage to internal organs.
Pyramiding — It is the method of taking steroids on cycle. At the beginning of the cycle, a user may stick to low doses and gradually shift to the maximum dose cycle. However, users slowly taper down their steroid use in the second half of the cycle. Click here to learn about Using Anabolic Androgen Steroids For Muscular Strength.
The Effects of Anabolic Steroids on Your Body
Steroids may be used to treat inquiries, but they have many side effects and disorders which cannot be neglected.
Effects on the Hepatic System — Steroid misuse has been associated with liver damage, tumors, and a condition called peliosis hepatitis, in which blood-filled cysts are formed in the liver. When these cysts rupture, they cause internal bleeding and even death in rare cases.
Disrupted Hormonal System — steroid use disrupts the hormonal system, including reduced sperm production, low testosterone levels, and shrinking of the testicles. Irreversible changes include male-pattern baldness breast development in men. It may also increase the chances of testicular cancer. In the case of females, it produces masculinization, decreases breast size and body fat, and voice deepening. In addition, women may lose scalp hair but experience excessive body hair growth.
Aggression — Small studies indicate that excessive use of anabolic steroids causes aggression and irritability. People who misuse anabolic steroids report and experience more anger than nonusers. It may also include fights, verbal aggression, and violence towards others, often called “roid rage’’. Mood and behavioral effects were seen during anabolic androgen steroids may result in secondary hormonal changes.
Psychiatric Disorders are More Common — Moderate to high doses of anabolic steroids are also associated with significant mood disorders like mania, hypomania, and major depression. However, these effects were not constant across individuals, with little showing psychological change.
Why Are Anabolic Steroids Misused
Anabolic steroids increase lean muscle mass when used with used for weight training. The reason for steroid use is often associated with a form of male body dysmorphic disorder called muscle dysmorphia due to the inadequate size of their muscles. Anabolic steroid users report that their muscles recover faster from intense strain and muscle injury. When they observe an increase in muscle mass and improved performance, they start its misuse, which may lead to drastic effects.
