When most people think of steroids, they usually think of powerful muscle building nutrients that gets injected into the body through the use of a needle. While that is true in some cases, there are a wide range of compounds categorized as “steroids” and various methods of intaking them. By itself, steroids are just an organic compound that is built up by various types of hormones, each interacting with the body in different ways.
When it comes to bodybuilding and athletic performance, steroids are mainly discussed in the form of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS). These steroids include both natural and synthetic androgens derived from testosterone that can have different effects on their users.
What Are Anabolic/Androgenic Steroids?
Anabolic androgenic steroids are man-made variations of the male sex hormone testosterone. “Anabolic” refers to muscle building, and “androgenic” refers to increased male sex characteristics. Some common slangs for anabolic steroids include Gear, Juice, Roids, and Stackers.
From a medical point of view, anabolic steroids can be used to treat hormonal issues, such as delayed puberty in teens. Steroids can also be used to treat a variety of diseases that causes muscle loss, such as cancer and AIDS. However, they are most frequently used by body builders in their 20’s and 30’s to either boost performance or improve their physical appearance.
Depending on the type of steroid and the formula of choice, anabolic steroids are usually consumed orally, through injections, or applied on the skin through use of a gel or cream. Some methods of intake are stronger than others, and it is important to understand the usages for each type of steroids before you take them.
What You Should Know When Getting Started
If you’re new to the realm of anabolic steroids, there is one golden rule you must remember to make sure your cycles go as smooth as they can be. That is, keep everything simple, and never overcomplicate things. After all, steroids are compounds that enter your body and interact with your bodily chemicals in unique ways. Make sure you understand the usage and dosages of each type of steroid before taking them.
Additionally, make sure you have ample knowledge of the products or a solid source guiding you through your when you’re first starting out. Check places such as forums, Reddit, or even YouTube, and learn as much as you possibly can before starting.
Then it comes down to the supply. This is arguably the most important part. Make sure the source you’re buying from is reputable, and that the products you’re receiving is pharma-grade. There’s nothing worse than spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on dud products.