About Steroids

Way back in Hitlerís time, anabolic steroids were reportedly given to Hitlerís troop in order to heighten their aggression. The drive in war and competition to excel and win is as old as human kind. In early times, Greek wrestlers depend on meat to build muscle; Norse warriors ate hallucinogenic mushrooms to gear up for battle. Throughout history, men sought for magical formula from food to potions and chemicals in order to transform their bodies into huge, powerful, invincible machines.

Commercially Developed Steroids

By 1958 a U.S. pharmaceutical firm had developed anabolic steroids. Steroid is an anti- inflammatory medication which is absorbed by the inflamed nerves to decrease swelling and relieve the entire pressure when given orally. Anabolic steroids are drugs that resemble the chemical structure of the body's natural sex hormone testosterone, which is made naturally by the body. This drug has a basis of 17 carbon atoms in four rings and contains several fat-soluble organic compounds. Steroids have been subjected to illegal use since it is widely known to effectively enhance muscle strength and over all energy.

Medical Use of Steroids

Steroids were initially developed for medical purposes. Itís been used for years by doctors to treat many diseases and disorders. Doses of steroids for medically approved uses range from 2.5 mg per day to 400 mg every 4 weeks. Legitimate medical uses of steroids are as follows:

1. Medical conditions like cancer and ailments which are associated with the cause of muscle deterioration are known to be effectively treated with the help of steroids.

2. Steroids is considered a beneficial part of treatment for those who has Alzheimerís disease

3. Treatment of disorders associated with the hormonal functions in the body, asthma, kidney diseases and paralysis of the facial muscles advocate the positive effects of steroids

4. Steroids help in stimulating the bone marrow. For decades, steroids served as the answer to hypoplasmic anemia and aplastic type of anemia therapy.

5. Testicular cancer patient who often require the removal of testes resort to the use of oral anabolic steroids to replace the testosterone that their bodies are no longer able to make.

6. Steroids are prescribed for patients whoíve experienced loss of muscle tissue due to certain kinds of surgery and cancer. Through steroids, which promotes cell growth and division and with the help of exercise and diet, they can eventually build up muscle tissue and be able to increase their bone size and strength.

7. These drugs basically boost the immune responses of the body and manage symptoms such as inflammation and swelling. They also serve as a helpful addition to the body for regulating metabolism and controlling blood electrolyte levels.

8. Steroids help in stimulation of growth among children with growth failure.

9. Steroids aids in stimulating appetite as well as the preservation and the increase in muscular mass.

10. The steroid Testosterone Enanthate is mostly used as a contraceptive among men and it is further believed to be a reliable male contraceptive in the future.

11. For men with below-normal levels of testosterone, steroids are considered effective hormonal replacement and aids in improving libido and energy levels.

12. Doctors prescribed steroids to patients in order to experience better recovery rate, and for the reduction of pain due to any illnesses or injuries.

Steroids and Sports

It was soon realized the drug had unwanted side effects however; it was too late to halt its spread into the sports world. Almost every athlete, sportsmen, body builders may it be amateur or professional are seeking ways to gain advantage over their opponent. Intense hardcore competition drives them to resort to steroids believing that it will give them the ìedgeî.

The benefits of steroids to athletes and body builders are very plain to see. A weight lifter is able to gain the strength and mass he wants without having to work as hard natural body builders do. Baseball players can quickly enjoy increased performance level and immunity after steroid intake. Their running ability and over all agility is greatly improved by taking this drug. Steroids help in intensifying and boosting the protein synthesis of the human body which in returns build cellular tissues particularly in muscles. It also acts as a protector when lactic acid is formed during physical exertion thus reducing their fatigue level and allowing them to perform tirelessly. Steroids help athletes to perform better, run faster and increase their capacity for endurance.

The legality of steroid intake depends on the purpose for which it is being used. In sports, the use of steroids in order to enhance performance is considered illegal. It is deemed unfair to other athletes who worked their butt off the natural way to get big and strong and get shoved aside by other athletes who relied to steroids to claim their much wanted victory.