to commit a criminal act in exchange for a plastic trophy and bucket of whey protein . Second , steroids come with a host of negative side effects ( 8 ), the most severe being death due to the administration of incorrect dosages ,
STEROID-IN- DUCED HYPER- TENSION AND INCREASED LDL CHOLESTEROL ( 1 , 4 ), THOUGH BOTH REVERS- IBLE , CAN LEAD TO HEART FAILURE
heart failure ( 4 , 5 , 8 ), cancer , and liver disease ( 8 ), to mention but four possible outcomes . Steroids have both reversible and irreversible side effects . Steroid-induced hypertension and increased LDL cholesterol ( 1 , 4 ), though both reversible , can lead to heart failure , if left unchecked . Oily skin and hair , testicular shrinkage , acne , cysts , lowered sperm count , electrolyte imbalances due to kidney toxicity ( 8 ), and ‘ roid rage ’ ( uncontrolled aggression due to abnormally high testosterone levels ) can also be reversed upon tapering off the juice . However , gynecomastia ( the development of breast tissue in males ) ( 10 ), male-pattern baldness , liver disease , heart dysfunction , and the growth of facial hair and deepening of the voice due to vocal cord hypertrophy ( in females ) cannot .
While steroid users may argue that cycling on and off the juice may minimize unwelcome side effects , staggering or even quitting steroids remains wishful thinking at best . Indeed , one of the most nefarious of all steroid side effects is psychological addiction ( 2 ). Put simply , steroids make the user feel invincible , energized , immensely strong , and extremely confident . The allure of steroids is in the way they make the user look and feel ( 2 ). Thus quitting steroids can lead to feelings of deep depression and anxiety . Once superhero status has been achieved it ’ s hard to return to mere mortal status . Aside from the addition of steroids , building a massively shredded physique requires a large commitment of time and effort . Once attained , it is difficult to return to a pre-steroid state . Knowing that the result of a mammoth financial investment – steroids do not come cheap – coupled with hours of intensive training can disappear faster than a post-workout protein shake keeps the juice flowing . The introduction of synthetic testosterone also depletes the body ’ s natural testosterone supply , hence the initial testicular shrinkage when on-cycle – with no further role to play in testosterone production the testis are downsized – and the profound reversal of results once steroid use is stopped – with months or even years before one ’ s natural testosterone supply is back online ( 8 ).
The trade-off between building a massive physique and enjoying spectacular sporting success does not appear to be worth the costs associated with steroid use . However , in keeping with the mantra of ‘ whatever it takes ’, athletes of all stripes will continue to use whatever will provide an edge over the competition .
TOOLS OF THE TRADE
The synthetically-derived ( manmade ) anabolic steroids of muscle-building fame work by stimulating receptor molecules in muscle cells which , in turn , activate specific genes that produce proteins ( the anabolic effect ) ( 6 ). As well , steroids up-regulate protein metabolism to enhance protein synthesis and negate protein degradation ( the anti-catabolic effect ). Steroids also allow the user to train harder , recover faster , and produce more ATP ( a coenzyme that carries energy within cells ) ( 6 , 7 ), endure more physical stress , and enjoy feelings of wellbeing and euphoria and the controlled aggression that assists in the handling of maximum weights .
Steroids come in a variety of different flavors . Depending on a user ’ s specific goals , one or several ( termed stacking ) can be used at any given time . The foundation of any good steroid cycle is good old testosterone , the variety of which will be tailored to accommodate the