Muscle Bodybuilding Supplements - Dangers of Steroids

Steroids have long been a controversial issue since the pinnacle of Arnold Schwarzenegger's bodybuilding career. Although the harmful effects have already been exposed for decades, several young athletes and Mr. Olympia hopefuls are still taking the risk in exchange for short-term physical prowess. Are the perceived dangers of steroids really worth your health? Steroids are anabolic-androgenic artificial substances that have relative effects on male sex hormones. The term anabolic refers to masculine and muscle-building properties provided by the class of drugs that should only be made available with a doctor's prescription. Ideally, steroids are indicated for male individuals having problems with sexual characteristics such as impotence, low testosterone levels, tissue degradation caused by AIDS and delayed puberty. Anabolic steroids were first identified and synthesized during the 1930s. Since athletes and bodybuilders discovered its significant effects in boosting muscle mass and strength, steroids are often used recreationally to improve physical appearance. The drugs are taken orally or injected via the muscles or blood vessels. Administration is often done in cycles and in some cases, bodybuilders use a variety of steroids in order to boost results while minimizing harmful effects. Non-medical uses for anabolic steroids have been highly controversial since athletes began showing very impressive feats that were never thought possible. These have been banned in several athletic agencies such as the NBA, NHL, WTA, FIFA and UEFA. Even bodybuilding events do random drug testing every now and then to discourage competitors from using them. Most countries control steroid distribution while there are other nations that sell the drug freely such as Thailand and Mexico. Counterfeiting and smuggling allowed steroids to enter the United States through black markets. These are usually of low quality with several health risks.