Steroids: what they are and what effects they have
1 min
Did you know?
Anabolic androgenic steroids are substances banned in sports competitions that are subject to the well-known anti-doping tests.
First, let's look at the meaning of these three words:
- steroids: a class of hormones
- androgenic: means "a substance that produces male characteristics"
- anabolic: "a substance that increases the synthesis of new tissue".
Although their use is banned (in Italy, see Law no. 376), many athletes use them in the hope of improving their sports performance, in particular by increasing muscle mass and, as a result, muscle strength.
Science has indeed confirmed that, if taken in large quantities and combined with hard training, these substances can increase muscle mass, but the side effects of these drugs far outweigh the benefits they bring.
In women, who normally lack potent androgenic hormones, these drugs not only promote the development of typically male muscle mass and strength, but also "masculinise" women in other ways, for example by stimulating facial hair growth or deepening the voice. Even more importantly, for both men and women, these substances have a negative effect on the cardiovascular and reproductive systems and on the liver.
Let's look specifically at the harmful effects they have on our body:
- Reproductive system: in men, the use of androgenic steroids interferes with the functioning of the anterior pituitary, reducing testosterone secretion and sperm production and causing the testicles themselves to shrink. This hormonal abuse can also promote testicular and prostate cancer. In women, inhibition of the anterior pituitary impairs the ability to ovulate, causes irregular periods and reduces the secretion of the "feminising" female sex hormones. As a result, breast size decreases.
- Cardiovascular system: steroid use causes cardiovascular changes that increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis, which in turn is linked to a higher incidence of heart attacks and strokes.
- Liver: liver dysfunction is common because taking large quantities of steroids overloads it. The incidence of cancer also increases.
- Behaviour: steroid use appears to promote aggressive and hostile behaviour, as well as causing dependence.
Consequently, given their harmful effects on health, not to mention the ethical and legal aspects, the use of these substances must be avoided entirely*.
How can you increase muscle mass without using steroids?
Try the Mirabol® protein range and Creatyl® creatine
*source: "Fondamenti di fisiologia umana" by Lauralee Sherwood.
Anabolic androgenic steroids are substances banned in sports competitions that are subject to the well-known anti-doping tests.
First, let's look at the meaning of these three words:
- steroids: a class of hormones
- androgenic: means "a substance that produces male characteristics"
- anabolic: "a substance that increases the synthesis of new tissue".
Although their use is banned (in Italy, see Law no. 376), many athletes use them in the hope of improving their sports performance, in particular by increasing muscle mass and, as a result, muscle strength.
Science has indeed confirmed that, if taken in large quantities and combined with hard training, these substances can increase muscle mass, but the side effects of these drugs far outweigh the benefits they bring.
In women, who normally lack potent androgenic hormones, these drugs not only promote the development of typically male muscle mass and strength, but also "masculinise" women in other ways, for example by stimulating facial hair growth or deepening the voice. Even more importantly, for both men and women, these substances have a negative effect on the cardiovascular and reproductive systems and on the liver.
Let's look specifically at the harmful effects they have on our body:
- Reproductive system: in men, the use of androgenic steroids interferes with the functioning of the anterior pituitary, reducing testosterone secretion and sperm production and causing the testicles themselves to shrink. This hormonal abuse can also promote testicular and prostate cancer. In women, inhibition of the anterior pituitary impairs the ability to ovulate, causes irregular periods and reduces the secretion of the "feminising" female sex hormones. As a result, breast size decreases.
- Cardiovascular system: steroid use causes cardiovascular changes that increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis, which in turn is linked to a higher incidence of heart attacks and strokes.
- Liver: liver dysfunction is common because taking large quantities of steroids overloads it. The incidence of cancer also increases.
- Behaviour: steroid use appears to promote aggressive and hostile behaviour, as well as causing dependence.
Consequently, given their harmful effects on health, not to mention the ethical and legal aspects, the use of these substances must be avoided entirely*.
How can you increase muscle mass without using steroids?
Try the Mirabol® protein range and Creatyl® creatine
*source: "Fondamenti di fisiologia umana" by Lauralee Sherwood.
