WHAT ARE ANABOLIC ANDROGENIC STEROIDS?

What Are Anabolic Steroids?
So, just what are anabolic androgenic steroids? You will have heard the name and the term of course. But many people, even steroid users, are totally unaware of exactly what anabolic steroids actually are. Anabolic-androgenic steroids are man-made substances related to male sex hormones. They are synthetic analogues of the male hormone 'testosterone'. Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, giving the male of the species its defining characteristics - deep voice, more muscle, strength, aggression, facial and body hair etc. As far as proper and appropriate terminology goes - “Anabolic” refers to the action of muscle-building within the human body. The true dictionary definition of anabolism is in fact - 'The phase of metabolism in which simple substances are synthesized into the complex materials of living tissue.' The term 'androgenic' refers to increased masculine characteristics. Masculinising effects are things such as a deeper voice, facial hair growth etc. It is these chemical alterations and synthetically designed derivatives of testosterone that are grouped into the class of drugs named 'Steroids'. And more specifically Anabolic/Androgenic Steroids - since there are other forms of steroidal drugs.

As we learn more about anabolic androgenic steroids we shall discover that there are essentially two different classes of steroid compounds that are used in the pursuit of building ones muscular physique, and alongside this we will take a look at the precursor compounds that convert into steroid hormones within the body - a class of legal, and often illegal compounds referred to as Pro-Hormones.
AASS drugs are available legally, but only by prescription, to treat conditions that occur when the body produces abnormally low amounts of testosterone, such as delayed puberty and some types of impotence. When the male body has a medical deficiency of testosterone, it is possible for the individual to obtain anabolic/androgenic steroids on prescription in relation to their limited natural output. They are also prescribed to treat body wasting in patients with AIDS and other diseases that result in loss of lean muscle mass. Much of the research refered to in relation to AAS is based around and supported by research performed on AIDS patients and those with similar muscle wasting diseases. It is always important to note that there is evidence to support that the abuse of anabolic steroids, however, can lead to serious health problems, some of which may be irreversible.

Anabolic steroids (AS) are, as mentioned above, synthetic derivatives of testosterone (the male sex hormone). Testosterone is responsible for normal growth and development of the male sex organs and for the maintenance of secondary sex characteristics which include growth and maturation of the prostate, seminal vesicles, penis, and scrotum. When the male reaches puberty the endocrine output of his body changes dramatically from producing high levels of growth hormone and low levels of testosterone, to producing high levels of testosterone and less growth hormone - actually layering down most of the muscle mass the average individual will retain for the rest of their life. Furthermore, testosterone helps in thickening of the vocal cord, the alteration in body musculature and fat distribution, and the retention of nitrogen, water, and electrolytes. When a person introduces AAS into their unique system, one must be aware that all of these factors can be affected, and not just those of muscle building. When one administers Anabolic Androgenic Steroids then they must be aware that their physical, mental and emotional state will be influenced by the alterations in hormone levels. Hormones are chemical messengers that signal the body to do things. It is true that they have an influencing factor on many aspects of the person.

Anabolic Steroid Use and Abuse
Although we cannot condone or promote the use of anabolic/androgenic steroids, the actual fact is that they are used and very often abused by many, without prescription. These drugs are obtained on the black market and utilised for varying reasons. The most common application is that in athletics. AAS are used by athletes and many non-training members of the population for numerous reasons. Today, athletes and others abuse anabolic steroids to enhance performance and also to improve physical appearance. Anabolic steroids are taken orally or injected, typically in cycles of weeks or months (referred to as “cycling”), rather than continuously. Although some, very foolish anabolic steroid abusers, will no doubt remain in continuous use of these substances. The continuous application of Anabolic Steroids has near been proven to be incredibly dangerous and non productive. The side effects and negative result of this form of administration definitely out weighs the sensible use of cycled use of AAS.
Cycling involves taking multiple doses of steroids over a specific period of time, stopping for a period, and starting again. Essentially, as you will read, one can gain considerable benefits from sensible doses of anabolics, administered correctly and appropriately, minimising risk and side effects. In addition to proper cycling, users often combine several different types of steroids to maximize their effectiveness while minimizing negative effects. This practice is referred to as “stacking”. Stacking and Cycling of steroids is a very knowledgeable area of science, and an area too many uninformed, rush into, based on the advice of a friend, gym training partner or other steroid user. The fact remains that many people stack and cycle drugs in dangerous and non productive ways due to lack of real knowledge. And very few obtain phenomenal and relatively risk free results from well thought out cycles and stacks of drugs based on real science and backed up by properly applied methodolgy. This warning is never more true when it comes to the easy access of the user to highly effective, and potentially harmful, over the counter anabolics such as pro-hormones one can buy from virtually any internet supplement retailer.
Over the many years I have been involved in successful supplement retail, I have come to be almost fearful of some customers health and safety when fronted with their total lack of knowledge or background when it came to making a purchase and use of over the counter anabolic pro hormones (often designer steroids that slip under the legal radar).