Men Health: Anabolic Steroids For Bodybuilding

What are anabolics? Anabolic steroids are synthetic, laboratory-made variants of the male sex hormone testosterone,” said Herman Ram, chairman of the Doping Authority. “Anabolics essentially do what testosterone does to a man; they promote muscle growth.”

Anabolic steroids are on the prohibited substances list. This means that it is forbidden to use steroids in competition. In contrast to Belgium and Denmark, recreational use is permitted in the Netherlands. “This approach fits in with the broad view that also applies in the Netherlands to drugs and medicines, for example,” says Ram. “In the Netherlands, great value is attached to the freedom of an individual to put whatever he or she wants into his or her body. Individual use of steroids is not prosecuted for that reason alone.”

Hormonal disturbances, cardiovascular disease, and impotence

The sale and production of steroids are not permitted but could be purchased over the counter or via the internet. After a few clicks on various websites like steroids Canada online, you can get muscle enhancers fairly easily. That, according to experts, is the problem. The illegal trade of steroids must be curbed.

The use of steroids is not without side effects. According to the chair of the Doping Authority, the synthetic variants of testosterone can cause acne, beard growth (in women), voice reduction (in women), breast enlargement (in men), hormonal disturbances, joint complaints, aggression, depression, cardiovascular disease, increased risk of cancer and cause impotence (after stopping use).

Anabolic Steroids For Bodybuilding

It had been a known fact that bodybuilders use steroids to improve their muscles. We have spoken to a young man (name withheld) who is now 27 years old. He had been using steroids for 8 years. His first use of steroids goes back to when he was 19 years old when he started joining bodybuilding competitions. Steroids, he said, when combined with training and diet, result in more muscle growth.

It is generally known that bodybuilders use steroids. In fact, if there is a test, you can calculate in advance exactly how long the release time of the drug is and whether it can still be seen in your blood. So you can ensure that you test negative for steroids in your system.

Read also: What is physical health? 

Anabolic steroids come in many different forms. Think of tablets, ampoules, injections, and ointment. Many bodybuilders use injections, and just before the match, they take in tablets.  Tablets are more harmful because they pass through your body and can damage your organs.

Well-known anabolics are Fluoxymesterone (also called Halostestin) and Trenbolone. Both can make you very aggressive. Side effects may include palpitations and impotence. 

Women and Steroids

For women, their tolerance for testosterone is lower than for men. The risk of side effects with steroids use is therefore often greater. With steroids, you manipulate your hormones, just like with the contraceptive pill, only for a different purpose. Just like with some drugs, the use of steroids is tolerated, but you can always get them if you want. Whether through someone from the gym or through the internet, you just never know what you’re going to get. That is why, just like drugs, you should always have it tested at the GGD.

Anabolics are not physically addictive, but mentally they are, especially if you are just starting out in the sport. Then you are young, insecure and you want more and more. So a piece of advice for young bodybuilders – Know what you are taking in and understand the consequences. Always consult with your doctor first especially if you have a history of other medical-related issues.