Safe Way of Anabolic Steroids Use - Essay Example

The recent development of anabolic steroids is an amazing advancement. It is incredible; the way anabolic steroids boost performance and increase stamina. These artificial steroids are offshoot of testosterone (the male sex hormone). The normal growth of the male sex organs, maturation of prostate, penis and scrotum, is dependent on testosterone. In addition to this, it is also in charge for the maintenance of nitrogen, water and electrolytes in the male body. Fat distribution, muscle development and thickening of vocal cords are also supported by it. Since, these steroids try to be like male sex hormone that is why they are used for all the same purposes which are handled by testosterone in a male body. The core of anabolic steroids touches two overlapping effects; anabolic and androgenic. Anabolic effect encourages cell growth, for masculization and maintenance of muscle; androgenic affect is used. Its use is nothing new. There are various medical and non-medical reasons of their use. The intake of these artificial hormones results in enhanced remodeling of bone growth and stimulation of bone marrow. Increased red blood cells, bigger appetite and greater than before protein synthesis. Mass lean muscle and increased weight in surprisingly short period of time may result by combining high dose of anabolic steroids with intensive exercise and high protein diet. When we talk about muscle and weight gain, it is just unavoidable to talk about "anabolic steroids." It is a drug, which makes the human body bigger and stronger, in a short span. It became very popular and found an instant way into athletes, body builders and weight lifter's life during 1940's.Most of the people use it to reduce body fat and get enlarged muscle size. It amazingly boosts the stamina and suppresses the stress hormone, cortisol. Due to this, anabolic steroids help the user to train more frequently. It also reduces the chances of muscle damage, injury and quicker recovery after the injury by acting as an anti-inflammatory. It is also used to keep the body fat level lower due to increased metabolic rate. The circumstances for muscle production become greater due to the increasing amount of nitrogen in the body. Most of the body builders and athletes make use of them for professional benefits. It gives strength and endurance to the user by increasing their ability to cope with more physical pressure in today's cut throat competition of athletic world. Now getting down to the main point, anabolic steroid is used for medical purposes and still is a prescription based drug. With a passage of time its uses are becoming wider. Its main domain deals with hormonal problems in males, where there is not enough natural production of male hormone. "Hypogonadal states, delay of growth and puberty in boys, bone marrow failure, selected anemia, edema and late stages of breast cancer," Karch (1997) are the most common conventional medical uses include the use of anabolic steroid. In severe mal-nutrition and burnt cases, Anabolic steroids were taken, obviously with safety measures, by "post-operative patients to hasten recovery." Karch (1997). It ensures patient's quick recovery but due to lack of research, (ibid) "they have not proved efficacious for this appreciation." Latest investigational uses consist of endorsement of Anabolism in patients with Aids and alcoholic hepatitis, management of certain hyperlipemias and back-up for fibrinolyris. Administered dosage help the post-operative patients for quick recovery. It helps out people who lose muscle mass and face weight loss caused by Osteoporosis. It is also prescribed while treating some kinds of cancers. Anabolic steroids improve the symptoms without serious side effects in short cycles. Naturally, humans have various types of steroids present in their bodies. This commonly used drug is an artificial chemical compound, which intends to have a similar effect to those of a natural hormone. In males, who are unable to produce sufficient amount of testosterone, this seems to be the only solution. The treatment of this kind of rare disease is dealt by giving anabolic steroids. After the removal of testes in circumstances of testicular cancer, anabolic steroids are given in supervised manner to help the patients maintain their sexual characteristics. Besides this, organized dosage given in specific duration is the only safe key to it. Pituitary malfunctioning in males can easily be dealt in four to six months schedule of limited quantity to overcome their problems. High dosage also helps the transsexual females to get masculinized. The regular medicine used in the treatment of Aids also has side effects. On the other hand, anabolic steroids give enhanced energy to Aids patients. It enables the patients to have improved energy level with a quality life-style. Initially, anabolic steroids were used for the treatment of muscle wasting diseases but now it is valuable to note that it remarkably help helps the patients with severe Osteoporosis. A major change is shown with the use of anabolic steroids in rapid rate of bone loss. It helps the bone to absorb maximum calcium and help in new formation of the bone. People with severe ache in spinal fractures and given anabolic steroids to sooth their pain. An ignorant patient ends up multiplying the side effects that is why know-how of a steroid usage is compulsory. To begin safely will be a wiser thing to do, so the first step is to find an open-minded doctor, who takes a full blood work along with the medical checkup. It is always best to have a doctor or a qualified medical practitioner who throughout guides and help the consumer. Anabolic steroids are drugs and there is no completely safe drug. The use of anabolic steroids is controversial; if once you decide to use it then there is no neutrality but only the willingness to see both the sides of the picture responsibly, as for the usage of any other drug. Similarly, any drug used irresponsibly, can cause a lot of trouble to its user. A user should be aware of the pros and cons. The question is Is there a safe way to use anabolic steroids Yes, there is a safe approach to them. They are legal if prescribed by a doctor but they become unsafe if not used the way they should be. Usually, a fit adult can consume moderate amount of anabolic steroids in a protected way. In this setting, I would like to give a new name to anabolic steroids; "safe anabolic steroid," SAS; because any safe substance can become unsafe if abused. Coming down to the real matter, is the safety measure of using anabolic steroids, as that is the only sane approach to make use of it. An anabolic steroid becomes safe when it is taken through a proper channel. Steroids which are obtained through prescription are much safer nevertheless for further safety assurance, safety seals are necessary. Improved health is the only outcome of these steroids if taken with all cautions and respecting the prescription is the key to better health. Quality controlled pharmaceutical facilities manufacture safe anabolic steroids however, black market also produces them but the question is of safety. Guaranteed steroids are sold by renowned pharmacy companies, like Pfizer, Chinon, amongst others. Underground sources also supply steroids but they are risky to use because you will be uncertain about the substances used in it. On the other hand, FDA ensures quality control if it is bought from a legal source. Everything should not be handled by the drug only. You should know how to eat and train, to take things under your control. A number of factors influence to make the steroid use safe. The gender, age and health status of the user matters a lot when the anabolic steroids are given. For safe use, the consumer should be above 24. Since, there is no question of anabolic steroids usage before the age of 24. The body should be given this much time to reach its full potential, "You shouldn't commence steroid use until natural pathways have been exhausted." (bodybuilding information,2007). If a person decides to use it before reaching 24, means that one is opting to mess up with the natural skeletal development along with their reproductive system. The idea is to make use of anabolic steroids in a safe manner, in situations, where they become the last resort. For example when the loss of muscle tissue occurs in patients, Anabolic steroids are used to build up the muscle. The fact is all the complications are dose and duration related. To induce gains you may require a higher and higher dosage but it is time to stop if one is not gaining enough as the body becomes more tolerant. Increasing dosage may lead you to life-time dependency and an abnormal life style. In length, safe cycles should not exceed three weeks because the endocrine system can normalize quicker in shorter cycles. Absolute minimum dosage is an ideal scenario with an appropriate cycling of the steroid. Safe steroids are used orally, inject ably and applied on the skin in form of jells and creams. Orally taken steroids are cleared quicker than any other form of taken steroids. The injectable anabolic steroids are less hepatotoxic. Incorrect usage of needles can also cause health risks. Newly bought sterile-hypodermic needles assure the wellbeing of consumer. A dirty syringe can make a safe anabolic steroid unsafe, so sharing is no question. Naturally, humans have various types of steroids present in their bodies but sometimes they are not sufficient enough and it is then the use of synthetic steroids is required. By fairly estimating the natural production of these steroids and then basing patient's dosage on it will surely minimize the side effects. The main problem lies in the research area. Doctors are unaware of whether long-term use of steroids is completely harmless or not. Extensive research needs to be done that how much amount, in how much time span is required for healthy use of these steroids. Different doctors have different opinions about the optimum dosage of this drug. Few insist that for medical purposes it can vary from 2.5 mg per day to 400 mg every 4 weeks. Under controlled experimental setting, drug company laboratories should verify the accurate amount of doses for various conditions of human body. A research by Thomassen and Monsen (2001) suggests that monitored use of anabolic steroids can actually help patients with rear diseases. Monitored dosages in little higher quantity give an enhanced life style to patients with Aids and Osteoporosis. Measured quantity of anabolic steroids used in short cycles can be safe for athletes who want more strength and stamina in short time. The researcher says (ibid), "There is no one that knows which doses that are most effective," and that is why "larger doses are used." The basic rule to minimize the side effects is through counseling by addressing the reasons anabolic steroids were taken for. Yes, we all know, if not properly taken, anabolic steroids can have various kinds of adverse side effects on a human body. To avoid irreversible change and to have a better chance of surviving the side effects, a proper medical supervision and proper regulation of dosage is required. Minimizing the side effects and related therapies may help the user to a great extent. To minimize the side effects, the regularity of dosage and lowest possible dosage should be taken into consideration. The worse deed is to treat the side effects, take more drugs to minimize the side effects. Diuretics should be avoided altogether. Cardio-vascular exercises and aerobics reduce the risk of thickening of heart chambers. Edema, acne, hair loss and heart problems are the most common side effects of anabolic steroids. To avoid skin problems, keep your skin clean and apply salicylic based products. By monitored intake of sodium will help you to lessen your water retention. Post cycle therapy also helps men to restore their natural testosterone production. To prevent a post cycle crash, one should be ready to minimize the side effects. A clinical follow up is also essential to help the patient cope with the withdrawal symptoms. Negative hype about the use of these steroids is hindering the research development. Those who recommend Anabolic steroids become notorious. The threats of using anabolic steroids have a longest list and keep increasing each day, but substantial amount of research and scientific data is required to make use of it in a positive way as Thomassen and Monsen (2001) say, "The long term consequences of AS supplementation are simply not known.". After all it is a miraculous human discovery. Improved approach for rightful approach to these Steroids is the need of the day. Researchers are claiming that it might turn out as male oral contraceptives but ample amount of research is required to make it more beneficial for the consumer. Finally I insist that the use of anabolic steroids is totally a personal decision, but it is necessary to stay within the limits, for health's sake. Anabolic steroids are safe to recommend, in few medical settings but with low dosage. If steroids were officially permitted! The sensible amount of steroids is often risk-free for a healthy adult. References - Karch, S.B. (1997). Drug Abuse Handbook. Department of molecular and medical pharmacology Dept of medicine, UCLA, school of medicine. University of California, Los Angeles, California. CRC- Press. - Thomassen, T & Monsen, T.H. (2001). Thesis 2001.retrieved on 10th January 2009 from. http://www.webnor.no/tt/90.htm. - Is safe anabolic steroids use possible (2007). Bodybuilding Information. Retrieved on 11th January 2009 from http://anabolics.allpumpedup.org/p=48. - Understanding Anabolic Steroids. Narcotic Educational Foundation of America. Retrieved on 10th January, 2009 from http://www.cnoa.org/N-13.pdf Read More