Bodybuilding is an ancient sport that started in the 19th century and has continued to gain popularity. It has come a long way from being performed for show and entertainment to becoming a lucrative career and has even grown to include women as well.
Aside from financial benefits, bodybuilding also has tons of health benefits which include: helps control body fat content, therefore, preventing obesity-related health conditions, builds muscles that increase strength and stamina, it entails regular physical activity which results in better regulation of blood sugar and pressure and is great for bones and joints. It also has a positive impact on mental health resulting in better stress and anxiety management and helps improve self-esteem and confidence.
Bodybuilding is a strenuous and time-consuming exercise that requires hours of physical practice and exercise and specific dietary requirements to help build and sustain muscle mass. For this reason, some bodybuilders resort to using anabolic steroids to accelerate the process.
Anabolic steroids are manufactured drugs that have a similar reaction to the hormone testosterone in the body. They enhance physical performance and help build body mass and reduce fat- which is why some athletes and bodybuilders use them. Anabolic steroids however are dangerous to health in the following ways:
Sexual and Reproductive health complications
Anabolic steroids affect sexual and reproductive health. In men, the steroids result in low sperm count, infertility, erectile dysfunction, shrunken testicles and predisposes them to prostate cancer. These steroids mimic and act in a similar way to testosterone which results in the brain decreasing the frequency of signaling the testicles and may ultimately result in infertility.
In women, they result in hormonal imbalance causing the development of predominantly male characteristics like facial hair growth and increase in body hair, deepening of the voice, and decrease in breast size. Other symptoms may include irregular periods, loss of hair, and acne. These may have an impact on female reproduction as well.
Limit Growth and Development
Steroids can result in stunted growth in adolescents and teenagers who are still growing. The drugs cause premature aging of the bones and limit growth. This is because, with high levels of testosterone, the body assumes that it has passed through puberty, which is where most growth spurts occur. It, therefore, slows down the process of bone growth.
Can Cause Organ damage and cancer predisposition
Steroids have been linked to kidney and liver damage and cardiovascular health issues. They increase the level of LDL in the body and decrease the level of HDL which increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis. This results in fat deposits inside the arteries which affect blood flow leading to conditions like heart attack and stroke.
They also increase the risk of developing blood clots which can be fatal. Steroids can also result in liver damage and the growth of tumors in the body which may be cancerous. On rare occasions, they result in a condition called peliosis hepatis which results in the growth of blood-filled cysts on the liver which can cause internal bleeding.
Cause Infections and weaken immunity
Most steroids are introduced into the body through self-administered injections. These result in a high risk of contamination due to non-sterile injection techniques. In some instances, users may share needles which may spread infections such as HIV and hepatitis B and C. Steroids also lower the body’s immunity leaving one exposed to infections and diseases.
Result in Mood and mental health instability
Steroids have been linked to erratic moods and poor mental health outcomes. They act on the limbic system of the brain which controls emotions and moods. This may result in mood swings, irritability, mania, depression, violent outbursts, and aggression. It can also result in paranoia, impaired judgment, and delusions.
There is also a risk of developing an addiction to steroids which may result in withdrawal symptoms. Common ones include sleep disorders, fatigue, reduced or total lack of appetite, steroid cravings, and reduced sex drive. In serious cases, one may suffer depression and suicidal thoughts or actions.
While the use of steroids may help meet bodybuilding goals, the risks far outweigh the benefits. There are healthier and more sustainable ways to achieve one’s goals.
The best alternative to steroids is legal products that contain natural ingredients that help the body without any adverse effects. Given how popular these products are, it’s also important to ensure that your product of choice is approved by the necessary bodies and to watch out for counterfeits.