STEROIDS Hormone description: naturally occurring or synthetic fat-soluble organic compounds having as a basis 17 carbon atoms arranged in four

rings. Biological functions: anabolic steroids increase muscle mass, corticosteroids reduce swelling, pain, and other manifestations of inflammation. Health benefits: increase protein synthesis, promoting growth of muscles and bones, increase muscle bulk and strength and to enable longer and harder athletic training sessions. Side effects: hair loss, liver problems, deepened voice, increases in body and facial hair, menstrual irregularities, insomnia, acne, headaches, jaundice, hypertension and high cholesterol. Defn. Steroidsare naturally occurring or synthetic fat-soluble organic compounds having as a basis 17 carbon atoms arranged in four rings and including the sterols and bile acids, adrenal and sex hormones, certain natural drugs such as digitalis compounds, and the precursors of certain vitamins. The range of steroids is diverse, including several forms of vitamin D, digitalis, sterols (e.g., cholesterol), and the bile acids. Different groups of steroids include: corticosteroids, anabolic steroids, androgenic steroids, oestrogenic steroids, progestogenic and anti-inflammatory steroids. Steroids differ from one another in the structure of various side chains and additional rings. Steroids are common in both plants and animals. In humans, steroids are secreted by the ovaries and testes, the adrenal cortex, and the placenta. Steroids are complex lipids based on the cholesterol molecule, and which affect chemical processes in the body, growth, and sexual and other physiological functions. In human physiology and medicine, the most important steroids are cholesterol, the steroid hormones, and their precursors and metabolites. Many steroids are biologically active hormones that control a number of the body's metabolic processes. All the natural sex hormones are steroids. The steroid hormones of the adrenal cortex include glucocorticoids such as cortisone and cortisol and mineralocorticoids such as aldosterone. Steroid molecules have a basic skeleton consisting of four interconnected carbon rings. Different classes of steroids have different functions. Anabolic steroids increase muscle mass. Antiinflammatory steroids (or corticosteroids) can reduce swelling, pain, and other manifestations of inflammation. TYPES OF STEROIDS Anabolic steroids : Anabolic steroids are a class of natural and synthetic steroid hormones that promote cell growth and division, resulting in growth of muscle tissue and sometimes bone size and strength. All anabolic steroids are chemical derivatives of the male sex hormone, testosterone. Anabolic steroids work by binding with the cytoplasmic (free within the cell) androgen receptor. Testosterone is the best known natural anabolic steroid, as well as the best known natural androgen. Anabolic steroids have been shown to increase weight gain, fat-free weight gain and muscle fiber area in conjuction with a strength training program. Corticosteroids - Corticosteroids are a group of anti-inflammatory drugs similar to the natural corticosteroid hormones produced by the adrenal glands. In physiology, corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones that are produced in the adrenal cortex. Corticosteroids are involved in a wide range of physiologic systems such as stress response, immune response and regulation of inflammation, carbohydrate metabolism, protein catabolism, blood electrolyte levels, and behavior. Corticosteroids have antitumor activity in lymphomas and lymphoid leukemias. Corticosteroids (steroids) may be used for hon-none replacement and for the management of some of the complications of cancer and its treatment. They are commonly used in severe cases of osteoarthritis, and they can be given orally, by injection, or occasionally injected directly into an affected joint. Sex hormones - Sex hormones are a group of steroid hormones produced by the adrenal cortex. Estrogens and progesterone are referred to as female sex hormones, androgens as male sex hormones. Hormones that
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are produced in the gonads and promoted development and maintainence of the secondary sex characteristics and structures, prepare the female for pregnancy, and aid in development of gametes. Males produce testosterone, while females produce estrogen and progesterone. Female sex hormones are responsible for normal menstruation and the development of secondary female characteristics. Prohormones - Prohormones are natural substances secreted by human glands which precede in the metabolic system the action of a potent hormone. Prohormones convert to anabolic hormones via enzymes in the liver. Prohormone is a precursor to a hormone, usually with minimal hormonal effect by itself. Common types of prohormones include 4-androstenedione, 4-androstenediol (4-AD), 19norandrostenedione, 19-norandrostenediol, and 1-androstenediol (1-AD). STEROIDS FUNCTIONS AND USES Steroids are used to increase muscle bulk and strength and to enable longer and harder athletic training sessions. Some users take steroids for cosmetic (body image) reasons. Steroids increase protein synthesis, promoting growth of muscles and bones. They reduce the recovery time needed between training sessions and enable athletes to train more intensively for longer periods. Anabolic steroids increase muscle mass. Antiinflammatory steroids (or corticosteroids) can reduce swelling, pain, and other manifestations of inflammation. Synthetic steroids are used in a variety of therapies to control respiratory problems, skin inflammation, ease joint inflammations, and to treat blood disorders. Testosterone - Testosterone is a steroid hormone produced by the testes and adrenal glands. Testosterone is the most important of the male sex hormones. It is responsible for stimulating bone and muscle growth, and sexual development. Testosterone stimulates sperm production (spermatogenesis), and influences the development of male secondary sex characteristics. Testosterone is required for sperm production, the development of the male reproductive organs, and the emergence of male secondary sexual characteristics. The hormone is also required for the buildup of lean muscle mass. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) - Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid precursor produced by the adrenal gland and converted to testosterone or the estrogens by the body's tissues. Optimal levels OF DHEA are associated with increased energy, healthy immune and cardiovascular function, improved memory and elevated mood. DHEA is a cholesterol metabolite, it aids in the relief of stress. DHEA aids in the prevention of cancer. Low circulating levels of DHEA have been associated with a higher incidence of breast cancer in women. Androstenedione - Androstenedione is an estrogen precursor hormone produced by the adrenal glands and the stromal tissue in the ovaries and later converted to estrone in the adipose tissues in the skin and appendages. ptimal testosterone levels give the body healthy red blood cells, a vital sex drive, rapid protein production, and a balanced immune system. It can also cause increased energy, heighted sexual arousal, and give a greater sense of overall well-being. Hydrocortisone - Hydrocortisone (cortisol) is the main glucocorticoid secreted by the adrenal cortex. Hydrocortisone is responsible for maintaining our ability to process sugars, maintain our blood pressure and react to stress and illness. Cortisol helps the body respond to stress. Hydrocortisone stimulates gluconeogenesis to ensure an adequate fuel supply. It also makes fatty acids available for metabolic use. It increases mobilization of free fatty acids, making them a more available energy source, and decreases glucose utilization, sparing it for the brain. Prednisone - Prednisone is a steroid that blocks inflammation of an allergic reaction. Prednisone puts down the body's response to the allergen (the cause of the allergy) and reduces swelling, redness, itching, and other symptoms of allergy. It also reduces the body's ability to fight infection. Prednisone decreases inflammation by preventing white blood cells from completing an inflammatory reaction. Prednisone may act together with anticancer drugs in helping to control the effects of the disease on the body.
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Dexamethasone - Dexamethasone stimulates synthesis of enzymes required to decrease the inflammatory response. Dexamethasone is a strong anti-inflammatory agent. Dexamethasone is used to treat many inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. Dexamethasone is used to treat leukemia and lymphoma and may be used to treat some of the problems caused by other cancers and their treatment. Dexamethasone is used to prevent nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy, in combination with other drug Estrogen - Estrogen stimulates the development of secondary sexual characteristics and induces menstruation in women. Estrogen is important for the maintenance of normal brain function and development of nerve cells. Estrogen is essential for the healthy development and functioning of the female reproductive system and in keeping bones strong and brain cells healthy. Estrogen is used therapeutically to treat breast and prostate cancer and osteoporosis, and to relieve the discomforts of menopause. Nandrolone - Nandrolone is used to treat testosterone deficiency or breast cancer or osteoporosis. It is very similar in structure to the male hormone testosterone, and has many of the same effects in terms of increasing muscle mass. Nandrolone drugs are used in the belief that they are capable in increasing muscle strength and size, increasing muscle hardness, and also decrease body fat. They additionally reduce the fatigue associated with training, and the time required to recover after physical exertion. Cholesterol - Cholesterol is a major precursor of cholesterol ester, bile acids, and steroid hormones and is a component of plasma membranes. It is a necessary component of all cell membranes. It is the precursor to all steroid hormone (including estrogen, testosterone, cortisol, and vitamin D). It is the leading organic molecule in the brain and is needed for brain function. However, too much cholesterol in the bloodstream can be unhealthy, it builds up in the artery wall and can lead to the signs and symptoms of coronary heart disease. Steroid abuse Steroids are primarily used by bodybuilders, athletes, and fitness buffs who claim steroids give them a competitive advantage and/or improve their physical performance. Also, individuals in occupations requiring enhanced physical strength (body guards, construction workers, and law enforcement officers) are known to take these drugs. However, steroid misuse or abuse has been associated with health problems and undesirable outcomes. Side effects of steroid use can include hair loss, liver problems, insomnia, acne, headaches, jaundice, hypertension and high cholesterol. Men who use steroids can experience shrinking testes, gynaecomastia (enlarged breasts) and prostate and fertility problems. Females may experience a deepened voice, increases in body and facial hair, menstrual irregularities, and an enlarged clitoris. Males may experience testicle shrinkage, infertility, and breast development. In addition several psychological effects, such as increased aggression and hostility, irritability, anxiety, paranoia, mood swings, depression, and suicidal thoughts may also occur. Steroids can permanently stunt the growth of adolescents. Steroid abuse can have profound effects on the mind, causing temporary personality changes in some. Psychological side effects of steroids include irritability, agitation, euphoria or depression. Insomnia can also be a side effect. These changes in appearance and mood are often more apparent with high doses of steroids. Steroids may also cause a redistribution of fat, leading to a swollen face and abdomen, but thin arms and legs. An increase in susceptibility to infections may occur with high doses of steroids. Steroids reduce calcium absorption through the gastrointestinal tract which may result in osteoporosis, or thinning of the bones. Prolonged heavy use of steroids can permanently damage the liver, causing cancer, jaundice, bleeding, and hepatitis. ANABOLIC STEROIDS: Anabolic Steroids are chemically and pharmacologically related to testosterone. "Anabolic" refers to muscle-building. Steroids are an important class of biologic compounds in the body. Anabolic steroids are
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tissue mass-increasing steroids, which means they help build muscle. Testosterone is the best known natural anabolic steroid, as well as the best known natural androgen. Testosterone has a 17-carbon core, like its replication- the anabolic steroid, and is credited for the promotion of growth of skeletal muscles and the development of male sexual characteristics. Both males and females have testosterone produced in their bodies: males in the testes, and females in the ovaries and other tissues. Today, there are more than 100 varieties of anabolic steroids that have been developed, but only a limited number have been approved for human or veterinary use. Anabolic steroids are administered primarily in the oral and injectable forms, and needle sharing has been reported, especially among adolescents. Individuals who use anabolic steroids, particularly those experienced in weight training, will experience increases in strength and muscle significantly beyond those observed from training alone. They are widely used by athletes involved in such sports as track and field, weight lifting, and American football. The common street (slang) names for anabolic steroids include arnolds, gym candy, pumpers, roids, stackers, weight trainers, and juice. Uses of anabolic steroids Anabolic steroids are used to help patients gain weight after a severe illness, injury, or continuing infection. They also are used when patients fail to gain or maintain normal weight because of unexplained medical reasons. Anabolic steroids help treat certain types of anemia, breast cancer, and treat hereditary angioedema, which causes swelling of the face, arms, legs, throat, windpipe, bowels, or sexual organs. Anabolic steroids may be useful as part of an effective diet and exercise regimen to build and maintain weight. Anabolic steroids enhance the anabolic properties (tissue building) of the androgens and minimize the androgenic (sex-linked) properties. Functions of testosterone include increased numbers of red blood cells, improved calcium deposition in the bones, muscle enlargement, increased body hair, thickening of vocal chords, and growth and development of the prostate gland. The effect of anabolic steroids is to increase the body's ability to use protein to make muscle. Anabolic steroids help send the amino acids back to the muscles. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins needed by the muscles to grow. Anabolic steroids like testosterone help build muscles and discourage fat buildup. Anabolic steroids may block the binding of cortisol to its receptor sites, which would prevent muscle breakdown and enhances recovery. Anabolic steroids may block the effects of hormones such as cortisol involved in tissue breakdown during and after exercise. Cortisol causes protein breakdown and is secreted during exercise to enhance the use of proteins for fuel and to suppress inflammation that accompanies tissue injury. For decades, anabolic steroids were the mainstay of therapy for hypoplastic anemias not due to nutrient deficiency, especially aplastic anemia. Anabolic steroids are slowly being replaced by synthetic protein hormones that selectively stimulate growth of blood cell precursors. Anabolic steroids have been given to people with chronic wasting conditions such as cancer and AIDS. Androgens are given to many boys distressed about extreme delay of puberty. Testosterone is now nearly the only androgen used for this purpose but synthetic anabolic steroids were often used prior to the 1980s. Side effects of anabolic steroids Anabolic steroid use can lead to a number of dangerous side effects including liver tumors and cancer, jaundice (yellowish pigmentation of skin, tissues, and body fluids), fluid retention, high blood pressure, increases in LDL (bad cholesterol), and decreases in HDL (good cholesterol). Other side effects include kidney tumors, severe acne, and trembling. People who inject steroids run the added risk of contracting or transmitting hepatitis or the virus (HIV) that leads to AIDS. In females, anabolic steroids have been associated with a number of adverse effects, some of which appear to be permanent even when drug use is stopped. These include menstrual abnormalities, deepening of voice, shrinkage of breasts, male-pattern
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baldness, and an increase in sex drive, acne, body hair and clitoris size. Younger steroid users, both male and female, are at risk of permanently halting their linear growth, which could result in shorter stature than nature had intended. An undetermined percentage of steroid abusers may become addicted to the drug, as evidenced by their continuing to take steroids in spite of physical problems, negative effects on social relations, or nervousness and irritability. Steroid users can experience withdrawal symptoms such as mood swings, fatigue, restlessness, and depression. Physical side effects Men - Although anabolic steroids are derived from a male sex hormone, men who take them may actually experience a "feminization" effect along with a decrease in normal male sexual function. Some possible effects include:

Reduced sperm count Impotence Development of breasts Shrinking of the testicles Difficulty or pain while urinating

Women - On the other hand, women often experience a "masculinization" effect from anabolic steroids, including the following:

Facial hair growth Deepened voice Breast reduction Menstrual cycle changes

With continued use of anabolic steroids, both sexes can experience the following effects, which range from the merely unsightly to the life endangering. They include:

Acne Bloated appearance Rapid weight gain Clotting disorders Liver damage Premature heart attacks and strokes Elevated cholesterol levels Weakened tendons

Special dangers to adolescents Anabolic steroids can halt growth prematurely in adolescents. "What happens is that steroids close the growth centers in a kid's bones", says Dr. Wadler. "Once these growth plates are closed, they cannot reopen so adolescents that take too many steroids may end up shorter than they should have been." Behavioral side effects According to Dr. Wadler, anabolic steroids can cause severe mood swings. "People's psychological states can run the gamut." says Wadler. "They can go from bouts of depression or extreme irritability to feelings of invincibility and outright aggression, commonly called "'roid rage. This is a dangerous state beyond mere assertiveness."
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Are anabolic steroids addictive? Recent evidence suggests that long-time steroid users and steroid abusers may experience the classic characteristics of addiction including cravings, difficulty in stopping steroid use and withdrawal symptoms. "Addiction is an extreme of dependency, which may be a psychological, if not physical, phenomena," says Dr. Wadler. "Regardless, there is no question that when regular steroid users stop taking the drug they get withdrawal pains and if they start up again the pain goes away. They have difficulties stopping use even though they know it's bad for them." List of Anabolic Steroid Side effects: Many androgens are capable of being metabolized into compounds which can interact with other steroid hormone receptors and by combining with estrogen, progesterone, and glucocorticoid receptors produce additional unwanted effects: General

Stunted growth Increased risk of HIV, Hepatitis Increased risk of Male Pattern Baldness Hypogonadism (shrinking of testicles, etc) Increased risk of bodily hair growth Elevated blood pressure Elevated LDL Cholesterol (Bad Cholesterol) Lowered HDL Cholesterol (Good Cholesterol) Addiction Increased Aggression Enlargement of the Left Ventricle of the heart (which can cause cardiac issues) Liver Toxicity Edema, or water retention Increased risk of stroke Increased risk of Heart Attack

Male Side Effects

Prostate Problems: Some AAS convert to Dihydrotestosterone or variants of that hormone, and can enlarge the prostate causing problems urinating or even prostate cancer. Testicular atrophy: Since AAS mimic the male hormone testosterone, the testicles can shrink as a result of their no longer being needed to produce the hormone. Gynecomastia: This female-like breast tissue development in males is caused when steroids aromatize, or convert into high levels of estrogen . Sexual Dysfunction: Some steroids can cause sexual dysfunction and temporary impotence. Reduced reproductive function: AAS can cause a reduction in sperm count, resulting in decreased ability to reproduce. Male Pattern Baldness: The genetically patterned loss of hair on the scalp caused by the AAS conversion into Dihydrotestosterone or its variants.

Female Side Effects

Facial and Body hair increases Thinning of the hair on the scalp Deepening of the voice Clitoral Hypertrophy (an increase in the size of the clitoris) Menstrual cycle irregularity (leading to decreased reproductive function)
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Adolescent Side Effects Although any of the general side effects, and gender specific side effects can also happen in adolescents, there are also some side effects which their undeveloped bodies are more susceptible to.

Certain AAS can stunt growth by prematurely stopping the lengthening of bone tissue and fusing growth plates. This causes a decrease in overall height, as total height potential goes unreached. An increased rate of bodily maturation. The final adult bodyweight and overall size can be achieved though the user is still too young. There is an increased risk of psychological problems due to the underdevelopment of various parts of the brain.

Dangers of Steroid Abuse (health risks, prison, death) Permit me to begin by saying that I guarantee this article will not be the same repetitive laundry list of steroid horrors youve read in the media. Nor will it be the type of medical journal article that only a small percentage of the population can comprehend. Whenever a study refers to medical term, disease or procedure thats unfamiliar Ill define it in laymens terms. Im a guy who shoots straight, and wants you to fully understand the science behind the facts regarding several very real dangers faced when using anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS). Unfortunately, todays youth are acquiring and taking AAS without any knowledge of these associated dangers. Though the short-term adverse physical effects are fairly well known, many users both cycle and supplement AAS in such a way that they simply dont suffer from negative effects. It is because of this, that they fail to realize the seriousness of taking these drugs among which are the very harmful long-term physiological & psychological effects, and severe legal consequences. -------------:---------------