Choice Sports Blog

Anabolic steroids are chemically very similar to the male type sex hormones (androgens such as testosterone) that the body naturally produces to stimulate growth and development of the muscular tissues and the effect of taking these steroids in conjunction with physical exercises is to boost muscle growth.  For sportsmen, weightlifters and athletes this can improve strength and performance significantly, and this is one of the reasons why anabolic steroids are banned in most professional sports and competitors are rigorously tested for these drugs.

The Olympics has for centuries been an event that celebrates the very best in human athleticism and performance, and anabolic steroids are seen in a very negative light by the International Olympic Committee, as they can give one athlete an unfair advantage over the other.

Therefore the International Olympic Committee imposes some of the strictest regulations against the use of steroids, and if an athlete tests positive either before or after their event they could face some serious consequence including having their past medals and World/Olympic records stripped, a life time ban and a fine of up to $1 million.  In other sports steroid abuse is also tested for, and in Major League baseball the penalties for testing positive for steroids include a 50 game suspension for the first failed test, a 100 game suspension for a second failed test and a lifetime suspension for the third.

There are many different types of anabolic steroids available, and these are so effective at boosting strength and performance they have permeated society at all levels, from professional sports down to the school locker rooms.  The majority of steroids are now only available on prescription, but some steroidal supplements such as those that contain dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) can still be purchased over the counter.  Before you buy steroids in any form, it is important that you consider the potential side effects.

Strong steroids such as Clenbuterol and Anadrol are very effective at increasing strength and performance and reducing fat, but they also have a powerful effect on the rest of the body as well and if they are misused they can cause some serious side effects such as infertility, insomnia, mood swings (depression, anxiety and aggression) and high blood pressure which can increase the risks of heart problems and strokes even in younger people.  Some steroids can even increase the risks of developing certain types of cancer, and the minor side effects can also make you feel very unwell with dizzy spells, achy joints, nausea and feelings of anxiety and paranoia.