The Truth About Steroids And Lean Muscle Mass
Everyone has heard the myths; steroids will turn any body into a lean, muscled machine. It’s the easiest way to gain a competitive edge in any athletic fields. A darker side of steroid use exists as well; steroids cause catastrophic organ damage and eventual death. Where does the truth truly lie?
Steroids can be an invaluable tool to increase muscle mass if used properly. The type of steroids generally used by athletes to increase performance are known as anabolic-androgenic steroids, or AAS, which are man made substances related to male sex hormones, such as testosterone. These hormones are the same that tell the body to grow and those that trigger puberty; when these hormones artificially trigger cell division and growth the resultant increase in tissue leads to the larger muscles most steroid users seek.
Steroids are used in cycles, with six to twelve weeks on and ten to twelve weeks off. It is extremely important to allow for time off between cycles to give the body time to regulate its hormone levels. Most long term steroid users only complete one to two cycles a year. In addition to increased side effects, excessive use decreases effectiveness as the cells receptor sites fail to recognize the drug. continue reading »
