Can Steroids Be Used Safely Without Side Effects?
Anabolic steroid use has been promoted and criticized by the media such an extent that the majority of the public is unaware of many of the critical facts associated with the drug. As with any chemical substance, a certain amount of caution should be exercised; however, with the proper precautions the benefits are innumerable.
A steroid is an artificial substance that alters the hormone levels of the body, particularly those of the male hormone testosterone. This increased hormone level stimulates the body’s cells to divide and grow at a greater rate of speed, causing increased tissue mass (i.e. the greater muscle mass associated with the use of steroids). With the proper diet and exercise, steroids can be a valuable asset in the quest for a lean, muscular physique.
Steroids have received the negative reputation they have because their systemic effects can cause a large range of side effects, including but not limited to the formation of cysts and tumors on the liver and kidneys, damage to the vessels of the heart, hypertension, uncontrollable episodes of rage, infertility and testicular shrinkage in men and the growth of facial hair and cessation of menstruation in women. These side effects are considered typical for steroid use, long term or otherwise; however, over time methods have been developed to decrease or eliminate these affects altogether.
