The Chemical Makeup of Anabolic Steroids
When you are tackling the subject of steroids, it would actually be of much benefit to know the chemical makeup of anabolic steroids. To have a deeper understanding of the chemical makeup of anabolic steroids, let us define first what anabolic steroids are. Anabolic steroids are also known as anabolic-androgenic steroids, with the acronym of AAS. They belong to a class of steroid hormones that are very much related to the hormone known as testosterone.
Looking deeper into the chemical makeup of anabolic steroids, you would find that these steroids actually have two kinds of effects that are very different in nature. But these effects somehow overlap each other in certain ways. Firstly, anabolic steroids are taken in for the promotion of anabolism, which is basically cell growth. Because of these effects, a number of biological processes are actually promoted. These include protein synthesis, appetite, bone remodeling, bone growth, and the stimulation of bone marrow. This last process also promotes the production of red blood cells.
Since the chemical makeup of anabolic steroids show that they are also androgenic or virilizing, then this means the drugs are influential on masculine characteristics. More specifically, the development and maintenance of such characteristics are affected. There are also many biological processes that are affected by the chemical makeup of anabolic steroids. These include sexuality, sebaceous gland oil production, body hair production, vocal cord size, and increased libido.
Anabolic steroids can cause a lot of harmful effects, which are quite dependent on the dosages taken. Rises in blood pressure are quite common, for one thing. Cardiovascular diseases can also be an effect of taking anabolic steroids. But if a certain combination of these effects can be achieved, then the formation of muscles can then be promoted. The size of muscle fibers would also be increased, which would then lead to an increase in muscle strength and mass. This increase in muscle mass is actually caused by skeletal muscles becoming larger. The production of muscle proteins also causes this increase in muscle mass.
In line with this, the very chemical makeup of anabolic steroids makes the banning of t
heir usage very understandable. Using such steroids enables athletes to have potential advantage over other athletes. Major sporting organizations and bodies ban the use of anabolic steroids all over the world. These organizations include WTA, ITF, UEFA, FIFA, the NBA, the National Hockey League, the National Football League, Major League Baseball, the European Athletic Association, and even the International Olympic Committee.
