With all the Owen Chong saga over and done with, one issue continued to tease: What’s at stake when you take steroids, specifically the anabolic ones, to build up your physique?
Before that though, some Anabolic Steroid 101.
Anabolic steroids, or anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), are a class of steroid hormones related to testosterone. Their androgenic properties affect the development and maintenance of masculine characteristics, such as the growth of the penis (not an effect seen in adult males though, sadly), vocal 
cords and body hair.
Intracellular protein synthesis is increased when used, leading to buildup of cellular tissue (anabolism), particularly in the often-ogled-at (or not) muscles. The larger skeletal muscles, caused by both increased production of muscle proteins and reduced catabolism of these proteins, results in increased muscle mass.
Kleiner (1991) found that anabolic steroids may cause the individual to feel able to increase the frequency and vigour of his workouts; this psychological effect may even take precedence over any direct chemical consequence.
Enough with the benefits of giving Adonis a run for his speedos, what about the side effects?
It’s a long list.
-
Acne
-
Alteration of cholesterol levels (in negative ways of course)
-
Gynaecomastia (development of breast tissue)
-
Heart structural changes (e.g. enlargement and thickening of the left ventricle)
-
High blood pressure
-
Increased risk of cardiovascular disease or coronary artery disease
-
Liver damage
-
Premature baldness
-
Reduced sexual function
-
infertility*
-
Testicular atrophy (your balls get shrink-wrapped and may cease to function)*
*Stop taking the steroids and normalcy returns.
In all honesty, there was more than a moment when, discouraged by my lack of progress (or even a decline!) in my workouts, yours truly contemplated going on this buff-and-tough shortcut. I eventually didn’t of course, what with scant knowledge of where to get the goods, and concerns about the side-effects, dependency, and hefty costs.
Most importantly, I don’t think I’ll be able to stand tall and proud, knowing that my body is more the product of dubious chemicals than through sheer hard work.
After all is said and done, I’m but competing against my own fuckin’ Self.
Reference
Kleiner, S. M. (1991). Performance-enhancing aids in sport: health consequences and nutritional alternatives, Journal of the American College and Nutrition, 10(2), 163-76.
Source Material
Wikipedia
Let’s not accuse the poor guy of taking anabolic steroids in the absence of hard evidence or a confession, yeah?
Peace…
I wasn’t accusing anyone of anything “Me”.
The issue got me interested in what steroids can do, and I thought I’d post on it for readers who might be curious too.
eating mcdonalds in excess can also cause those side effects…..all of them. many things are illegal because the average person is an idiot and cannot be trusted to make decisions on their own.