subject: Using Testosterone As A Steroid [print this page] The continued use of bodybuilding steroids has prompted responses and opinions from various quarters to the effect that these substances should be used with caution or done away with altogether. In light of these comments it is prudent that more and more of the real story behind steroids be revealed so as to help our bodybuilders and athletes make more informed choices. Indeed many people are oblivious to the side effects that come with the use of testosterone-based steroids. As time goes by these unfortunate athletes start developing various strange complications; little do they know that the steroids they pump into their bodies are the main culprits behind their misery.
Testosterone is a hormone that is naturally manufactured in the male testicles. The testicles' natural capacity of testosterone production is not quite enough to meet the demands of serious bodybuilding. As such, bodybuilders and athletes find it necessary to increase to their testosterone stocks by taking oral steroid preparations or injectable steroids.
Bodybuilders use these substances because the increased level of this hormone in the body prompts or engages the body in top gear in terms of developing the muscles. The bodybuilders also get more endurance as they train and as a result they can develop mammoth proportions in relatively shorter periods. The well-toned muscles of these athletes are indeed very appealing to prospective bodybuilders and they rarely need to be cajoled twice by the attractive labels that adorn steroid packages.
As has been mentioned above steroids come in various forms. These include injectable preparations, pills, gels, tablets, and powders. Steroids of whatever preparation are normally made unavailable to persons below age 25. They are unsuitable for a number of important reasons. Probably the main one is that the body is in its prime at this juncture and as such its capacity to produce testosterone is optimal. Accordingly, this should not be the time to introduce hormones into the body but rather it would be more opportune to capitalize on the most gains that one can make while training naturally.
It is after the age of 25 that the body starts slowing down on the production of the hormone and the rate of muscle development is lowered. This is when you can make a decision to start on steroids if you must. Youths are advised to steer clear of steroids when they are below 25. Studies and research on this topic has revealed that such persons are prone to adverse health conditions brought about by hormone imbalances. Psychological asymmetry has also been blamed on early steroid use. It has been known to be the precursor to more grave complications both physical and mental.
It is impossible to stop the use of steroids. The more the effort is put on this, the more creative the means of linking the consumer and the manufacturers will be. What can be done however is thorough consumer education. Let the story be told like it is. Only then can people be expected to make informed choices about steroid use.
