What Is the Impact of Steroids On The Human Body?
Steroids are generally used in medicine to treat diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, eczema, Addison's disease and other diseases where inflammation needs to be reduced. There are a lot of misconceptions about steroids. Here is a complete guide for everything that you need to know about steroids.
Note: A doctor's consultation is always advisable before taking steroids.
What are Steroids Made Of?
Steroids are biological compounds, mostly hormonal, having three six-membered rings and a five-membered ring. They are fused tetracyclic compounds and are used for boosting up athletic activities by reducing muscle inflammation, stiffness and pain. They are also used in medicine to treat diseases like different types of arthritis. Other than that, steroids are also used by some athletes to boost up their performances. However, use of steroids is illegal in sports and it involves a huge amount of health risks if not monitored properly.
What Are Anabolic Steroids?
Also called anabolic-androgenic Steroids, this type of steroid includes natural androgens like testosterone and sometimes synthetic androgens as well. They are used for treatment of unusual weight loss or muscle-building. Illegally speaking, they are also used by athletes to boost up their sports performance. These steroids help reduce exhaustion of muscles and make them stronger and more competent for rigorous physical activities. However, they cause more risks to health than doing good to the body.
Some Myths About Steroids
A lot of misconceptions arise when steroids are discussed. Some commons myths are discussed below:
They Are Good For Health
On the contrary, they are really risky for your health as they have more significant side effects than advantages. Prolonged use of steroids can cause heart problems and much more.
Steroids aren’t addictive
One you get the hang of it, there is no going back. Steroids boost up your muscles and can provide you with more strength. Regular use of steroids can be very addictive.
Steroids are easy to get
As a popular belief goes that you can vail steroids easily, this is yet another myth. Steroids can be availed from medical stores only when they are prescribed by your doctors. If they are available in any other way, it is illegal and should not be used.
Steroids aren’t illegal
Many steroids users think that boosting up their muscles for an enhanced performance during physical activities is lawfully okay. However, as per the decorum, use of steroids or "doping" is not acceptable. Steroids should only be availed by a valid prescription from a registered hospital/doctor.
Injectable Steroids are safer
The use of steroids is itself dangerous if it is not properly regulated. To say that injecting steroids directly in the muscles is better than taking them up orally is a myth. Both equally affect your health adversely.
Health Hazards and Risks
There are several health hazards when there is a regular use of steroids. The most common health problems are:
- Unnecessary weight gain
- High blood pressure
- Fluid retention
- Swelling of legs and hands
- Heartburn and heart diseases
- Upset stomach, indigestion or increased appetite
- Psychological effects like mood swings, memory loss, hypertension, and confusion
- Headaches
- Liver and kidney damage (from steroid abuse)
Conclusion:
Steroids overdose can be very harmful for your health. With the myths and misconceptions going on in the market, it is important to have a clear idea about what steroids are, when and how they can be used and what are the risk factors involved. Illegal use of such steroids should be avoided as they can risk your healthy lifestyle.
References:
www.nhs.uk/conditions/steroid-tablets/
www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/
www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/
