Steroids

Anabolic steroids (the type taken by athletes) were developed in the 1930’s to mainly treat Hypogonadism, which is when the testes don’t produce enough testosterone for growth , and sexual functions. Steroids ware mainly used to treat delayed puberty , some forms of impotence, and to help build muscle of people infected with HIV. Steroids are used because they help the growth of skeletal muscle, which is obviously useful for bodybuilders and other sports athletes.

Steroids can be taken many different ways, orally (pills), injected intramuscularly (through injection), or rubbed on when it’s a gel or cream.

Steroids are illegal in America without a prescription because of the serious medical side effects such as liver cancer, heart attacks, and high cholesterol. Lesser side affect include acne, and breast development in men. Most of these effects go away when you stop taking the steroids though.

Human Growth Hormone, or HGH is a hormone that stimulates growth and cell reproduction in humans and other animals. It is a 191-amino acid, single chain polypeptide hormone which is synthesized, stored, and secreted by the somatotroph cells within the lateral wings of the anterior pituitary gland. All that basically means is that HGH is a hormone created by the pituitary gland in the brain. This hormone is connected to the increase in height in children and teenagers. The release of this hormone peaks during puberty which is why we have growth spurts at that time in our life.

Taking HGH does help to reduce body fat and produce lean muscle, but it has not been proven to increase muscle mass or help to strengthen bones. HGH side affects are Carpel tunnel syndrome, joint swelling and an increased risk of diabetes.

I can understand why people take steroids, to help get an edge on the competition. Especially in professional leagues the amount of money that the best athletes get can be very tempting, tempting enough to ignore all the health risks and take steroids to make you better.

http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/drugfact/steroids/index.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Growth_hormone
http://www.lib.mcg.edu/edu/eshuphysio/program/section5/5ch2/s5ch2_18.htm
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17227934
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12147369