With such an emphasis on steroids in the bodybuilding world, it is only fair that we shed some light on this topic.

What are steroids?

The term “steroid” refers to a broad class of organic compounds made up of hormones and vitamins with a structure containing four carbon rings. Steroid hormones can be divided into two categories; corticosteroids and anabolic steroids, each with different functions. Anabolic steroids have the ability to build muscle, which is why they are taken into account in bodybuilding. On the other hand, corticosteroids have important functions in treating illnesses and allergies, so you won’t find them in the steroid bodybuilding cycle.

What are anabolic steroids?

Anabolic steroids are synthetic substances that mimic testosterone. Testosterone is a male sex hormone that is important for a healthy libido (also known as sex drive), the development of male secondary sex characteristics (facial and body hair, a deeper voice) and, especially for a bodybuilder, for the development of mass muscles. . Adding anabolic steroids to already normal testosterone levels can lead to increased muscle size and strength, as well as sometimes unpredictable effects on other organs.

What are the different types of steroids?

Anabolic steroids come in many forms, simply because they are made in the lab. These are just a few of the most common:

Nandrolone decanoate (trade name: Deca-Durabolin®)

Stanozolol (Winstrol®)

Androstenedione

Methandrostenolone (Dianabol®)

Trenbolone (“OK”)

How are steroids different from human growth hormone?

Anabolic steroids and human growth hormone (HGH) differ in how they work and what they do. HGH is produced in the body and is responsible for cell reproduction, cell exchange, the function of certain hormones and enzymes, and the function of the brain. On the other hand, anabolic steroids (synthetic testosterone) are responsible for improving male characteristics, increasing strength and muscle mass.

What are the dangers ?

When a person with normal testosterone levels takes anabolic steroids, they may experience both short-term and long-term side effects, including:

Cardiovascular and organ damage

Liver disease and liver cancer.

Breast development

Testicular contraction

Acne

Water retention

High cholesterol

Where can I get them?

Anabolic steroids are prescribed to patients to treat conditions such as anemia and low testosterone levels. US federal law prohibits the prescription of anabolic steroids to increase athletic performance or muscle mass.

What are my natural testosterone levels and how do I find out that I am deficient?

A typical adult male produces 300-1050 ng / dl per day. It varies from person to person and also depends on age. Natural testosterone increases during male adolescence, peaks around age 20, then begins slowly but steadily from age 30.

Symptoms of low testosterone include

Low libido

Problems getting an erection.

Hair loss

Tired

Lack of energy

Loss of muscle and bone mass.

Humor changes

Low testosterone levels can be treated medically, so if you suspect you have low testosterone, think about it and see your doctor.

What Can I Do To Get Optimal Testosterone Levels?

Here are some ways to make sure your natural testosterone levels are at their best:

Find the right supplements for your diet and fitness goals at GNC Live Well.

Keep your body fat percentage below 20%. Higher body fat levels lead to lower test levels.

Form. Strength training and high intensity interval training have been shown to increase testosterone.

Meet your daily requirement for zinc and vitamin D as they play an important role in the production of testosterone in the body.

Eat healthy fats from foods such as nuts, oils, eggs, meat, and avocados.

Consume high levels of leucine protein from meat, nuts, dairy products, and whey protein.