An anabolic steroid can only be aptly described as a synthetic imitation of the male sex hormone testosterone. At it’s most basic level it is designed to mirror the functional qualities of testosterone in people who may be suffering from medical conditions associated with insufficient hormonal function. But there is a lot to it than what meets the eye. Here are a few steroid facts, class is already in session.
Fact 1: Back To Basics
Testosterone is an essential hormone which plays a key role in the development of bone and muscle mass, the appearance of male sexual characteristics and a host of other secondary functions that are beyond the scope of this article. So you can imagine why athletes are at the center of the medical debate on how to regulate the use of anabolic steroids.
Fact 2: Anabolic, or Anabolic-androgenic
The last thing you need is an insane sex drive when all you really need is to grow some lean muscle. Anabolic is the term people are more familiar with when it comes to steroids. However, the correct term is anabolic-androgenic. “Anabolic” has more to do with the building of muscle and bone mass, whilst androgenic deals with the heightened development of male sexual characteristics. It is therefore important to know this somewhat subtle difference because steroids have various classifications and uses that are specific to each individual case.
Fact 3: Steroids and FDA Classification
You can’t do without a little knowledge on the federal laws on steroid use. Steroids we classified in 1991 as a schedule III “controlled substance”. What this means is that the use, possession, manufacture and distribution of steroids is regulated by law and stiff penalties are attached to use that falls outside the law.
Believe it or not but illegally dispensing steroids (only licensed drug stores are allowed to dispense prescription based steroids)or trafficking them carries a hefty jail term of 5 years in prison and a fine of $250 000!! And the sentence is not in the alternative, but both imprisonment and a fine. Think twice before engaging in any illegal trafficking. To add on to that, the use of steroids in sport was officially banned at the 1973 Olympic games.
Fact 3: Last But Not Least, The Administration of Steroids
Anabolic-androgenic steroids are administered into the body through three distinct ways:
*intravenously via an injection. Despite steroids being slow acting in nature, this is the fastest way of bringing about faster results.
*orally as pills.
*directly application to the affected area with skin gels and lotions.
It is hoped that you now have a better understanding of steroids.