Synthetic steroids, also known as anabolic steroids, are synthetic forms of the natural male hormone testosterone that are abused in an attempt to promote muscle growth, enhance athletic or other physical performance, and improve physical appearance. Natural steroids are compounds that mimic steroids that the human body produces naturally. What are their sources? Is it effective?
Anabolic steroids are taken orally, injected intramuscularly, or applied to the skin. Abused doses are often 10 to 100 times higher than approved therapeutic and medical doses. Users usually take two or more anabolic steroids at the same time in a cyclic manner, believing that this will improve their effectiveness and reduce adverse effects.
A wide range of adverse effects are associated with the use or abuse of anabolic steroids. These effects depend on several factors including: age, gender, anabolic steroid used, quantity used, and duration of use.
In adolescence, the use of anabolic steroids can hinder the maximum height that an individual would otherwise reach. For teenage girls and women, use of anabolic steroids can lead to permanent physical changes, such as a deepening of the voice, increased growth of facial and body hair, irregular menstruation, and male pattern baldness.
In men, use of anabolic steroids can cause shrinkage of the testicles, low sperm count, enlarged male breast tissue, infertility, and increased risk of prostate cancer.
In both men and women, use of anabolic steroids can cause high cholesterol levels, which may increase the risk of coronary artery disease, strokes and heart attacks. The use of anabolic steroids may also lead to acne and fluid retention. Oral preparations of anabolic steroids, in particular, can lead to liver damage. Users may also develop endocarditis, a bacterial infection that causes potentially fatal inflammation of the lining of the heart.
Testosterone, trenbolone, oxymetholone, methandrostenolone, nandrolone, stanozolol, boldenone, and oxandrolone are some of the most common anabolic steroids that are used illegally.
Natural steroids
Natural steroids are compounds that mimic hormones that the human body naturally produces, such as testosterone, progesterone, and cortisol. It can be found in some plants, herbs and foods.
The body naturally produces steroids, such as testosterone, to build muscle tissue, among other important bodily processes.
Natural steroids are compounds found in plants, herbs, and other natural sources that mimic human hormones or steroids.
Proponents of natural steroids claim that they act in the body like anabolic steroids. They are compounds that build and repair muscles by increasing testosterone production.
Natural steroids may also be called legal steroids, and companies often sell them as a combination of ingredients.
What may be called natural steroids include:
1- Creatine
Creatine is an amino acid found in food that has steroid-like effects. Several studies have found that using creatine for 5-7 days can significantly increase muscle strength and improve muscle shape.
2- Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub that grows in Asia and Africa. They contain chemicals that may help calm the brain, reduce swelling, lower blood pressure, and suppress the immune system.
In a 2018 study, healthy males were given 500 milligrams of ashwagandha daily for 12 weeks, while participants performed progressive overload resistance training 4 days per week.
People who took ashwagandha showed greater improvements in lower and upper body strength.
3- Vitamin D
Healthy circulating vitamin D levels are essential for bone health.
Recent research suggests that it may play a role in muscle health, and that there is a link between vitamin D deficiency and loss of muscle strength and mass. However, researchers need to investigate this potential association further.
A 2017 study found that adult females with moderate body composition and low body fat levels tended to have higher levels of circulating active vitamin D.
The researchers concluded that vitamin D may contribute to muscle health indirectly by acting on adipose tissue.
4- Zinc
Zinc is an element known to help control muscle growth and repair.
Until now, researchers have primarily focused on how zinc affects muscle regulation. The substance may have links to age-related muscle loss, also called ischemia.
A 2018 review found that only an observational study suggested an association between zinc intake and physical performance in older adults.
With this in mind, experts need to conduct more studies before they can determine the role of zinc in physical performance.
5- Magnesium
Magnesium is an important part of various enzymatic reactions that affect muscle performance during exercise.
Researchers believe the mineral may also help maintain muscle integrity during strenuous activities.
A 2019 study found that taking 400 milligrams of magnesium daily for 3 weeks helped reduce muscle damage in 18 male professional cyclists.
6- The ring
Researchers need to know more about this herb. One study in male rats showed that fenugreek extract enhanced endurance and fatty acid utilization during exercise. Research also indicates that fenugreek may contain fat-reducing properties.
Compounds in fenugreek extract may increase testosterone levels by preventing the body from converting it into other sex hormones.
Warning even for natural steroids
According to the US Food and Drug Administration, many products marketed as bodybuilding supplements are not safe.
Many companies market these products as dietary supplements, although the Food and Drug Administration does not approve them under this classification.
The FDA says many bodybuilding products contain hidden harmful compounds and other substances that it does not consider to be food ingredients.
These hidden and unapproved ingredients may have negative side effects. It can also interact with other supplements or medications.
In 2013, the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning to avoid products containing the stimulant dimethylamylamine.
They warned that this compound could increase blood pressure and lead to cardiovascular problems, such as heart attacks.
There is a risk in consuming or injecting over-the-counter or at-home products that contain any stimulant or stimulant-like substance.
Health risks can be severe and may include:
- Addiction
- Liver damage
- Kidney damage
- Increased risk of cardiovascular events, including stroke or heart attack
- Irritability
- Aggressive behavior
- Weight gain
- Fluid retention
- Nausea
- diarrhea
- Spasm
- Baldness
- Hair loss
- Severe acne
- Blood clots
- High blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Mood swings
- paranoia
- Hallucinations and delusions
Males who take natural steroids designed to mimic anabolic steroids may also experience these harmful effects:
- Breast growth
- Increased risk of prostate cancer
- Shrinkage of the testicles
- Low sperm count
- Infertility
- Erectile dysfunction
Females who take natural steroids designed to mimic anabolic steroids may also experience the following side effects:
- Excessive growth of facial and body hair
- Loss of breast tissue
- Harshness of voice
- Menstrual problems
Many body or muscle building supplements also contain: They contain vitamins and minerals, some of which may be toxic at high levels.
How effective are natural steroids?
These substances must be used with caution, making sure that they are not real steroids, and therefore they will not lead to massive muscle growth like anabolic steroids, which we warned above about their great health risks.
The goal is to achieve reasonable and natural muscle growth, while maintaining the health of the body. This is through healthy nutrition – which includes consuming reasonable amounts of natural steroids – and exercise, and completely avoiding anabolic steroids.