What are Steroids? Anabolic steroids are synthetically made substances that mimic the male sex hormone testosterone. Testosterone is a natural compound in the body found in the testes that is responsible for physical development mainly seen when puberty happens. Testosterone levels fluctuate throughout ones life. Steroids have and are popular in the bodybuilding world, athletic world as well as for people who just want to get strong and look more muscular. With regards to sporting, most sporting federations if not all have banned steroids and if caught using than one should expect a fine, ban and even sometimes imprisonment. 

 

People on Steroids: People on steroids can become much larger and muscular. Steroids may increase lean muscle mass, strength and the ability to train longer as well as harder. 

 

People who have been caught on steroids or admitted to steroids in the sporting world include Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mark McGuire, Barry Bonds, A-Rod, David Ortiz, Marion Jones, Ben Johnson, Charlie Sheen, Sylvester Stallone, Leo Messi, and Hulk Hogan. These are celebrities and sportsmen who have admitted to using steroids, there can be many more who have not been caught, just yet. 

 

Steroids in the UK Laws on steroid use differ from country to country but in the UK steroids are classes as class C drugs; therefore, it is illegal to manufacture as well as distribute steroid but it is legal o possess them as long as they are not counterfeit and are intended for personal medicinal use. It has been estimated that 70,000 people in the UK use steroids but it has been said that this may be an underestimate. As steroids are easier to get nowadays off the Internet the rate may be climbing. Data from health clubs and GP surgeries suggest that 250,000 people may regularly be using steroids. 

 

Side Effects of Steroids: There are many side effects associated with steroid use and they can very from mild to severe. Acne is commonly seen in steroid users and can appear on the face or more commonly on the back. High blood pressure as well as the increase of bad cholesterol and decrease of good cholesterol, which makes one prone to arteriosclerosis. Male pattern baldness can aggravate someone who has a predisposition to baldness and can occur in any age. Gynecomastia is also a common risk; this is the formation of breast tissue in males and depends on the steroid as well as the dosage. With regards to women they can experience growth of facial hair, changes on menstrual cycle, deepening of the voice and in extreme cases can become infertile.