the dope on steroids

[Velcro]

all you ever wanted to know about steroids... from ESPN.

http://sports.espn.go.com/specialdesign/steroids/window.html?flashfile.swf

Best quote from Harvard Steroid Expert, Dr. Harrison Pope, from Harvard's McLean Hospital:

the steroid-built body is a Frankenstein-like creation -- "more male than male."

"It won't make you hit the ball more often, but it certainly will make you hit it farther."

[smazza]

so what?

same effect as weight training

alot to do about nothing

[smazza]

i want my athletes as strong and big as possible

fans want that also

fans want home runs

vg- you act like a grandmother

[BULLO12]

I thought this was going to be about Bonds with the title...****.... ;D ;D

[Velcro]

i see smazz.. you condone cheating... the truth comes out.

[___ Eats It]

i see smazz.. you condone cheating... the truth comes out.

This is a guy who wants to coach kids, too.

Smazz, are ya gonna hand out the hypodermic needles to the 12 year olds yourself, or just point them to the right dealer to get them on their own?

[smazza]

uei- i have coached kids

[smazza]

i will educated you fellows on steroids like I do everything else

i do not mind

go get a pen and pencil

[smazza]

Anabolic Steroids Side Effects

The side effects from steroids can be very serious. However, the truth is the media makes them out to be worse than they actually are, which makes athletes turn away from anabolic steroids. Below are some of the most common side effects associated with anabolic steroids. Taking steroid properly, you can minimize, if not eliminate, any side effects.

Water Retention:

This is most common from using steroids. It is a “puffiness†or swelling in the neck and facial areas. It is rather notable mainly if you know the person is on steroids. There are safe drugs which can be taken to minimize water retention. Water retention increases and decreases depending on one's diet.

Acne:

How many times have you heard this, "I want to take steroids, but I am afraid of getting acne."? It is a very common side effect, athletes who have never had acne can get it, and it can make it worse for those who already have it. It can also appear in new areas on the body, such as, the back and neck. On the other hand, there are numerous steroids users that do not get any acne. The truth is, it's not as bad as the media makes it to be, they like to make people think their whole body will break if they touch any steroids.

Gynecomastia:

People don't recognize the name gynecomastia, they recognize it's other, well known name, ***** TITS.. It is the formation of breasts, or abnormally large glands. The first signs are lumps under the nipples, then will gradually grow to fatty tissue and increase in size. With the right anti-estrogens (which our suppliers carry), this side effect can be eliminated.

Aggression:

Anabolic steroids do cause aggression, but the word "ROID RAGE" is a myth. Certain anabolic steroids can make an athlete more irritable, or aggressive, but any "rage" or uncontrollable mood swings are all in the mind. If one cannot control their aggression, they should not be using anabolic steroids in the first place.

Hypertension:

High blood pressure is also a chance when taking steroids. Most athletes would not know if they had high blood pressure so it is suggested to get tests regularly. High blood pressure can lead to many more serious diseases.

Below are more side effects, which are less common and not seen very often.

Cardiovascular Disease:

Studies have shown that steroid use is a risk factor for heart disease, which is due to the fact that steroids affect cholesterol levels. Over a period of time the cholesterol builds up and clogs the arteries.

Palpitations:

Heart palpitations have been reported by a number of athletes on steroids. These may indicate an excited or elevated level of the central nervous system.

Impotence:

When steroids are first used sexual interest increases because of the heightened frequency and duration of the erections. But eventually the opposite happens and no erections can be produced. Once the steroid cycle is over, the testosterone levels will eventually return to normal; the process can be sped up by taking such drugs as clomiphene citrate, or HCG.

Jaundice:

A serious liver disease which is found by an enlarged painful liver, yellowing of the eyes and skin, and flu like symptoms. This happens when athletes use high dosages of steroids. (RARE)

Here are some more possible side effects from www.cancerbacup.org.uk:

Irritation of the stomach lining. Steroids can increase the production of stomach acid and lower the production of protective stomach mucus. This can irritate the lining of the stomach and may cause or aggravate a stomach ulcer. To reduce this side effect the tablets should be taken with meals or milk. Tell your doctor if you have indigestion, stomach pains or abdominal discomfort.

The levels of sugar in your blood may change temporarily. This may happen if you have high-dose or long-term treatment. While you are having your steroid therapy your blood sugar levels will be checked regularly by blood tests. You may be asked to test your urine for sugar. You will be shown how to do this. Tell your doctor if you get very thirsty or if you are passing more urine than usual.

Fluid retention due to changed salt and water balance. You may notice that your ankles and/or fingers swell. Some people have a bloated feeling in the abdomen. This is usually only a problem with long-term treatment. Increased appetite. You may notice that you feel hungrier than usual while taking steroids, and this can make you want to eat more than usual.

If you are concerned about weight gain speak to your doctor or contact CancerBACUPs information service.

Increased chance of infection and delayed healing of injuries. This happens mainly with high-dose or long-term treatment. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection (inflammation, redness, soreness or a temperature) or if cuts take longer than usual to heal. It is important to maintain good personal hygiene to prevent infection.

Menstrual changes. Women may find that their periods become irregular or stop.

Behavioral changes. You may notice mood swings, difficulty in sleeping and perhaps anxiety or irritability. These happen mainly with high-dose or long-term treatment and will stop when the steroid therapy ends. Tell your doctor about any behavioral changes which are worrying you. Difficulty in sleeping may be reduced by taking the steroids in the early part of the day, but discuss this with your doctor first.

Less common side effects

Cushings syndrome. This is usually caused only by long-term use of steroids. It can cause acne, puffiness of the face, dark marks on the skin and facial hair in women. Cushings syndrome can be partially reduced by taking the steroids early in the morning, by taking them on alternate days instead of every day, or by reducing the dose, but discuss this with your doctor first.

Muscle wasting. With very long-term use of steroids, wasting of leg muscles may occur. This can cause weakness. When the steroids are stopped some people experience muscle cramps for a short time.

Osteoporosis. With very long-term use of steroids, calcium may be lost from the bones. This can result in pain (especially in the lower back), an increased susceptibility to fractures and loss of height.

Other side effects include: enlarged prostate, premature hair loss, sterility, shortness, and head and stomach aches.

see- they aren't so bad boys that they have to be illegal

another government scare

[smazza]

Why do athletes take steroids? Almost all steroid users are taking steroids because they believe it is the only way to develop muscle and strength. Further more, almost all bodybuilders are taken steroids because they want to get as much strength and size as they possibly can. In my own opinion, society today makes people think that to produce muscle and size, steroid use is mandatory. That is not the case, with hard work and determination, anything is possible, but who wants that when you can pretty much triple your size using steroids. Steroid is a drug, and like other drugs, people take them to escape reality, and they enjoy what the drug does for them. I feel steroid is the same case. Steroid users like what the drug has done for their size and strength, and it has taken them away from their original, smaller body. Anyone caught using steroids, the public sees these people as cheaters and are people who have the lack of doing something "the hard way." Steroid users work hard, they work extremely hard, even as much as any regular athlete that trains. Users take steroids for help, and for steroids to work, the athlete must go through a great deal of weight training.

In today's world, people enjoy entertainment and people want to win. Athlete's are willing to do whatever it takes to win. Sports today has come a long way since the beginning, and records are being broken everyday. Steroids have taken sports to new levels, and it will only continue to be on the rise. Face it, there are several players in the National Football League that got to the NFL using steroids, and several still probably are some how. Teenagers are using steroids more than ever today, and this is becoming a big problem in the world. There are few teenagers that really know enough knowledge on steroids, and there are several teenagers making careless mistakes while taking them. The following is by W. Nathaniel Phillips:

"In my observations, there are two main sub groups of steroid users which can be differentiated primarily by age. Group 1 users fall below the mean age of the steroid using population. They are usually in their tens and twenties. These users typically perceive bodybuilding and steroid use to be a way to attract attention. They are very affixed to the notion that if they obtain one of these incredible physiques, their life will be richer and they will be more popular and successful."

If you told a youth about to take steroids that if he takes steroids he might die at the age of 35 instead of 55, he will probably choose the steroids. What kid would give up the chance to make millions in a pro career doing what they want, but might die a bit earlier than expected? For this reason, it is hard for parents and educators to make a youth turn down steroids.

Group 2 is involving users in their 30's, 40's, and over. Phillips said:

"This group, Group 2, is comprised of individuals with very different motives than Group 1. Group 2's motives for using steroids tend to be much more intra-personal. These users are typically more conscious of health risks and therefore use the drugs more prudently. Many of these users are searching for some type of rejuvenation."

These steroid users usually aren't planning on being as big or as strong as they can, but to improve there physical feature for them self. They usually aren't planning on entering "Mr. Olympia" or even a competitive bodybuilder.