New Delhi .The use of anabolic steroids is becoming a matter of concern among some youth who go to the gym in order to build more muscles quickly. Going beyond the usual proteins and supplements, some people are turning to injections that contain steroids that are used in animals. Names like Boldenone and Trenbolone have figured prominently among such substances.
These medications may be intended to produce effects related to muscle growth and weight gain, but their use without medical supervision may affect the body's natural hormonal balance. The problem is that even though the size of muscles appears to be increasing externally, the effect on internal health is not immediately visible.
In the research conducted by Stanley Medical College, Chennai, 161 male gym goers aged between 18 to 50 years were studied. Of these, such changes were found in 57 people, which were linked to the use of steroids. The study also had a significant number of participants aged 18 to 25, raising concerns about its increasing use at younger ages.
In research, creatinine levels were found to be higher in the blood of people using steroids. Creatinine is one of the major indicators related to kidney function. Similarly, changes were also recorded in liver related enzymes. Changes in these indicators indicate that uncontrolled use of steroids can put additional pressure on vital organs of the body.
Anabolic steroids do not have effects limited to muscles only. Their use may affect the normal production of hormones in the body. Long-term or excessive use may also result in problems with fertility, skin, mood and other physiological processes.
Heart-related risks also make this issue serious. Some anabolic steroids may affect blood pressure, cholesterol, and cardiovascular risks. This is the reason why merely increasing the size of muscles cannot be considered a sign of improved health.
It was also observed in the research that after stopping the use of steroids, changes in the body can be seen rapidly. In the case of 79 men included in the study, a significant weight loss was recorded three months after stopping use. This indicates that body shape achieved with steroids is not always permanent.
According to experts, no hormone or steroid should be used to build muscles without medical advice. Medicines specifically designed for animals can be risky to use in humans because their safety and dosage have not been determined for the human body.
The desire to get fast results among youth can further aggravate this problem. The pressure to build a bigger body in less time in the gym leads many people to turn to products without adequate knowledge of their long-term effects. To gain muscle mass safely, a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate rest and advice from a qualified expert are more important.