With a significant rise in its popularity in the past few decades, bodybuilding as a sport has gone through some major changes. Calisthenics, yoga, Pilates to name a few, are associated with bodybuilding now, and it’s not just pumping iron anymore. But one thing that hasn’t changed is its association with steroids. Popular in the bodybuilding and sports communities, “roids” or “juice” as they’re called are the shortcut to building some quick muscle and enhancing performance.
What Are Steroids?
Steroid Anabolic Drugs or Anabolic Androgenic Steroids are produced-in-a-lab, synthetic hormones that mimic the sex hormone, testosterone, that is produced naturally in the body. Initially synthesized for medicinal purposes, they became popular in the fitness fraternity because of the powerful results offered. The muscle growth, achieved in a short timespan using these compounds, cannot be achieved in a natural way. Athletes, participating in various other sports, have also been found abusing these drugs for performance enhancement.
Why Anabolic Steroids are Illegal
If these compounds have such great effects on our bodies, then why are they banned by almost all sporting communities? One reason is ethical. Abuse of these drugs to enhance one’s performance is considered unfair to other athletes who participate relying on hard work. The other more important reason is the health risks they pose. To list a few:
In men
1. Gynecomastia: a condition where a man develops breast tissues.
2. Steroid abuse also leads to shrinking of testicles and reduction in sperm count
3. Increased risk of prostate cancer
4. Baldness
In women
1. Irregular menstrual cycles and infertility
2. Growth of facial hair
3. Reduced breast size
4. Deepening of voice
Apart from these gender-specific side effects, steroids can also cause
1. Hypertension, rage, and excessive aggression
2. Imbalance in cholesterol levels
3. Severe acne and skin issues
4. Liver damage
5. Infections related to intravenous drug administration
Click here to read more about the adverse effects of these drugs on your body.
Legality
Anabolic steroids are legal only for medicinal purposes. They are administered specifically to patients with sex hormone related problems. And this is done clinically, in scientifically determined quantities and proportions in a sterile environment. Possession, distribution, sale, and use for any purpose without a license and medical prescriptions is illegal. Heavy fines and penalties are levied on defaulters.
What Are SARMs?
Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators are again performance enhancement compounds, but unlike steroids, they’re not hormones. Their functions are very specific, and work by binding Androgen Receptors on a cellular level. Since they’re not synthetic hormones, they do not pose the threats that anabolic steroids carry along with them. So, they must be safe. And legal too. Right? Before you rush out to buy yourself a SARM, know what they exactly are, their benefits, and their side effects. Check out the link below to know about SARMs in detail: https://www.healthline.com/health-news/debate-heats-up-over-sarms-fitness-supplements
Benefits of SARMS
SARMs come with the same benefits that anabolic steroids come with, that is
1. Build lean muscle mass quickly
2. Improved post workout recovery
3. Increased muscle strength, leading to increased training intensity and endurance
But are they safe?
While they do not have any of the risks associated with roids, they are relatively new compounds and little is known about their functioning, effects, and side effects. Also, they’re not approved by FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) for any use other than medical, and sports-governing bodies prohibit the use of SARMs for the same ethical reasons. People however, have used them, and it hasn’t been fairyland for everyone. Here are some of the commonly reported side effects of over-dosing SARMs
1. Hormonal changes
People have experienced a sudden increase in acne and oily skin, variation in blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels, the formation of cysts, decreased sperm count, etc.
2. Vision
Some people have also reported problems associated with blurred vision due to overdosing these compounds. Steroids and SARMs vs Dietary Supplements. While it is a no brainer that steroids are not the same as dietary supplements, there is always a confusion revolving around SARMs and its relation with protein powder. A lot of manufacturers sell SARMs as a dietary supplement or include these compounds in regular supplements. FDA has already issued these manufacturers a warning against doing so. While SARMs may not be the same as steroids, they’re not the same as supplements either. Their function, mechanism, and their fundamental structure are different from regular supplements. To find out more about the differences between SARMs and protein, click here
The Final Verdict
While there is a great sense of pride in having those big muscles and being super-strong, the risk is not worth it. Hence illegal steroids are a big no-no. Go for legal alternatives. The use of SARMs however, can be achieved through strictly regulated use. Only buy from reputed manufacturers and known suppliers and use only under the supervision of someone who knows these things inside out. And remember, training hard, eating good food, & leading a healthy lifestyle is also very important.
