Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS): Everything you need to know –

From the scandals over Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) use among athletes to jokes about side effects among powerlifters and bodybuilders, steroid use does not enjoy a good reputation.

The use of certain steroids in small amounts under medical supervision will not hurt, but their use unsupervised and over a long period of time can cause serious and irreversible damage. And the problem is precisely that these substances, known for their ability to increase muscle mass and improve athletic performance, are often used inappropriately and unsupervised.

We talked with doctor Dr. Debora Pita Pedro to clear up everything you need to know about anabolic steroids.

WHAT ARE ANABOLIC ANDROGENIC STETOIDS
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Technically called Anabolic Androgenic Steroids, AAS are synthetic substances related mainly to the male sex hormone, testosterone, but also to other hormones such as oxandrolone, nandrolone and ethanezolol, as explained by Dr. Deborah.

They can be taken as a supplement to replace or add to your body’s natural testosterone levels and are widely used by athletes and fitness enthusiasts to increase muscle mass (anabolic action), improve strength and endurance, as well as of accelerating recovery after intense exercise and maintaining male secondary sexual characteristics (androgenic action).

That’s because having higher than normal testosterone levels with steroid use can help create proteins that are used to support:

muscle growth hair growth sexual functions bone density

THERAPEUTIC USES OF STEROIDS
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As we speak, steroids are not always harmful when used properly. They are used for a variety of health and athletic purposes, such as “replacement therapy in cases of hypogonadism (when the male gonads, or testes, are impaired for some reason), osteoporosis, aplastic anemia, cachexia, postoperative major surgeries, chronic and debilitating diseases, sarcopenia, children with low growth and recovery from major burns”, explains Débora.

That’s because testosterone has action not only in body mass gain, but also in strength and endurance, in addition to increasing bone density and red blood cell production.

People with serious illnesses such as liver disease or even cancer can use steroids to prevent muscle wasting, for example.

RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS OF USE OF STEROIDS
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– (Drazen Zigic/Freepik)

However, the use must be controlled and differs from person to person and from case to case. Using steroids in excess amounts can cause a variety of side effects. The most common, according to Dr. Deborah are:

This occurs due to increased production of substances by sebaceous glands, increased colonization of bacteria involved, increased inflammation and alteration of skin keratinization.

Erythrocytosis/polycythemia:

This is an increase in hemoglobin (red blood cells) and hematocrit (proportion of these cells in the blood) levels. This causes the blood to become more viscous and increases the risk of thrombosis.

“Male pattern baldness” occurs due to the involvement of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase in the transformation of most androgens into more potent forms.

Systemic arterial hypertension:

Increased blood pressure, through changes in self-regulation mechanisms. “It is an important risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, chronic kidney disease, stroke, thrombosis, among others”, says Débora.

Liver health damage. “The mechanisms that explain why this occurs are little known, but possibly involve increased production of free radicals”, says the doctor.

Change in cholesterol levels.

Testosterone deficiency:

“By offering the hormones, the organisms’ own regulation mechanisms ‘understand’ that they no longer need to produce the substances, altering the hormonal axis and even causing infertility and erectile dysfunction”, he adds.

Psychological and psychosocial effects:

Mood changes including aggression, irritability and sleep disturbances and psychological dependence.

Importantly, health risks are significantly increased when EAAs are used in high doses or for prolonged periods. Furthermore, the quality and provenance of steroids purchased on the illegal market are often unknown, further increasing the dangers for the user.

REGULATION AND AWARENESS
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Most countries have laws regulating the possession, sale and distribution of EAAs. This is the case in Brazil, where its sale is only allowed with a medical prescription.

HEALTHY AND SAFE ALTERNATIVES
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A proper diet, structured physical training, adequate rest and medical supervision can be safe and effective options for improving athletic performance and body composition.

In addition, there are some supplements from natural sources that stimulate the body’s own testosterone development, as indicated by the nutrologist Karla Confessor:

Peruvian maca is a functional food with many health benefits (Nataliya Vaitkevich / Pexels/Disclosure)

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Terrestrial Tribulus

It is responsible for stimulating the immune system and increasing muscle mass in athletes.

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Zinc

It is a very important mineral for maintaining health because it participates in more than 300 chemical reactions in the body. Thus, when it is in small amounts in the body, it can cause several changes, especially in the immune system and hormone production. Several studies have demonstrated a direct relationship between zinc consumption and increased testosterone.

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Peruvian stretcher

These minerals are essential for healthy testosterone production and can help increase the body’s ability to efficiently produce and use available testosterone.