5 Most Common Steroids Used by Bodybuilders And What They Do
A lot is said about steroids and what they can do for you. Over the years steroids have been presented as a drug that can turn anyone into a superhuman. Mainstream media has also helped in adding the enhanced performance aspect of steroids to everything with connotations like “microchips on steroids”, “cars on steroids” etc.
The use of steroids in sports is a controversial topic and exceeds the scope of this article. To clear the air, steroids aren’t magic drugs which can transform your body in a day. Anabolic steroids are enhancement drugs which can speed up and enhance your results but won’t work if you don’t work.
It’s also important to note that there can be very serious risks from steroid use. While it can be prescribed by a doctor for certain medical treatment – it is illegal to obtain for recreational use including sports. Additionally, most sports have regulations banning the use of steroids and performance enhancing drugs.
Generation Iron does not condone or endorse the use of illegal drugs. This article is to help educate on the basic information of what these drugs actually do and in no way is a recommendation or instruction guide on how to use the steroids mentioned within this article.
Testosterone
Testosterone is the male hormone responsible for the development of the male reproductive tissue, bone and muscle mass, and the growth of body hair. Test helps with the synthesizing of protein. Most bodybuilders take testosterone in the suspension form due to its fast acting nature and a lack of ester in it.
Test has become a household name among juice enthusiasts. The drawback with testosterone is because of its fast acting nature, it has to be taken daily and some people even shoot it up twice a day for enhancing the results.
Growth Hormone
Growth Hormone or GH as it is commonly known as is one of the most used and abused steroids. GH speeds up the protein synthesizing nature of testosterone and causes growth in the muscle tissues.
The side effect of HGH (human growth hormone) is it causes all the muscles tissues in your body to grow, so be it your biceps, pecs, hands, ears, heart or liver. Prolonged use of steroids can lead to serious health problems.
Insulin
Insulin is not a steroid but it still makes its way into the steroids list because of its importance and uses in the anabolic growth of muscles. This peptide hormone is similar to HGH as it helps in the building of muscle tissue from the amino acids entering the cells. Insulin instigates biochemical reactions in the muscle that increase protein synthesis.
Insulin can also reduce muscle breakdown further promoting muscle growth. Bodybuilders posing on stages get a lot of heat because of their bloated guts. Those enlarged stomachs are a result of taking growth hormone and insulin.
Dianabol
Dianabol was one of the first steroids developed and used by bodybuilders. When Dbol is administered during periods of extreme stress, Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is synthesized, which brings about lower levels of stress, increased appetite, a relaxed feeling, and sounder sleep.
Dbol can cause a notable increase in insulin levels. It can also suppress the natural production of testosterone and the expected testicular atrophy. An exogenous testosterone supplement needs to be taken to combat these side-effects to maintain your body’s level of testosterone.
Trenbolone Acetate
Trenbolone is gold for people who want to increase their strength and power output within a week. Tren is very potent and can be three times stronger than testosterone. Unlike most of the steroids mentioned in this article, tren doesn’t cause water retention in the body and can give you a dry, grainy and ripped look.
Tren can cause a major increase in aggression. Getting angry and wanting to hurt someone aren’t uncommon emotions while using tren. The strength gains coupled with the hiked aggression can lead to decisions you’ll regret later.
Tren also affects your natural test levels. You’ll have to balance tren with a testosterone dosage otherwise your sex-drive will hit all-time lows and your manhood will be nothing more than a soggy noodle.
Have you ever thought about using steroids? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.
Disclaimer: Generation Iron doesn’t encourage the use of steroids. This article is strictly for educational purposes.