Anabolic steroids are synthetic substance that gives our body strength and leanness and helps muscle growth. You can expect up to three times faster results by consuming a very small dose of steroids.
Generally, anabolic steroids are used to treat a range of medical conditions. As steroids are beneficial in boosting performance and muscle mass, many athletes have started to use steroids illegally. Moreover, there’s much confusion regarding steroids, as people have different opinions.
Let’s shed some light on the types and uses of steroids to understand them better.
Types of Anabolic Steroids
More or less, there are 32 types of anabolic steroids that can be classified depending upon how they are taken. Some steroids are injectable, while others are consumed orally. They can also be applied to the skin as cream or gel.
Steroids like Fluoxymesterone, Methandienone, Mesterolone, and Methyltestosterone are taken orally. However, different kinds of Testosterone steroids like Testosterone cypionate, Testosterone enanthate, and Testosterone propionate are typically injected.
Use of Steroids
The medicinal use of steroids is to the point and targeted. However, regarding the use of steroids, it is quite variable among consumers. People aim for one or more gains such as:
- The use of bulking steroids for building muscles
- The use of performance steroids for strength
- The use of cutting steroids to get rid of fat
- Enhancement of metabolism
- Speedy healing and recovery from sports injuries
Routes for Consuming Steroids
Whether for medicinal or performance purposes, the route of taking steroids is fixed. They include
- Oral route (Halo, Dbol, or Var)
- Implanted pellets
- Intradermal routes (EQ, Primo, Deca)
- Topical route
Action Mechanism of Anabolic Steroids
Anabolic steroids, aka AASs, travel through the bloodstream. They reach muscle tissues where they bind to the androgen receptors. When bound, the drug becomes active and can interfere with cellular DNA. As a result, the drug can control the protein synthesis procedure responsible for cell growth. When the steroidal drug takes over this procedure, it initiates cell growth as per its function (i.e., muscle mass enhancer, fat reducer, etc.)
The general perception about steroids is bad. However, many people don’t know that steroids have therapeutic effects when used adequately and supervised by an expert.
The methods of taking steroids for non-medical use follow one of the following strategies:
Cycling
This strategy includes excessive use of steroids for a certain period, followed by some complete abandonment.
Stacking
Using one or more types of steroids at the same time is called stacking. Stacking also refers to the use of more than one method of steroid intake at the same time.
Plateauing
Plateauing refers to sudden switching from one steroid to another.
Pyramiding
Pyramiding is one the most common strategy in steroid intake. It refers to a slow start, gradually increasing the intake and then reducing it again.
Conclusion
Unregulated use of steroids suggests serious consequences. So, it is important to analyze your use. Ensure that you consult an expert and understand the effects of steroids. Have your dosage and duration of steroid use carefully monitored by an expert to avoid any harm. Since steroids have the potential to cause permanent damage to your body, you need to take each step very carefully.