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(Before you read this please understand that this is an expressed opinion by one Contributor. The statements in this article do not represent or reflect the opinions of Afitnessconnection.com.)
Please stop reporting in areas that you all are clueless!
Steroids are used to increase muscle bulk and strength and to enable longer and harder athletic training sessions. Some users take steroids for cosmetic (body image) reasons. Steroids increase protein synthesis, promoting growth of muscles and bones. They reduce the recovery time needed between training sessions and enable athletes to train more intensively for longer periods. Anabolic steroids increase muscle mass. Antiinflammatory steroids (or corticosteroids) can reduce swelling, pain, and other manifestations of inflammation. Synthetic steroids are used in a variety of therapies to control respiratory problems, skin inflammation, ease joint inflammations, and to treat blood disorders.
Testosterone – Testosterone is a steroid hormone produced by the testes and adrenal glands. Testosterone is the most important of the male sex hormones. It is responsible for stimulating bone and muscle growth, and sexual development. Testosterone stimulates sperm production (spermatogenesis), and influences the development of male secondary sex characteristics. Testosterone is required for sperm production, the development of the male reproductive organs, and the emergence of male secondary sexual characteristics. The hormone is also required for the buildup of lean muscle mass.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) – Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid precursor produced by the adrenal gland and converted to testosterone or the estrogens by the body’s tissues. Optimal levels OF DHEA are associated with increased energy, healthy immune and cardiovascular function, improved memory and elevated mood. DHEA is a cholesterol metabolite, it aids in the relief of stress. DHEA aids in the prevention of cancer. Low circulating levels of DHEA have been associated with a higher incidence of breast cancer in women.
Androstenedione – Androstenedione is an estrogen precursor hormone produced by the adrenal glands and the stromal tissue in the ovaries and later converted to estrone in the adipose tissues in the skin and appendages. ptimal testosterone levels give the body healthy red blood cells, a vital sex drive, rapid protein production, and a balanced immune system. It can also cause increased energy, heighted sexual arousal, and give a greater sense of overall well-being.
Hydrocortisone – Hydrocortisone (cortisol) is the main glucocorticoid secreted by the adrenal cortex. Hydrocortisone is responsible for maintaining our ability to process sugars, maintain our blood pressure and react to stress and illness. Cortisol helps the body respond to stress. Hydrocortisone stimulates gluconeogenesis to ensure an adequate fuel supply. It also makes fatty acids available for metabolic use. It increases mobilization of free fatty acids, making them a more available energy source, and decreases glucose utilization, sparing it for the brain.
Prednisone – Prednisone is a steroid that blocks inflammation of an allergic reaction. Prednisone puts down the body’s response to the allergen (the cause of the allergy) and reduces swelling, redness, itching, and other symptoms of allergy. It also reduces the body’s ability to fight infection. Prednisone decreases inflammation by preventing white blood cells from completing an inflammatory reaction. Prednisone may act together with anticancer drugs in helping to control the effects of the disease on the body.
Dexamethasone – Dexamethasone stimulates synthesis of enzymes required to decrease the inflammatory response. Dexamethasone is a strong anti-inflammatory agent. Dexamethasone is used to treat many inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. Dexamethasone is used to treat leukemia and lymphoma and may be used to treat some of the problems caused by other cancers and their treatment. Dexamethasone is used to prevent nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy, in combination with other drug
Estrogen – Estrogen stimulates the development of secondary sexual characteristics and induces menstruation in women. Estrogen is important for the maintenance of normal brain function and development of nerve cells. Estrogen is essential for the healthy development and functioning of the female reproductive system and in keeping bones strong and brain cells healthy. Estrogen is used therapeutically to treat breast and prostate cancer and osteoporosis, and to relieve the discomforts of menopause.
Nandrolone – Nandrolone is used to treat testosterone deficiency or breast cancer or osteoporosis. It is very similar in structure to the male hormone testosterone, and has many of the same effects in terms of increasing muscle mass. Nandrolone drugs are used in the belief that they are capable in increasing muscle strength and size, increasing muscle hardness, and also decrease body fat. They additionally reduce the fatigue associated with training, and the time required to recover after physical exertion.
Cholesterol – Cholesterol is a major precursor of cholesterol ester, bile acids, and steroid hormones and is a component of plasma membranes. It is a necessary component of all cell membranes. It is the precursor to all steroid hormone (including estrogen, testosterone, cortisol, and vitamin D). It is the leading organic molecule in the brain and is needed for brain function. However, too much cholesterol in the bloodstream can be unhealthy, it builds up in the artery wall and can lead to the signs and symptoms of coronary heart disease

First off:

1. There has never been anyone who has died directly from steroid use. The worse thing that it ever cause is liver toxicity. It is imperative that people understand that steroids does not kill people.

2. 60% of all professional athletes take some form of performance enhancer.

3. There is and never will be a level playing field in sports: DHEA levels, testosterone levels and normal test levels start to drop at age 29 on a male. So, if an athlete has considerable low test levels/he should medically be allowed to use steroids. athletes at a younger age are at an advantage. Steroids are not illegal drugs. They are used and prescribed by doctors. And, are used on AIDS patients to help w/bone density and muscle re-growth.

4. HGH is a hormone designed to reverse anti-aging process and aid in recovery from surgery. Where does it say that a man cannot legally use this drug? One has to take it for a time from of at least 4-6 weeks to have health benefits. When you all reported that HGH was used by the Yankee picture for 2-weeks, he would not get anything from the hormones.

5. I believe the media as well as your show is reporting on incorrect and false allegations from a drug that is legal and can if taken and prescribed by a medical doctor will have extremely sound and safe health benefits.

6. Our government is at fault. They even set up a 14 Million dollar anti-steroid campaign. Well, where is the money? Steroids have been around since 1930 and can only truly be afforded by typically the top 5% of the population. If everyone were to use and benefit from this drug, health insurance companies, doctors and prescription medication (especially anit-depressants, which doctors prescribe without even doing a blood test) would lose money and how many of our politicians are paid off by the health insurance companies.

7. Roid rage happens and problems arise when you come off the drug! Steroids, must be probably cycled and taken out of your body because a sharp drop in testosterone can cause depression. So y have these teens, and gym rats buy and experiment illegally and get in trouble. Then, you all report the dangers. Laconically speaking, it is amazing that you all report on medication that you know nothing about. Also, ESPN is not affiliated or back by any MEDICAL research. You only report the dangers, because of the Disney umbrella that your company falls under. You cannot promote or even say anything that kids may take literally. But, you are reporting false claims.

8. America will never go an try to implement a program to show the medical benefits. Because then, they will look like liars. But, in truth you all are already lying.

please, report on stats and not on anything medical. For, the two of you look extremely ignorant when doing so.

sincerely,

Christopher Downing, MD