Steroids have come out to be a popular form of muscle building alternative. The athletes and bodybuilders are the common consumers of the products. Since their use by the athletes and sports personalities, they have been often into controversy just like any other substances of abuse. The media has gone the extra mile to show that the steroids can cause several side effects and dangers to a consumer. They have even said that it has increased the mortality rate furthermore.
Experts consider that there are myths surrounding these steroids. Though there is no proper evidence for the matter. Thus, in this article we are going to discuss such myths and if at all there is any reality behind them.
Case 1
In 1991, the famous footballer Lyle Alzado was diagnosed with cancer. Some said that his cancer was a result of steroid abuse. The footballer had been consuming the synthetic steroid for a longer period of time. His death spread controversies. His untimely demise was sad but none of his doctors made steroids responsible for the matter.
Case 2
Another report is that several youths who buy steroids have reportedly committed suicide. Some reports reveal that they had been under the effect of steroids when they attempted suicide. Research has found that people who have low testosterone levels generally take steroids. Low testosterone makes them feel depressed. The factor that these lower testosterone levels can prompt suicidal tendencies in a person is totally untrue. No reports have ever been able to establish the fact.
Case 3
In medical writing, there have been fewer studies that try to link existing between suicidal attempts and steroids. Another name who was caught in the steroid controversy was Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Hollywood actor. Prior to steroids were declared illegal he was a regular consumer. He had undergone a heart surgery. Now the myth was that consuming steroids had caused thickening of the left ventricle of his heart. Some believed that it also made his heart enlarge abnormally. In the case of Arnold, it was later found that he was born with a congenital genetic defect. This had led to a condition where the aortic valve had two cusps contrary to normal men who have three. This condition causes problems as one grows older which was an example in his case.
If you are to believe true reports then it is that there are very little side effects of the steroids on a person. The effects are said to be non-realistic. The cases of aggression in behavior are based on the personality of a person.
Doctors say that over consumption may affect a person but not to such an extent. The governments have become conscious and have thus put a ban on un-prescribed selling and consumption. If one has to buy steroids they have to show a valid prescription for it. Even the ones who want to gain muscle mass needs to consult a physician before they get steroids. If the physician allows they can go through and buy them.