The Dangers of Anabolic Steroids
Anabolic steroids are synthetic hormones that increase muscle mass and reduce fat. They are used by athletes and bodybuilders who want to improve their performance and physical appearance. While it seems like a good idea, they have serious risks and potential health consequences. Let’s take a closer look at the dangers associated with anabolic steroid use.
Types of Anabolic Steroids:
Andarine and Ostarine:
Andarine and Ostarine are selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) that are anabolic steroid-like substances.
Using SARMs and anabolic steroidlike substances may cause liver injury and an increased risk of heart attack and strokes.
Chloramphenicol:
Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It is a prescription medicine and should be used under medical supervision. Chloramphenicol can potentially cause serious adverse effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headaches and liver injury.
Diclofenac:
Diclofenac is a potent painkiller and may potentially cause severe gastric bleeding and cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and stroke when used for a prolonged period. It should be used under close medical supervision, especially in patients with underlying heart conditions, stomach bleeding and ulceration. Prolonged use may lead to heart attacks and stroke.
Flibanserin:
Flibanserin treats low sexual desire disorder in women and can potentially cause adverse effects such as nausea, dizziness, fatigue, tiredness and low blood pressure.
Levodopa:
Levodopa (L-Dopa) Levodopa is a prescription drug used to treat Parkinson’s Disease and should be used under the supervision of a doctor. Levodopa may potentially interact with medicines used to treat high blood pressure. Side effects of levodopa may include low blood pressure, irregular heart rate and breathing abnormalities.
Phenolphthalein:
Phenolphthalein has not been registered in Singapore since 2011. Phenolphthalein may cause rashes, abdominal cramps, breathing difficulties, and kidney disorders. Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE-5) Inhibitors PDE-5 inhibitors treat male erectile dysfunction and should be used under medical supervision. These classes of medicine include sildenafil, tadalafil and hydroxyhomosildenafil. These medicines can potentially cause serious adverse effects such as decreased or loss of vision and hearing, strokes, heart attacks and priapism (painful and exceedingly long erections). If priapism is not treated immediately, it may lead to permanent impotence. PDE-5 Inhibitors are also unsuitable for patients with medical conditions such as heart-related issues or who are on heart medications such as nitrates. Deaths of patients found to be using Sildenafil (PDE-5 Inhibitor) while on nitrates have been reported overseas.
Sibutramine:
Sibutramine, previously a prescription-only weight loss drug used in treating obesity, has been disallowed for sale in Singapore since 2010 due to the increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Using sibutramine has been associated with severe adverse effects, including high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, hallucinations and mood swings.
Zopiclone:
Zopiclone is a prescription medicine used to treat insomnia and should be used under the supervision of a doctor. Zopiclone can potentially cause serious adverse effects, including confusion, agitation, irritability, dry mouth and drowsiness.
Health Effects of Anabolic Steroids:
They can have severe short-term and long-term health effects. They can cause high blood pressure, liver damage, kidney damage, heart problems, changes in cholesterol levels, and increases in aggression and violent behaviour. Evidence suggests that anabolic steroid use can increase the risk of stroke or heart attack. In addition, long-term use of anabolic steroids has been linked to depression and anxiety disorders.
Physical Risks of Anabolic Steroid Use:
In addition to the health risks, anabolic steroid use also comes with a variety of physical threats as well. These include acne, hair loss, male pattern baldness, gynecomastia (the development of breasts in men), testicular shrinkage, water retention, decreased sperm count, and infertility. Men who take anabolic steroids are also at increased risk for prostate cancer and other forms of cancer due to the elevated levels of hormones present in their bodies. Women taking anabolic steroids may experience irregular menstrual cycles, deepening voices, and facial hair growth.
Legal Risks Associated With Anabolic Steroid Use:
Finally, there are legal risks associated with taking them as well. Depending on where you live, possessing or distributing illegal drugs such as anabolic steroids may be punishable by fines or jail time. In addition to this criminal liability aspect when taking steroids, these drugs are classified as controlled substances by both federal authorities and most countries. This means that selling or buying these drugs is illegal without a valid prescription from a licensed physician, which carries its own set of legal penalties if violated.
Are Anabolic Steroids illegal in Singapore?:
The short answer is YES. You will need a valid prescription from a licensed doctor. You can read more about this on the HSA website.
Other names brands of the illegal Anabolic Steriods are:
Oral forms are taken by mouth. They include:
- Fluoxymesterone (Halotestin), or “Halo”
- Mesterolone (Proviron)
- Methandienone (Dianabol), or “Dbol”
- Methyltestosterone (Virilon)
- Mibolerone (Cheque)
- Oxandrolone (Anavar, Oxandrin), or “Var”
- Oxymetholone (Anadrol), or “Drol”
- Stanozolol (Winstrol), or “Winny”
Injectable forms include:
- Boldenone undecylenate (Equipoise), or “EQ.”
- Methenolone enanthate (Primobolan), or “Primo.”
- Nandrolone decanoate (Deca Durabolin), or “Deca”
- Nandrolone phenpropionate (Durabolin), or “NPP.”
- Testosterone cypionate (Depotest)
- Testosterone enanthate (Andro-Estro)
- Testosterone propionate (Testex)
- Trenbolone acetate (Finajet), or “Tren”
Xtra Protein Conclusion:
All in all, using steroids carries severe physical and mental health risks and can have legal consequences if caught without a valid prescription from a licensed doctor. Those looking for improved performance or physical appearance without risking their safety or breaking the law should look for natural alternatives such as diet changes or exercise regimens that will provide similar results without any adverse side effects apart from hard work!
Do not listen to anyone suggesting you should take anything before you consult your doctor & If all the above doesn’t put you off even thinking about using them, please read our next article about Body Builders who died too young.