Introduction to Testosterone Chemistry of Testosterone Future
Historical Significance Discovery and Synthesis
-Scientists in the 1930s discovered that anabolic steroids could facilitate the growth of skeletal muscle in laboratory animals
-This breakthrough led to abuse of these compounds by bodybuilders and weightlifters and then by athletes in other sports.
Adminstering Anabolic Steroids
-orally, injected intramuscularly, or rubbed on the skin when in the form of gels or creams
-these drugs are often used in patterns called cycling, which involves taking multiple doses of steroids over a given time period, stopping for a period, and then beginning again.
-Users combine several different types of steroids in a process known as stacking; the belief is that a variety of steroids will produce an effect on muscle size that is greater but side effects will be decreased
-pyramidding an another common practice in which the user takes the highest level of steroid in the middle of a cycle and then decreases servings towards the end of the cycle
The effects
- ability to train harder.
- build muscle mass.
- help cut down on recovery time after strenuous exercise
Addictive Nature
-User can become psychologically dependent long before he or she becomes physically dependent
-Withdrawal symptoms including: headaches, lethargy and depression are common
Steroid Law
-Anabolic steroids are Class C drugs that can only be prescribed by a doctor.
-Importation of steroids is legal as long as they are only for personal use
-Importation with the intent to distribute is punishable by up to 14 years in prison