The Danger Zone: Steroids part II

Here we go with the second part editorial on steroids.

Last issue the focus was oral anabolic steroids, and so injectables should rightfully be examined. Let’s be clear when we say this is only for the experienced, informed and dedicated user and is not recommended for anyone.

Google “steroid freaks” and the results yield depictions of people that resemble something made in a Hollywood basement. If getting super big, super quick, is your priority — then these steroids are the way to go. Testosterone, or “test” for short can change the body in a variety of ways and is available in three slightly different compounds.

Testosterone Cypionate:

According to www.steroids.com, this version of test is highly anabolic and androgenic, meaning these steroids are hormones that control the development and maintenance of masculine characteristics.

Testosterone Cypionate promotes nitrogen retention in the muscle. The more nitrogen muscles hold, the more protein they subsequently store. Test Cypionate also has the ability to increase activity in satellite cells that play an active role in repairing damaged muscle, and also binds to specific androgen receptor mechanisms dependent for muscle gain and fat loss.

Testosterone Enanthate:

The most commonly used compound of testosterone by plunger-pushing athletes and gym junkies alike. This version of testosterone is what is prescribed to patients who suffer from low testosterone production, but it is also extremely effective for building muscle and enhancing strength. Testosterone Enathate is also effective for fat loss and has the reputation of being readily available—and cheap—to anyone with the proper know-how.

Testosterone Propionate:

Test Propinate has the ability to protect muscle from wasting away due to catabolic hormones. Another attribute is the increase in red blood cell production. This is great for a juicer because an increased red blood cell count improves endurance via more oxygenated blood.
Side Effects and Health Complications:

If you are not squeamish of needles and are looking to get jacked up, a few syringes a week may not seem like a bad idea. However, there are serious risks associated with injecting testosterone aside from using clean needles and injection sites. All testosterone compounds carry extremely elevated levels of aromatase activity. Meaning all that testosterone running through your body is converted into estrogen.

A rise in estrogen can lead to something called gynecomastia, which means potential users could grow a nice set of moobs (man boobs). Testosterone abuse can also cause an increase in water retention that can lead to elevated cholesterol and a dangerous, even a deadly, rise of blood pressure. Your body’s process of converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the main culprit for the most common side effects of steroid use such as severe acne, enlarged prostate and hair growth.

However if you are predisposed to male pattern baldness, testosterone abuse can accelerate the process and you can have the old cul-de-sac up top prematurely. Testosterone is not, I repeat NOT, for women as the risks and side effects far outweigh any benefit. The human race has survived and thrived for thousands of years and only in last hundred or so we have been tampering with hormones. So, unless your dream is to be a world-class body builder… actually, on second thought, I cannot condone or promote the use of testosterone for anyone.