Bodybuilding and drug aids.
Bodybuilders may use drugs in combination with training, in order to  achieve maximum muscle hypertrophy and to gain an advantage especially in professional competitions. Although many of these substances are illegal in many countries, in advanced bodybuilding the use of anabolic steroids and precursor substances, such as prohormones, are unfortunately considered essential for competing in world-level contests. Most steroids allow the human body to be in a more advanced anabolic state. Side-effects may follow anabolic steroids abuse, such as liver tumors and a decline in the body's natural testosterone production which, in turn, can cause testicular atrophy, sexual incompetence and potential infertility.
Human growth hormone (HGH) and insulin are also used by some of the professional bodybuilders. It has to be mentioned that although insulin is readily available in the market, it can be proved fatal, if misused.
Anabolic steroids.
Anabolic steroids are synthetic agents that promote cell division and growth. Anabolic steroids are manufactured to imitate the muscle growing properties of testosterone. The latest is a natural hormone responsible for the characteristics of the male gender.
Anabolic steroids are illegal in most countries, since they have a wide range of side-effects. Some of them may not be reversible.
Prohormones.
They are forerunners to hormones. Usually they are sold to bodybuilders as a precursor to an anabolic steroid such as testosterone. They are taken with the expectation of conversion in the body to an active hormone. Prohormones are currently illegal in the United States and many European countries.
Human growth hormone.
This is a protein hormone synthesized in the human body and stimulates growth and cell reproduction. It can be produced synthetically and it is often taken by advanced bodybuilders. However, the full range of benefits and possible risks of the use of human growth hormone are not completely known yet.
Insulin.
The effects of insulin are well known and include increases in cellular intake of glucose, protein synthesis, amino acid uptake and blood flow. These effects are considered beneficial in bodybuilders, especially right after a training session. This benefit can be achieved by consuming a drink containing simple sugars which makes the body to increase insulin levels to deal with the sugar. However, the overall benefit from insulin is quite controversial, since the presence of the hormone in the blood can promote the formation of fat tissue.
Some bodybuilders inject insulin intravenously. In other words, they inject directly into the blood stream. This is extremely dangerous and potentially fatal, if an incorrect dosage is taken, since it can cause hypoglycemic shock. |
