While AAS use is not the only method to preserve muscle mass, it may benefit these populations. Loss of muscle mass has been closely linked to mortality in these diseases and preventing it can improve therapeutic outcomes and extend lifespan ( 11, 12, 13, 14). While not as common, AAS can be used in these populations to help preserve muscle mass ( 9, 10). Several conditions can lead to muscle loss, including AIDS, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cancer, and kidney and liver disease. Some athletes also include other synthetic hormones, such as growth hormone and insulin. Many users in this category also utilize a strategy called “stacking,” which is a slang term for mixing multiple types of AAS. While more potent effects may be seen at higher doses, the risk of side effects increases as well. The dosing of AAS in strength sports tends to be more liberal, as many federations don’t test for these and other substances. While the goal of bodybuilding is maximum muscle mass in a given category, strength and muscle size are closely related, though other factors are at play as well ( 8). In these sports, muscle strength, size, and power directly relate to overall performance. When it comes to strength sports, including bodybuilding, powerlifting, and Olympic weightlifting, anabolic steroids are widely used to increase muscle mass, strength, and power output ( 5). Strength athletes looking to increase muscle mass and strength Though most sporting federations ban AAS, some athletes feel the risk of getting caught is worth the benefits. Muscle mass is not the main concern here, as they’re used more for recovery and increased power output ( 6, 7). In competitive sports, steroid dosing tends to be fairly conservative to avoid detection. They have been shown to increase muscle mass, which leads to increased speed and power output ( 5).Īthletes using AAS can experience strength gains of 5–20% and weight gains of 4.5–11 pounds (2–5 kg), which may be due to an increase in lean body mass ( 5). While advanced strength and conditioning exercises, as well as nutrition, go a long way in this regard, some athletes take it a step further by taking performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).ĪAS are one of the major PEDs used by athletes.
In the world of sports, athletes are constantly looking for ways to get an edge over the competition. Athletes looking to improve speed and power output These potential effects may benefit various groups of individuals.
While this is a common application, AAS are used for several other purposes. When you think of steroids, the first thing that may come to mind is their use in bodybuilding to promote muscle gain. Taking steroids increases testosterone levels, causing effects like increased muscle mass and strength. Steroids are a synthetic form of testosterone, a sex hormone naturally produced by men and women alike. Taking steroids raises levels of this hormone, which causes effects such as increased muscle mass and strength ( 3, 4). Normal testosterone levels range from 300–1,000 ng/dL for men and 15–70 ng/dL for women. It serves several functions for women, primarily promoting bone density and a healthy libido ( 2). Though traditionally thought of as a male hormone, women also produce testosterone but in much smaller amounts. In men, its levels increase during puberty to promote the development of male sex traits, such as body hair growth, a deeper voice, sex drive, and increased height and muscle mass. They affect various parts of your body, such as your muscles, hair follicles, bones, liver, kidneys, and reproductive and nervous systems. Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are a synthetic form of testosterone, which is the primary male sex hormone ( 1).