Female athletes turn to steroids for a variety of reasons, including the desire to add a boost to athletic performance. Unfortunately, steroids introduce large amounts of testosterone into a woman's body, a male hormone that is not typically found there. Because this can cause a variety of dangerous side effects, it is important to understand what exactly steroids are and why athletes turn to them.
Definition of Steroids
Steroids, also called anabolic steroids, are synthetic hormones that help the body to produce muscle. In addition, steroids lessen or prevent muscle breakdown. They increase the blood level of testosterone, which stimulates muscle tissue to grow bigger and stronger. Steroid medications are only available with a doctor's prescription---obtaining them in any other way is against the law.
Why Female Athletes Turn to Steroids
According to the Steroid Abuse website, women often turn to steroids because of the therapeutic side effects. A steroid user will notice that her muscles become more defined and stronger. In turn, this can boost her self-esteem and help her to perform more effectively in athletics. In addition, steroids reduce the recovery time that muscles normally need, helping her to train or play without needing to take time for her muscles to recuperate.
Dangerous Side Effects
A woman who uses steroids will notice negative changes in her physical appearance. She will begin to lose the bodily curves that are typically associated with women. The breasts will shrink and her body will take on more of a masculine appearance. In addition, anabolic steroids encourage water retention, making a woman's face and body appear puffy. She can also develop a deepening voice, hair loss, aggressive behavior, mood swings and depression.
Warnings
The side effects of steroids are dangerous and can appear years after taking them. In addition to the health risks, it is important to remember that using steroids without a prescription is against the law. Athletes are often drug tested. A woman who fails the test can not only get kicked off the team or have to forfeit any awards or trophies, she will also face serious legal actions, monetary fines or even jail time.
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