Bodybuilders and weightlifters seeking bigger and harder muscles sometimes consider using supplements to increase their muscle mass. One of those supplements is testosterone. Even though testosterone is a naturally occurring hormone in the male body, too much of it can lead to severe and dehabilitating side effects and symptoms. Use extreme caution when using synthetic supplements to increase your muscle mass.
Testosterone
Testosterone is a type of anabolic steroid produced naturally by the body, and is one of the first synthetically developed steroids sold as an over-the-counter muscle-growth booster. The use of testosterone-based steroids was first widely publicized in the field of weightlifting in the early 1950s during the World Weightlifting Championships when a Russian team doctor bragged that his lifters had used testosterone injections during their training programs. While the short-term effects of androgen or male sex hormones like testosterone include increased strength, muscle mass and capability of training longer and harder, users may experience alarming and unexpected results.
Effects of Testosterone
Serious side effects may occur, including jaundice, liver disease and high blood pressure. Men may notice changes in their testicles and experience sterility. Those exposed to long-term use of such anabolic steroids may experience "roid-rage," or severe and extreme changes in mood and personality, delusions, irritability and feelings of paranoia. Other side effects include kidney failure and heart abnormalities, and sometimes even death. Even infrequent use of steroids may cause undesired results. Women may end up with a deeper voice, facial hair and rougher skin or acne.
Testosterone Abuse
Use of testosterone for other than medical reasons is illegal. Abuse of the androgen has led to increased testing by official sports organizations and committees around the world. For more than 30 years, bans have been enforced against use of any type of steroid in official and professional sports. However, abuse of the drug continues.
Legal Repercussions
In many states you may be arrested for a Class 4 felony if you're found in the possession of or have been proven to be a user of anabolic steroids. Penalties may include up to four or more years of jail time and thousands of dollars in fines and legal fees. Convictions of felony drug use may be placed into your permanent record, making it difficult for you to find a job. You may also lose your driver's license. In the sports world, use of steroids may result in your being stripped of awards, medals and marketing or public endorsements, depending on your situation, your history and the sport. The Olympic Committee, which banned the use of steroids for international Olympic sporting events, takes steps to strip convicted drug abusers of their medals and delete their sports contributions and times from official Olympic records.
