Bodybuilders have been aware of the muscle building properties of steroids for many years. Steroid use that is not authorized by a doctor is against United States law and has been since the 1988 passing of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act. Despite their illegal nature, steroids are used by approximately three million bodybuilders in the United States alone. Deca-Durabolin, Testosterone Cypionate, Equipose and Sostenon 250 are four of the most commonly used steroids in the bodybuilding community.

Androgenic Effects

Some bodybuilders enjoy the sport for the pure pleasure of pushing themselves and trying to be as healthy and as strong as possible. Others compete in bodybuilding competitions that offer various prizes and as with any sport; some athletes are looking to gain an advantage in any way possible. This advantage is often found in the muscle mass enhancing properties typically associated with illegal steroids. There are two types of effects associated with steroid use and they are generally considered to be polar opposites when it comes to determining which effects are desirable versus which are seen as dangerous and pesky side effects. Androgenic effects are considered the unwanted side effects associated with steroids. Androgenic side effects include acne problems, excessive deepening of the voice, and an overall increase in the presence of body hair.

Anabolic Effects

Bodybuilders are not looking for gains based on steroid’s androgenic effects but are more concerned with the anabolic effects that steroids can provide. Anabolic effects can aid them in their training as the steroid helps a bodybuilder’s muscle to rejuvenate more rapidly after an intense workout. Anabolic steroids also increase the effectiveness of the workout by making any work that was done more productive than it would have been without steroids. This greater amount of muscle mass is just what the bodybuilder is looking for in order to impress judges at their next competition. Steroids can also help bodybuilders burn off unsightly excess fat that could hide their shapely muscles and cost them competition points. The increase in energy that is provided by steroids also makes it easier for bodybuilders to train harder and for longer periods of time without succumbing to exhaustion.