Recent evidence suggests that there may be over 3,000,000 regular anabolic steroid users in the United States (Taylor 1). Although this statistic may seem shocking, steroids are found in more things than people expect. For example, doctors prescribe forms of steroids for patients with skin conditions such as eczema and rashes. According to healthofchildren, anabolic steroids are defined as compounds, derived from testosterone, which promotes tissue growth and repair. Steroids are most frequently associated with the nature of body building and professional athletics. Doctors often prescribe steroids to people who fail to produce proper amounts of testosterone. Under medical supervision bodybuilders cycle through anabolic …show more content…
There are more than 100 types of anabolic steroids produced to date. Some anabolic steroids are taken orally, some are taken as intramuscular injections and some others are taken in the form of gels or creams (Sobhanias, Rajabian, Sadeghi, & Parsayee Manesh). It is extremely fascinating how doctors had the technology in the 1930s to chemically create a drug with such strong capabilities. Later during World War II, it was found that this artificial form of testosterone could be used to help malnourished soldiers gain weight and improve performance (Cesar). When fighting in a mass world war who wouldn't want to have the upper hand advantage on their opponent? A common side effect that comes along with steroids is a term called “roid rage”. Roid rage occurs when the built up testosterone in one's body alters its aggression levels and a person starts to get angry and aggressive. When up close in hand to hand battle in the world war it would give soldiers a drastic advantage over others. Unfortunately, nothing in life is ever free, everything comes with a price and steroids just happen to come with a hefty …show more content…
When dealing with such a potent chemical there is always going to be the negative effects that come along with it. The most common side effects consist of severe acne, male’s testicles start to shrink and they become infertile, also start to become bald, and the most well-known and deadly is higher risk for heart attacks. Even under medical supervision, one can never plan or predict when something is going to go wrong with their body except an expert. There is no guarantee that one will be a healthy individual when on steroids, it is often thought that people taking steroids are fine but, the drug will eventually catch up to that individual later on down the road. 57% of steroid users said they would use steroids, even if it could shorten their lives (Healthresearchfunding). This statistic is more powerful than one might portray it to be. Bodybuilders are completely aware of the serious health percussions that they may be setting themselves up for down the road. The most bizarre part is that most of them do not even care and disregard the fact that they are literally destroying their bodies underneath the skin. Bodybuilders are so obsessed with trying to sculpt their body into a magnificent, tight, symmetric, muscular figure that they will physically and mentally do whatever it takes to finally achieve it. All the bodybuilders and athletes out there that would