What Happens When You Take Steroids? | Earth Science

Summary

This script delves into the world of anabolic steroids, detailing their chemical composition and effects on the body. It explains how these substances, similar to testosterone, can enhance muscle growth but come with severe side effects. The video also touches on the various methods used by bodybuilders to manage these effects, highlighting the lack of scientific consensus on their safety. It concludes with a cautionary note on the potential for unpredictable physical and mental changes due to steroid use.

Takeaways

• 💊 Steroids are organic molecules with a specific carbon structure and include many types, some of which occur naturally in the body.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Anabolic steroids are similar to testosterone and are used illicitly to enhance muscle growth, beyond what is naturally possible.
• 🚫 Anabolic steroids are prescribed for medical conditions like wasting diseases and to stimulate male puberty, but their illegal use is widespread.
• 💉 Users often take doses much higher than medical recommendations in an attempt to increase muscle mass.
• 🏃‍♂️ Exercise and a protein-rich diet are necessary for anabolic steroids to be effective in muscle growth.
• 🐁 Scientific studies, including those involving specially designed rat squat machines, demonstrate how steroids impact muscle growth.
• 🚨 High doses of anabolic steroids can lead to severe side effects, including acne, high blood pressure, liver tumors, and psychiatric issues.
• 🚫 The side effects of anabolic steroids can be unpredictable and potentially irreversible, affecting both physical and mental health.
• 🔁 Techniques like cycling, stacking, and pyramiding are used to try to reduce side effects, but their effectiveness is unproven.
• 🧠 Anabolic steroids can cause psychiatric effects due to their impact on nerve cells in the brain, leading to aggression and mood swings.
• 👀 The scientific understanding of the long-term effects of anabolic steroid use is limited, and they carry significant health risks.

Q & A

What are some common street names for anabolic steroids?

Some common street names for anabolic steroids include 'Juice', 'Gear', and 'Stacker'.

Why are anabolic steroids favored by bodybuilders?

Anabolic steroids are favored by bodybuilders because they mimic the effects of the male hormone testosterone, which can stimulate muscle and bone growth, leading to increased muscle mass and strength.

What is the chemical structure of steroids?

Steroid molecules have a structure consisting of 17 carbon atoms arranged into four rings, with other elements and structures attached to these rings.

How are steroids naturally occurring in the human body?

Steroids naturally occur in the human body in various forms, such as cholesterol, which is found in all cell membranes, and testosterone, the male sex hormone.

For what medical conditions are steroids typically prescribed?

Steroids are typically prescribed as anti-inflammatory drugs to treat conditions like asthma and irritable bowel syndrome.

What are anabolic androgenic steroids?

Anabolic androgenic steroids are a group of molecules that have a similar structure and function to testosterone, known for their muscle-building (anabolic) and male characteristic-inducing (androgenic) effects.

How do anabolic steroids enhance muscle growth?

Anabolic steroids enhance muscle growth by increasing the levels of testosterone-like chemicals in the body, which allows for more protein to be created and reinforce muscle fibers, leading to muscle hypertrophy.

What are some potential side effects of using anabolic steroids?

Potential side effects of anabolic steroid use include acne, high blood pressure, blood clots, baldness, liver tumors, development of breasts in men, facial hair in women, erectile dysfunction, and shrunken testicles.

What are 'cycling', 'stacking', and 'pyramiding' in the context of steroid use?

Cycling refers to taking regular breaks in steroid use, stacking involves combining several different anabolic steroids, and pyramiding is the practice of gradually increasing the dose over time.

Why might the side effects of anabolic steroids be particularly concerning?

The side effects of anabolic steroids are concerning because they can interfere with normal bodily functions, potentially causing unpredictable and possibly irreversible physical and mental changes, and the scientific understanding of their overall effects on the body is still limited.

What is 'roid rage' and how is it related to steroid use?

'Roid rage' is a term used to describe bursts of manic aggression that can result from the psychiatric effects of high doses of anabolic steroids on nerve cells in the brain.