Anabolics Mall
How do anabolic steroids work?
A normal male produces 20 times more testosterone than a
normal female.(1) This extra testosterone is responsible
for greater muscle development in men than women, and the
development of other sex characteristics such as facial hair growth
and a deep voice.(2) Testosterone does these things when it
is absorbed from the bloodstream by certain types of
cells.(3) Molecules of testosterone fit themselves into
places inside the cells called "receptor sites," just as a key fits
into the lock designed for it. When the receptor site is filled by
the right type of molecule, it activates the cell to do specific
functions.(1) For example, in muscle cells, testosterone
promotes the production of protein.(3) There are only a
certain number of these "receptor sites" in each cell. If only a
few of them get filled by the right type of molecule, the cell will
respond at a low level. If all of them are filled, the cell gives
its maximum response.
A normal male secretes enough testosterone into his blood to
fill most of his testosterone receptor sites. However, if he takes
the huge doses of anabolic steroids that weightlifters take, the
cells will not be able to do any more than they would with a low
dose of steroids because the receptor sites are already filled
up.(3,4) The extra testosterone only makes side effects
more likely.
REFERENCES
1. Goldfien A. The gonadal hormones & inhibitors. In: ed. Basic
and clinical pharmacology. Norwalk, CT: Appleton & Lange,
1987, 461-83.
2. Johnson MD. Steroids. Adolescent Med 1991 Feb;2(1):79-93.
3. Strauss RH. Anabolic steroids. In: ed. Drugs and performance
in sports. Philadelphia: WB Saunders, 1987:5, 59-67.
4. Wilson JD. Androgen abuse by athletes. Endocrine Reviews
1988;9(2):181-99.
by Trent Tschirgi, R. Ph.
(c) 1992 University of Maryland Office of Substance Abuse Studies.
All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer: Steroid use is illegal in a vast number of countries around the world. This is not without reason. Steroids should only be used when prescribed by your doctor and under close supervision. Steroid use is not to be taken lightly and we do not in any way endorse or approve of illegal drug use. The information is provided on the same basis as all the other information on this site, as informational/entertainment value.
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Disclaimer: The information presented is intended to be used for educational purposes only. The statements made have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (U.S.). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease. Please consult with your own physician or health care practitioner regarding any suggestions and recommendations made.