Science of Steroids

“Dude, look at that guy. He’s way too buff. He’s GOTTA be on steroids!”

This is a scenario that occurs way too often. Genetically, there is an absolute limit to how muscular and how large and how strong a person can get. This is simply evolution and biology at work. However, some athletes turn to the usage of steroids to surpass these limitations, and boy does it work (sort of).

You’ve most likely heard about the allegations of steroid usage in professional baseball, and professional wrestling, and it should surprise no one that there are allegations of steroid usage in bodybuilding.Whether or not certain bodybuilders are using steroids is something that is between them and God. We’re more concerned about the science behind steroids.

Anabolic androgenic steroids, or AAS, make muscles grow faster, cause harmful side effects, have been banned by most sports leagues, and are illegal without a doctor actively prescribing. How does this proverbial spinach work for the Popeyes of the sports world?

AAS are synthetic versions of a naturally produced hormone known as testosterone. They’re active in promoting muscle growth, which encompasses the anabolic portion, and promote male characteristics of puberty. The original intent of these steroids were for patients who lack healthy levels of testosterone. These patients commonly suffer from diseases such as cancer or AIDS. However, when used by healthy athletes, the goal becomes to speed up muscle building. 

Think of it like this. The human body is similar to a stock car. There are limitations to the performance output. But, giving the body steroids is like putting a super-charged hemi engine in the car. The boost that is given allows the body or car to supercede expectations performance-wise. 

When you lift weights, you’re actually creating micro-tears in the muscle fibers. The body then repairs the tears by overcompensating for the tears and adding bigger cells to build a stronger fiber. This is also known as muscular hypertrophy. When repeated over and over, this results in muscle growth. This is the normal way to build muscles, the “old fashioned” way.

When an athlete takes a steroid, the AAS travels through the blood stream to the muscle. The muscle’s androgen receptor receives the steroid, and the steroid can interact with the cell’s DNA and increase the protein synthesis process that promotes cell growth. It effectively speeds up the recovery process, and allows for larger muscle growth.

These athletes experiment with different types of steroids and stack them together to promote the most growth. However, do not mistake a bodybuilder’s large muscles for simply steroid usage. A person could use every possible steroid known to man, but if he/she does not exercise effectively, they will never see the gains that some of these bodybuilders do.

I want to make a disclaimer: I am not condoning nor am I condemning steroid usage. I believe that each person has the ability to make their own choices, and if you feel that steroids are your choice, so be it. If you feel like steroids aren’t good for anybody, then good for you as well. Attached below is a video from National Geographic titled the “Science of Steroids” that is shot documentary style and does a great job informing the user about steroids.