How does steroids boost performance?

In summary: One of the side effects of steroids is that they can cause sudden fatigue. This is because steroids can suppress the body’s natural production of testosterone.
  • #1
Skhandelwal
400
3
Biologically, what does it do to provide more energy?
 
Biology news on Phys.org
  • #2
Anabolic steroids, are a flavor of steroid hormones related to the male
hormone testosterone. They increase protein synthesis rates within cells.
This usually stimulates the buildup of cellular tissue in muscles.
Anabolic steroids also stimulate androgenesis - things like the development
of masculine traits such as the growth of the vocal cords (lower voice) and body hair.

They also have adverse effects, ones that show up later, usually.
 
  • #3
Supplemental, stand alone, use of anabolic/androgenic steroids do not really do anything at all to boost overall energy levels.

Jim
 
  • #4
Jmnew51, first of all, you are countering Jim Mcnamara.(since the digestive rate is faster...)
Second, so do they only strenghten the bones...which is why it is able to move faster and lift heavier? B/c I thought our speed dependent on our muscles...wouldn't heavier muscles slow us down?(I know you didn't claim this but I read that in an article)
 
  • #5
I didn't say anything about energy and anabolic steroids, I just listed some of what anabolic steroids are known to do.

The reason I ignored "energy" is that it seemed like it was the wrong choice of words.
 
  • #6
Why? if they don't boost energy then what do they do?
 
  • #7
Skhandelwal said:
Why? if they don't boost energy then what do they do?

As Jim said they build muscle, or rather enable more muscle to be built faster when you exercise.
 
  • #8
Then is taking steroids right before a tournament or a marathon is about to start poor direction from the movies? B/c that is what they show.(Our muscles build when we rest)

Why does taking steroids makes us femine?(should larger the quantity, more the man?)
 
  • #9
Steroids boost the repair rate, exercise really consists of damaging muscle and waiting for it to rebuild bigger. So it could be that it helps recovery but I can't see a reason to take it directly before a race.
I remember one respected athlete tested positive with such a huge dose he would have had to have been injecting on the start line - his point was that this was so stupid it must have been a testing error.

The breast growth is because the extra testosterone boosts the body's production of estrogen as it tries to keep them in balance.
 
Last edited:
  • #10
mgb_phys said:
So it could be that it helps recovery but I can't see a reason to take it directly before a race.

The reason why athletes test positive for steroids is because, even long after the effects have worn off, you can still test positive. So athletes that depend on them, walk a fine line between gaing the maximum benefit from them and not having them show up in their system. A lot of them make mistakes in their calculations and the result is a positive test.

Taking steroids directly before a race would probably slow you down if anything, because in order to assimilate the compund you will use up some of your body's resources. Unless you inject a dose of unestrified testosterone.

Also excess testosterone and its analogs aromatize (convert) into estrogen.

Jim
 
  • #11
I don't know anything about the science behind steroids but I do know some top bike racers (some of the very top train in the mountains near the city I live in) and this is what they said:

Athletes are limited by their ability to recover from a work out. If an athlete trains too much, that is called overtraining and is worse for performance than not training enough. Steroids speed the body’s ability to recover so it allows the athlete to train harder and longer and more often. There is nothing magic here. The athlete still has to train, but he can train more and more often with steroids. This gives him an advantage.
 
  • #12
Then why do men feel sudden fatigue after suddenly loosing testosterone?
 

1. How do steroids enhance athletic performance?

Steroids work by increasing the production of protein in the body, which helps to build muscle mass and increase strength. This allows athletes to train harder and longer, leading to improved performance in sports.

2. What are the potential side effects of using steroids for performance enhancement?

The use of steroids can lead to a variety of negative side effects, including liver damage, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and increased risk of heart disease. Additionally, steroids can cause hormonal imbalances and lead to psychological effects such as aggression and mood swings.

3. Are all steroids illegal?

No, not all steroids are illegal. Some steroids, such as corticosteroids, are used for medical purposes and can be prescribed by a doctor. However, the use of anabolic steroids for performance enhancement is illegal in most sports organizations and countries.

4. How long does it take for steroids to start boosting performance?

The effects of steroids on performance can vary depending on the individual and the type of steroid used. Some athletes may see improvements in strength and muscle mass within a few weeks, while others may take longer to see results. However, it is important to note that the use of steroids is not a substitute for hard work and proper training.

5. Can steroids improve performance for non-athletes?

While steroids are commonly associated with performance enhancement in sports, they can also be used by individuals who are not athletes. However, the use of steroids for aesthetic purposes or to improve physical appearance is still illegal and can lead to the same negative side effects as using them for athletic performance.

Similar threads

  • Biology and Medical
Replies
3
Views
268
Replies
10
Views
1K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
12
Views
991
Replies
55
Views
3K
  • Science Fiction and Fantasy Media
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
4
Views
885
Replies
2
Views
996
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
4
Views
981
Back
Top