Anabolic and virilizing effects

Anabolic and virilizing effects
Anabolic androgenic steroids produce both anabolic and virilization (also known as androgenic) effects. Most anabolic steroids work in two simultaneous ways. First, they work by binding the androgen receptor and increasing protein synthesis. Second, they also reduce recovery time by blocking the effects of the stress hormone, cortisol, on muscle tissue. As a result, catabolism of the body's muscle mass is greatly reduced.


Examples of anabolic effects:
* Increased protein synthesis from amino acids
* Increased muscle mass and strength
* Increased appetite
* Increased bone remodeling and growth
* Stimulation of bone marrow increasing production of red blood cells

Examples of virilizing/androgenic effects:
* Growth of the clitoris (clitoral hypertrophy) in females and the penis in male children (the adult penis does not grow indefinitely even when exposed to high doses of androgens)
* Increased growth of androgen-sensitive hair (pubic, beard, chest, and limb hair)
* Increased vocal cord size, deepening the voice
* Increased libido
* Suppression of endogenous sex hormones
* Impaired spermatogenesis

Anabolic Steroid Terms and Definitions - Dictionary

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Anabolism:
constructive metabolism characterized by the building of tissue into more complex living matter, mainly muscle.

Anabolic:
promoting anabolism

Anabolic steroid:
any one of several compounds derived from testosterone or prepared synthetically to promote general body growth, to oppose the effects of endogenous estrogen, or to promote masculinization effects. They have a chemical structure similar to cholesterol.

Androgen:
any steroid hormone that promotes male characteristics.

Aromatize:
the on take of feminine characteristics or feminization.

Atrophy:
refers to a state of deterioration usually within the muscle or bodily organ due to a lack of use or health.

Catabolism:
a complex metabolic process in which energy is liberated for use in work, energy storage, or heat production by the destruction of complex substances. Basically muscle tissue is broken down when a person is in a catabolic state and the use of anabolic steroids will change this.

Cholesterol:
a fatty substance found in animals that performs many vital functions and is synthesized by the liver and the adrenal cortex.

Bitch Tits:
a slang term for gynecomastia.

Gynecomastia:
an abnormal enlargement of one or both breasts in men. This condition is usually temporary due to a hormonal imbalance brought on by the use of steroids, however, can occur naturally as well.

Freaky:
A bodybuilding term used to describe a person who is huge and obviously on steroids.

Fakes or basement drug:
refers to counterfeit or fake steroids.

Virilization:
the process in which a person takes on the characteristics of a mature male. Masculinization.

Gear:
slang for steroids, syringes, anything associated with the use of steroids

Juice:
slang term for injectable steroids

Dart, poke, ned:
slang terms for syringes.

Thermogenisis:
the production of heat. Raises metabolism making it easier to burn fat.

Trade name:
the name given to a particular substance by each company that manufactures it.

Cycle:
the time in which a certain supplement is taken. If you take a supplement for 6 weeks it is a 6-week cycle. Usually the time on a cycle is followed by the same amount of time off of the cycle.

Libido:
a persons sex drive.

Steroid:
any of a large number of hormonal substances with the same basic chemical structure produced mainly in the adrenal cortex and gonads.

Lean mass:
the amount of muscle on a persons body

Immune system:
the system in a persons body that wards off infection and responds to illness.

Testosterone:
an androgenic hormone which is used to produce anabolic steroids.

Estrogen:
natural hormone that promotes the growth and development of female characteristics.

Creatine:
a nitrogenous compound that when combined with phosphate produces ATP

ATP:
adenosine triphosphate is a molecule used to store and release energy in the muscle.

Diuretic:
a substance that increases the amount of urine which is released by the kidneys.