From: loszewski_im@ginger.hnrc.tufts.edu
Newsgroups: misc.fitness
Subject: <None>
Date: 31 Jul 92 15:31:55 GMT
Organization: USDA HNRC at Tufts University

In article <redmondd.712541423@unix1.tcd.ie>, redmondd@unix1.tcd.ie (Judge Raz) writes:
> Since this has been brought up I've two questions which I hope
> you can answer for me.
> 
> a) What are the characteristics / side effects of steroid use/abuse?
>
I can be too specific, because I don't have the literature here with me, but
it involves the production of cortisol.  In a nutshell, cortisol binds to your
cells which in turn causes your cells to react is some way.  Steroids compete
with the cortisol for binding sites on the surfaces of the cells.  When the 
cortisol can't bind, the body in turn increases production of it to compensate
for the lack of binding.  When a person all of sudden stops taking steroids,
all of the cortisol binds and the body emerges into a rapid catabolic state.
The body literally eats itself and anything else in sight.  
There is no control over this and it can last for over a month.  That is why
steroid users end up losing alot of weight when they go off of the steroids
before a competition.  I realize this is really generalized, but the article
that I got this from was from a past Muscle and Fitness.  I have it at home.
Side effects are as follows.  Gynecomatstia or excess fat deposits in the 
nipples.  Acromegaly with prolonged use.  Acne which is caused usually by
fake steroids. Some fake steroids are nothing but olive oil.  Some have even
been contaminated with a micro-organism called Bacillus subtilis.  Try
injecting some of this stuff and see how you feel.  I guarantee you won't 
continue to use them.  With continual use you can get splenomegaly or enlarged
spleen, as well as en enlarged liver.  Your spleen and liver are enlarged from
all the junk that is floating around in your system from the steroids.  They
have to work harder to filter out everything.  Your kidneys also become
enlarged and your cholesterol count skyrockets.  I had a friend that was taking
steroids for a while.  He was 20 years old.  His abdomen looked like that of
an alcoholic and every now and then he would grab his chest or his sides and
complain of sever pain.  I haven't seen him in quite  a while.  If he makes it
to the age of 30 I'll be surprised.  Although I don't encourage steroid use, I
think that if someone wants to take them, then all the more power to you.  It 
does bother me however, when I see somebody start to take steroids and within
a month they have reached what has taken me a year to do.

                                             -Rob
 
> b) Has anyone seen the Chinese swimmers Li Lin ans Yong Zhuang on TV.
>    What are your opinions as regards possible drug abuse based on their
>    physiques. Both are *big* for female swimmers and have deep voices.
>    There are arguments / discussions raging on rec.sport.olympics and
>    soc.culture.chinese.
> 
> Thanks in advance,
> 
> Judge Raz.
> 
> redmondd@unix1.tcd.ie  |    ~~~    |  You got nobody now you want my soul 
> Donncha Redmond        |    o-o    |  Now can't have none of that 
> National Swim Team     |     ^     |  Tell her whatta say Mace 
> Ireland		       |    `-'    |  Say no go		-- De La Soul
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