The hormone's anabolic effect helps the body retain dietary protein, which aids in the development of muscles. There are many types of steroids with varying degrees of anabolic and androgenic properties; it is the anabolic property of steroids that attracts athletes, primarily to increase muscle mass and strength (Gallaway 73). .
There should not be a controversy over anabolic steroid use in athletics, non-medical use of anabolic steroids is illegal and banned by most, if not all, and major sports organizations. Still, some athletes persist in taking them, believing that these substances provide a competitive advantage and by the desire to hopefully look, perform, and feel better, regardless of the dangers. When taking anabolic steroids, it makes the athlete more aggressive, competitive, and fatigue resistant, which enables them to train harder for a longer period of time when the drug is being taken (Katch, Katch, and McArdle 458). Athletes usually take anabolic steroids during the active part of their careers, in a practice called "stacking", which they take a combined dose of the drug through both oral and injection form. Anabolic steroids frequently are taken in conjunction with a resistance training program and an augmented protein intake (Embleton and Kennedy 267). The result once again, is improvement in sports that require strength, speed, and power. .
With all of this talk about better performance and everything. Does taking anabolic steroids really work? In the past, doctors believed that steroids did not really help athletes to gain muscle tissue. The athletes taking steroids only thought this would happen, so they worked harder. It was the focused attitude of the athlete and the physical stimulation of training that produced bodybuilding effects. Athletes, coaches, trainers, and physicians report that there is a significant increase in lean muscle mass, strength, and endurance.
