anabolic steroids

what is testosterone?

the main androgen hormone responsible for male traits and muscle development

where is testosterone produced?

testes in males and ovaries in females

what regulates testosterone production?

the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis

what processes does testosterone regulate?

development of male organs, muscle growth, bone growth, skin thickness, and mood

what does androgenic mean?

masculinizing effects

what does anabolic mean?

muscle building and tissue growth

how are androgenic and anabolic effects related to testosterone?

testosterone produced both types of effects

what are anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs)?

synthetic versions of testosterone

how are AASs different from natural testosterone?

they are modified to increase muscle building (anabolic) effects and reduce masculinizing (androgenic) effects

what are cardiovascular side effects of AAS use?

high blood pressure, heart disease risk

what are liver (hepatic) side effects of AAS use?

liver damage

what are reproductive side effects of AAS use?

infertility, reduced natural testosterone production

what are cosmetic side effects of AAS use?

acne, hair loss

what are psychological side effects of AAS use?

aggression, mood swings

what are performance-enhancing drugs?

substances used to improve athletic performance

how do different performance enhancers work?

they increase muscle mass, endurance, or oxygen delivery through different mechanisms

how do testosterone precursors (like DHEA) work?

they are converted into testosterone in the body

how does human growth hormone (hGH) work?

stimulates growth and cell reproduction

how does erythopoietin (EPO) work?

increases red blood cells production

how does creatine work?

increases energy available in muscles

how does L-arginine work?

increases blood flow via nitric oxide

testosterone

main male hormone that controls muscle growth

anabolic effects

muscle building and tissue growth

androgenic effects

masculinizing effects

AAS (anabolic androgenic steroid)

synthetic testosterone

androgen receptor

receptor testosterone binds to for its effects

estrogen

female sex hormone

GnRH/LH/FSH

hormones that controls testosterone production

HPG axis

hormone system controlling reproduction and testosterone

performance-enhancing drug

substance used to improve athletic ability

acromegaly

abnormal growth due to excess growth hormone

AAS

methandrostenolone, nandrolone, stanozolol