ANABOLIC STEROIDS VERSES GROWTH HORMONE.

     

    Anabolic steroids might be a familiar phrase to most  hardcore gym goers. It was first discovered in 1930s by a group of German scientists who isolated testosterone from animal sources and synthesized it in the lab. The idea behind it was to see whether it would have a healing effect on certain conditions like delayed puberty and impotence. The goal was to mimic testosterone production in the body. Its outcome over the years resulted in other powerful discoveries. Speaking of athletic performance, it was used to boost strength, endurance and aggression in athletes.

During the 1956 Olympic games.

This became a norm in 1950-1974 athletics but the wide spread abuse lead to it's ban by the International  Olympics Committee in 1975. Ever since, it has been a contraband in most sports till date. This explains why bodybuilding has never been listed among the Olympic sports.

    Initially, it was meant for medical purposes but modern times have switched the focus to more of enhancement and appearance.

 Anabolic steroids is classified into two classes:

a) Class I (Bulking steroids).

They are used to increase muscle mass and boost strength. 

Ronnie Coleman during his offseason.

From a bodybuilding perspective, their utilization is ideal during offseason to aid in muscle growth. Trenbolone which is a great example of these bulking anabolic steroids is used for muscle growth and fat loss. Anadrol was ideally meant to treat certain types of anemia but in this case, it is used for rapid weight gain. Deca Durabolin which is another great example, is used to boost joint health. Some are injectables while others are taken orally. When taken correctly, they have minimal side effects on tissues such as prostrate, skin and hair. It's commonly used among athletes, bodybuilders and celebrities like the "Tren Twins".

b) Class II (Cutting steroids).

They are used mostly to burn fat, muscle definition and aesthetics.

Ronnie Coleman during peak-season. 

From a bodybuilding perspective, its ideal if they are utilized during preparation of a show.  Winstrol is a great example of cutting steroids used to enhance vascularity and reduce water retention. Anavar is also a great example that helps in muscle mass retention when cutting. Common side effects from their usage is fluid retention, lack of sleep and skin changes. They are mostly used by competitive bodybuilders, fitness models and influencers..

How does it work?

   Once taken orally or through injection, they are transported through the bloodstream to the muscle tissue. There, they are drawn into the muscle cell's androgen receptors. Inside the cell, they interact with the cell's DNA. During the interaction, protein synthesis (protein production by the cells) is increased leading to muscular growth. Androgen receptors are proteins found in the cell that play a role in responding to androgenic hormones like testosterone. 

Anabolic-androgenic steroids have the ability to increase cell size resulting in hypertrophy after resistance training. This is what makes it ideal for competitive bodybuilders.

Synthetic growth hormone.

Growth hormone also know as Somatotropin, naturally occurs in our body. The pituitary gland is responsible for it's production where the amount  dispatched depends on age, gender and time of the day. As we age, its levels depreciates. Kids have a range of 10-50ng/ml, female adults have a 1-14ng/ml range and male adults have a 0.4-10ng/ml range. It's high in children for it's a key factor in growth. 

The synthetic version that is approved by FDA is used by doctors to cure certain conditions like short stature in children and muscle wasting disease in adults. Since the late 70's and 80's, synthetic growth hormone has been in the fitness and bodybuilding community. It's ability to breakdown fats and retain leanness has been a key driving force. As compared to anabolic steroids, its usage doesn't generates as much amount of muscle mass . This is what some fitness influencers use "low key" to stay shredded all year round without raising eyebrows whether they are" natty" or not.  

How does it work?

IGF-1 (Insulin-like growth factor) being the centre of discussion , is a hormone that has same structure as insulin hence the origin of the name. It's production in the liver is stimulated by growth hormone which results in anabolic effects like muscle growth, tissue repair and  metabolism. Infusion of synthetic growth hormone, increases the IGF-1 effect on muscle cells leading to hypertrophy (muscle enlargement) and tissue recovery.

Biotropin and Norditropin are some of the most reputable brands that offer quality dosage of synthetic growth hormone. Experts advocate for a gradual increment in the dosage to help reduce negative side effects. Stacking them with other anabolic additives, has over the years been proven to have a synergetic effect on hypertrophy and help reduce the side effects especially for elite athletes.

Why choose one over the other?

 

     To standout from the masses, most fitness influencer are on some form of PEDs. It might be difficult for them to admit but it's close to impossible achieving certain levels as a natty guy. Most opt for anabolic steroids for its optimum results. A few of the masses prefer synthetic growth hormone especially guys with dipping levels but want to retain some amount of muscle mass. It's quite expensive to solely rely on good quality synthetic growth hormone. From a bodybuilding standpoint and from the highlights above, a combination of both would yield more results as compared to choosing one. Modern day bodybuilding has been centred on "freakiness", which encourages chase of more muscle mass hence more gear/PEDs use.

They all have their pros and cons but the answer should be based on the end goal. In the need of some assistance, look for a credited professional who will help expound more on the reward to risk ratio and guide on their proper usage. 

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