Think twice before using steroids!

Using steroids for pumped up body?

The six-pack abs of actors Salman Khan and John Abraham can send many adolescents to the gym for a sculpted body. But for those who take the short cut through steroids, here is a word of caution. Their use can lead to serious problems like impotency, baldness and suicidal tendencies, say experts.

Bindu Sthalekar, consultant dermatologist and cosmetologist, says "the most important fact about steroids is that they are drugs and any misuse or abuse can harm the body". She adds, "Steroids are derivatives of male hormones, primarily testosterone. The use of these steroids among teenagers may result in the shrinking of testes, decrease in the sperm count, which in turn leads to infertility."

COST FACTOR Andro, primobolan, decadurobolin, clenbuterol and clen are some of the drugs that pump up muscles. Most of them are taken in oral or injection form. Doctors say steroid use has become rampant because these injections do not cost a bomb and are easily available. They are priced between Rs 80 to 300 for vials and can be bought at medical stores or even online.

Indu Tolani, a dermatologist, explains that steroids involve drug receptors. "Steroids help in producing proteins and preventing the effects of cortisol in muscle tissues resulting in an improved muscle mass. Gradually, the muscles turn into biceps, triceps and six- pack abs. They become three times bigger than its original size," she added.

DANGERS "Excess or long-term use of drugs can lead to health problems such as increase of cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, enlargement of heart, aggressive behaviour, acne and depression. Oral consumption can damage the liver as well," said Tolani. Sthalekar says misuse and abuse of such drugs can affect the growth cycle. "Changes like baldness, testosterone stimulation, acne due to sebaceous gland enlargement and long-term suppression of natural testosterone are some of the side effects of these steroids," she said.

TEENAGERS BEWARE Teenagers should avoid such drugs, advises Sthalekar. "Among adolescents its consumption may cause stunted growth due to premature closure of epiphysis or even infertility. In the case of girls, the use of steroids might affect the menstrual cycle. On withdrawal, they might experience symptoms of depression and it can turn to suicidal tendencies also," she added.

Medical practitioner Radha Narayanan lists out the following precautions, "Such cosmetic treatments should be used under proper medical supervision. Before starting the procedure, candidates must go for medical checkups like blood and sugar level tests."