Ever wonder why some power lifters look like they’re sculpted from marble while others, despite training just as hard, don’t quite hit the same level of bulging biceps and tree-trunk legs? The answer might lie in a little something called anabolic steroids.

Let’s break it down.

What Are Anabolic Steroids?

Anabolic steroids are synthetic variations of testosterone, the male sex hormone. They’re popular not just with athletes looking to boost their performance but also with regular folks aiming to enhance their appearance. Despite their widespread use, these substances come with serious and sometimes irreversible side effects.

The Study

A study conducted by Bhasin et al. (yeah, we did our homework) showed that untrained men taking 600 mg of testosterone per week for 10 weeks saw a significant increase in muscle strength and size. But here’s the kicker – these effects were even more pronounced when combined with strength training. However, this study didn’t dive into the nitty-gritty of how exactly this muscle growth happened.

Diving Deeper

Our Swedish researchers decided to fill in the gaps. They looked at the trapezius muscles (the ones that make your neck and shoulders look jacked) of 19 elite power lifters. Nine of these athletes admitted to using steroids, while the other ten were clean. Both groups trained hard, often competing in international competitions.

What Did They Find?

  1. Bigger Muscle Fibers: The muscles of steroid users had significantly larger fibers compared to the non-users. Imagine comparing a thick rope to a thin string – that’s the difference in muscle fiber size.
  2. More Nuclei: Steroid users had more nuclei in their muscle cells. Think of nuclei as command centers that direct muscle growth. More command centers mean more growth potential.
  3. New Muscle Formation: The steroid group showed signs of forming new muscle fibers. This is a big deal because it suggests that steroids don’t just make existing muscles bigger – they might help grow new muscles altogether.

The Catch

While steroids can significantly boost muscle size and strength, they come with a heavy price tag. Side effects can range from severe acne and mood swings to more serious health issues like liver damage and heart disease.

The Bottom Line

Sure, steroids might give you that superhero physique, but they also come with risks that could turn your dream body into a nightmare. If you’re considering going down this route, it’s crucial to weigh the potential benefits against the serious health risks.

Kadi F, Eriksson A, Holmner S, Thornell LE. Effects of anabolic steroids on the muscle cells of strength-trained athletes. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1999 Nov;31(11):1528-34. doi: 10.1097/00005768-199911000-00006. PMID: 10589853.