Anabolic Steroids are synthetic male hormone related to testosterone that helps in increasing muscle growth and development of male characteristics.
Man, since ancient times, has wanted to be more powerful than the rest, because power gives Godliness. In the quest of outperforming others, be it in wars or games has prompted to have several substances and potions that would improve their athletic performance.
Ancient times
Dating back to 20th century, when the first Olympic game was invented in Greece, use of these substances and potions were widely used. The most common practice was to eat raw animal testicles before the game. It was believed that it boosted energy before involving in strenuous activities. Eating sesame seeds and herbal infusion before engaging in sports like Chariot races were also practised.
In Scandinavian mythology, Berserkers or Champion warriors were given a mixture called ‘Butoten’ to heighten their physical stamina even at the risk of insanity.
In many cultures, several instances of using roots and herbs have been found to increase strengths and performances.
Early Age
In 1849 Arnold Adolf Berthold conducted experiments on bird testicles by castrating them and studying the effects of testes. It was the first time when somebody conducted experiments on endocrinology.
World War
Later, during the 2nd World War, Doctor John Zeigler introduced Methandrostenolone, which is popularly known as Dianabol. This synthetic testosterone was later found to be responsible behind the soldiers improved strength and performance. So it began to be used extensively in World War II to outperform the Soviet Unions. This was the first time when a steroid truly began to take off its journey in a more improvised form.
Adolf Butenandt was a German biochemist famous for his notable research, “Work on Hormones”. He won Noble prize along with Leopold Ruzicka on this research. Together they discovered many steroids.
Modern Sports
Doping in Sports is the illegal use of steroids to enhance physical activities. As mentioned earlier, doping in sports has been witnessed through ages and no wonder it has also made its mark on modern day sports. Many athletes were caught taking steroids that were punished for doing so. In spite of severe penalties in game competitions and sports, athletes risks their fame, health and employment just to get an additional edge in the performance.
In 1904, Thomas Hicks, an athlete, used steroids in Olympic marathon and nearly died. Using steroids in sports were mainly done by body builders, shotput thrower, football players who required bulk and strength to be competitive and hence, abused the use of steroid.
The use of steroid was unethical and illegal and was against the sports organizations rule and law. The first international sporting federation to ban the usage of steroid was The International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF).
Medical Science
When Anabolic steroid was properly synthesized, it gained success for its medical uses. Various types of anabolic and androgenic therapies have been conducted with the help of artificial steroids like Bone Marrow Stimulation and Androgen replacement therapy for men with low levels of testosterone. It was mainly discovered to treat men with low testosterone level who had difficulties in normal growth, development, and functioning.
A few notable steroids are Anadrol, Anavar, Dianabol, Deca Durabolin, Winstrol, Testosterone, Halotestin, Equipoise/Boldenone.
Author
Dr. Aditya K. Sharma
I am Dr. Aditya Sharma, a dedicated urologist specializing in kidney transplants and advanced urological surgeries. My career is driven by a passion for delivering exceptional care and pioneering surgical techniques. Outside the operating room, I have a keen interest in studying the effects of anabolic steroids on bodybuilding, seeking to understand the fine line between enhancing performance and maintaining health.
