Do steroids betray strength?

Steroid drugs increase muscle protein synthesis (this is called anabolism), which can significantly increase muscle mass and strength. Also, some types of steroids help to reduce fat mass.

The mechanism of action of steroids.
The mechanism of action of anabolic steroids is not similar to that of peptide hormones. Once in the bloodstream, steroid molecules are carried throughout the body, where they react with skeletal muscle cells, sebaceous glands, hair follicles, certain parts of the brain and some endocrine glands. Anabolic steroids are fat-soluble, so they can penetrate the cell membrane, which is composed of fats; inside the cell, anabolic steroids interact (bind) with androgen receptors in the nucleus and cytoplasm. Activated androgen receptors transmit a signal into the cell nucleus, which alters gene expression or activates processes that send signals to other parts of the cell.  As a result, the synthesis of all types of nucleic acids is stimulated and the process of the formation of new protein molecules is started.

The effect of anabolic steroids on muscle growth is due to the following mechanisms:

- acceleration of protein synthesis;
- reduced recovery time;
- reducing the influence of catabolic hormones (cortisol, etc.);
- displacement of cell differentiation towards muscle cells, - reducing the formation of fat cells;
- acceleration of metabolic reactions, due to which there is - the breakdown of fat;
- muscle memory.

Effects of anabolic steroids.
The effects of anabolic steroids fall into two main categories: anabolic and androgenic.
Anabolic Effects:

- Significant gain in muscle mass (5-10 kg per month).
- Increase in strength indicators.
- Increased stamina and performance.
- An increase in the number of red blood cells.
- Strengthening bone tissue.
- Decrease in fat reserves.