Kiel Cordon

Whenever we hear the word 'cholesterol' we think hamburgers, thickshakes, people who need a double seat in an aircraft, clogged arteries and an early death.

In fact cholesterol is essential to life. It's a compound a steroid that occurs naturally in the body. It's manufactured by the liver, and is essential for many of the body's metabolic processes. It helps make hormones like estrogen, testosterone and adrenaline (the name originates from the Greek 'chole' meaning bile and stereos meaning solid). It's used in the production of vitamin D, and also in the production of bile acids, which help the body digest fat and absorb fat-soluble vitamins in the small intestine.

The trouble starts when we get too much cholesterol when the intake of fats in our diet causes the levels of cholesterol in our blood to rise to more than we need. If it rises above normal levels that is, 5.5 millimoles per litre it can build up into fatty deposits on the surface of our arteries, which can form calcium plaques. These narrow the arteries and block blood from flowing, leading to heart disease, stroke and other conditions. This is a condition known as atherosclerosis. High cholesterol is one of the risk factors for atherosclerosis, along with smoking, being overweight, and having high blood pressure.

are naturally occurring or synthetic fat-soluble organic compounds having as a basis 17 carbon atoms arranged in four rings and including the sterols and bile acids, adrenal and sex hormones, certain natural drugs such as digitalis compounds, and the precursors of certain vitamins. Steroids are complex lipids based on the cholesterol molecule, and which affect chemical processes in the body, growth, and sexual and other physiological functions.

In human physiology and medicine, the most important steroids are cholesterol, the steroid hormones, and their precursors and metabolites. Many steroids are biologically active hormones that control a number of the body's metabolic processes. All the natural sex hormones are steroids.

are a class of natural and synthetic steroid hormones that promote cell growth and division, resulting in growth of muscle tissue and sometimes bone size and strength. All anabolic steroids are chemical derivatives of the male sex hormone, testosterone.

group of anti-inflammatory drugs similar to the natural corticosteroid hormones produced by the adrenal glands. Corticosteroids have antitumor activity in lymphomas and lymphoid leukemia and also in managing some of the complications of cancer. they are commonly used in severe cases of osteoarthritis, and they can be given orally, by injection, or occasionally injected directly into an affected joint.

group of steroid hormones produced by the adrenal cortex. Estrogens and progesterone are referred to as female sex hormones, androgens as male sex hormones. Males produce testosterone, while females produce estrogen and progesterone. Female sex hormones are responsible for normal menstruation and the development of secondary female characteristics.

Steroids are used to increase muscle bulk and strength and to enable longer and harder athletic training sessions. Steroids increase protein synthesis, promoting growth of muscles and bones. They reduce the recovery time needed between training sessions and enable athletes to train more intensively for longer periods. Anabolic steroids increase muscle mass.

Antiinflammatory steroids (or corticosteroids) can reduce swelling, pain, and other manifestations of inflammation. Synthetic steroids are used in a variety of therapies to control respiratory problems, skin inflammation, ease joint inflammations, and to treat blood disorders.

a steroid hormone produced by the testes and adrenal glands. Testosterone is the most important of the male sex hormones. It is responsible for stimulating bone and muscle growth, and sexual development. Testosterone stimulates sperm production (spermatogenesis), and influences the development of male secondary sex characteristics.

a steroid precursor produced by the adrenal gland and converted to testosterone or the estrogens by the body's tissues. Optimal levels OF DHEA are associated with increased energy, healthy immune and cardiovascular function, improved memory and elevated mood. DHEA is a cholesterol metabolite, it aids in the relief of stress. DHEA aids in the prevention of cancer.

* (Low circulating levels of DHEA have been associated with a higher incidence of breast cancer in women).

an estrogen precursor hormone produced by the adrenal glands and the stromal tissue in the ovaries and later converted to estrone in the adipose tissues in the skin and appendages. Optimal testosterone levels give the body healthy red blood cells, a vital sex drive, rapid protein production, and a balanced immune system. It can also cause increased energy, heighted sexual arousal, and give a greater sense of overall well-being.

the main glucocorticoid secreted by the adrenal cortex Hydrocortisone is responsible for maintaining our ability to process sugars, maintain our blood pressure and react to stress and illness. Cortisol helps the body respond to stress. Hydrocortisone stimulates gluconeogenesis to ensure an adequate fuel supply.

- Prednisone is a steroid that blocks inflammation of an allergic reaction. Prednisone puts down the body's response to the allergen (the cause of the allergy) and reduces swelling, redness, itching, and other symptoms of allergy. also reduces the body's ability to fight infection. Prednisone decreases inflammation by preventing white blood cells from completing an inflammatory reaction. Prednisone may act together with anticancer drugs in helping to control the effects of the disease on the body.

synthesis of enzymes required to decrease the inflammatory response. Dexamethasone is a strong anti-inflammatory agent. Dexamethasone is used to treat many inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. Dexamethasone is used to treat leukemia and lymphoma and may be used to treat some of the problems caused by other cancers and their treatment.

the development of secondary sexual characteristics and induces menstruation in women. Estrogen is important for the maintenance of normal brain function and development of nerve cells. Estrogen is essential for the healthy development and functioning of the female reproductive system and in keeping bones strong and brain cells healthy. Estrogen is used therapeutically to treat breast and prostate cancer and osteoporosis, and to relieve the discomforts of menopause.

used to treat testosterone deficiency or breast cancer or osteoporosis. It is very similar in structure to the male hormone testosterone, and has many of the same effects in terms of increasing muscle mass. Nandrolone drugs are used in the belief that they are capable in increasing muscle strength and size, increasing muscle hardness, and also decrease body fat. They additionally reduce the fatigue associated with training, and the time required to recover after physical exertion.

a major precursor of cholesterol ester, bile acids, and steroid hormones and is a component of plasma membranes. It is a necessary component of all cell membranes. It is the precursor to all steroid hormone (including estrogen,testosterone, corti sol, and vitamin D). It is the leading organic molecule in the brain and is needed for brain function. However, too much cholesterol in the bloodstream can be unhealthy, it builds up in the artery wall and can lead to the signs and symptoms of coronary heart disease.

Steroids are primarily used by bodybuilders, athletes, and fitness buffs who claim steroids give them a competitive advantage and/or improve their physical performance. Also, individuals in occupations requiring enhanced physical strength (body guards, construction workers, and law enforcement officers) are known to take these drugs. However, steroid misuse or abuse has been associated with health problems and undesirable outcomes. Side effects of steroid use can include hair loss, liver problems, insomnia, acne, headaches, jaundice, hypertension and high cholesterol.

Men who use steroids can experience shrinking testes, gynaecomastia (enlarged breasts) and prostate and fertility problems. Females may experience a deepened voice, increases in body and facial hair, menstrual irregularities, and an enlarged clitoris. Males may experience testicle shrinkage, infertility, and breast development. In addition several psychological effects, such as increased aggression and hostility, irritability, anxiety, paranoia, mood swings, depression, and suicidal thoughts may also occur.

Steroids can permanently stunt the growth of adolescents. Steroid abuse can have profound effects on the mind, causing temporary personality changes in some. Psychological side effects of steroids include irritability, agitation, euphoria or depression. Insomnia can also be a side effect. These changes in appearance and mood are often more apparent with high doses of steroids. Steroids may also cause a redistribution of fat, leading to a swollen face and abdomen, but thin arms and legs.

An increase in susceptibility to infections may occur with high doses of steroids. Steroids reduce calcium absorption through the gastrointestinal tract which may result in osteoporosis, or thinning of the bones. Prolonged heavy use of steroids can permanently damage the liver, causing cancer, jaundice, bleeding, and hepatitis.

Anabolic steroids stimulate muscle tissue to grow and "bulk up" in response to training by mimicking the effect of naturally produced testosterone on the body. Anabolic steroids can remain in the body anywhere from a couple of days to about a year. Steroids have become popular because they may improve endurance, strength, and muscle mass. However, research has not shown that steroids improve skill, agility, or athletic performance.

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premature balding or hair loss dizziness mood swings, including anger, aggression, and depression believing things that aren't true (delusion) extreme feelings of mistrust or fear (paranoia) problems sleeping

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nausea and vomiting trembling high blood pressure that can damage the heart or blood vessels over time aching joints greater chance of injuring muscles and tendons jaundice or yellowing of the skin; liver damage urinary problems shortening of final adult height increased risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer

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increased facial hair growth development of masculine traits, such as deepening of the voice, and loss of feminine body characteristics, such as shrinking of the breasts enlargement of the clitoris menstrual cycle changes

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testicular shrinkage pain when urinating breast development impotence (inability to get an erection) sterility (inability to have children)

When it comes right down to it, harming your body or getting disqualified aren't smart ways to try to improve your athletic performance. Being a star athlete means training the healthy way: eating the right foods, practicing, and strength training without the use of drugs.