Both muscular metabolism and growth are regulated by the hormone-steroid binding chemical mechanism. Steroids are basically derivatives of the natural hormone testosterone. As such they (both the catabolic and anabolic steroids) will also adhere to this chemical mechanism. This involves attaching themselves to a cell membrane receptor. Upon their attachment to the cell membrane a receptor complex is activated which triggers the allowed entry of the hormone into the nucleus. The hormone can then proceed to bind itself on DNA response elements. This means that the hormones work at the genetic level. It is by this method that hormones, of both artificial and natural origin, trigger the production of exceptional proteins in the cells.

These proteins are exhibited by the physical developments attributed to the bodybuilding exercise. For those who are on anabolic steroids they have to have higher intakes of the steroid in order to achieve results. The above chemical mechanism works for only limited periods of time. As time goes by the anabolic steroids start attaching themselves to the cortisol receptors. Later they start blocking up the same receptors.

A continued use of steroids means that the muscles see an influx in the number of cortisol receptors in a bid to maintain the body's natural balance. This effect means that the athlete has to keep increasing the dosage of anabolic steroids just to achieve the same effect. When the bodybuilders stop the use of steroids their muscles have an increased density of cortisol receptors. The body tries to lower the production of natural anabolic steroids amidst the increased cortisol receptors.

The net effect is that there is a substantial loss of muscle upon stopping the use of anabolic steroids. This is the situation many former bodybuilders have to contend with for the rest of their lives; and it is only the tip of the iceberg. Anabolic steroid users find it easier to grow their muscles bigger and faster. Others don't find it necessary to adhere to strict dietary and training regimens.

The use of steroids can degenerate into an addiction whereby the bodybuilder will not train at all without having taken the steroid. This the case even for the more experienced bodybuilders who know for a fact that as soon as they stop using these substances they will in effect start reducing their muscle mass.

Considering these harmful physiological effects that are experienced by these top-notch athletes, it's a shame that bodybuilding, the very activity advocated for by nearly all health experts can turn into a debilitating nightmare for an athlete. It is a fact that regular training and eating a healthy diet on a daily basis is the easiest and most effective way to keep fit and healthy.

It is advisable to stick to the natural training methods which promise results consistently rather than steroid induced training whose effects are rapid at first but are gradually scrapped off by the negative effects of these agents. Why revert to using steroids when the natural fitness methods are tested, proven and true?