How Steroids and Testosterone Boosters Work for MMA Fighters?
In many recent headlines, world-renowned MMA fighters tested positive for steroids. The link between MMA fighters and steroids can be explained through the mechanism on which these steroids and testosterone boosters work.
PERFORMANCE is the main aspect in any sports, Mixed Martial Arts is the toughest type of sports in which the true potentials and power of a person are challenged. Not every man could achieve the power of 3, so most of them are rumored to take help from testosterone boosters and steroids.
According to the ABC News “Outside the Lines” found the average age of the MMA fighters when granted their first testosterone exemption was 32 — the youngest 24. The majority enjoyed exemptions from multiple states, and, in some instances, fighters were found to have simply informed a commission they were on TRT rather than filing a formal application to compete while being treated with testosterone.
What Kind of Steroids Do MMA Fighters Use?
If you read the briefings about the top MMA fighter’s steroids, you will find most of them are related to the testosterone hormone. The real use of testosterone injections or TRT is for treating diseases. The conditions which are not treated with other medications for example muscle-wasting disease, testosterone deficiency, sexual dysfunction, and testicular shrinkage. Consultant to USADA granted testosterone for the treatment of idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism which is the depletion of testosterone hormone secretion in the testes. The use of exogenous steroids is granted in such scenarios that MMA fighters surely don’t need.
Which MMA Fighters Tested Positive for Steroids?
It’s a phenomenal failure according to many experts which have breached MMA fighting recently. Speaking about Brazilian MMA fighter steroids, we have got Vitor Belfort who tested positive for the anabolic steroid in 2006. He used synthetic testosterone substitute 4-Hydroxytestosterone and earned himself a name as a transparent drug-tested athlete in the history of the sport.
I am telling you, many fighters [are] out there doing drugs, enhancement drugs,” he said. “And they don’t get tested for it. They don’t get tested in camp. I do. … Other people do TRT and they never go public. I am not ashamed. I am very loyal to my principles. And that is what I do.
How do Steroids and Testosterone work for MMA Fighters?
According to the majority school of thought, top MMA fighters steroids such as testosterone improves their performance, athletic focus, generation of lean mass and promote aggression which is the main factor in MMA fights. MMA Fighter Steroid Cycle sometimes also involves more than just one steroid, or they might mix the oral and injection for building up colossal strength. This type of MMA fighter steroid use is called Stacking which is believed to produce greater results than using just one drug. While this can do more damage to the body and leads to sudden deaths as they occurred before.
Supplements Banned from Vitamin Shops after MMA Fighter Tested Positive!
Lyman Good was charged for steroid use after the drug test but in the court, Good allegedly blamed the supplement companies for this. Good charged the damages done by these companies such as breach of express warranty, false advertising tactic, deceptive practices, and assault and battery. These were the written complaints from the MMA Fighter.
“It has come to our attention that the multivitamin, Anavite, by Gaspari Nutrition, has been alleged to contain an undisclosed ingredient,” the spokesperson wrote. “We take these issues very seriously and as a precautionary measure, we are removing this supplement from our stores and our website while we review this matter further. Our customers’ safety is our priority and we are committed to providing quality products they can trust.”
List of MMA Fighters Who Used Steroids and Testosterone Boosters
- Thiago Silva (Accused of using wrong urine sample)
- Lavar Johnson
- Matt Riddle
- Nate Marquardt
- Royce Gracie
- Chris Leben
- Kimo Leopoldo
- Tim Sylvia
- Sean Sherk
- Cyborg Santos
- Rafael Cavalcante
- King Mo
MMA Fighter Steroids Side Effects
When used improperly or longer than required, anabolic steroids and testosterone boosters can do a lot of damage to the cardiovascular system, liver and even cause cancer. While using steroids and testosterone to win a competition, the use of anabolic steroids will raise the following issues in the human body.
- Hematology- Accumulation of bad cholesterol in the blood and cause obstructions in blood vessels. Primarily referred to as atherosclerosis.
- Cardio- MMA fighter steroid abuse increases cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
- Hepatic- Irregular liver enzyme secretion and impaired hepatic functions are noted. In severe cases, tumors and changes of peliosis hepatitis are possible.
- Skeletal System- Anabolic steroids caused weaker bones and stunted growth. It also increases the chances of muscle rupture.
- Skin Problems- Rashes, acne, and male pattern baldness are the starting issues. Edema and stretch marks come later.
- Immunology- Increased chances of hepatitis B, C, and HIV in case used by injection.
- Psychological- Extreme mood swings, aggressive behavior, addiction, insomnia, depression, manic episodes
Both MMA female fighters and males are prone to severe side effects in case of using testosterone boosters which are not natural and artificially made. The side effects in men related to their sexual health are:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Loss of libido
- Prostate enlargement or cancer
- Painful erections
- Gynecomastia
- Increased estrogen levels
- Low sperm count
- Testicular shrinkage
- Testosterone suppression
Use of female MMA fighter steroids can lead to:
- Osteoporosis
- Reversible infertility
- Cervical or endometrial cancer
- Loss of sex drive
- Abnormal births
- Weight gain
- Hair growth
- Enlargement of the clitoris
- Irregular menstrual cycle
Is it Common for MMA Fighters Uses Steroids and Testosterone Boosters for Performance Enhancement?
Mostly yes, because they are being paid for the greater performance they deliver in the ring. Unlike many sports, the use of steroids by MMA fighters is because they have signed a 6 figure contract which might all end if they lose. So in every manner, the main responsibility of winning lies on their shoulders, and the pressure they have to go through the training, the use of PED’s makes sense.
But again, it’s illegal.
Top Drugs that are Not Allowed to Use by MMA Fighters
The list comprises the hundreds of drugs that fall under these 4 categories.
- Anabolic Steroids and Testosterone Boosters
Well, both are the same and you can also add a name in that of Growth Hormones. Efficiently, the MMA Fighters Steroid cycle with these compounds accelerates the muscle genesis and sufficient buildup of strength, power, and aggressiveness. Throughout the whole fight, they can stand on their feet with a high tolerance for pain and maximum recovery.
- Blood Doping Drugs
Commonly known as blood doping which is the random type of PED in the cycling championship or marathons. The use of blood doping is to stimulate the hemoglobin production in the blood which surprisingly adds staggering endurance to the body. The hemoglobin carries the oxygen to the muscles and once its levels are enhanced, you will have to do nothing but enjoy the ride.
- Stimulants
Stimulants such as caffeine, cocaine, and amphetamine are banned for MMA fighters. Some cold meds like Ephedrine is also a part of these stimulants.
- Diuretics
Diuretics are anti-hypertensive drugs that increase the flow of the urine, as a result, blood pressure drops. This helps MMA fighters loses all the water retention and result in ripped and hardened muscle mass.
Over the Counter Testosterone Boosters- Are They SAFE?
MMA fighters before and after steroids use experiences were over the top but the dangers are inevitable. As an alternative to testosterone medications, there are founded natural prodrugs that regulate testosterone levels without altering them.
The best part about this treatment is they are made of natural ingredients. Tens of thousands of reviews about the natural testosterone boosters have got the gaze of quite MMA fighters who have been looking to improve their performance luster.
The supplement made for MMA fighters only is the testosterone boosters that many young and adult males found useful to treat the low t-levels.
Summary- Are All MMA Fighters On Steroids?
The use of anabolic steroids is rising in many parts of the world, and it’s not just MMA fighters and steroids that we think. World-class athletes and bodybuilders were accused by the Anti-Doping agency which doesn’t restrict the use of OTC supplements like fish oils, whey protein, and creatine supplements.
OTC supplements like steroids and testosterone work for MMA fighters and they can work for you too.