A study was recently performed by a team of researchers from the Southern Cross University (SCU) in Australia. It revealed anabolic steroids to have a negative effect on the immune system. It increased risk for viral infections and cancer. The study involved multi-national volunteers who were divided into two groups. One group received testosterone enanthate while the other group received placebo. Both researchers and scientists were not aware which among the two groups received placebo and which received anabolic steroids. The volunteers then underwent a training regime for six weeks.

Results showed a decrease of 20% on natural killer cells, a type of lymphocyte that helps reject tumors and cells infected by viruses. The cells kill by releasing a type of protein that causes the target cell to self-destruct. Several personality changes were noted like mood swings and a diminished sense of responsibility. The person becomes less empathic and more compliant.

This is perhaps the first instance that a test on humans has been performed, linking anabolic steroids to weakening of the immune system. Bodybuilders and athletes are more susceptible to infection since they have the tendency to overstress their bodies during vigorous trainings. In the sporting arena of today, no one wants to see the same things over and over again. Every one wants to see a record being broken and likes to see aggressiveness of a player beyond thought. No one wants to see an average athlete do something that has been done before. Dead rubber matches are a thing of the past; everyone is fond of excitement today in the world of sports. And, no one among us is an exception by any standards.

The never-ending expectations of audience and the desire to enjoy an invincible winning streak have allured many sportsmen to take steroids. Things are fine as long as the truth is behind the wall but moods tend to take a swing once the truth no longer can remain hidden. If one talks about athletes using steroids, one has to remember that the deed of one is often regulated by expectation of another, knowingly or unknowingly. So, it is unjustified for members of the audience or sports fraternity to blame sportsmen alone for steroids. They are themselves are to be blamed and the blame game does not end with the concerned athlete. There is so much pressure on modern day sportsmen to be invincible that they almost do not have an option before them. They are subjected to limits everyday and are almost forced to take the hard decision to accept steroids.

An average athlete does not stand with any chance to be or remain in the spotlight by being “clean”. But, every problem has a solution. Every one has to accept that times are changing and everything comes for a price these days. The best way to eliminate all unfair advantages in sports is nothing but to legalize steroids in all forms of sports. This is because there may be times when a “clean” sportsman gets a beating by his peer who makes use of steroids for gaining an advantage. This may sound absurd to some but a truth is a plain truth; one can hide from it but not for too long. Allowing steroids in sports can actually lead to fair sporting practices by acting as a level-playing field for all. If taken under proper medical guidance, steroids can help an athlete get more of his efforts. Since they are helpful in enhancing muscle mass and levels of endurance to a considerable, athletes can attain expected results without putting too many efforts. A right combination of steroids along with protein-rich diet and a good sleep can do wonders for even a lean built athlete in a short span of time. It is important for an athlete.