Muscle metabolism and growth are both regulated by a steroid-hormonal chemical binding mechanism. Steroids are both catabolic and anabolic. Anabolic steroids are those that have muscle building properties while catabolic ones are the exact opposite; they prompt the breakdown of muscles. Both of these types of steroids behave in the same manner with respect to the steroid-hormone mechanism mentioned above. This mechanism is the process that triggers the introduction of the steroids into the body cells. When you take in steroids, they get attached to a receptor on the cell membrane.
As a result, a receptor complex is formed and this is what sets off the process of introducing the hormone into the cell nucleus. Once in the nucleus, the hormones find their way to the DNA receptors and they proceed to wrap around the response elements. The effects of hormones are therefore generated from a genetic point of view. The production of the intended proteins is in fact a genetic alteration in the body. This effect is produced by both natural and artificial steroids.
The proteins that are developed as a result of this genetic development are exhibited as the increased muscle mass. Unfortunately, the production of these proteins is not a continuous process. It must be regularly reinvigorated by the introduction of more amounts of these hormones.
Then again there is the realization that the chemical process that results in the formation of the receptor complex can only last for a short time. In effect, this prompts the increased amounts of hormones to start affixing themselves to the cell's cortisol receptors.
With time, all these receptor sites are virtually blocked by the hormones. In the body, any action prompts an equal reaction, just as in all the cases of nature. As the bodybuilder continues increasing the dosage of steroids, the body responds by increasing the number of cortisol receptor sites in the cells. This is simply in order to instill a natural balance in the body's systems.
It is perfectly okay for the bodybuilder at this stage of his career and the muscles are able to reach their full peak.
After the bodybuilder decides to take a break from professional bodybuilding and begins to reduce the normal steroid intake only then do some unforeseen complications begin to exhibit themselves. Again it should be realized that once the muscles are deprived of the regular amounts of steroids amidst the increased quantity of cortisol receptor sites, the incidence of muscle loss starts becoming a reality.
The use of steroids can sometimes be 'addictive' in that the athlete is normally unable to embark on training without using the same. The more seasoned bodybuilders often face the stark reality that they won't be able to maintain their big frames without the use of more steroids.
The fear of muscle loss must be very immense psychological torture. This and other like reasons are the main driving force behind the massive advocacy for steroid free-regular training and healthy eating. It is more beneficial to be fit and healthy for life rather to have it all too briefly and end up losing it just as suddenly.