Steroids are synthetic hormones. For example, diabetics who inject insulin are taking steroids; doctors who inject people with cortisol to reduce swelling after an accident are also taking steroids; various forms of birth control and many medicines are steroids too.
But the unchecked global steroid trade, which includes Thailand, is fuelling a lively black market and creating serious health risks for those who take these drugs. The US Food and Drug Administration warns that steroid use can cause a wide range of adverse effects on multiple organ systems, including the liver, heart and lungs.
A Fairfax Media investigation found that many Australian bodybuilders — often young men — travel to Pattaya to buy a mix of substances that build muscle mass by increasing male sex hormone levels. These are known as anabolic steroids and include powerful veterinary drugs, fertility medicines and human growth hormones. The drugs sell in Thai pharmacies for up to 10 times less than they do in Australia, where importing them without a prescription can result in hefty fines and jail terms of up to five years.
One such pharmacy is Tops, located on 2nd Road in South Pattaya. The pharmacy is well-known among amateur bodybuilders for selling a variety of steroids. Customers can choose their drugs from a visual catalogue and are talked through the process of bulking up by staff. Steroids Thailand
Steroids Thailand
Steroids are synthetic hormones. For example, diabetics who inject insulin are taking steroids; doctors who inject people with cortisol to reduce swelling after an accident are also taking steroids; various forms of birth control and many medicines are steroids too.
But the unchecked global steroid trade, which includes Thailand, is fuelling a lively black market and creating serious health risks for those who take these drugs. The US Food and Drug Administration warns that steroid use can cause a wide range of adverse effects on multiple organ systems, including the liver, heart and lungs.
A Fairfax Media investigation found that many Australian bodybuilders — often young men — travel to Pattaya to buy a mix of substances that build muscle mass by increasing male sex hormone levels. These are known as anabolic steroids and include powerful veterinary drugs, fertility medicines and human growth hormones. The drugs sell in Thai pharmacies for up to 10 times less than they do in Australia, where importing them without a prescription can result in hefty fines and jail terms of up to five years.
One such pharmacy is Tops, located on 2nd Road in South Pattaya. The pharmacy is well-known among amateur bodybuilders for selling a variety of steroids. Customers can choose their drugs from a visual catalogue and are talked through the process of bulking up by staff. Steroids Thailand