Steroids

As reported by Dennis Cardone, The Star-Ledger
Dept. of Family Medicine, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson

Anabolic steroids are derivatives of the hormone testosterone and, when taken at high doses, have the potential for multiple serious unwanted side effects.

Although the use of anabolic steroids are illegal without a doctor's prescription, these drugs are still widely obtained and used by non-athletes and athletes in such sports as bodybuilding, weight lifting and football. Women, as well as men, abuse anabolic steroids.

These steroids, taken at high doses, do increase strength and muscle mass. Dissatisfaction with body size and weight is one of the major reasons for using anabolic steroids. These drugs can also cause a state of euphoria and decreased fatigue that allows an athlete to train harder and longer. These effects of anabolic steroids, while seemingly desirable to certain people and athletes, come with very serious health risks.

The adverse effects are many. Some are reversible when the steroids are stopped and some are not. A list of some of the adverse effects includes:

Decreased sperm production

Decreased size of testicles

High blood pressure

Tears of muscles or tendons

Tumors of the liver

Breast development in males

Psychosis

Loss of hair

Deepening of voice in women

Growth halted prematurely when used by adolescents

Acne

Nervous and aggressive behavior

Inflammation of the liver

Stretch marks

Increased cholesterol levels and risk for heart disease

Increased risk of prostate cancer

Anabolic steroids are taken orally or are injected. Abusers often "stack," or use more than one type of anabolic steroid at a time in order to obtain higher doses. Athletes will frequently "pyramid" their doses. This refers to the pattern of changing doses of the steroids in cycles that usually last four to 12 weeks.

Drug testing can detect anabolic steroids with a high level of accuracy. Prevention is of utmost importance in the treatment of anabolic steroid abuse. Adolescents, young adults and athletes of all ages should be made aware of all the potential serious side effects of taking anabolic steroids. Also, discussions with athletes should address the moral issue of fair play and maintaining an equal playing field.

The Dangers of steroids!