Anabolic Steroids & Their Effects
Anabolic steroids, also known as anabolic-androgenic steroids, are a synthetic form of the male sex hormone testosterone. When broken down, the terms anabolic means muscle building and the term steroids is the term for a classification of drugs. Although there are some medical benefits by taking anabolic steroids, the synthetic hormone has become a plague within sports due to the performance enhancing benefits when taken in large amounts.Medical Purposes
Anabolic steroids can be used to treat various medical conditions like testosterone deficiency or delayed puberty. They are also used to help offset side effects of serious diseases like AIDS and Cancer. However, these steroids are strictly monitored by medical professionals and all steps are taken to ensure no abuse or serious side effects occur.Illegal Usage
Anabolic steroids are illegal to possess for usage or with intent to sell. They are classified as felonies in the United States and those trying to sell these steroids could face up to 5 years in prison under federal law. Those individuals caught using steroids, without intent to sell, could face up to one year in prison. These laws were first put into place in 1990 under the Federal Anabolic Steroid Control Acts.Additionally, anabolic steroids are illegal in all professional sports and international sports organizations. Unfortunately, this hasn't stopped the problem with steroids abuse from teenagers to adults. 4% of high school students have reportedly abused steroids, according to the CDC. Roughly 1% of American adults have reportedly abused steroids as well.
Do Steroids Work?
There's no doubt that anabolic steroids provide the performance enhancing effects of which they are designed for. Individuals will experience a noticeable gain in muscular size and strength. Athletes become bigger, faster and stronger. However, there are numerous side effects and serious health risks associated with these drugs, which is why they are illegal if not under a legal medical prescription.Health Risks
Using anabolic steroids has been found to be an addicting drug. Additionally, recent studies have discovered that steroids abuse can lead to abusing other drugs as well. However, these are mild health risks compared to some of the more serious health issues that stem from steroids abuse.- Hypertension - dangerously high blood pressure
- Cholesterol - increased bad cholesterol (LDL) and decreased good cholesterol (HDL)
- Cancer - increased risk of developing liver, kidney or prostate cancer
- Liver problems like tumors, cysts and the inability to perform optimally
- Circulation and heart problems like heart attacks
- Prevents teenagers from normal growth and development
Side Effects
Males who use anabolic steroids may experience the following side effects:
- Enlarged breasts
- Shrunken testicles
- Baldness
- Infertility
- Explosive anger or rage
- Severe Acne
- Severe mood swings from euphoria to depression
- Prostate enlargement
- Severe Acne
- Deeper voice
- Enlarged clitoris
- Increased body hair
- Baldness
- Increased male features
- Severe mood swings from euphoria to depression
- Explosive anger and rage
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Disruption of sexual reproduction