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Steroids. What are Steroids?. Anabolic steroids are synthetic male hormones (androgens) that promote growth of skeletal muscle and the development of male sexual characteristics.
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What are Steroids? • Anabolic steroids are synthetic male hormones (androgens) that promote growth of skeletal muscle and the development of male sexual characteristics. • The primary use of anabolic steroids are to treat delayed puberty, acme types of impotence, and wasting of the body caused by disease. • There are 100 different types of anabolic steroids, each requiring a prescription to be used legally in the Unites States. • Athletes and others abuse anabolic-androgenic steroids to enhance performance and improve their physical appearance.
Methods of Use • Orally • Injected into a muscle • Rubbed into the skin in the form of a gel or cream • They are taken in cycles of weeks or months rather than continuously which is referred to as “cycling”. • Users also frequently combine several different types of steroids in a process known as “stacking”. • “Pyramiding” is when Users also slowly escalate steroid use reaching a peak amount at mid-cycle and gradually tapering the dose toward the end of the cycle
Street Names • Gym candy • Arnolds • Weight trainers • Pumpers • Stackers • A’s • Anabolics • Roids • Balls • Bulls • Gear • Juice
Reasons for Abuse • To improve athletic performance • To increase muscle size • To reduce body fat
Hazards of Steroid Use • Liver tumors • Kidney tumors • Jaundice • Fluid retention • High blood pressure • Increases in LDL (bad cholesterol) • Decreases in HDL (good cholesterol) • Severe acne • Trembling • Enlarged facial bones • Stunted height • Nausea • Vomiting • Diarrhea • Bone pain • Muscle cramps • Blood clotting difficulties
Gender Specific Effects • People who inject anabolic steroids run the risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV/AIDS or hepatitis. • For Adolescents: • Premature skeletal maturation • Accelerated puberty changes • Growth halted prematurely • For Women: • Growth of facial and body hair • Changes in or cessation of menstrual cycle • Pattern baldness • Deepened voices • Enlargement of the clitoris • For Men: • Shrinking of testicles • Reduce sperm count • Infertility • Pattern baldness • Development of breasts • Increased risk of prostate cancer
Psychological Effects • Depression • Irritability • Inability to concentrate • Forgetfulness • Lack of interest or energy for everyday life • Aggressive, violent behavior • Paranoia • Manic episodes
Withdrawal Symptoms • Mood swings • Fatigue • Restlessness • Loss of appetite • Insomnia • Reduced sex drive • Depression • The depression can lead to suicide attempts and if left untreated, can persist for a year or more after the abuser stops taking the drugs.
Extent of Use • Approximately 1.8 % of young adults, ages 19-28, surveyed in 2006 reported lifetime use of steroids. • Some users might turn to other drugs to alleviate some of the negative effects of steroids. • Most illegal steroids are smuggled from other countries, diverted from pharmacies, and made in underground laboratories