Cameron Swaner Health - Period 6 September 29, 2011

1. Steroids Cameron SwanerHealth - Period 6September 29, 2011 Most of my information was found on either www.ehow.com, or www.testcountry.org .

2. What are steroids? “Drugs commonly referred to as "steroids" are classified as anabolic (or anabolic-androgenic) and corticosteroids.” Corticosteroids, such as cortisone, are drugs that doctors typically prescribe to help control inflammation in the body. They're often used to help control conditions like asthma and lupus. They're not the same as the anabolic steroids that receive so much media attention for their use by some athletes and body builders. STEROIDS NOT PRESCRIBED BY A DOCTOR ARE ILLEGAL!

3. Anabolic Steroids Are synthetic hormones that can boost the body's ability to produce muscle and prevent muscle breakdown. There are over 100 types of steroids, but only a handful can be used by humans. Research shows 5% of teen boys and 2.5% of teen girls have used some form of anabolic steroids.

4. Why people decide to use steroids? Many men and smaller percentages of woman choose to take steroids to: • Enhance their athletic performance (Estimated at 6%, however might be much more) • Improve their body image. • To increase their muscle size • To reduce their body fat

5. Dysmorphia Syndrome Some people using steroids suffer from the behavioral syndrome called muscle dysmorphia. This causes them to have a distorted image of their bodies. • Men think that they look small and weak, even if they are large and muscular. • Women think that they look fat and flabby, even though they are actually lean and muscular. Very similar to girls suffering from eating disorders

6. Short term & long term effects Short-term effects are different for men and women. • Men - Acne, shrinkage of the testicles, lower sperm count, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, abnormal liver function & prostate enlargement. • Women - Elevated blood pressure and abnormal liver function, and they risk taking on male characteristics, such as a deepened voice and facial hair growth. (Taken from www. Long-term Effects • Increased chance of HIV/AIDS or hepatitis B or C. (Often ignored) • Liver problems • Neurologic complications. Some types of steroids have been reported to affect the brain’s neurologic pathways. • Musculoskeletal complications and injuries, like flexibility issues. Roid Rage (ST & LT): where steroids interrupt the brain circuitry charged with controlling aggressive response, which can turn a user into the Incredible Hulk.

7. Health Triangle Mental / Emotional- • Mood swings or Anger (Roid Rage or even violence) • Hallucinations - See things that aren't real (Paranoia) • Depression (sometimes leads to suicide) • Anxiety (major anxiety problems can include panic attacks) Physical • External issues include acne, increased risk of skin tears, and unpleasant results like facial hair for females (Deepened voice). • Internal issues include liver, neurological, and heart problems Social • Though physical appearance gets you attention, effects like roid rage, mood swings, depression, etc will make it difficult to maintain friendship and social relationships. • People grossed out by body builder images (staring issue), or assume steroid use. • Others may be intimidated