Steroids

What are Steroids?

Until the year 1935 scientists never knew that testosterone steroids were associated with an increase in muscle production. During the next two years scientists found through research with dogs that in certain circumstances steroids had an increase on muscle mass production. There are three major divisions of steroids: corticosteroids, estrogens and progestogens, androgens. Corticosteroids are found in both prescription and non-prescription creams that are used to control rashes and itches. These two common trade names are Cortaid and Lanacort. This form of steroid is not to be thought of as having addictive properties. The second forms of steroids are estrogens and progestogens. These forms of steroids are female sex hormones that promote sexual development and help to maintain a healthy reproductive system. The third forms of steroids are androgens. These are the male hormones called testosterone, which lead to secondary sexual characteristics and also help to maintain the male reproductive system. These specific forms have been labeled a highly addictive and are frequently abused; they are referred to as "anabolic steroids."

How Are Steroids Used

There are two ways for anabolic steroids to be taken into the body, both orally and injected. Oral steroids are highly potent and are excreted fairly rapidly from the body due to short metabolic half-lives (usually within weeks). So, oral steroids are the first choice from athletes who want to rapidly improve their performance and try to escape from the drug tests. Unhappily, these drugs are the most toxic and which have more side effects. Injecting a steroid is less potent and generally exhibits delayed uptake into the body, especially if they are oil-based dilettantes. They have less liver toxicity than oral steroids, but athletes, in having detectability in drug tests for long periods make them less attractive.

Effects of Steroid Use

It has become apparent that anabolic/androgenic steroid usage has negative effects on the following systems of the body: liver and cardiovascular, central nervous, musculoskeletal, endocrine, and reproductive systems. The chart below shows each of the side effects in respect to the system that is affected. It also indicates whether the effects are permanent or just temporary.

SYSTEM---ADVERSE EFFECT---REVERSIBILITY

Cardiovascular

Increased LDL Cholesterol Yes

Decreased HDL Cholesterol Yes

Hypertension Yes

Elevated Triglycerides Yes

Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease No

Reproductive-Male

Testicular Atrophy Yes

Gynecomastia Possible

Impaired Spermatogenesis Yes

Altered Libido Yes

Male Pattern Baldness No

Reproductive-Female

Menstrual Dysfunction Yes

Altered Libido Yes

Clitoral Enlargement No

Deepening Voice No

Male Pattern Baldness No

Hepatic

Elevated Liver Enzymes Yes

Jaundice Yes

Hepatic Tumors No

Peliosis Hepatis No

Endocrine

Altered Glucose Tolerance Yes

Decreased FSH, LH Yes

Acne Yes

Musculoskeletal

Premature Epiphyseal Closure No

Tendon Degeneration Unknown

Central Nervous

Mood Swings Yes

Violent Behavior Yes

Depression Yes

Psycoses Yes

As well as there being negative side effects, there are great benefits of taking steroids. Steroids have been used for several years for the treatment of asthma, used in order to strengthen the lungs and the diaphragm. Steroids have been studied and are now being used in the treatment of Lupus. Corticosteroids are extremely effective anti-inflammatory agents and can be very helpful in treating active lupus, despite their significant side effects. As far as anabolic and androgenic steroid usage, there is one common effect that is sought and achieved, muscle gain. These athletes and body builders are seeking more muscle mass to either achieve greater strength, faster reaction or more definition. The use of anabolic steroids offers advantages and improved performance only for anaerobic sports, opposed to aerobic or skilled sports. In anaerobic sports are concentrate the great use of steroids, and are the ones which the physician should be very attempt to identify abusers. Statistically, football, wrestling, weight lifting, swimming, bodybuilding, shot put, discus, javelin throwing, and some track and field events are the primary sports for steroids users.

How to Identify Anabolic Steroid Use

Characteristic signs and symptoms can help to identify steroid abusers. None of these signs or symptoms is exclusive to steroid abuse, but the presence of one or more symptoms must alert the physician to steroid abuse. A list of common signs and symptoms is given below:

1. Rapid weight gain

2. Alterations in body composition with marked muscular hypertrophy

3. Disproportionate development of the upper torso

4. Severe acne