But some people use steroid pills, gels, creams, or injections because they think steroids can improve their sports performance or the way they look. Anabolic steroids are artificially produced hormones that are the same as, or similar to, androgens , the male-type sex hormones in the body. There are more than variations of anabolic steroids. The most powerful androgen is testosterone pronounced: tess-TOSS-tuh-rone. Although testosterone is mainly a mature male hormone, girls' bodies produce smaller amounts.
Testosterone helps build muscle and promotes the masculine traits that guys develop during puberty, such as deepening of the voice and growth of body hair. Testosterone levels can also affect how aggressive a person is. For the most part, steroidal supplements, which used to be found at health food stores or gyms, are now illegal and require a prescription.
DHEA is one of the few exceptions and can still be bought over the counter. Steroid supplements are weaker forms of androgen. Their effects aren't well known, but it's thought that, when taken in large doses, they cause effects similar to other androgens like testosterone. But research studies suggest that they do very little or nothing to improve athletic performance. Here's what is known about steroidal supplements: Companies that make them often use false claims, and very little is known about the long-term effects some of these substances have on the body.
That's one reason why the government took action to protect citizens by passing laws controlling steroid distribution. Anabolic steroids stimulate muscle tissue to grow and "bulk up" in response to training by mimicking the effect of naturally produced testosterone on the body. Anabolic steroids can remain in the body anywhere from a couple of days to about a year.
Once the receptors are stimulated, a domino effect of metabolic reactions takes place as the drug instructs the body to increase muscle tissue production. Although testosterone is called a male sex hormone, it also occurs naturally in women, but in much smaller amounts.
People who use anabolic steroids generally experience an increase in muscle strength very quickly. This generally means that people are able to train more often and for longer periods of time, with improved recovery. The effects of anabolic steroid use can differ from person to person.
Some people may experience:. They may do this to either speed up their physical transformation or counter the side effects of the steroids. The dangers of mixing these drugs aren't fully known.
Some of these other drugs may include:. Anabolic steroids do not cause physical dependence. However, if a person relies on them for their self-esteem and confidence, then giving up can be extremely difficult. The pressure to keep using steroids may result in feelings of anger or depression if their access to steroids is denied, even temporarily.
It can take up to 4 months to restore natural testosterone levels after being on anabolic steroids for a long time. Withdrawal symptoms from steroids can include:. Treatment options for drug dependence or addiction may include:. See your doctor for information and referral, or contact an alcohol and other drug service in your area. Steriods are only permitted for people with certain medical conditions on prescription by their medical practitioner.
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These substances have been in use since the s to promote muscle growth, improve athletic performance, and enhance cosmetic appearance. Although anabolic steroids are controlled substances, only to be prescribed by a physician, it is currently possible to obtain anabolic steroids illegally without a prescription. There are significant negative physical and psychologic effects of anabolic steroid use, which in women can cause significant cosmetic and reproductive changes.
Anabolic steroid use can be addictive and, therefore, difficult to stop. Treatment for anabolic steroid abuse generally involves education, counseling, and management of withdrawal symptoms. Health care providers are encouraged to address the use of these substances, encourage cessation, and refer patients to substance abuse treatment centers to prevent the long-term irreversible consequences of anabolic steroid use.
Anabolic steroids were first discovered to promote muscle growth and enhance athletic performance in the s. Since the s, these substances have been used by body builders, athletes, and others to improve performance and enhance cosmetic appearance. In , the International Olympic Committee first banned the use of anabolic steroids. Now most athletic organizations prohibit the use of these substances, and drug testing has become routine in professional sports 1. A growing awareness of steroid abuse also has led to federal regulation of these substances.
Anabolic steroids were first classified as schedule III controlled substances in , and in , a new law expanded the definition of anabolic steroids to include substances that could be converted to testosterone, such as androstenedione 2. Current clinical uses of these substances in women include libido disorders, cachexia related to chronic disease such as human immunodeficiency virus HIV , and anemia.
Clinical use requires a prescription from a licensed physician and close observation 3. Although the exact prevalence of anabolic steroid use is not known, data from the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse estimates that approximately 1 million individuals in the United States are current or former anabolic steroid users, and that more than , individuals use these substances annually 4.
The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Study evaluated more than 16, high-school adolescents and reported a lifetime prevalence of use of 2. Pressure to perform well is pervasive throughout amateur and professional athletics and can lead some individuals to pursue unsafe and illegal means to enhance performance. Anabolic steroids have been shown to improve athletic performance by increasing muscle strength and aggressiveness 1.
Another motivation to take anabolic steroids is to improve physical appearance because these substances increase muscle size and reduce body fat. Factors that predict anabolic steroid use in teenagers include perceived social pressure to increase muscularity, depression, and a negative body image. In addition, steroid users are more likely to have participated in high-school sports, used other illicit substances, and engaged in other risky behaviors. Individuals are likely to begin steroid use in their late teenaged years and 20s.
Anabolic steroids are composed of testosterone and other substances related to testosterone that promote growth of skeletal muscle, increase hemoglobin concentration, and mediate secondary sexual characteristics. Supraphysiologic doses of testosterone, which result in serum testosterone levels 10— times the normal level, are required to have the desired cosmetic and athletic effect 6 7.
Because oral and injectable testosterone is inactive, testosterone esters and ethers have been developed to enhance bioavailability when administered intramuscularly, transdermally, and orally Box 1.
Polypharmacy and drug cycling starting and stopping and use of new preparations with very short half-lives are common among steroid abusers to evade detection of these substances during drug testing.
Some dietary and body building supplements sold over the Internet are mislabeled and can contain anabolic steroids. Alternatively, these substances are imported and sold illegally. Other substances, not considered anabolic steroids, are also inappropriately used for cosmetic and athletic enhancement purposes.
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