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What are they? Steroids are a group of natural
and synthetic hormones with a variety of medical applications. Anabolic
steroids are used illegally by many athletes to increase muscle size and
strength and enhance sports performance. Steroid use has been banned by
most major sports organizations, including the International Olympic
Committee, not only because of the unfair advantage they give an athlete
but because of their potentially dangerous side effects. Random testing
of blood
and urine for steroids has resulted in the barring of several prominent
athletes from competition. Despite the risks, steroid use is rising
among professional and many young amateur athletes.
What do they do? Anabolic steroids stimulate the buildup of
muscle tissue. They also strengthen bones and help muscles recover after
an injury. The degree of muscularity an individual can achieve normally
depends on genetic makeup, age, and training. Anabolic steroids provide
a shortcut to developing the bigger, stronger, leaner muscles that can
make the difference between a winning and losing athletic performance.
What are the side effects? Steroid use can lead to jaundice,
liver damage, hypertension, lower levels of HDL cholesterol (the "good,"
heart-protective type), and damage to the heart muscle. The side effects
may reverse themselves after steroid use is discontinued, but in a few
cases they have been fatal. Because anabolic steroids are closely
related to the male sex hormone testosterone, they also affect the male
and female reproductive systems and secondary sex characteristics.
Steroids may lower testosterone production in men and interfere with a
woman's menstrual cycle. Some women develop male sex characteristics,
such as deepening of the voice, growth of facial and chest hair, and
reduced breast size; some men develop breast tissue. These changes mayor
may not disappear after steroid use stops.
Other side effects can include mood swings, aggressive behavior, loss of
muscle coordination (ataxia), stunted growth in young people, increased
oiliness of the skin in women, changes in fat distribution, changes in
body hair growth patterns, and hair loss. Unfortunately, there's no way
to predict how a certain type of steroid will affect an individual.
Source: Reader's Digest: The Good Health Fact Book
Disclaimer: All the information on this page is strictly
provided for informational purposes to better educate yourself only. It is
not meant to substitute for the advice of your own physician or other
medical professional. Do not use the information contained herein for
diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any
medication.
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