SteroidsFrancesca Casasanta

What are anabolic steroids? Synthetic variations of the male sex

hormone testosterone Anabolic: muscle building Androgenic: Increased male sex

characteristics Can be prescribed by healthcare

providers to treat hormonal issues and diseases

Commonly used by athletes to improve performance or physical appearance

Reasons for Use Improve athletic performance –

estimated to be less than 6% according to surveys, but more widespread use is suggested

Testing procedures are required throughout sports organizations to detect use

Increase muscle size Reduce body fat To pursue a high-risk lifestyle

Common Names Gear Juice Roids Stackers Doping

Anabolic Steroid Abuse Taken orally or injected into muscles Extremely high doses Does not cause a “high” that drives

people to abuse other substances Can lead to addiction Illegal Injection use increases risk of

contracting or transmitting HIV/AIDS or hepatitis

Types of use Cycling – taking doses for a period of

time, stopping for a time, and then restarting

Stacking – combining two or more types of steroids

Pyramiding – slowly increasing the dose or frequency of abuse, reaching a peak amount, and then gradually tapering off

Long-Term Effects

Paranoia Extreme Irritability Delusions – false

beliefs or ideas Impaired judgment Extreme mood

swings – “roid rage” Acne Body swelling

Kidney problems or failure

Liver damage Heart problems Men – shrinking

testicles, decreased sperm count, baldness, breast development

Women – growth of facial hair, male-pattern baldness, deepened voice, changes in menstrual cycle

Short-Term Effects

“ Persistent reports of anabolic steroid use by professional athletes, many of whom are regarded as role models by young people, highlight the fact that we are now facing a very damaging message in our society – that bigger is better, and being the best is more important than how you get there.”

Treatment for Anabolic Steroid Abuse

Supportive therapy for those going through withdrawal

Medications can be prescribed to restore hormonal system, or to treat specific withdrawal symptoms such as antidepressants for depression, and analgesics for headaches and joint pains

Behavioral therapy for severe withdrawal symptoms

What can physicians/sports organizations due to reduce the use of steroids in today’s society?

References National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2016,

March). Anabolic steroids. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/anabolic-steroids

MedlinePlus. (2016, March 9). Anabolic steroids. Retrieved from https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/anabolicsteroids.html

Volcow, D. N. (2006, August). Anabolic steroid abuse. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/anabolic-steroid-abuse/letter-director