What Are Steroids?

Steroids are synthetically produced variants of testosterone, which is a naturally occurring hormone in both males and females. It was first developed to treat delayed puberty, some types of impotence, and wasting of the body caused by HIV or other infectious diseases. In the early 1930s, scientists discovered that steroids stimulated muscle growth in lab animals, which led to the abuse of steroids by body builders and other professional sports athletes.

How Do Steroids Work?

Steroids have two different effects, anabolic and androgenic. They are anabolic, meaning they promote cell growth within the body. They can increase protein synthesis from amino acids, appetite, bone remodeling and growth, and stimulated growth of bone marrow in the body. Increased production of red blood cells can also occur, due to the increased bone marrow production.

The androgenic characteristics mean that steroids directly affect the development of masculine characteristics, even when used in females. Steroids can lead to increased sebaceous gland oil production, increased sexuality, growth of reproductive organs, increased growth of androgen sensitive hair, increased vocal cord size, and increased libido in both males and females.

Through both types of effects, steroids can stimulate the muscles, and result in increased muscle mass and size. This is mainly due to increased skeletal muscle size, caused by increased muscle proteins and a slower breaking down process. Increases in testosterone can also lead to decreased fat, making it easier to gain muscle mass over time.

Who Uses Steroids?

Steroids have been commonly used by various professional sports players, ranging from football players to those participating in the Olympic Games. Steroids are no longer legal, and blood tests are used to confirm that athletes are not using steroids to gain muscle mass. Some forms of steroids are available by prescription only, and are used for individuals that require excess testosterone due to their inability to produce it on their own.

Why Are Steroids Dangerous?

Steroids have been associated with a number of side effects, ranging from physical to mental changes. Many are reversible when the steroid use is stopped, but extended steroid use can lead to long-term health problems such as cancer, cardiovascular problems, and elevated cholesterol levels.

Some physical side effects that can result from steroid use include the development of breast tissue in men, increased facial hair growth in both men and women, excessive acne on the face, chest, and back, and a deepening of voice in both men and women.

Steroid use can also lead to several psychological effects, such as depression, reduced sex drive, loss of appetite, increased irritability, and aggression.

Steroid Use by Today's Youth

Because various sports players have been caught using illegal steroids, many teens are starting to believe that steroid use isn’t as bad as it seems. Because men and women who are thought of as role models are using sports nutrition enhancing drugs, many middle and high school students who are involved in sports are following in their foot steps. At least two percent of high school students have admitted to steroid use in their lifetime, and many admitted that they were fairly easy to obtain.

Because young people are not properly educated on steroid use, many are getting involved in the trend and finding themselves unable to stop. With help from schools and parents, children can learn about the dangers that steroids can cause, even when only used for a short period of time.

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