NDU Term Paper | Anabolic Steriods Research

Faysal 1

Effects of Steroids

By:

Naja Faysal

Presented to:

Mrs. Merna Karam.

ENL 110

NDU

Summer 2003

Faysal 2

Outline:

Thesis statement:

Athletes who take steroids are facing many physical and psychological problems.

I. A. Introducing the topic.

B. Definition.

C. Sports that steroids can be used in.

II. Types of steroids.

III. Physical effects:

A. Positive and immediate effects.

B. Negative and long time effects.

IV. Physiological effects.

V. A word of warning and advise to young athletes.

Faysal 3

Effects of steroids

Although anabolic steroids have so many physical and psychological side effects

and they are illegal by all the sports organizations; still, some athletes persist in taking

them believing that these substances provide a competitive advantage. (Dr.Wadler).

Another sources of information still consist on the advantages of steroids and

believing that anabolic steroids can be safe if used in low dosage and short period of

time. (supremebodybuilding.com). So, as it is obvious there are many conflicting ideas

about the effects of steroids on athletes, and this made the effects of steroids a good

subject for research.

Anabolic steroids -- or more precisely, anabolic-androgenic steroids -- are the

synthetic derivatives of the naturally occurring male anabolic hormone testosterone. Both

anabolic and androgenic have origins from the Greek: anabolic, meaning "to build," and

androgenic, meaning "masculinizing." Testosterone's natural androgenic effects trigger

the maturing of the male reproductive system in puberty, including the growth of body

hair and the deepening of the voice. The hormone's anabolic effect helps the body retain

dietary protein, which aids in the development of muscles. "Although there are many

types of steroids with varying degrees of anabolic and androgenic properties, it's the

anabolic property of steroids that lures athletes, they take them to primarily increase

muscle mass and strength. (Dr.Wadler)

Faysal 4

Anabolic steroids are synthetic versions of the primary male sex hormone,

testosterone. Testosterone, produced primarily by the testes, is responsible for the

masculinization and muscle growth during male adolescence. Anabolic steroids are

administered primarily in the oral and injectable forms, and needle sharing has been

reported, especially among adolescents. These drugs are usually obtained from black

market sources, which often include distributors of other illegal drugs. (Steroids -

Dangerous side effects).

All steroid hormones influence metabolism throughout the body. During hormone

therapy, the body is exposed to excessive amounts of steroid hormone. Moreover, just as

occurring steroid hormones of differing biological activity usually happen

antagonistically. (pharmacological actions of steroids).

It is not only the football player or weightlifter or sprinter who may be using

anabolic steroids. Nor is it only men. White- and blue-collar workers, females and, most

alarmingly, adolescents take steroids -- all linked by the desire to hopefully look, perform

and feel better, regardless of the dangers.

There are several different types of anabolic steroids; it's a good idea to research

the different types of steroids before taking anything. One of the most popular steroids is

testosterone. It is mainly used for gaining weight, but is also used while dieting to help

preserve muscle and increase the metabolism. There are several different types of

testosterone, and well as numerous companies that produce it. The most popular brand of

testosterone is Sustanon. It is a blend of four different testosterones. A first time user can

easily gain 15-20 pounds in a matter of two months. Other steroids that are popular for

Faysal 5

adding size and strength are dianabol, and anadrol. Steroids that are commonly used

while dieting, or "cutting", are finaplix, winstrol, primobolan, oxandrolone, and

clenbuterol. Other steroids that are used in with a combination of the above are, deca

durabolin, and equipoise. There are also a few products, which aren't steroids, but should

also be taken with the steroids. Nolvadex. Nolvadex helps stop and prevent

gynecomastia, or "bitch tits". If taken through out the cycle, a steroid user does not have

to worry about gynecomastia. Clomiphene Citrate and HCG. These two products are

usually used after a steroid cycle to help the body produce testosterone once again.

Nolvadex, and Clomiphene Citrate/HCG should always be on hand when taking anabolic

steroids. (supremebodybuilding.com).

Individuals who use anabolic steroids, particularly those experienced in weight

training, will experience increases in strength and muscle significantly beyond those

observed from training alone. (Steroids - Dangerous side effects).

Anabolic steroids help increase strength and fitness, self-confidence, self-esteem,

self-image, and more. Anabolic steroids are the solution of many social and

psychological problems for people, either who use them to lose overweight or to make

his body look better. (supremebodybuilding.com).

Anabolic steroids, especially androgens secreted or administered in abnormally

large amounts can cause development of male characteristics in the female and

precocious sexual development in the male. (pharmacological actions of steroids).

Faysal 6

If steroids are not well taken, many side effects might occur: liver and kidney

damage, acne, gynecomastia, aggression, and high blood pressure. Some steroids are very

toxic to the body, while others have very little side effects. Usually the case is, the more

toxic the steroid, the more powerful it is to the body. (supremebodybuilding.com).

Although anabolic steroids are derived from a male sex hormone, men who take them

may actually experience a "feminization" effect along with a decrease in normal male

sexual function. Some possible effects include:

• Reduced sperm count

• Impotence

• Development of breasts

• Shrinking of the testicles

• Difficulty or pain while urinating

On the other hand, women often experience a "masculinization" effect from anabolic

steroids, including the following:

• Facial hair growth

• Deepened voice

• Breast reduction

• Menstrual cycle changes

(Dr.Wadler)

Faysal 7

Physical health concerns associated with steroid use include liver and heart disease,

and stroke. (Steroids - Dangerous side effects).

In females, anabolic steroids have been associated with a number of adverse effects,

some of which appear to be permanent even when drug use is stopped. These include

menstrual abnormalities, deepening of voice, shrinkage of breasts, male-pattern baldness,

and an increase in sex drive, acne, body hair and clitoris size. Younger steroid users, both

male and female, are at risk of permanently halting their linear growth, which could result

in shorter stature than nature had intended. (Steroids –Dangerous side effects).

With continued use of anabolic steroids, both sexes can experience the following

effects, which range from the merely unsightly to the life endangering. They include:

• Acne

• Bloated appearance

• Rapid weight gain

• Clotting disorders

• Liver damage

• Premature heart attacks and strokes

• Elevated cholesterol levels

• Weakened tendons

Anabolic steroids can halt growth prematurely in adolescents. "What happens is that

steroids close the growth centers in a kid's bones", says Dr. Wadler. "Once these growth

plates are closed, they cannot reopen so adolescents that take too many steroids may end

up shorter than they should have been." (Dr.Wadler)

Faysal 8

Anabolic steroids can cause severe mood swings. People can go from bouts of

depression or extreme irritability to feeling of invincibility and out right aggression,

commonly called “roid rage”. This is a dangerous state beyond mere assertiveness.

(Dr.Wadler)

Although anabolic steroids may have some immediate positive effects according to

strength and shape; but the negative side effects will last for a life time even after the

drugs are stopped and the hormone is purged from the body. A range of bio-chemical

changes starts to happen. Moreover, they can be deadly. So, as a word of warning to all

who reads my research, males or females, teens or adults, and every one, I say that don’t

risk with your life for just to win a game or to have more sports skills and strength, and

remember that this will be cheating and illegal. (Personal conclusion).

Faysal 9

References:

Dr. Wadler, Gary. Anabolic steroids. Informative article on steroid use and its side effect.

Friday, August 8, 2003. [http://www.espn.go.com/special/s/drugsand

sports/steroids.html-30k]

Long term side effects. Side effects that come with long term use of steroids. Tuesday,

August 12, 2003. [http://www.q.co.za/culture/00leisure/000428-steroid.htm]

Pharmacological actions of steroids. Britannica. Jacob E. Safra – Ilan Yeshua. Chicago.

Volume: 15. P: 928.

Steroids – dangerous side effects. American college – clearing house for alcohol and drug

information. Wednesday, August 6, 2003.

[http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/anabolicsteroids.html-46k]

Supremebodybuilding.com. Basic steroid information. Wednesday, August 6, 2003.

[http://www.supreme bodybuilding.com/anabolicsteroids.htm-9k]

NDU Term Paper | Anabolic Steriods Research

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NDU Term Paper | Anabolic Steriods Research