Facts About Steroids and Anabolic Abuse
Steroids refer to that group of compounds which work like hormones. They occur naturally in the body as androgens in males and estrogens in females. They are also made synthetically for use as medication.
But not a few people think of steroids as those drugs some athletes use to bulk up their muscles and enhance their performance. These are anabolic steroids, and their use for this purpose is highly controversial. Also, anabolic steroids are potentially toxic.
Anabolic steroids may be taken as tablets or injected directly into muscle tissue. Because they mimic the male sex hormone (testosterone), anabolic steroids promote muscle growth. But their use is prohibited by the different sporting associations since they give a distinct advantage to those who use them.
Of course, steroids have legitimate medical uses. As a matter of fact, women who take oral contraceptives may be the heaviest users of these drugs. The pills contain estrogens and progestogens, both of which are related to the female sex hormones; hence, these are technically steroids.
The various drugs that are often prescribed for people with severe asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, dermatitis, ulcerative colitis, lupus and chronic hepatitis are all considered steroids. These drugs, which are used to reduce inflammation, include prednisone, cortisone, dexamethasone, prednisolone, triamcinolone, and betamethasone.
The oral steroids, called corticosteroids, sometimes prescribed for skin disorders are related structurally to the anabolic steroid drugs taken by weightlifters, although they have a completely different effect. But even these drugs can cause certain problems, especially when used for long periods of time.
For example, the drugs can cause thinning of the skin (atrophy), altered skin pigmentation, stretch marks, and dilated blood vessels. In general, steroids are potent drugs. But they can be an effective and safe medication if used in moderation and strictly according to the physician's instructions.
Anabolic steroids, on the other hand, are used mostly by those who want to get stronger, bigger and faster in just a short period of time; the tragedy here though is that these people are actually healthy individuals who seem not satisfied with their build and physical abilities. The most common abusers of anabolic steroids are adult male athletes and bodybuilders.
The dangers posed by anabolic abuse are the very side effects (and there are many) of steroid itself: diabetes, high blood pressure, stomach irritation, osteoporosis, peptic ulcers, acne, damage to the liver, hormonal imbalances, and infertility. Some anabolic abusers experience mood swings, irrational behavior, and increased aggressiveness.