|
In the past 3 decades, the use of anabolic- androgenic steroid (AAS), also known as synthetic testosterone, in sport and exercise has increased notably, and it is no longer restricted to elite athletes or adult males. Estimates based on data from the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse indicated that there were more than 1 million current or former anabolic-androgenic steroid users in the United States, with more than half of the lifetime user population 26 years old or older. Approximately 12% of adolescent males admit to using AAS at some point in their lifetime, whereas 1 to 2% of adolescent females admit to using them (Yesalis & Bahrke, 2000). Another study found a significant number of female athletes who were using AAS (Gruber & Pope, 2000).
However, AAS use comes at a high price. It has been associated with many damaging changes in the physiologic characteristics of organs and body systems. The best documented effects are to the liver, serum lipids, and the reproductive system, including shrinkage of the testicles (Yesalis & Bahrke, 2000). Other areas of concern include cerebrovascular accidents (stroke), prostate gland changes, and impaired immune function (Friedl, 1993). In younger athletes, steroids can cause early fusion of the bone-growth plates, resulting in permanently shortened stature. Use of AAS has also been associated with changes in mood and behavior. Schizophrenia, increases in irritability, hostility, anger, aggression, depression, hypomania, psychotic episodes, and guilt have all been reported among AAS users (Millman & Ross, 2003).
The bottom line is this: steroids can cause erectile problems, overly aggressive behavior, mental problems, increased chances of various diseases, shrinkage of the testicles, and even masculinization in women. It is simply not worth the risk.
|
