Anabolic Steroid Essay Example

Western societies. While these substances may be prescribed by a doctor for non-therapeutic purposes, they are illegal and prohibited in sports according to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA, 2004). Athletes commonly use orally-administered steroids like oxymetholone, oxandrolone, methandrostenolone, and stanozolol or injectable steroids like nandrolone decanoate, nandrolone phenpropionate,testosterone cypionate, and boldenone undecylenate (Maravelias et al., 2005). Table 1 provides a list of frequently used anabolic steroids by athletes.

When it comes to anabolic steroids, athletes often debate which types are most commonly used. According to Maravelias et al (2005), oral options include oxymetholone, oxandrolone, methandrostenolone, fluoxymesterone, methenolone, and norethandrolone. Injectable alternatives consist of nandrolone decanoate, nandrolone phenpropionate, testosterone cypionate, testosterone enanthate, testosterone propionate, ethylestrenol,stanozolol,boldenone undecyclenate,methenolone acetate,trenbolonacetatemesterolonetestosteroneundecanoate. Testosterone is widely believed to be effective for boosting both size and strength; however certain forms of anabolic steroids such as oxymethalone,testosteronesuspensionfluoxymasterole,andmethyltestosteroneareassociated with a higher occurrence of side effects compared to others like oxandrolone,methenolonenadnandrolonestanozlol(Warren&Constantini,p.442). The reasons behind using anabolic steroids vary among individuals.

Steroids are used by various groups for different purposes. A bodybuilder consumes steroids to increase lean mass and decrease body fat, while a weightlifter uses them for power enhancement and lifting the maximum amount of weight possible. Field athletes aim to throw hammer, shot, or javelin farther than their competitors, while swimmers and runners use steroids to display high intensity and long duration performance without physical wear and tear. Steroids are also used by a group of people to achieve an aesthetic physique. Additionally, professionals in diverse fields take steroids to enhance job performance (Yesalis, 2000, p.1).

Baechle & Earle (2000, p.214) clarify that injectable steroids are more potent than oral steroids as they do not require

modification for liver metabolism. Anabolic steroids are commonly used in cycles spanning 6-12 weeks, though athletes and power-lifters may extend their use for lengthier competitions or incorporate multiple steroids to stimulate additional body receptors. Those who take anabolic steroids typically adhere to a pyramid dosing scheme, commencing with lower doses before gradually escalating to higher doses and tapering off toward the end of the cycle.

According to Yesalis (2000, p.3), athletes may use various substances alongside anabolic steroids for two purposes - enhancing performance or mitigating negative effects of steroids. These substances consist of anti-estrogens, anti-inflammatory drugs, diuretics, stimulants, and growth hormones. Additionally, anabolic steroids may be beneficial in treating delayed puberty or testicular removal due to injury or tumor.

Administering replacement therapy is crucial in specific cases where lifelong treatment may be necessary. For instance, females with sexual infantilism who are unable to secrete oestradiol, progesterone, and testosterone may experience a lack of public and auxiliary hair as well as libido. The introduction of testosterone can assist in restoring their sex drive. Furthermore, women undergoing menopause or postpartum who suffer from decreased libido can benefit from testosterone treatment, regaining lost vitality (Mottram and George, 2000). Also, anabolic steroid therapy could rapidly enhance bone tissue growth for patients struggling with osteoporosis - a condition characterized by the deterioration of bone mass that increases the risk of spinal, hip, and wrist fractures.

Although the anabolic effects of steroids have been useful in treating osteoporosis, fractures, and hematological disorders such as lymphoma and leukemia by directly affecting bone marrow and improving the responsiveness of hematopoietic tissues (Redda & Walker, 1999, p.222), their impact on athletic performance is not fully understood

despite existing research suggesting they are the most effective substance. Despite this, athletes continue to widely accept steroids for enhancing performance.

The impact of anabolic steroids on the human body is still under debate due to a variety of factors such as dosage, testing and training methods, participants' diets, research design, placebo effects, and study duration (Yesalis ; Bahrke, 2002, p.35). These steroids are commonly used by athletes to enhance muscle mass and exercise performance which can lead to abuse in sporting events. However, this abuse may also result in impaired vascular reactivity. Despite evidence supporting this claim, there is limited data available regarding the toxic effects of AAS on human endothelial cells (D’Ascenzo et al., 2007). While acknowledging the significant negative consequences associated with anabolic steroid use, there remains insufficient information about their potential for misuse among humans.

The lack of well-controlled, double-blind studies with placebo controls hinders the ability to draw conclusions. Steroid abusers frequently use multiple steroids, as well as prescription drugs and hormones, resulting in an irregular pattern of steroid use that includes varying doses and frequencies of administration. This makes it challenging to conduct properly controlled experimental studies (Lin, 1996, p.)

There is no sure way to confirm an athlete's use of anabolic steroids unless there is a positive drug test or direct observation. The most reliable indicator of usage is a significant increase in body size and strength. Additionally, noticeable physical changes such as male breast development and sudden behavior changes may suggest steroid use. To obtain concrete evidence of recent usage, an unannounced urine analysis can be conducted (Baechle & Earle, 2000, p.217).

As athletes aim to gain an advantage, the use

of anabolic steroids is becoming more widespread. These substances offer benefits such as increased muscle mass, strength, recovery time, aggression, injury healing and a competitive edge. They can also induce feelings of euphoria. However, there are concerns about adverse effects which depend on both dosage and type of steroid used. Prolonged or indiscriminate usage may result in elevated levels of liver enzymes, jaundice, peliosis hapatis and various neoplastic lesions (Maravelias 2005). Both athletes and non-athletes take anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) to improve performance by enhancing muscular development and strength but AAS administration is often associated with dose-related negative consequences.

Severe and irreversible damage to various organs, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, blood clotting, jaundice, hepatic neoplasms, carcinoma, tendon damage and psychiatric/behavioral disorders can result from high and multiple doses of AAS. Both females and children may experience masculinization while males could undergo gynecomastia or reduced fertility. Furthermore, acute anabolic steroid withdrawal can lead to symptoms of central non-adrenergic hyperactivity such as anxiety, irritability insomnia hot flashes sweats chills anorexia nausea vomiting tachycardia and hypertension (Maravelias et al., 2005).

Middleman and DuRant (1996) state that anabolic steroid withdrawal can cause depression and cravings, while usage may lead to dangerous psychological behaviors. Individuals who prioritize strength and muscle mass often use steroids as a shortcut to improve their physical appearance. It is important for users to recognize the potential negative effects on their health. Educating young people and athletes about both the benefits and drawbacks of steroid consumption is crucial in preventing unsuitable usage.

ATLAS, an international program targeting anabolic steroid users, offers practical solutions such as strength training and providing nutrition facts to increase body mass and strength (Rogol & Yesalis, 1992).

Preventing steroid use among adolescents requires building awareness from a young age. Adolescents involved in sports should be reminded that a fitness regimen along with proper weight training and gym workouts can enhance muscle strength without recourse to artificial enhancers. It is important to educate pharmacists about potential effects and side effects of anabolic steroids so they can guide athletes, youths, and others away from their influence. Our ultimate goal is to make society free from the negative effects of anabolic steroids.

Emphasizing the need to steer youths away from substance misuse is crucial in freeing our sports from steroid scandals. Developing a global anti-doping program requires acceptance of doping as a problem from sport organizations, athletes, and public authorities. It is the responsibility of everyone involved in such programs to fight for drug-free sports, with a particular focus on avoiding anabolic steroid use.